Indian History

Introduction
The history of India has been broadly divided into three distinct periods, viz.:
1. Ancient India
2. Medieval India
3. India Under British Rule
The history of modern India is further sub-divided into two major periods, viz.:
(a) The British Period
(b) The Indian Freedom Struggle and Partition of India

Ancient India
Indus Valley Civilization: The most important period of ancient Indian history is the development of Indus Valley
Civilization. This civilization was developed on the banks of river Indus. It extended from Jammu in the north to
Ahmednagar in the south, and in various regions of Gujarat. The main sites which have been found in the excavation
are: Kalibangan in Rajasthan, Lothal in Gujarat, Banwali in Haryana and Ropar in Punjab. Indus Valley Civilization
period lies between 3000 BC and 1500 BC. The main cities associated with it are Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro and Lothal.
The main feature of this civilization was the town planning. They had great buildings, well-planned roads, cities and
drainage system. Hunting and agriculture were their main sources of livelihood. They were the first to produce cotton.
Indus Valley Civilization: This was the earliest civilization that flourished in India on the banks of the river Indus,
from frontiers extending from Manda on the Chenab near Jammu in the north to Daimabad, on the Godavari in
Ahmednagar in the South, embracing 200 sites in the Kutch-Saurashtra region of Gujarat out of more than 1000 and
above sites all over.
Period: Between 2500 BC and 1800 BC. Early Harappan (C. 3200 - 2600 BC);
Cities: More than 800 sites related to Harappan civilization have been discovered. Some important ones are:
Harappa: Located on the banks of the Ravi in Punjab was the first settlement where the Indus civilization was
discovered. In terms of its size and variety of objects discovered, it ranks as the premier city of the Indus Civilization.
Mohenjodaro: Mohenjodaro in Sind on the bank of Indus is the largest known Indus city. Most of the information
about the Indus Civilization is derived from the study of town planning, houses, seals and sealings from this place.
Kalibangan: Similar to Mohenjodaro, the site of Kalibangan in Rajasthan excavated in 1960s seems to have been
a provincial capital.
Lothal: The site of Lothal in Gujarat was an outpost for sea-trade with the contemporary West Asian Civilizations.
Alamgirpur: Located towards the east in the Ganga-Yamuna Doab
Analysis of Location of Harappan Towns: Most of the Harappan sites were located in the flood-plains of the Indus
and Ghaggar-Hakra rivers.
Features
Political : Its seems that there was a central government, as per the evidence from the existence of assembly hall
and citadels.
Socio-economic: The Indus Valley Civilization people sowed seeds in the flood plains in November, when the flood
water receded and reaped their harvest of wheat and barley in April, before the advent of the next flood. Wheat, rice,
barley, milk, dates, fish, eg and animal flesh formed their staple food. Cotton was first produced by the Indus valley
people. Spun and woven cotton and wool dresses were used by them. Agriculture, hunting, fishing and rearing of
animals/birds was their main source of livelihood.
1.2 Indian History
Society: The people had a highly developed artistic sense which is reflected in their pottery, and painting on vases.
Town Planning: Great buildings, double-storeyed dwellings, and drainage system were in existence. There were
planned cities and roads.

The Vedic Period: The Aryans

Early Vedic age (1500 BC- 1000 BC)
(A) Early Vedic Period:
This is marked by the entry of Aryans, who were originally inhabitants of Central Asia around the Caspian Sea
and probably came through Hindukush mountains.
Their period lies between 2500–2000 BC.
The main features of Aryans were:
They were the admirers of nature and worshipped sun, fire and water. Yagna was an important part of their
religion. They had organized system of living, and were quite matured socially and politically.
They had following religious books:
(i) Vedas:
These books were their most sacred books. (These are also the oldest known books of Indus Valley
Civilization). They were four in number, viz.
(a) Rig Veda: The oldest, and contained prayers of God, Vayu, Varun, Indra and Agni.
(b) Sam Veda: It dealt with music.
(c) Yajur Veda: It dealt with formulae and rituals.
(d) Atharva Veda: It dealt with medicines.
(ii) The Puranas: The Puranas were 18 in number and contained details of Aryan civilization, like
their rituals, traditions and formulae, etc.
(iii) The Upanishads: They are the main source of Indian philosophy and are 300 in number.
The Brahmanas and Aranyakas are the other important religious books of Aryans.
Who were the Aryans: The Aryans were semi-nomadic pastoral people who originally inhabited the area
around the Caspian Sea in Central Asia. The Aryans entered India, probably, through the Khyber Pass (Hindukush
Mountains) around 1500 BC in more than two waves in search of new pastures. The holy book of Iran, Zend
Avesta, whose language has close resemblance with the Indo-European Languages indicates the possibility of
entry of some Aryans to India via Iran. The word ‘Aryan’ comes from ‘ari’, which in the Vedic times meant
‘foreigners’ or ‘strangers’. The first reference to the Aryans is found in the Bagharkai Peace Treaty (in Western
Asia 1350 BC), concluded between the kingdoms of Mitanni and Hittites in which the Aryan gods, Varuna , Indra,
Mitra and Nasatya were invoked as witnesses.
(B) The later Vedic Period:
This period ranges from 2000–700 BC. The important features of this period are:
(i) It is also known as the period of Brahmanical Age which resmbles modern-day, Hindu religion.
(ii) Society was divided into four castes: (a) Brahmins, (b) Kshatriyas, (c) Vaisyas and (d) Sudras, depending
upon the work they did in the mentioned order of preference. Brahmins were the priestly class, Kshatriyas
were the fighters, Vaisyas were the business class and Sudras represented the labour class.
(iii) Two great epics were written in this period, namely Mahabharata by Ved Vyas, and Ramayana by Maharishi
Valmiki. The shastras basically dealt with Indian philosophy and concepts of birth, death and God.
(C) Rise of religions (other than Hinduism):
(i) Buddhism: Initiated by a Kshatriya prince of Shakya clan, Siddhartha, (later came to be known as Buddha)
around 6th century BC, who was born at Lumbini (in present day Nepal) near Kapilavastu. He was the son of
king Shuddhodhana. He went in search of truth and attained enlightenment under a pipal tree at Bodh Gaya,
and delivered his first sermons at Sarnath in UP. He spread his message for many years and died at Kusinagar
in present day UP. There are many sects of Buddhism, out of which three are important viz.
Indian History 1.3
• Mahayan (the higher vehicle): It believes Buddha to be a God.
• Hinyan (the lesser vehicle): It does not believes that Buddha was a God. It is a more pristine form of
budhism.
• Vajrayan It is the tantric form of buddhism. Now prevelent in Laddakh and Bhutan.
Buddhism got divided into Hinyan and Mahayan at the fourth buddhist council held during the reign of
Harshavardhan.
The main Buddhist teachings are: The eight-fold path of right faith, thought, action, livelihood, efforts, speech,
remembrance and concentration, belief in nirvana (freedom from the cycle of birth and death), ahimsa,
law of karma.
(ii) Jainism: Founded by Rishabha (a Kshatriya), Jainism attained peak under Vardhamana Mahavira ( t h e
24th Tirthankara). Mahavira was born at Kundagrama in 540 BC in present day Bihar, and attained perfect
knowledge, ‘Kaivalya’, after he became ascetic at the age of 30. He became a ‘Jina’ (one who has conquered
happiness and misery) and died at Pawapuri near Rajagir in present day Bihar. Jainism is also divided into
two sects, viz., digambars and shwetambara. Former is a more pristine form, and remain naked, while
latter, wear white clothes.
The main features of Jainism are:
The tri-ratna concept, consisting of: (a) right knowledge, (b) right faith, and (c) right conduct. Belief in karma
and belief in ahimsa, are the other two great teachings of this religion.
(D) Various important empires and dynasties:
Name of empire/dynasty Period Important characteristics
Prominent kings were Bimbisara,
Magadha empire Around 542 BC
Ajatashatru, Shishunaga and Nanda
Mauryan dynasty Founded by Chandragupta Maurya,
Ashoka: 273–232 BC 321–232 BC Ashoka was the other prominent
Both of Kaling: 261 BC king of this dynasty
Gupta dynasty Prominent rulers were Chandragupta I,
AD 320–550
(Golden Age) Samudragupta and Chandragupta II
Harshavardhana AD 606–647 He was the last Hindu king of North India
Prominent rulers were Prithvi Raj Chauhan
Rajputs AD 650–1200
and Jaichand Rathore

Other important dynasties:

(i) Chalukyas (AD 550–642) Prominent rulers were Pulkeshin I and II
(ii) Cholas – Founded by Rajaraja-I Prominent rulers were Rajendra Chola and Rajendra III
(iii) Rashtrakutas (AD 753–973) Prominent rulers were Krishna I, Amogha Varsha
(iv) Yadavas (AD 1191–1318) Prominent rulers were Ramachandra and Singhana

Vijayanagar’s empire Krishnadevaraya was the only prominent ruler of the

(v)
(AD 1336–1646) empire and ruled in the Deccan part of India

Religious Books
1. The Vedas: These are the most sacred books of early Aryans. There were four Vedas and the Brahm anas
concerned with these Vedas are:
i. Rig Veda (Aitaraya Brahamana and Kaushitika Brahamana) Book of Hymns
ii. Sama Veda (Jaminya Brahamana and Tandyamaha Brahamana) Book of Malodies and Charts
iii. Yajur Veda (Satpatha Brahamana) book of Sacifices
iv. Atharva Veda (Gopatha Brahamana) Book of magical and Technical formulae
1.4 Indian History
2. The Brahamanas : Throw light on the socio-political life of the Aryans and form a sort of explanation of their
religion, especially, sacrifice. It also contain ritualistic formulae for the respective Veda and Priests.
3. The Aranyakas: These forest books are treaties on mysticism and philosophy and are the concluding portion
of the Brahmanas. It explains the metaphysics and symbolism of sacrifice.
4. The Upanishads: The Upanishads are the main source of Indian philosophy. There are about 300 Upanishads
of which 10 have attracted worldwide attention as they deal with philosophy and theology of the Aryans . These
are commentaries which are appended to the Aranyakas and deal mainly with philosophy and religion.
5. The Puranas: Are 18 in number, of which the Bhagawat Purana and Vishnu Purana are the most important.
They give religious and historical details of the Aryan civilization, and contain legends, rituals, tradition and
moral codes.
6. Manu Smriti: Manu was the great law-giver in the Aryan period and his book, Manu Smriti, deals with the laws
of inheritance, duties of kings and his subjects. As Manu established a detailed legal system for the Aryans, he
is considered the first law-giver of India.

Doctrines Priest/Teacher Important Information

1. Nayasutra
Gautama Maharshi Hindu doctrines based on logic
(Logical Doctrine)
2. Vaisheshika
Karnad and Ramanuja This is basis of Vishistadwaita
(Monic Doctrine)
A hormonic doctrine that deals with
3. Yogasutra
Maharishi Pathanjali harmony between mind and body
(Yoga Doctrine)
through yoga.
4. Sankya sutra Kapil Maharishi and Duite Siddhanata which deals with
(Numerical Doctrine) Madhvacharya numerals
Major upanishadic work taken up by
5. Uttara Meemamsa Badatayans
the rishis of that time
About worship via Yajna (rituals) and
6. Poorva Meemamsa Jaimini Maharshi
also become the basis of Karmamarga.
Later Vedic Period (1000 - 600 BC): Rishis who were the authors of the Vedas are Madhuchandra Vaisvamitra,
Gurutsamida, Afri, Bhardvaj, Kanva, Kashypa Rashikas, Vamadevas, Yami Vaivasratai, Sasvathi and other.
Growth of Buddhism and Jainism: In sixth BC, also called the period of religious unrest.
As a result of revolt against the supremacy of Brahmanical priests, several schools of philosophy opposing Brahmanism
developed, led by the Kshatriyas of the royal families of Magadha who later helped in the propagation of Jainism and
Budhism.
Buddhism: The fourth greatest religion in the world originated in India. Buddhism received state patronage of king
like Ashoka the Great, and it spread to neighbouring countires like Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Japan Vietnam, Thailand.
The Schism (or split) in Buddhism: During the 4th Buddhist council held in Kashmir, the Budhists split into two
groups: the Himanyas (believed in simple teachings of Buddha) and the Mahayamas (the preachers with doctrine of
bhakti as their integral part) Pali was the main language for Himanyas and Sanskrit for Mahayanas.
Founder: Founded by Gautama Siddhartha who was a Kshatriya prince of the Saka clan. He was born in 567 BC (or
576 BC as is believed by some historians) at Lumbini in Nepal and was the son of Suddhodana, Raja of Kapilavastu.
Influence of Buddhism: Political Buddhism destroyed the rising militant spirit and fostered a sense of national
unity and universal brotherhood.
Educational centres were founded at Buddhist Viharas and Indain culture spread to regions outside India during the
reigns of emperor Ashoka and Kanishka.
Decline of Buddhism: Buddhism declined as Hinduism reformed with the rise of the Rajputs as a military force.
Muslim invasions in the 11th and 12th centuries led to its further disintegration.
Founder: Founded by Rishabha, who was father of King Bharata, the first Chakravarti of India. Jainism became a
major religion under Vardhamana Mahavira who was the 24th Tirthankara or Prophet of Jainism.
Indian History 1.5
Doctrine
1. Attainment of Nirvana (release from rebirth) through Tri-Ratna (three jewels) consisting of (a) Right faith, (b)
Right knowledge, (c) Right conduct,
2. Belief in Ahmisa or non-violence in world, thought or deed towards all living beings.
3. Belief in Karma through denying the existence of God and dismissal of ritual.

Medieval India
Marked by the beginning of the Sultanate of Delhi, which was established after the conquest of Muhammad Ghouri. The
period of Sultanate of Delhi, ranges from AD 1206–1526. This is considered as the beginning of Muslim rule in India.
Important dynasties:
(i) The Slave dynasty’s period ranges from AD 1206–1290. It was founded by Qutub-ud-din Aibak and the prominent
rulers of this dynasty were Iltutmish and the only Muslim woman ruler of India, Razia Sultana.
(ii) The Khilji dynasty was founded by Jalal-ud-din Khilji and its period ranges from AD 1290–1320. Alaud-din Khilji
was one of the most prominent rulers of this dynasty.
(iii) The Tughlak dynasty was founded by Ghiasuddin Tughlak and the period ranges from AD 1320–1414. Ibn
Batuta was an important African traveller who visited India in 1333.
(iv) The Lodhi dynasty was founded by Bahlol Lodhi and the period of this dynasty ranges from AD 1451–1526.
Sikander and Ibrahim Lodhi were the other two prominent rulers belonging to this dynasty.
Decline of Delhi Sultanate
The main causes were:
(a) Despotic and military type of governments which did not have the confidence of the people
(b) Degeneration of the Delhi sultans
(c) The Sultanate became too vast and could not be controlled effectively
(d) Financial instability
(e) Number of slaves increased to 1,80,000 in Firoz Shah’s time which was a burden on the treasury
First Battle of Panipat: The first Battle of Panipat was fought in 1526 between Ibrahim Lodhi, the Sultan of Delhi
and Babur, the ruler of Kabul, Babur invaded India and established the Mughal dynasty.
The Mughal Dynasty (1526 - 1540 and 1555 - 1857)
Extent: Stretched from Punjab to Bengal, including Jaunpur and Bihar, in the 16th century. Included Kabul in the
north-west, Kashmir in the north; Sindhi, Multan , Ajmer and Gujarat in the west; Malwa and Benar in the south; and
Odisha and Bengal in the east at the time of Akbar’s death. Stretched from Kabul, kandhar and Peshawar in the
north of Kaveri in the south by the end of the 17th century.
Important rulers of Mughal dynasty:
One of the most important dynasties of India is Mughal dynasty, which reigned almost continuously from AD 1526–
1857 (the longest period).
Important Rulers
Babur (1526 - 1530): Is said to have founded the Mughal empire. He defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in the First Battle of
Panipat on 20 April 1526 and became emperor of Delhi. In 1527, he defeated rana Sanga at Khanwa a near Fatehpur
Sikri and occupied Agra. In 1527, in the Battle of Gorge, he defeated the Afghans and thus, became the master of
the entire India.
He Wrote his autobiography, Tuzuk-i-Babri in which he gives an excellent account of India and his empire. He died
in 1530.
Humayun (1530 - 1540): He was the son of Babur and ascended the throne in 1530. His succession was challenged
by his brothers Kamran, Hindal and Askari along with the Afghans. He fought two battles against Sher Shah at
Chausa (1539) and at Kannauj (1560) and was completely defeated by his enemies. He escaped to Persia where he
passed 12 years of his life in exile.
After Sher Shah’s death, he invaded India in 1555 and defeated his brothers and the Afghans. He once again became
the ruler of India. He died in and accident in 1556, just two years after he regained his kingdom.
1.6 Indian History
Sher Shah Suri (1540 - 1545): An Afghan who ruled the country for a brief period from 1540 - 1545 after defeating
Humayun. His empire extended from the Brahmaputra in the east to the Indus in the west, from the Himalayas in the
north to the Narmada in the south. During his reign of five years, he introduced a brilliant administration, land revenue
policy and several other measures to improve economic conditions of his subjects. He issued the coin called ‘Rupia’
and fixed standard weights and measures all over the empire. He also improved communications by building several
highways. He built the Grand Trunk Road (G.T.Road), that runs from Peshawar to Calcutta. He also introduced
military reforms; he recruited and paid the soldiers directly and every soldier had hic Chehra (face) recorded and his
horse branded with the imperial sign. He set up cantonments in various part of his empire and a strong garrison was
posted in each cantonment.
Akbar (1556-1605): The eldest son of Humayun, he ascended the throne at the young age of 13 on 14 February
1556 and his tutor Bairam Khan was appointed as the regent. The most successful Mughal emperor. An excellent
leader, who separated religion and politics, started a new religion called Din-e-Ilahi.
Jahangir (1605-1627): Salim, son of Akbar, came to the throne after Akbar’s death in AD 1605. He is known for his
strict administration of justice. In May 1611 Jehangir married Mihru-un-nisa, widow of Sher Afghan, a Persian
nobleman of Bengal. Later on, she was given the title ‘Nur Jahan’. Nur Jahan took an active interest in the matters
of the state and also ruled the empire when Jahangir was ill for a long time.
Jahangir issued coins jointly in Nur Jahan’s named and his own.
Relation with Foreigners: In 1608, Captain William Hawkins , a representative of the East India Company came
to Jahangir’s court. In 1615, Sir Thomas Roe, an ambassador of King James of England also came to his court.
Though initially Jahangir resisted, he later on granted permission to the English to establish a trading post at Surat.
Revolts: Guru Arjan Dev was martyred during his period, thus alienating the Sikh Community.
Aurangzeb (1659 - 1707): After imprisoning Shahjahan, his son Aurangzeb was crowned at Delhi under the title
Alamgir. He ruled for 50 years till his death in February, 1707 in Ahmednagar.
Extent of the Empire: Aurangzeb’s empire extended from Kashmir in the north to Jinji in the south, and the Hindu-
kush in the west to Chittagong in the east.
During this period, the Marathas, under Shivaji, rose to power and were a force to reckno with.
The Execution of Sambhaji in 1689 saw the collapse of the Maratha empire. Aurangzeb’s empire now extended But
in certain parts of south India (Mysore, Maharashtra, etc), he was not entirely successful in thwarting his enemies.
Aurangzeb never returned to the north and died in Ahmednagar in February, 1707.
Intolerance of other religions: He was Muslim fanatic and thus was an intolerant autocrat. Many Hindu temples
were demolished and religious festivals, idol worship and pilgrimages were banned during his reign.
Sikh Revolt: Aurangzeb captured Guru Teg Bahadur, the 9th Guru of Sikhs in 1675 and executed him when he
refused to embrace Islam. Guru Gobind Sing, son of Guru Teg Bahadur , organized his followers into a militant force
called ‘Khalsa’ to avenge the murder of his father. Guru Gobind Singh continued the war against Mughals but he too
was put to death.
Decline of the Mughal Empire
After Aurangzeb, the Mughal empire rapidly declined. Important causes for the decline were:
(a) Aurangzeb’s Rajput, Deccan and religious policies;
(b) Stagnation in agricultural production, trade and manufacture;
(c) Rapidly rising demands of the ruling classes, leading to attempts to realize more from Jagirs, causing peasant
and Zamindari discontent;
(d) Jagirdari crisis: Nobel tried to corner the most profitable Jagirs, leading to corruption;
(e) Factionalism among nobility after Aurangzeb; development of powerful Irani, Turani, Deccani,
Hindustani blocs in the court who vied for power in order to destabilize the central administrative machinery;
(f) Rise of independent kingdoms;
(g) Rise of European power in India;
(h) Nadir Shah’s invasion in 1739.
Third Battle of Panipat: The third battle of Panipat fought between Ahmed Shah abdali and the Marathas, ended
Maratha power.
Indian History 1.7
India Under British Rule
In 1498, a Portuguese sailor Vasco da Gama discovered the sea route to India. East India Company of Britain
came here with the excuse of trading and soon started developing its political dominion in India and, finally, succeeded
in establishing their rule over India.
(A) Important events related to modern Indian history:
(i) First War of Independence (Mutiny of Sepoys): It took place in 1857, when soldiers refused to touch the
new rifle cartridges which were said to have been greased with cover made of animal fat. Mangal Pande
was a prominent figure, who surfaced during this mutiny. He killed two Britishers at Barrackpore, and this
was also one of the causes of the mutiny.
(ii) Government of India Act, 1858: This proclaimed the direct governance of British crown over India.
(iii) Formation of Indian National Congress: A.O. Hume is credited with the formation of Indian National
Congress in December 1885, which held its first session at Bombay, under the presidentship of W.C.
Bonnerjee.
(iv) Partition of Bengal: It took place in 1905.
(B) Other significant events related to Indian Freedom Movement:
Year Important events happenings in that year
1885 Formation of Congress by A. O. Hume
1905 Partiton of Bengal, launching of swadeshi movement
1906 Formation of Muslim League by Nawab Salimullah of Dacca
1907 Surat session of Congress, where congress got split into moderates and extremists
Morley-Minto Reforms, in which separate electorates for Hindus and Muslims was introduced
1909
for the first time.
1911 Capital shifted from Calcutta to New Delhi (architectured by Lutyen)
Lucknow session of Congress, where the famous Lucknow pact was signed between congress
1916
and muslim league. Formation of home rule league by Annie Besant.
Champaran satyagraha (champaran is a place in Bihar) by Mahatma Gandhi. His first
1917
satyagraha in India.
The draconian Rowlatt Act, Jalliyawallah massacre at Amritsar on the orders of General O’Dyer;
1919
Montague-Chemlsford reforms.
Khilafat Movement against British by Shaukat and Muhammad Ali. Launching of non
1920
cooperation movement by Mahatama Gandhi.
Chauri chaura, incident in UP and widhrawl of NCM by Gandhi, formation of Swaraj party by
1922
Motilal Nehru, C.R. Das and N. C. Kelkar.
Simon Commission to India, which was protested by Lala Lajpat Rai. He died during a lathi
1927
charge during the protest.
Passing of Purna Swaraj resolution at Lahore session of Congress under the presidentship of
1929
Jawaharlal Nehru.
Dandi March (Salt Satyagrah) by Mahatma Gandhi from Sabarmati ashram (a palce in Gujrat).
1930
First round table conference in London
1935 Government of India Act
1937 Formation of Congress Ministries in provinces
1939 Out break of World War II, resignation of Congress ministries
Quit India Movement, Wavell plan and Shimla conference. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad attended
1942
the conference representing Congress
Cabinet Mission Plan which envisaged forming of the interim government and to determine
1945
means of transferring power.
1946 Formation of Constituent Assembly under Rajendra Prasad (Muslim league did not participate)
1947 Mountbatten Plan (June 3 plan) and partition of India
1.8 Indian History
(C) Important Governor General and Viceroys associated with British rule and related events:
Name Events associated with
Mainly known for Doctrine of Lapse , responsible for annexing
Lord Dalhousie (1848-1856) number of states on the basis of this philosophy. First train from
Bombay to Thane started during his reign in 1853.
Credited with a new revenue system under the permanent
Lord Cornwallis (1786-1793)
settlement of Bengal. Introduction of Civil services.
Lord Canning The revolt of 1857. The first Viceroy of India
Lord Wellesley (1798-1805) The subsidiary alliance system.
Lord Curzon (1899-1905) Partition of Bengal
William Bentinck (1828-35) Abolition of Sati and reducing the female infanticide.
His advice was instrumental in introducing English,
Thomas B. Macaulay
under the leadership of William Bentinck.
Lord Hastings(1813-1823) Associated with Ryotwari settlement.
Robert Clive He was the first British Governor of Bengal.
Warren Hastings The first Governor-General of India; Regulating Act 1773 and
(1773-1785) Pitt’s India Act of 1784 were passed during his tenure.
Lord Mountbatten The first Governor-General of Free India.
C. Rajagopalachari First Indian and last Governor-General of Independent India.

Reforms under British period and important people carrying them

Warren Hastings (1772 - 1785): Warren Hastings succeeded Clive in 1772 and became the first Governor-General
of India. He passed The Regulating Act 1773, giving a legalized working constitution to the Company’s dominion in
India. It envisaged a Council of Ministers headed by the Governor - General.
The Pitt’s India Act of 1784 was passed by the British Parliament to put the Company’s affairs in permanent
centralized control of the British Parliament.
Lord Cornwallis (1786 - 93):Hasting in 1787. He introduced a new revenue system under the permanent Settlement
of Bengal in 1793 with a view to stabilize land revenue and create a loyal contented class of Zamindars.
Lord Wellesley (1798 - 1805): During the governor-generalship of Lord Wellesley, the Fourth Mysore War (1799)
was fought. Tipu Sultan, after regaining lost strength, set out again on his plan to oust the British from India with the
help of Napolean and the Persian king.
Lord Hastings (1813 - 23): Under the governorship of Lord Hastings, Nepal was defeated in 1814, resulting in Nepal
ceding Garhwal and kumaon to the British. In 1818, the Marathas made a last attempt to regain their independence.
This led to the third Anglo-Maratha war in which the Marathas were completely crushed.
During Hasting’ tenure various reforms were initiated such as the Ryotwari settlement according to which direct
settlement was made between the government and the Ryots (cultivators).
Lord William Bentinck (1828 - 35): He was famous for the social reforms he introduced , such as abolition of Sati
(1829), suppression of Thuggee, suppression of female infanticide and human sacrifices, English was introduced as
a medium of higher education on the advice of his council member, Lord Bentinck also made a pact with Maharaja
Ranjit Singh, the ruler of Punjab . By the charter Act 1833 , the company ceased to be a trading company and
bacame an administrative power.
Raja Rammohan Roy: Lived during his period . He was a religious and social reformer who helped bentinck in the
abolition of Sati. In 1829, a new society called Brahmo Samaj was started by Rammohun Roy which discarded idol
worship, caste system and several complicated rites and rituals.
Sir Charles Metacalfe (1836 - 44): He was notable for removing restriction on the press and media.
Lord Hardinge (1844 - 48):During his period the First Sikh War (1845) was fought between the Sikhs and the
British. The Sikhs were defeated and were brought under British control.
Indian History 1.9
Lord Dalhousie (1848 - 56): Lord Dalhousie succeeded Lord Harding in 1848 . During his period the Second Sikh
War (1849) was fought in which the Sikhs were defeated again and Dalhousie was successful in annexing the whole
of Punjab to the British administration.
The Doctrine of Lapse was introduce by Lord Dalhousie, whereby in the absence of a natural heir, the sovereignty
of Indian states was to lapse to the British and such rulers were not permitted to adopt a son to inherit their
kingdoms.
Reforms: The first railway line between Bombay and Thane was opened in 1853 and in the same year Calcutta and
Agra were connected by telegraph. Other reforms include setting up of P.W.D and passing of the Widow Remarriage
Act (1856).
Lord Ripon: He was appointed Viceroy of India in 1880. During his time in India, Ripon introduced legislation (the
“Ilbert Bill”, named for his secretary, Courtenay Ilbert), that would have granted native Indians more legal rights,
including the right of Indian judges to judge Europeans in court. He was known for introducing the Local Self
Government in 1882. He is often referred as father of Local Self Government in India.
Ramakrishna and Vivekananda: Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836 - 1886), a priest at a temple in Dakshineshwar
near Calcutta emphasized that there are many roads to God. His great disciple, Swami Vivekananda (1863 - 1902)
popularized his religious message and founded Ramakrishna Mission in 1896.
Arya Samaj: The Arya samaj was founded in 1875 by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in order to reform Hindu religion
in north India. Swami Dayanand believed that there was only one God who was to be worshipped in spirit and not in
the form of idols and images. He also wrote Satyarth Prakash.
Lord Wavell (1944 - 47): The Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) provided for an interim government and laid down the
procedure for the framing of the Indian Constitution. The observation of direct Action Day in Calcutta by the Muslim
League led to riots and bloodshed. On 20 February 1947 the Prime Minister of England, Clement Atlee, announced
that transfer of power would take place before June 1948 . Riots and disturbances continued vigorously in demand
for Partition of India.
Lord Mountbatten (1947 - 1948):Lord Mountbatten was the last Viceroy and the first Governor-General of Free
India. The partition of India was decided by the June 3rd Plan and the Indian Independence Act 1947 and Pakistan
a free nation on 14 August 1947. Lord Mountbatten retired in June 1948 and was succeded by C. Rajagopalachari,
who became the first Indian Governor-General of Independent India.
Important events and incidents during British rule
Partition of Bengal: On 30 December 1898, Lord Curzon took over as the new Viceroy of India. The partition of
Bengal came into effect on 16 October 1905 , through a Royal Proclamation, reducing the old province of Bengal in
size by creating a new province of East Bengal, which later on became East Pakistan and present day Bangladesh.
The government explained that it was done to stimulate growth of underdeveloped eastern region of the Bengal. But,
actually, the main objective was to ‘Divide and Rule’ the most advanced region of the country at that time.
Reasons for Partition of Bengal: To destroy the political influence of the educated middle class among whom the
Bengali intelligentsia were the most prominent. It also set up a communal gulf between Hindus and Muslims. The
Indian national Congress unanimously condemned the partition of Bengal.
Surat Congress: The Indian National Congress split into two groups - the extremists and the moderates - at the
Surat session in 1907 held on the banks of the river ‘Tapti’. The extremists were led by Tilak,
Lajpat rai and Bipin Chandra Pal and the moderates were led by Gopal Krishna Gokhale. At the Surat session, the
moderate and extremist delegates of congress met in an atmosphere surcharged with excitement and anger.
The suddenness of the Surat fiasco took the extremist leaders by surprise and they offered their cooperation to the
working committee of the Congress by accepting presidentship of Ras Behari Ghose. But the Moderates would not
relent as they found themselves on firm ground. The government observing the opportunity lunched a massive attack
on the Extremists by suppressing their newspaper and arresting their main leader, Tilak, and sending him to
Mandalay Jail for six years. The Extremists were not able to organize an effective alternative party or to sustain the
movement. Aurobindo Ghosh gave up politics and left for Pondicherry. Bipin Chandra Pal, also left politics temporarily
and Lajpat Rai left for Britain. After 1908, the national movement as a wholed declined.
The Gandhian Era (1918 - 1947): Mahatma Gandhi dominated the Indian political scene from 1918 - 1947. This
period of the Indian National Congress is also referred to as the Gandhian Era. It was the most intense and eventful
phase of India’s freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi provided the leadership of the highest order and his philosophy
of non-violent Satyagraha bacame the most potent weapon to drive out the British from the Indian soil.
1.10 Indian History
Rawlatt Act (1919): During the viceroyalty of Lord Chelmsford, a sedition committee was appointed by the government
in 1918 with Justice Rowlatt which made certain recommendations to curb seditious activities in India. The Rowlatt
Act 1919, gave unbridled powers to the government to arrest and imprison suspects without trial.
Gandhiji decided to fight against this Act and he gave a call for Satyagraha on 6 April 1919.
He was arrested on 8 April 1919. This led to further intensification of the agitation in Delhi, Ahmedabad and Punjab.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (13 April, 1919): The arrest of Dr Kitchlu and Dr Satyapal on 10 April 1919, under the
Rowlatt Act in connection with Satyagraha caused serious unrest in Punjab. A public metting was held the next day,
13 April 1919 in a park called Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar where thousands of people including women and children
assembled. Before the meeting could start General O’ Dyer ordered indiscriminate heavy firing on the crowd and the
people had no way out to escape. As a result hundreds of men, women, and children were killed and more than 1200
people wounded.
Khilafat Movement (1920): The Caliph, Sultan of Turkey , was looked upon by the Muslims as their religious head.
During the First World War, when the safety and the welfare to Turkey were threatened by the British thereby
weakening the Caliph’s position, Indian Muslims adopted an aggressive anti-British attitude. The two brother,
Mohammed Ali and Shaukat Ali launched an anti-British movement in 1920 - the Khilafat Movement for the restoration
of the Khilafat. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad also led the movement. It was supported by Gandhiji and the Indian
National Congress which paved the way for Hindu-Muslim unity.
Non- Cooperation Movement (1920): Gandhiji to launch his non-violent, non-cooperation movement At the Calcutta
Session in September 1920, the Congress resolved in favour of the non-violent, non-cooperation movement and
defined Swaraj as its ultimate aim. The movement envisaged: (a) Surrender of titles and honorary officers; (b)
resignation from nominated offices and posts in the local bodies; (c) Refusal to attend government. darbars and
official functions and boycott of British courts by the lawyer; (d) Refusal of general public to offer themselves for
military and other government jobs, and boycott of foreign goods. etc.
Apart from educational boycott, there was boycott of law courts which saw major lawyers like Motilal Nehru,
C.R.Das, Rajagopalachari, Saifuddin Kitchlu, Vallabhbhai Patel, Aruna Asaf Ali, etc. giving up their lucrative practices
in their fields and inspiring thousands of followers.
Chauri Chaura Incident (1922): The Congress session held at Ahmedabad in December 1921 decided to launch
a Civil Disobedience movement while reiterating its stand on the non-violent, non-cooperation movement of which
Gandhiji was appointed the leader. Before Gandhiji could launch the Civil Disobedience Movement a mob of countrymen
at Chauri Chaura, a place near Gorakhpur in UP, Clash with the police which opened fire. In retaliation the mob burnt
the police - station and killed 22 police man. This completed Gandhiji to call of the Civil Disobedience Movement on
12 February 1922.
Swaraj Party (1922): The foundation of the ‘Swaraj Party’ were laid on 1 January 1923, as the ‘Congress-Khilafat
Swarajya Party’. It proposed then an alternative programme of diverting the movement from widespread civil disobedience
programme to restrictive one which would encourage its member to enter into legislative councils (established under
Montford Reforms of 1919) by contesting elections in order to wreck the legislature from within and to use moral
pressure to compel the authority to concede to the popular demand for self-government.
In the election held in 1923, the Swaraj Party captured 45 of the 145 seats. In provincial elections they secured few
seats but in the central provinces they secured a clear majority. In Bengal, the Swaraj Party was the largest party.
They followed the policy of undiluted opposition. The Swarajists demanded the release of all the political prisoners,
provincial autonomy, repealing of the repressive laws imposed by the British government. However, after the death of
C.R.Das in 1925 they drifted towards a policy of cooperation with the government. This led to dissension and the
party broke up in 1926.
Lahore Session (1929): In December 1929, under the presidentship of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, the Indian National
Congress at its Lahore Session resolved declaring ‘Poorna Swaraj’ (complete independence) to be the goal of the
national movement.
It was Gandhiji again who was the decisive voice in investing Jawaharalal Nehru with the office of President in what
was to be a critical year of mass struggle.
Jawaharlal Nehru’s Presidential address was a stirring call to action: “We have now an open conspiracy to free this
country from foreign rule, and you, comrades, and all the countrymen and countrywomen are invited to join it”. Nehru
also made it known that in his view liberation did not mean only throwing off the foreign yoke: “ I must frankly
confess that I am a socialist and a republican, and am no believer in kings and princes, or in an order which
produces the modern kings of industry, who have greater power over the lives and fortunes on men than even the
kings of old, and whose methods are as predatory as those of old feudal aristocracy.” He also spelt out the method
Indian History 1.11
of struggle: “Any great movement for liberation today must necessarily be a massa movement, and mass movements
must essentially be peaceful, except in times of organized revolt... And if the principal movement is a peaceful one,
contemporaneous attempts at a sporadic violence can only distract attention and weaken it.”
On 31 December 1929, the newly adopted tricolour flag was unfurled and 26 January fixed as the Independence Day
which was to be celebrated every year, pleading to the people not to submit to British rule any longer.
Dandi March (1930): Also called the ‘Salt Satyagraha’. To achieve the goal of complete independence, Gandhiji
launched another civil disobedience movement. Along with 79 followers, Gandhiji started his famous march from
Sabaramati Ashram on 20 March 1930, for the small village Dandi to break the Salt Law. While Gandhiji was
marching to Dandi, Congress leaders and workers had been busy at various levels with the hard organizational
tasks of enrolling volunteers and members, forming grassroot Congress Committee, collecting funds, and touring
villages and towns to spread nationalist messages.
On reaching the seashore on 6 April 1930, he broke the Salt Law by picking up salt from the seashore. By picking
a handful of salt, Gandhiji inaugurated the Civil Disobedience Movement , a movement that was to remain unsurpassed
in the history of the Indian National Movement for the countrywide mass participation it unleashed. The movement
became so powerful that it sparked off partriotism even among the Indian soldiers in the Army. The Garhwal soldiers
refused to fire on the people at Peshawar.
Gandhiji was arrested on 5 May 1930. This was followed by another round of boycott of foreign goods and it took the
shaped of a nationwide civil disobedience movement in which ladies also participated. Soon thereafter followed repressive
measures such as mass arrests, lathi-charge, police firing, etc. About 1,00,000people went to jail. There was a
massive protest on Gandhiji’s arrest. But it was in Sholapur, where the textile workers, who dominated the strike along
with the residents of the town, went on to attack alll symbols of the government authority and established a virtual
paralled government in the city, which could only be dislodged with the imposition of the martial law after 16 May 1930.
Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931): Early in 1931 two moderate statesmen, Sapru and Jayakar, initiated efforts to bring
about approachment between Gandhiji and the government. Six meetings with Viceroy Lord Irwin, finally, led to the
signing of a pact between the two on 5 March 1931, whereby the Congress called off the movement and agree to join
the Second Round Table Conference. The terms of the agreement included the immediate release of all political
prisoners not convicted for violence, the remission of all fines not yet collected, the return of confiscated land not yet
sold to third parties, and lenient treatment of all the government officials who had resigned.
Gandhiji and other leaders were released from Jail as Irwin agreed to release most political prisoners and to return
the properties that had been seized by the governments. The government also conceded the right to make the salt
for consumption of villages along the coast, and also the right to peaceful and non-aggressive picketing. The Congress
on its part, agreed to discontinue the Civil Disobedience Movement and to participate in the next round Table Conference.
The Second round Table Conference (1931): Was held London during the viceroyalty of Lord Willingdon during
September-December 1931 and Gandhiji attended it on behalf of Indian National Congress. Nothing much was
expected from the Conference for the imperialist political forces, which ultimately controlled the British Government
in London, were opposed to any political or economic concession being given to India which could lead to its
independence. The Round Table Conference, however, failed as Gandhiji could not agree with British Prime Minister
Ramsay Macdonald on his policy of communal representation and refusal of the British government on the basic
India demand for freedom. The conference closed on 11 December 1931, without any concrete result.
The Communal Award (1932): While Gandhiji was arrested on his return from London after the Second Round
Table Conference, Ramsay Macdonald announced his award on communal representation in August 1931. This was
another expression of the age-old British policy of ‘Divide and Rule’. Besides containing provisions for representation of
Muslims, Sikhs and Europeans, it envisaged communal representation of depressed classes also. Gandhiji was deeply
grieved by this and underwent a fast in protest against this award since it aimed to divide India on a communal basis.
While many political Indians saw the fast as a diversion from the ongoing political movement, all were deeply
concerned and emotionally shaken: almost everywhere in India mass meetings took place. Political leaders of
different persuasions, like Madan Mohan Malviya, B.R.Ambedkar and M.C.Rajah became active. In the end they
succeeded in hammering out an agreement, known as the Poona Pact.
Poona Pact (1932): As discussed, the communal award created immense dissatisfaction among Hindus. Gandhiji
who was on fast in protest staked his life to get the award repudiated. According to the Pact, the idea of separate
electorate for the Depressed Classes was abandoned but seats reserved for them in the provincial legislatures were
increased from 71 in the award to 147, and in the Central legislature to 81 per cent of the total. Ultimately, the fast
ended with the Poona Pact which annulled the award. The leaders of the various groups and parties among Hindus,
and Dr B.R Ambedkar on behalf of the harijans, signed the pact. The Poona Pact between caste Hindus and the
depressed classes agreed upon a joint electorate.
1.12 Indian History
The third round Table Conference (1932): It was held in 1932 but again proved fruitless since the national leaders
were in prison.
The Government of India Act, 1935: The Simon Commission report submitted in 1930 formed the basis for the
Government of India Act received the royal assent on 4 August 1935.
The Act continued and extended all the existing features of the Indian constitution. Popular representation, which
went back to 1892, dyarchy and ministerial responsibility, which dated from 1921, provincial autonomy, whose
chequered history went back to eighteenth century presidencies, communal representation, which first received
overt recognition in 1909, and the safeguards devised in 1919, were all continued and in most cases extended. But
in addition there were certain new principles introduced .It provided for a federal type of government. Thus, the act:
i. Introduced provincial autonomy
ii. Abolished dyarchy in provinces
iii. Made ministers responsible to the legislative and federation at the centre
The act of 1935 was condemned by nearly all section of Indian public opinion and was unanimously rejected by the
Congress. The Congress demanded instead, the convening of a Constituent Assembly elected on the basis of adult
franchise to frame a constitution for an independent India.
Although the Congress opposed the Act, yet it contested the elections when the Constitution was introduced on 1
April 1937; and formed ministries, first in six provinces and then in another two . The Congress high command
exercised a great hold upon ministries of each province. The Muslim League was, however, not happy with the
Congress rule, especially Mr Jinnah, who described it in these words: “Congress was drunk with power and was
oppressive against Muslims.”
Quit India Movement (1942 - 1945): On 8 August 1942, the Congress in its meeting at Bombay passed a resolution
known as ‘Quit India’ resolution, whereby Gandhiji asked the British to quit India and gave a call for ‘Do or die’ to his
countrymen. On 9 August 1942, Gandhiji was arrested but the other leaders continued the revolutionary struggle.
Violence spread throughout the country, several government offices were destroyed and damaged, telegraph wires,
were cut and communication paralyzed. The movement was, however, crushed by the government.
Cabinet Mission Plan: The struggle for freedom entered a decisive phase in the year 1945 - 46. The British Prime
Minister, Lord Attlee, made a declaration on 15 March 1946, the British Cabinet Mission would visit India to make
recommendations regarding constitutional reforms to be introduced in India. The Cabinet Mission which constituted
of Lord Lawrence, Sir Stafford Cripps and A..V.Alexander visited India and met the representatives of different
political parties, but a satisfactory solution to the constitutional difficulties could not be found. The Mission envisaged
the establishment of a Constituent Assembly to frame the Constitution, as well as, an interim government. The
Muslim League accepted the plan on 6 June 1946, while maintaining its rights of striving for a separate Muslim
state. The Congress also partially accepted the plan.
Direct Action Campaign: Provoked by the success of the Congress, the Muslim League launched a direct action
campaign on 16 August 1946, which resulted in heavy communal riots in the country.
Interim Government: On 2 September 1946, and interim government was formed. Congress members led by
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru joined it, but the Muslim League did not as it withdrew its earlier acceptance of the Cabinet
Mission Plan.
Mountbatten Plan: In March 1947, Lord Mountbatten replaced Lord Wavell. He announced his plan on 3 June
1947. It offered a key to the political and constitutional deadlock created by the refusal of the Muslim Leagues to join
the Constituent Assembly formed to frame the Constitution of India. Mountbatten’s formula was to divide India but
retain maximum unity. The country would be partitioned but so would be Punjab and Bengal, so that the Limited
Pakistan that emerged would meet both the Congress and the League’s position to some extent. the League’s
position on Pakistan was conceded in that it would be created, but the Congress position on unity would be taken
into account to make Pakistan as small as possible. He laid down detailed principles for the partition of the country
and speedy transfer of political powers in the form of dominion status to the newly formed dominion of India and
Pakistan. Its acceptance by the Congress and the Muslim League resulted in the birth of Pakistan.
Partition of India: In accordance with the Independence Act 1947, India was partitioned on 15 August 1947 into
India and Pakistan The Act made India and Pakistan independent dominions. Bloodshed and violence marked the
exodus of refugees. The state of Kashmir acceded to the Indian Union, after the raiders were helped by Pakistan in
October 1947. Lord Mountbatten was appointed the Governor-General of free India and M.A. Jinnah, the first Governor-
General of Pakistan.
Indian History 1.13
List of important historical events in India
Year Events
326 BC Invasion of Alexander the Great on India
58 BC Beginning of Vikrami Era
AD 78 Beginning of Saka Era
AD 1001 First invasion of India by Mahmud Ghazni
Accession of only women ruler of India, Razia Sultana,
AD 1236
to the throne of Delhi
Discovery of sea route of India by Portuguese traveller
1498
Vasco da Gama, via the Cape of Good Hope
First Battle of Panipat, between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi,
1526
Babur won and established Mughal empire.
1540 Battle of Kanauj
1556 Second Battle of Panipat (between Akbar and Himu)
1576 Battle of Haldighati, Akbar defeated Rana Pratap
1600 East India Company was established
1675 Execution of the Ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur
1757 Battle of Plassey, East India Rule established through Lord Clive
Shah Alam II became Indian emperor and Third Battle of Panipat
1761
between (Ahmad Shah Abdali and Maratha) took place
1764 Battle of Buxar between Mir Caseem & East India Company
1784 Pitt’s India Act
1793 Permanent Settlement in Bengal
1829 Prohibition of Sati Practice
1853 First railway line became operational between Bombay and Thane
1857 First War of Independence or Mutiny of Sepoys
1885 Foundation of Indian National Congress
1905 First partition of Bengal under Lord Curzon
1914 Beginning of First World War
1920 Non Cooperation Movement
1930 Salt Satyagraha
1931 Gandhi-Irwin Pact
1931 Civil Disobediance
1939 Beginning of Second World War
1942-45 Quit India Movement
Subhash Chandra Bose took over Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army);
1943-44
Bengal famine also occurred during this period.
1947 Independence of India
1948 Mahatma Gandhi assassinated
26 November 1949 Indian Constitution was adopted (Obeserved as National Law Day)
26 January 1950 India Became Republic
1.14 Indian History
Important Battles in the Indian History
B.C.
326 Alexander defeated Porus in the Battle of Hydaspas.
261 Ashoka defeated Kalinga in the Kalinga War.
A.D.
712 Invasion of Sind by Mohd.-bin-Qasim.
1191 First Battle of Tarain in which Prithviraj Chauhan defeated Mohd. Ghori.
1192 Second Battle of Tarain in which Mohd. Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan.
1194 Battle of Chhandwar in which Mohd. Ghori defeated Jaichandra of Kannauj.
1526 First Baffle of Panipat in which Babar defeated Ibrahim Lodhi.
1527 Battle of Khanua in which Babar defeated Rana Sanga.
1529 Battle of Ghaghara in which Babar defeated the Afghans.
1539 Battle of Chausa in which Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun.
1540 Battle of Kannauj (or Bilgram) in which Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun and forced him to flee.
1556 Second Battle of Panipat in which Bairam Khan (representing Akbar) defeated Hemu.
1565 Battle of Talikota (or Banihatti) in which an alliance of Ahmednagar, Bijapur, Golkonda and Bidar defeated
the Vijaynagar empire (represented by Sadasiva).
1576 Battle of Haldighati in which Akbar defeated Maharana Pratap.
1615 Mewar submitted to the Mughals. A treaty of peace was signed between Jahangir and Rana Amar Singh
of Mewar.
1649 Kandahar was lost to Persia forever by the Mughals.
1658 Battle of Dharmatt and Samugarh in which Aurangzeb defeated Dora Shikoh.
1665 Raja Jai Singh defeated Shivaji and the Treaty of Purandar signed.
1708 Battle of Khed in which Shahu defeated Tara Bai.
1737 Battle of Bhopal in which Baji Rao defeated Mohd. Shah.
1739 Battle of Karnal in which Nadir Shah defeated Mohd. Shah.
1757 Battle of Plassey in which the English forces (under Robert Clive) defeated Siraj-ud-daula, the Nawab of
Bengal.
1760 Battle of Wandiwash in which the English forces defeated the French forces.
1761 Third Battle of Panipat in which Ahmed Shah Abdali defeated the Marathas.
1764 Battle of Buxar in which the English under Munro defeated the alliance of Nawab Mir Qasim of Bengal,
Nawab Shuja-ud-daula of Awadh and Mughal emperor Shah Alam.
1767-69 First Anglo Mysore War in which Hyder Ali defeated the English forces.
1770 Battle of Udgir in which the Marathas defeated the Nizam.
1766-69 First Anglo Maratha War in which the British were defeated.
1780-84 Second Anglo Mysore War. Hyder Ali died during the battle (1 782) and the field was taken by his son
Tipu Sultan. The war concluded with the Treaty of Mangalore (1784).
1789-92 Third Anglo Mysore War in which Tipu Sultan was defeated. The Treaty of Serirangapatnam followed.
1799 Fourth Anglo Mysore War in which Tipu was defeated and killed.
1803-06 Second Anglo Maratha War in which the British defeated the Marathas.
1817-19 Third Anglo Maratha War in which the British defeated the Marathas badly.
Indian History 1.15
List of important Presidents of Indian National Congress
Session No. Year Place President
1 1885 Bombay W.C. Bonnerjee
2 1886 Calcutta Dadabhai Naoroji
3 1887 Madras Badruddin Tyabji
George Yule (First European,
4 1888 Allahabad
Congress president)
5 1889 Bombay Sir William Wedderburn
6 1890 Calcutta Sir Phirozshah Mehta
9 1893 Lahore Dadabhai Naoroji
21 1905 Banaras G K Gokhale
22 1906 Calcutta Dadabhai Naoroji
23 1907 Surat Dr. Rash Behari Ghosh
Mrs. Annie Beseant
33 1917 Calcutta
(First Women President of Congress)
35 1918 Delhi (Annual Session) M. M. Malaviya
36 1919 Amritsar Motilal Nehru
40 1923 Special Session Lala Lajpat Rai
42 1924 Belgaum M K Gandhi
43 1925 Kanpur Mrs. Sarojini Naidu
47 1929 Lahore Jawaharlal Nehru
56 1938 Haripura S.C. Bose
57 1939 Tripuri S.C. Bose

Important Newspaper brought out by National leaders

1780, In Calcutta, started by James Augustus
1 Bengal Gazzette
Hickey. It was the first newspaper of India
2 Aharatta and Kesari Bal Gangadhar Tilak
3 New India and Common Wheel Annie Besant
4 Harijan, Young India Mahatma Gandhi
5 Al Hilal Maulana Azad

Important visitors to India and the Kings whose courts they visited
Visitor King
1 Megasthenes (greek) Chandragupta Maurya
2 Fahien (Chinese) Chandragupta II
3 Huen Tsang (Chinese) Harshavardhan
He accompanied Mehmood of Gazni, when the latter invaded India.
4 Al-Beruni Al-Beruni has written an important book on India viz. Tariq-i-Hind,
also known as Kitab-i-Hind.
5 Ibn Batuta Muhammed bin Tuglak
6 Amir Khusro Balban, Allaudin Khilzi, Muhammed bin Tuglak
7 Sir Thomas Roe Jahangir
8 Abul Fazal ibn Mubarak Akbar (His famous books are The Akbar Nama Ain-i-Akbari
1.16 Indian History
India after Independence
Lord Mountbatten bacame the first Governor - General of free India. Sir C. Rajagopalachari became the first and the
only Indian Governor-General of India in 1948. Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru took over as the first Prime Minister in 1950.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel sing-handedly dealt with the accession of all princely states. All states were merged into
neighbouring provinces. The state of Kashmir , Hyderabad and Mysore merged later on . Mahatma Gandhi undertook
a fast for the sake of Muslim rights. On 30 January 1948, he was assassinated by Nathuram Vinayak Godse at the
Birla House prayer meeting in Delhi.
On 13 September 1948, the Indian Army marched into Hyderabad after the violent actions of the Razakars, and the
state was acceded to the Indian union. On 26 November 1949, the Constituent Assembly passed the new Constitution
of India On the morning of 26 January 1950, India was proclaimed a republic and Dr Rajendra Prasad took over as
the first President, Dr S. Radhakrishnan as the Vice-President and Pt Jawaharlal Nehru as the first Prime Minister
of India.
During this period India has fought a number of wars with its neighbours
1948 - Pakistan attacked India and occupied large part of Kashmir.
1962 - China attacked India in retaliation to Indias suport to Tibet. China forcefully occupied large part of India
straitching from parts of Ladakh and parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
1965 - Pakistan again attacked India heightened dispute over Kashmir. India defeated Pakistan comprehensively.
1971 - Bangladesh war. The two countries fought against one another and East Pakistan brook away and emerged
as independence Bangladesh.
In addition to the wars mentioned above, there were couples of incident brought India close to having war with its
neighbours. Operation in Kargil was one of them.

Important National Days

National Day
National Day Date and Month Remarks
Independence Day 15 August India achieved Independence on this day in 1947

Republic Day 26 January India became a Republic on this day in 1950

Martyr’s Day 30 January Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on this day in 1948

Birthday of Dr S. Radhakrishnan, first Vice – President

Teachers’ Day 5 September
of India

Children’s Day 14 November Birthday of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru

Gandhi Jayanti 2 October Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi

Other Important Days

Day Date & Month
National Maritime Day 5th April

Quit India Day 9th august

National Rededication Day 31th October

National Integration Day 9th November

National Law Day 26th of November

Flag Day 7th December

Indian History 1.17
Record Makers (India)
Women
1. First woman Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi

2. First woman Chief Minister of a State Mrs Sucheta Kripalani

3. First woman Minister Mrs Vijayalakshmi Pandit

4. First woman Central Minister Rajkumari Amrit Kaur

5. First woman Speaker of Lok Sabha Mrs Meira Kumar

6. First woman Governor of a State Mrs Sarojini Naidu

7. First Indian woman President of Indian National Congress Annie Besant

8. First Indian woman President of UN General Assembly Mrs Vijayalakshmi Pandit

9. First Muslim woman to sit on the throne od Delhi Razia Sultana

10. First woman to swim across the English Cahnnel Miss Arti Saha (now Mrs Arti Gupta)

11. First woman to climb Mount Everest Bachhendri Pal

12. First woman to circumnavigate (sail round the world) Ujwala Rai

13. First woman IAS Officer Anna George Malhotra

14. First woman IPS Officer Kiran Bedi

15. First woman Advocate Corknelia Sorabji

16. First woman Judge Annna Chandi

17. First woman Judge of a High Court Annna Chandi

18. First woman Judge of Supreme Court M. Fathima Bibi

19. First woman Chief Justice of a High Court Leila Seth

20. First woman Doctor Kadambini Ganguli

21. First woman to pass MA Chandra Mukhi Bose

22. First woman editor of English newspaper Dina Vakil

23. First woman Chief Engineer P.K.Thresia

24. First woman to receive a Sena Madel Constable Bimla Devi ( 88 BN of CRPF)-1990

25. Youngest woman to climb Mount Everest Dicky Dolma (19) from Manali - 1993

26. First woman to climb mount Everest two times Santosh Yadav (ITBP Officer) - 1993

27. First Lady Magistrate Omana Kunjamma

28 First woman to win Nobel Prize Mother Teresa

29. First to be crowned Miss India Pramita (Ester victoria Abraham) - 1947

30. First to be crowned Miss Universe Sushmita Sen

31. First to be crowned Miss World Reita Faria (1966)

32. First woman President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil

33. The first woman Speaker of a State Assembly Shano Devi (Punjab)
1.18 Indian History
Man
1. First Indian to swim across the English Channel Mihir Sen
2. First to Climb Mount Everest Tenzing Norgay
3. First to Climb Mount Everest without Oxygen Phu Dorjee
4. First Indian to join I.C.S.(ICS now is IAS) Satyendra Nath Tagore
5. First Indian to get Nobel Prize Rabindranath Tagore
6. First Indian in Space (first Indian cosmonaut) Sqn Ldr Rakesh Sharma
7. First British Governor general Warren Hastings
8. First Governor General of Free India Lord Mountbatten
9. First Viceroy of India Lord Canning
10. Last Governor General of Free India C. Rajagopalachari
11. First President of India Dr Rajendra Prasad
12. First Vice-President of India Dr S . Radhakrishnan
13. First Muslim President of India Dr Zakir Hussain
14. First Sikh President of India Giani Zail Singh
15. Firest Prime Minster Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru
16. First Speaker of Lok Sabha G.V.Mavlankar
17. First Chief Justice of India Justice H.L.Kania
18. First President of Indian National Congress W.C.Bonnerjee
19. First Indian to become member of Viceroy's Executive Council Lord S.P.Sinha
20. First Indian to become President of International Court of Justice Dr Nagendra Singh
21. First Emperor of Mvghal Dyansty Babur
22. First Field Marshal S.H.F.J.Manekshaw
23. First Indian Commander-in-Chief of India (now Field Marshal) Gen. K.M.Cariappa
24. First Chief of the Army Staff (Indian) Gen . Maharaja Rajendra Sinhji
25. First Chief of the Naval Staff (Indian) Vice-Admiral R.D.Katari
26. First Chief ot the Air Force Staff ( Indian) Subroto Mukherjee
27. First Indian in British Parliament Dadabhai Naoroii
28. First Indian recipient of Victoria Cross Khudada Khan
(highest gallavtry award before independence)
29. First Indian to circumnavigate the globe Lt Col K.S.Rao
30. First Indian to reach the South Pole Col J.K.Bajaj (1989)
31. First Indian High Court Judge Justice Syed Mehamood (1878)
32. First Indian to make a solo air flight J.R.D. Tata
33. First Indian to visit England Raja Rammohun Roy (1878)
34. First Indian Member of House of Lords (British) Lord S.P.Sinha
35. First Bar-at-Law J.M.Tagore
36. First Chairman of Raiya Sabha Dr S. Radhakrishnan (1952 - 62)
37. First Air Marshal Arjan Singh
38. First Judge to face impeachment in the Lok Sabha Justice V.Ramaswami (1993)