Classification of Indian history

Indian history can be broadly classified into several periods and categories, depending on the criteria used.
Some common ways of classifying Indian history include:

1. Ancient India:
   This period spans from the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300 BCE–1300 BCE) to the end of the Gupta Empire (c. 320 CE–550 CE). It is characterized by significant cultural, economic, and political developments, including the emergence of Hinduism and Buddhism, the spread of trade and commerce, and the rise and fall of various empires and dynasties.
2. Medieval India:
   This period covers the period from the end of the Gupta Empire to the arrival of Europeans in India in the late 15th century. It is marked by the arrival of Islam, the growth of regional kingdoms, the development of new art and architecture styles, and the expansion of trade networks.
3. British India:
   This period refers to the period of British colonial rule in India, which lasted from 1757 to 1947. It is characterized by the imposition of British political, economic, and social structures, as well as the emergence of Indian nationalist movements and the struggle for independence.
4. Modern India:
   This period begins with India's independence from British rule in 1947 and continues to the present day. It includes the creation of the Indian constitution, the growth of democracy, the Green Revolution, and the liberalization of the Indian economy in the 1990s.

James Mill, a British historian and philosopher, classified Indian history into three periods in his book "The History of British India" published in 1817.

According to Mill:-

The first period was the Hindu period,
which began with the earliest known civilization in India, the Indus Valley Civilization, and lasted until the arrival of Muslim conquerors in the 12th century CE. Mill characterized this period as one of superstition and religious dogma, with a rigid caste system and no significant intellectual or scientific achievements.

The second period was the Muslim period,
which began with the arrival of Muslim conquerors and the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in the 12th century CE. According to Mill, this period was marked by religious intolerance, political instability, and economic decline.

The third period was the British period,
which began with the establishment of British rule in India in the late 18th century. Mill saw this period as one of progress and enlightenment, with British colonialism bringing modern ideas and institutions to India and promoting economic development and social reform.

Indian History

Topic	Link
The Vedas	Link
Rituals	Link