India Celebrates 79th Independence day on 15 august 2025. India, the land of spices, ancient civilization and Diversity. As we celebrate this day, let's explore the culturally rich land with reference to its history, language, Independence struggles and some interesting facts about the country.
India: One of the oldest Civilizations in the world
- Did you know? The Indus valley Civilization situated itself as one of the earliest civilizations in the world along with Mesopotamian Civilizations, Ancient Egypt and Ancient China. The Indus Valley Civilizations is known for its futuristic projection. The Detailed planning of its cities, domestication of animals,port cities, use of cotton and wool. The Script used in the civilization on the seals could not be discovered yet. The civilization came to an end due to unknown reasons.
- The Mauryan Empire was established followed by the indus valley civilization in 322 BCE. Ashoka, one of the rulers under this civilization, is known for spreading Buddhism in south east Asia, a religion carved out of Hinduism.
- Several Travellers and Merchants landed in India with an aim to sell Indian goods to their countries such as spices, textiles, Natural Resources, gemstones to their own countries.
- In 1498, The Portuguese Traveller Vasco da Gama landed in India and discovered it for Europe.
- Several Travellers took tours in the Indian subcontinent and documented their journey such as Megasthenes from Greece (Indica),Fa-Hien from China (A Record of Buddhist Kingdoms), Ibn Battuta from Morocco (Rihla), Al-Biruni from Khwarezm (Tahqiq-i-Hind), Marco Polo from Venice (The Travels of Marco Polo).
- The East India Company arrived in India in 1608 and asked for the permission for setting up their company from the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan.
- The motives of Business shifted to Administration by calling it “civilizing the nation” By Introducing Cruel and Manipulating Rules for the Indians and also setting up Puppet rulers to Protect itself from Strong empires like Marathas,Ahoms etc's.
How Did India Get Independence?
- The slow expansion of the British Empire and its cruel treatment of Indian subjects such as Deadly Famines in the British ruling territories, Jallianwala act, Exploitation of Peasants and workers, Plundering Indian resources to sell all over the world etc Led to the rise of angst among the masses.
- The first official incident of rebellion was the 1857 revolt started by a Sepoy, Mangal pandey which made Britishers recede.
The Series of Independence movements continues since then
- 1905 – Partition of Bengal & Swadeshi Movement
- 1916 – Home Rule Movement
- 1920–1922 – Non-Cooperation Movement
- 1930 – Civil Disobedience Movement & Dandi March
- 1942 – Quit India Movement
After 200 years of Colonisation, India gained its Independence on 15 August 1947 With Jawaharlal Nehru as its Prime Minister.
Some Interesting Facts about India
- The Name India derived from the river Indus, which is a sacred river in the Hindu Scriptures and therefore the country’s name INDIA.
- India is the 4th largest economy, has the Highest population,is the largest Democracy in the World.
- The legendary Indoor sports such as Chess and Snake and ladder was Invented in india, It is called “shatranj” in hindi
- India is the largest Democracy in the World.
- Ayurveda is the first school of medicine. Developed around 2500 years ago and by the father of Medicine, Charaka.
- India is the most invaded country in the world.
- World’s First University was Set up in Takshila around 700 BC.
- Hindu religion worshiped Nine planets called “ Nav Graha” even before the Scientific Concept of Solar system was discovered.
- The only Source diamond in the entire world was India till 1896.
- Martial arts was first developed in India.
Despite Challenges, India continues to grow with goals to be achieved to become one of the strongest countries in the world. This Independence, spare some time out of your schedule and read about the nation that is built on the might of freedom fighters, Soldiers and with the strength of its people.