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Background:
The
Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world, goes back at least
5,000 years.
Aryan
tribes from the northwest invaded about 1500 BC; their merger with the earlier
inhabitants created the classical Indian culture.
European
traders, beginning in the late 15th century, followed Arab incursions starting
in the 8th century and Turkish in the 12th
century.
By
the 19th century, Britain had assumed political control of virtually all Indian
lands. Non-violent resistance to British colonialism under Mohandas GANDHI and
Jawaharlal NEHRU led to independence in 1947.
The
subcontinent was divided into the secular state of India and the smaller Muslim
state of Pakistan.
A
third war between the two countries in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan becoming
the separate nation of Bangladesh.
Fundamental
concerns in India include the ongoing dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir,
massive overpopulation, environmental degradation, extensive poverty, and ethnic
and religious strife, all this despite impressive gains in economic investment
and output.
NOTE:
The information regarding India on this page is re-published from the World
Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are
made regarding the accuracy of information contained here. All suggestions for
corrections of any errors about India Introduction should be addressed to the CIA.
India
History Index
Source: The U.S. Library of Congress
Country Studies
NOTE: The information regarding India on
this page is re-published from The Library of Congress Country Studies. No
claims are made regarding the accuracy of India History information contained
here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about India History should
be addressed to the U.S.
Library of Congress.
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