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To understand India’s history, you need to know about ancient civilisations, grand empires, and the revolutionary movements. This blog covers the top ten historical events in India. You can read about these historical events and learn how they have shaped India. You will learn about the turning points in history, from the Indus Valley civilisation, to the formation of the Indian constitution, the largest constitution in the world! Get to know about these milestones and how they are influencing society today.
Table of Contents
- 1 Top 10 Historical Events in India and Their Timeline
- 1.1 The Indus Valley Civilisation (c. 2500–1700 BCE)
- 1.2 The Maurya Empire under Ashoka (c. 268–232 BCE)
- 1.3
- 1.4 The Arrival of Islam in India (8th Century CE Onwards)
- 1.5 Establishment of the Mughal Empire (1526 CE)
- 1.6 British East India Company Rule Begins (1757 CE)
- 1.7 The 1857 Revolt (First War of Independence)
- 1.8 Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885 CE)
- 1.9 Non‑Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements (1920s–30s)
- 1.10 Indian Independence and Partition (1947 CE)
- 1.11 Adoption of the Indian Constitution (1950 CE)
- 2 FAQs
Top 10 Historical Events in India and Their Timeline
Several historical events have shaped Indian as a nation. Among them, we have included the top events that are turning points of Indian history.
| S. No. | Historical Event | Timeline |
| 1 | The Indus Valley Civilisation | c. 2500–1700 BCE |
| 2 | The Maurya Empire under Ashoka | c. 268–232 BCE |
| 3 | The Arrival of Islam in India | 8th Century CE onwards |
| 4 | Establishment of the Mughal Empire | 1526 CE |
| 5 | British East India Company Rule Begins | 1757 CE |
| 6 | The 1857 Revolt (First War of Independence) | 1857 CE |
| 7 | Formation of the Indian National Congress | 1885 CE |
| 8 | Non‑Cooperation & Civil Disobedience Movements | 1920s–1930s |
| 9 | Indian Independence & Partition | 1947 CE |
| 10 | Adoption of the Indian Constitution | 1950 CE |
The Indus Valley Civilisation (c. 2500–1700 BCE)
The Indus Valley Civilisation is one of the oldest civilisations in India. This civilisation is credited with advanced city planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and grid-based layouts. For example, the Harappa and the Mohenjo‑Daro boasted granaries, standardised weights, and public baths. For example, the Great Bath- the earliest water tank in the world.
This shows that it was a highly organised society. Moreover, they had trade networks with Mesopotamia. The artefacts and the seals discovered showcase the same. The history begins here. Therefore, the Indus Valley Civilisation is listed as one of the top 10 historical events in India.
The Maurya Empire under Ashoka (c. 268–232 BCE)
Credit: Data Intelligence Hub- Medium
The Emperor Ashok’s rule is considered a golden period of Indian history. After the bloody Kalinga War, he gave up violence and chose Buddhism. He even propagated Dhamma (moral principles) and established a corps of officers called Dhamma-mahamattas to oversee moral welfare every 5 years!
Ashoka’s empire unified the majority of the Subcontinent. This is one of the top 10 historical events in India. Emperor Ashoka is credited with building hospitals for people and animals. He has influenced the country so much that Ashoka’s lion capital is now the Indian national emblem. Today, he is known as ‘Ashoka the Great’.
The Arrival of Islam in India (8th Century CE Onwards)
Another one of the historical events in India is the entry of Islam into the country. Islam became popular in India through the arrival of Arab traders and the later invasions. For example, the Muhammad bin Qasim’s conquest of Sindh (712 CE). The Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526) and Mughal Empire (1526–1857) also made it a popular religion.
The Indo‑Islamic synthesis, or the blend of Persian art, Sufi spirituality, and Indian traditions, led to the establishment of architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal. During this time, Urdu poetry and music flourished. The era created a pluralistic society that celebrated diversity.
Establishment of the Mughal Empire (1526 CE)
One of the top ten historical events in India is the establishment of the Mughal Empire. The Mughal Empire reflected grandeur. For example, the. Akbar’s reign (1556–1605) emphasised tolerance through Sulh‑i‑Kul (universal peace), abolished religious taxes, and promoted dialogue among faiths.
The centralised land administration and land reforms also stabilised the economy. However, later on, the emperors faced decline. Nevertheless, the influence of the Mughal culture remains.
British East India Company Rule Begins (1757 CE)
Another one of the top ten historical events in India is the arrival of the British East Indian Company. The Battle of Plassey (1757) showcased the political power of the British East Indian Company. They exploited India’s resources with the help of oppressive policies like the Permanent Settlement. Raw materials were drained for British industries, and famines happened due to neglect.
However, the 1857 revolt showcases the discontent among the people. This led to direct rule by the British Crown. This shaped the Indian economy, education, and legal system. However, it also ignited nationalism and led to the freedom struggle.
The 1857 Revolt (First War of Independence)
The 1857 Revolt is also called the First War of Indian Independence. It is one of the top 10 historical events in India. Leading Figures like Rani Lakshmibai and Mangal Pandey led the fight against British exploitation.
Several political, social, economic, religious, and military grievances led to the revolt. For example, cultural insensitivity, like the incident of the greased cartridges. These events united the peasants, soldiers, and even royals. Though the revolt failed, it ended the company rule in India and awakened nationalism.
Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885 CE)
Another one of the top 10 historical events in India is the formation of the Indian National Congress. A.O. Hume and leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji founded the INC, and it became the voice of the people of India. At first, the INC sought reforms within the British Empire. However, later on, it demanded Purna Swaraj (complete independence).
The INC led to the emergence of historical leaders like Gandhi and Nehru. They turned it into a mass movement and united diverse regions. INC played a crucial role in shaping the secularism and democratic ideals of the country.
Non‑Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements (1920s–30s)
The non-cooperation movement and the civil disobedience movement led by Gandhi remain among the top 10 historical events in India. Gandhi advocated non-violence, and it gained the support of millions of people. During the Non‑Cooperation Movement (1920), people boycotted British goods and institutions.
On the other hand, the Civil Disobedience Movement’s Salt March (1930) was a march against the colonial tax laws. Although the movement was suspended after incidents like Chauri Chaura, it united Indians and solidified Gandhi’s philosophy.
Indian Independence and Partition (1947 CE)
Indian Independence is the biggest historical event in Indian history. India gained its independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. This ended 200 years of colonial rule in India.
However, Independence also means partition. India was divided into India and Pakistan. This is one of the top 10 historical events in India. This resulted in unprecedented violence and migration. Once India was independent, PM Jawaharlal Nehru gave his famous speech-“Tryst with Destiny”. The speech called for a secular and democratic India.
Adoption of the Indian Constitution (1950 CE)
One of the top 10 historical events in India is the adoption of the Indian Constitution. India adopted its constitution on January 26, 1950, and became a republic. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar drafted the constitution. This constitution remains the longest written constitution in the world!. The constitution holds key values like justice, liberty, and equality for all. The caste based discrimination was abolished.
Did you know the original calligraphed Constitution was hand‑written, and it took 5 years and an estimated INR 6.3 crore to prepare the same? The framing of the Indian Constitution remains the biggest historical event in India.
Also Read
- Indus Valley Civilization Facts: 27+ Interesting Facts for Students
- 18 Facts About B. R. Ambedkar- Architect of the Indian Constitution
FAQs
The biggest historical event in India is the Indian Independence on August 15, 1947. Thereafter, India became a sovereign, democratic, and republican state. The country adopted its constitution on January 26, 1950.
The Mauryan Empire, established by Chandragupta Maurya, is considered the largest and most important part of Indian history. The Mauryan empire lasted from 322 to 185 BC. The empire unified much of India under the rule of Ashoka the Great.
We cannot pinpoint one single person as the ‘father of Indian history’. However, Megasthenes is considered the first historian to provide a detailed account of ancient India. This earned him the title of the father of Indian history. He was a Greek historian and diplomat who lived during the reign of King Chandragupta Maurya
The best historical event in India is the Indian Independence in 1947. This marked the end of British rule, and the time of Indian as a sovereign nation. The best historical event of the world was the Apollo 11 Moon Landing in 1969, and the formation of the United Nations.
The most renowned Kings of India are Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka the Great. Akbar the Great is also considered one of the best rulers.
Related Reads
These were the facts about the top 10 historical events in India. If you find it fascinating and wish to read more such interesting reads, then stay tuned to the General Knowledge page of Leverage Edu.
