History
India was the home to one of the earliest civilizations of the world. History of India dates back to approx. 3000 -1500 B.C., with the Indus valley civilization. Mohen-jo-Daro and Harappa are some of the ruins remaining. The cities were well planned with multistoried houses, lanes, granaries, great baths and an advanced drainage system. Later Aryans invaded the Northern plains pushing the original inhabitants Dravidians in to the Southern region. The vedic period extended from (1500-500 B.C.). Mauryan dynasty was the first Indian Empire with Emperor Ashoka (269-232 B.C.) as the most popular of the kings. He embraced Budhhism after witnessing massive death in the Kalinga war fought to satiate his ambition of expanding his empire. The Gupta, Pratihara, Pala, Chalukya, Chola, Pandya dynasties followed this. Chandragupta II (346-412 A.D.), of the Imperial Gupta dynasty, left behind some of the most exquisite pieces of architecture, sculpture and paintings through temples of Bhubaneshwar, Konark and Khajurao along with Ajanta and Ellora. Islamic invasion into India was in the 9th century and the reign of Emperor Akhbar (1556-1605 A.D.) is considered the golden period of Moghul dynasty owing to his generosity and religious tolerance towards his citizens.
Few centuries ago India was the world’s wealthiest nation aptly called the ‘golden bird’, so was invaded by Portuguese, French and British in order to trade spices. British established East India Company and ruled India for 200 long years. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi led the struggle for Indian independence through non-violence and peaceful means. India received its independence on 15th August 1947 with Jawaharlal Nehru as its first prime minister. The profound impact Gandhi had on India and its ability to achieve Independence through non-violent mass movements makes him one of the remarkable leaders, world has ever seen. India also has the privilege of witnessing the ascension of a woman, Indira Gandhi as the country’s prime minister, who will always be a source of encouragement to not only Indian women but to women all over.