Indian History Timeline : Ancient to Modern History Chronology

Indian History Timeline: The Indian history chronology is divided into three periods: ancient, medieval, and modern. The chronology of Indian history spans thousands of years, from prehistoric times to the modern era. Each period is marked by various events, rulers, and social transformations that shaped Indian history.

Below are the Indian history timelines including ancient India, medieval India, and modern India.

Indian History Timeline

Category of Indian History

The order of Indian history is divided into three periods, as follows:

1. Ancient India
2. Medieval India
3. Modern India

Indian History Timeline

Timeline	Event
9000 BCE	Early Neolithic Period
7000 to 3300 BCE	Mehrgarh Culture
3000 to 1500 BCE 3000 – 2600 BCE 2600 – 1700 BCE 1700 – 1500 BCE	Indus Valley Civilization, Early Harappan Phase, Mature Harappan Phase, Late Harappan Phase
1400 BCE	Complete disappearance of Harappan towns
1500 to 1000 BCE	Early Vedic age, also known as the Rigveda age
1000 BCE	Iron age of India
1000 to 500 BCE	Later Vedic Age
600 BCE	Emergence of 16 Mahajanapadas
563 BCE	Birth of Gautama Buddha (Founder of Buddhism)
540 BCE	Birth of Vardhamana Mahavira (Founder of Jainism)
516 BCE	Penetration of Iranian ruler, Darius into Northwest India
326 BCE	Invasion of India by Alexander of Macedonia (Battle of Hydaspes)
322 BCE	Establishment of the Mauryan dynasty
273 to 232 BCE	Reign of Ashoka
265 BCE	Beginning of Kalinga war
261 BCE	End of the Kalinga war
250 BCE	The Third Buddist Council was held
200 BCE	Beginning of Central Asian contacts and invasion of Bactrian Greeks
184 BCE	The decline of the Mauryan Empire
100 BCE	Establishment of Satavahana Dynasty in Deccan
78 BCE	Shaka era was started by the Kushan ruler, Kanishka
57 BCE	Beginning of the Vikram era
Common Era
78 CE	Gautamiputra Satakarni becomes Satavahana ruler
240 CE	Establishment of the Gupta Empire by Sri Gupta
319 CE	Beginning of the Gupta era by Chandragupta I
319 to 334 CE	Reign of Chandragupta I
335 to 380 CE	Reign of Samudragupta
380 to 412 CE	Reign of Chandragupta II
450 CE	Hunas invasion and end of Gupta Empire
606 to 647 CE	Period of King Harshavardhana
973 to 1190 CE	Reign of Chalukyas of Kalyani
753 CE	Establishment of the Rashtrakuta dynasty by Danti Durga
760 to 1142 CE	Reign of Palas in Eastern India
788 CE	Birth of Adi Sankaracharya
985 to 1014 CE	Reign of Rajaraja Chola
1014 to 1044 CE	Reign of Rajendra Chola
1000 to 1027 CE	Invasion of India by Mahmud of Ghazni
1191 CE	First Battle of Tarain (Mohammad Ghori defeated by Prithviraj III)
1192 CE	Second Battle of Tarain (Prithviraj III defeated by Mohammad Ghori)
1192 to 1206 CE	Ganga-Jamuna doab and its surrounding was under Turkish rule
1206 CE	Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate by Qutbuddin Aibak
1210 CE	Death of Qutbuddin Aibak
1210 to 1236 CE	Reign of Iltutmish
1236 to 1240 CE	Reign of Raziya
1265 to 1287 CE	Reign of Balban
1290 CE	Establishment of the Khalji dynasty by Jalaluddin Khalji
1290 to 1296 CE	Reign of Jalaluddin Khalji
1296 to 1316 CE	Reign of Alauddin Khalji
1320 CE	Establishment of the Tughlaq dynasty by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
1320 to 1325 CE	Reign of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
1325 to 1351 CE	Reign of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq
1327 CE	Transfer of capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (by Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq)
1333 CE	Arrival of Ibn Batuta to India
1351 to 1388 CE	Reign of Firuz Tughlaq
1394 to 1412 CE	Reign of Nasiruddin Mahmud
1398 CE	Invasion of Delhi by Timur
1412 CE	The Reign of the Tughlaq dynasty came to an end
1414 to 1451 CE	Reign of the Sayyid dynasty
1451 CE	Establishment of the Lodi dynasty
1451 to 1489 CE	Reign of Bahlul Lodhi
1489 to 1517 CE	Reign of Sikandar Lodhi
1517 to 1526 CE	Reign of Ibrahim Lodhi
1526 CE	First Battle of Panipat
1336 CE	Establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire by Harihara and Bukka
1377 to 1404	Reign of Harihara II
1404 to 1422 CE	Reign of Deva Raya I
1425 to 1446 CE	Reign of Deva Raya II
1509 CE	Tuluva dynasty was founded by Krishna Deva Raya
1509 to 1530 CE	Reign of Krishnadeva Raya
1565 CE	Battle of Talikota or Battle of Rakshasa-Tangadi. Marked the decline of the Vijayanagara empire
1346 CE	Establishment of Bahmani Kingdom
1327 to 1358 CE	Reign of Ala-ud-din Hasan Bahman Shah
1397 to 1422 CE	Reign of Firuz Shah Bahmani
1419 CE	Defeat of Firuz Shah Bahmani by Deva Raya I
1498 CE	Arrival of Vasco da Gama at Calicut
1510 CE	The Portuguese Governor, Alfonso Albuquerque captured Goa from the ruler of Bijapur.
1526 CE	First Battle of Panipat (Defeat of Ibrahim Lodi by Babur)
1526 CE	Establishment of the Mughal Empire by Babur
1527 CE	Battle of Khanwa
1530 CE	Accession of Humayun to the throne
1539 CE	Defeat of Humayun by Sher Khan at Chausa
1540 CE	Battle of Kanauj between Sher Khan and Mughals
1540 CE	Establishment of Sur Empire by Sher Shah
1555 CE	Humayun recaptured the throne by defeating Sikandur Suri in the Battle of Sirhind.
1556 CE	Accession of Akbar to the throne
1556 CE	Second Battle of Panipat
1556 – 1605 CE	Reign of Akbar
1564 CE	Abolition of the Jizyah system by Akbar
1565 CE	Battle of Talikota and end of Vijayanagar empire
1575 CE	Ibadat Khana (Hall of Prayer) was constructed in Fatehpur Sikri
1576 CE	Battle of Haldighati (Defeat of Maharana Pratap by Akbar)
1581 CE	Promulgation of Din-i-Ilahi by Akbar
1605 to 1627 CE	Reign of Jahangir
1628 to 1658 CE	Reign of Shah Jahan
1658 to 1707 CE	Coronation of Aurangzeb
1679 CE	Jizyah system was reintroduced by Aurangzeb
1707 CE	Death of Aurangzeb
1709 to 1712 CE	Reign of Bahadur Shah I
1712 to 1713 CE	Reign of Jahandar Shah
1713 to 1719 CE	Reign of Farrukhsiyar
1719 to 1748 CE	Reign of Muhammad Shah
1738 to 1739 CE	Persian emperor, Nadir Shah invaded India
1739 CE	Battle of Karnal (Mughals were defeated by Nadir Shah)
1740 to 1748 CE	First Carnatic War
1748 to 1754 CE	Reign of Ahmad Shah
1754 to 1758 CE	Reign of Alamgir II
1757 CE	Battle of Plassey
1758 to 1759 CE	Reign of Shahjehan II
1759 to 1806 CE	Reign of Shah Alam II
1760 CE	Battle of Wandiwash
1761 CE	Third Battle of Panipat
1764 CE	Battle of Buxar
1765 CE	Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa were granted to the British East India Company by Shah Alam II
1765 to 1772 CE	Dual Government in Bengal
1767 to 1769 CE	First Anglo-Mysore war
1770 CE	Great Bengal Famine
1772 CE	Warren Hastings was appointed as Governor of Bengal
1772 CE	Abolition of dual government in Bengal
1773 CE	The Regulating Act of 1773 was passed
1775 to 1782 CE	First Anglo-Maratha war
1776 CE	Treaty of Purandhar
1780 to 1784 CE	Second Anglo-Mysore war
1782 CE	Treaty of Salbai
1784 CE	Pitt’s India Act was passed
1786 to 1793 CE	Lord Cornwallis served as the Governor-General
1790 to 1792 CE	Third Anglo-Mysore War and Treaty of Srirangapatnam (1792)
1793 CE	The Charter Act of 1793 was passed
1793 to 1798 CE	Sir John Shore served as the Governor-General
1798 CE	Lord Wellesley was appointed as Governor-General
1798 CE	Introduction of Subsidiary Alliance
1799 CE	Fourth Anglo-Mysore war
1802 CE	Treaty of Bassein
1803 to 1805 CE	Second Anglo-Maratha war
1806 to 1837 CE	Reign of Akbar II
1807 to 1813 CE	Lord Minto served as the Governor-General
1813 CE	The Charter Act of 1813 was passed
1813 to 1823 CE	Lord Warren Hastings served as the Governor-General
1817 to 1819 CE	Third Anglo-Maratha war
1823 to 1828 CE	Lord Amherst served as the Governor-General
1828 CE	Brahmo Sabha was founded by Raja Rammohan Roy
1828 to 1835 CE	Lord William Bentinck served as the Governor-General
1833 CE	The Charter Act of 1833 was passed
1836 to 1842 CE	Lord Auckland served as the Governor-General
1837 to 1857 CE	Reign of Bahadur Shah II and the end of the Mughal empire
1842 to 1844 CE	Lord Ellenborough served as the Governor-General
1844 to 1848 CE	Lord Hardinge served as the Governor-General
1845 to 1846 CE	First Anglo-Sikh War
1848 to 1849 CE	Second Anglo-Sikh War
1848 to 1856 CE	Lord Dalhousie served as the Governor-General
1853 CE	The Charter Act of 1853 was passed
1854 CE	Charles Wood’s despatch on Education
1856 to 1858 CE	Lord Canning served as the Governor-General
1857 CE	Revolt of 1857
1858 CE	Lord Canning was appointed as the Viceroy
1861 CE	Indian Council Act of 1861 was passed
1861 CE	Indian Civil Service Act of 1861 was passed
1862 to 1863 CE	Lord Elgin served as Viceroy
1864 to 1869 CE	Sir John Lawrence served as Viceroy
1866 CE	East India Association was formed by Dadabhai Naoroji
1867 CE	Poona Sarvajanik Sabha was founded by M.G.Ranade
1869 to 1872 CE	Lord Mayo served as Viceroy
1875 CE	Arya Samaj founded by Swami Dayananda
1876 CE	Indian National Association was formed by Surendranath Banerjea and Ananda Mohan Bose
1878 CE	The Vernacular Press Act was passed
1880 to 1884 CE	Lord Ripon served as Viceroy
1883 to 1884 CE	Ilbert Bill Controversy
1884 to 1888 CE	Lord Dufferin served as Viceroy
1885 CE	The first session of the Indian National Congress
1888 to 1893 CE	Lord Lansdowne served as Viceroy
1892 CE	Indian Councils Act of 1892 was passed
1893 to 1899 CE	Lord Elgin II served as Viceroy
1899 to 1905 CE	Lord Curzon served as Viceroy
1905 CE	Partition of Bengal
1905 to 1910 CE	Lord Minto II served as Viceroy
1906 CE	Swaraj was declared the goal of the Congress by Dadabhai Naoroji
1906 CE	Formation of the Muslim League
1907 CE	Surat Split of the Congress
1907 CE	Seditious meeting act was passed
1908 CE	Indian Newspapers Act was passed
1909 CE	Morley-Minto Reforms
1909 CE	Indian Councils Act of 1909 was passed
1910 CE	Indian Press Act was passed
1910 to 1916 CE	Lord Hardinge II served as Viceroy
1911 CE	Annulment of Bengal Partition of 1905
1914 to 1919 CE	First World War
1914 CE	The arrival of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in India
1916 to 1921 CE	Lord Chelmsford served as Viceroy
1916 CE	Home Rule League was set up by Tilak and Annie Besant
1916 CE	Lucknow pact between Congress and Muslim League
1916 CE	Readmission of Extremists into Congress at Lucknow session of Congress
1917 CE	August declaration was made by Edwin Samuel Montagu
1917 CE	Champaran Satyagraha
1918 CE	Ahmedabad Mill Strike
1918 CE	Kheda Satyagraha
1919 CE	Montagu-Chelmsford Reform was introduced
1919 CE	Government of India Act of 1919 was passed
1919 CE	Rowlatt Act was passed
1919 CE	Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
1920 CE	Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movement
1920 to 1930 CE	Several revolutionary movements took place
1921 to 1926 CE	Lord Reading served as Viceroy
1922 CE	Chauri Chaura incident
1926 to 1931 CE	Lord Irwin served as Viceroy
1927 CE	All India Women’s Conference was founded by Margaret Cousins
1927 CE	Appointment of Simon Commission
1928 CE	Nehru Report was put forth
1929 CE	Jinnah’s Fourteen points were proposed
1930 CE	Gandhiji’s Dandi March and Civil Disobedience Movement
1930 to 1931 CE	First-round Table Conference
1931 CE	Second Round Table Conference
1931 CE	Gandhi-Irwin Pact
1931 to 1936 CE	Lord Wellingdon served as Viceroy
1932 CE	Third Round Table Conference
1932 CE	Announcement of communal award
1932 CE	Poona Pact was signed
1935 CE	Government of India Act of 1935 was passed
1936 to 1944 CE	Lord Linlithgow served as Viceroy
1939 to 1945 CE	Second World War
1940 CE	August Offer was announced
1942 CE	Cripps Mission headed by Sir Stafford Cripps was sent to India
1943 CE	The Bengal Famine
1944 to 1947 CE	Lord Wavell served as Viceroy
1945 CE	Wavell Plan
1946 CE	Cabinet Mission was sent to India
1947 CE	Mountbatten Plan was announced
1947 CE	Indian Independence Act was passed
1947 CE	Partition of India into India and Pakistan
1948 CE	Assasination of Gandhi
1949 CE	The Constitution of India was adopted
1950 CE	The Constitution of India came into force

Ancient Indian Chronology

Events in ancient Indian chronology begin from the prehistoric period to the 7th century AD. Read below to learn more.

Ancient Indian Chronology

Prehistoric Periods:

1. Paleolithic Period (2 million BC–10,000 BC):

Characterized by stone tools, the discovery of fire, and significant sites like Bhimbetka, Hunsgi, and Narmada Valley.

2. Mesolithic Period (10,000 BC – 8,000 BC):

Introduction of microliths, domestication of animals, and notable climatic changes.

3. Neolithic Period (8000 BC–2000 BC): Agriculture emerges, the wheel is invented, and notable sites include Hallur and Burzahom.

4. Chalcolithic Period (4000 BC–1500 BC): Known as the Copper Age, part of the Bronze Age.

5. Iron Age (1500 BC–200 BC): Marks the Vedic Period and the arrival of Aryans.

Vedic Period

Early Vedic Period (1500 BC–1000 BC):

• Arrival and settlement of Aryans in the northwest.
• The Rig Veda, the oldest of the Vedas, is composed.
• Development of early Vedic culture and religion.

Later Vedic Period (1000 BC–500 BC):

• Expansion of Aryan culture into the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
• Composition of the other three Vedas (Yajur, Sama, and Atharva).
• The rise of Brahmanism and the beginnings of the caste system.

Mahajanapadas Period (600 BC–300 BC):

• Formation of 16 major states, or Mahajanapadas.
• Flourishing of urban centers and trade.
• Development of early political entities and republics.

Buddhism and Jainism Rise (around 6th century BC):

• The Emergence of Buddhism by Gautama Buddha.
• The Rise of Jainism by Mahavira.
• Challenge to the Vedic religious order.

Persian and Greek Invasions (around 550 BC–300 BC):

Influence of Persian culture and administration during the Achaemenid Empire.

Alexander the Great’s invasion, which leaves a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.

Mauryan Empire (321 BC–185 BC):

• Chandragupta Maurya establishes a large empire.
• Ashoka’s reign marked the peak of the empire, known for his spread of Buddhism.

Post-Mauryan Kingdoms (after 185 BC):

• Sunga, Kanva, and the Satavahana dynasties.
• Regional powers rise in the absence of a central authority.

Gupta Empire (around 320 AD–550 AD):

• Often regarded as the Golden Age of India.
• Significant developments in art, science, and literature.
• Establishment of a strong central government and prosperous trade.

Post-Gupta Period (550 AD onwards):

• Fragmentation of the empire and rise of regional kingdoms.
• Cultural and trade continuities despite political changes.

Medieval Indian Chronology (AD 700–AD 1857)

The medieval Indian chronology spans from the 8th to the 18th centuries AD. This period marks the rise and fall of several powerful empires.

Medieval History Chronology

Early Medieval Period (AD 700–AD 1200)

Tripartite Struggle (AD 800-1200):

• A power struggle for control of the Gangetic plains among the Pratiharas, Palas, and Rashtrakutas.
• Significant for shaping the political landscape of North India.

Rise of Regional Kingdoms:

• The emergence of powerful regional dynasties like the Cholas, Chalukyas, and Pallavas in the South.
• These kingdoms made significant contributions to Indian culture, architecture, and literature.

High Medieval Period (AD 1200–AD 1526)

Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate (1206 AD–1526 AD):

• Marked by the arrival of the Turks and the establishment of Muslim rule in North India.
• Successive dynasties: the Mamluk/Slave Dynasty, the Khilji Dynasty, the Tughlaq Dynasty, the Sayyid Dynasty, and the Lodi Dynasty.
• Expansion and consolidation of Muslim rule in the Indian subcontinent.

Invasions from Central Asia:

• Raids by Timur (Tamerlane) in 1398 led to the temporary decline of the Delhi Sultanate.
• Establishment of madrasas and libraries.
• Growth of Indo-Islamic architecture, exemplified by the Qutub Minar and the Red Fort.
• Expansion of trade with the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
• Growth of urban centers like Delhi, Agra, and Lahore.

Late Medieval Period (AD 1526–AD 1857)

Mughal Empire (AD 1526–AD 1857):

• Established by Babur after the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.
• It reached its zenith under Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb.
• Known for its administrative efficiency, military strength, and cultural achievements.

Maratha Ascendancy:

• The Maratha Empire rose under Shivaji in the 17th century.
• Became a major power in India, challenging the Mughal and later European powers.

European Colonization:

• Arrival of European traders and colonizers, notably the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British.
• The establishment of trading posts and subsequent political influence led to colonial rule.
• Gradual weakening of the Mughal Empire, especially post-Aurangzeb.
• Rise of regional powers like the Hyderabadi Nizams, Rajputs, Sikhs, and Jats.
• Growth of religious and social reform movements like Sikhism under Guru Nanak and subsequent gurus.

Establishment of Independent Kingdoms:

• Formation of independent and semi-independent kingdoms like Bengal, Awadh, and Mysore.
• These states played crucial roles in the resistance against British expansion.

This period of medieval Indian history was marked by a rich tapestry of political, social, and cultural transformations. It set the stage for the subsequent colonial period and the modern era, contributing significantly to the diverse and complex heritage of the Indian subcontinent.

Modern Indian Chronology

Modern Indian history, beginning in the mid-18th century, is a period marked by significant events that led to the end of traditional kingdoms, the rise of British colonialism, and eventually the birth of a modern, independent nation. Here’s a chronological overview of key events in this era:

Modern History Chronology

Colonial Era (Mid-18th Century–1947)

Establishment of British Rule:

• 1757: Battle of Plassey, establishing British supremacy in Bengal.
• 1764: Battle of Buxar, consolidating British power in India.

British Expansion and Administration:

• Late 18th to 19th centuries: gradual expansion of British rule across India.
• Introduction of administrative and legal reforms like the Permanent Settlement, Ryotwari System, and Civil Services.

Socio-Religious Reform Movements:

Early to mid-19th century: the emergence of reform movements like Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj and the activities of social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.

The Revolt of 1857:

• The First War of Indian Independence, or the Sepoy Mutiny against British rule.
• This led to the end of the East India Company’s rule and the establishment of direct British Crown control over India.

Nationalist Movements and Congress Foundation:

• 1885: Formation of the Indian National Congress.
• Early 20th century: Swadeshi Movement, Home Rule Movement.

Gandhian Era and Mass Movements:

• 1915: Return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa; beginning of Gandhian era in Indian freedom struggle.
• 1919: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre; Rowlatt Act protests.
• 1920: Non-Cooperation Movement.
• 1930: Civil Disobedience Movement; Salt Satyagraha.
• 1942: Quit India Movement.

Partition and Independence:

1947: Partition of India; independence from British rule; creation of India and Pakistan.

Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of an independent India.

Indian History Chronology – FAQs

What is the order of Indian history?

The order of Indian history starts from ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history.

What is the timeline of Indian history?

The timeline of Indian history is as follows:

Ancient History: 2 million BC to 550 AD

Medieval History: AD 700–AD 1857

Modern History, Mid-18th Century–1947

What are the periods of Indian history?

The periods of Indian history are divided into three. The periods are ancient, medieval, and modern. These are named as per the chronology of history.

What is the timeline of ancient Indian history?

The timeline of ancient Indian history starts in prehistoric times and lasts up to 550 AD.

Prehistoric Periods:

Paleolithic Period (2 million BC–10,000 BC), Mesolithic Period (10,000 BC–8,000 BC), Neolithic Period (8000 BC–2000 BC), Chalcolithic Period (4000 BC–1500 BC), and Iron Age (1500 BC–200 BC)

Early Vedic Period (1500 BC–1000 BC)

Later Vedic Period (1000 BC–500 BC)

Mahajanapadas Period (600 BC–300 BC)

Buddhism and Jainism Rise (around 6th century BC)

Mauryan Empire (321 BC–185 BC)

Gupta Empire (around 320 AD–550 AD)

What is the medieval history chronology in India?

The chronology of medieval Indian history can be explained in three sub-periods, as follows:

Early Medieval Period (AD 700–AD 1200)

Tripartite Struggle (AD 800-1200)

High Medieval Period (AD 1200–AD 1526)

Establishment of the Delhi Sultanate (1206 AD–1526 AD)

Late Medieval Period (AD 1526–AD 1857)

Mughal Empire (AD 1526–AD 1857)