The people of India have had a continuous civilization since 2500 B.C., when the inhabitants of the Indus River valley developed an urban culture based on commerce and sustained by agricultural trade. This civilization declined around 1500 B.C., probably due to ecological changes.
During the second millennium B.C., pastoral, Aryan-speaking tribes migrated from the northwest into the subcontinent. As they settled in the middle Ganges River valley, they adapted to antecedent cultures.
The political map of ancient and medieval India was made up of myriad kingdoms with fluctuating boundaries. In the 4th and 5th centuries A.D., northern India was unified under the Gupta Dynasty. During this period, known as India's Golden Age, Hindu culture and political administration reached new heights.
Islam spread across the Indian subcontinent over a period of 500 years. In the 10th and 11th centuries, Turks and Afghans invaded India and established sultanates in Delhi. In the early 16th century, descendants of Genghis Khan swept across the Khyber Pass and established the Mughal (Mogul) Dynasty, which lasted for 200 years. From the 11th to the 15th centuries, southern India was dominated by Hindu Chola and Vijayanagar Dynasties. During this time, the two systems--the prevailing Hindu and Muslim--mingled, leaving lasting cultural influences on each other.
The first British outpost in South Asia was established in 1619 at Surat on the northwestern coast. Later in the century, the East India Company opened permanent trading stations at Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta, each under the protection of native rulers.
The British expanded their influence from these footholds until, by the 1850s, they controlled most of present-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. In 1857, a rebellion in north India led by mutinous Indian soldiers caused the British Parliament to transfer all political power from the East India Company to the Crown. Great Britain began administering most of India directly while controlling the rest through treaties with local rulers.
In the late 1800s, the first steps were taken toward self-government in British India with the appointment of Indian councilors to advise the British viceroy and the establishment of provincial councils with Indian members; the British subsequently widened participation in legislative councils. Beginning in 1920, Indian leader Mohandas K. Gandhi transformed the Indian National Congress political party into a mass movement to campaign against British colonial rule. The party used both parliamentary and nonviolent resistance and non-cooperation to achieve independence.
On August 15, 1947, India became a dominion within the Commonwealth, with Jawaharlal Nehru as Prime Minister. Enmity between Hindus and Muslims led the British to partition British India, creating East and West Pakistan, where there were Muslim majorities. India became a republic within the Commonwealth after promulgating its constitution on January 26, 1950.
After independence, the Congress Party, the party of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, ruled India under the influence first of Nehru and then his daughter and grandson, with the exception of two brief periods in the 1970s and 1980s.
Prime Minister Nehru governed India until his death in 1964. He was succeeded by Lal Bahadur Shastri, who also died in office. In 1966, power passed to Nehru's daughter, Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister from 1966 to 1977. In 1975, beset with deepening political and economic problems, Mrs. Gandhi declared a state of emergency and suspended many civil liberties. Seeking a mandate at the polls for her policies, she called for elections in 1977, only to be defeated by Moraji Desai, who headed the Janata Party, an amalgam of five opposition parties.
In 1979, Desai's Government crumbled. Charan Singh formed an interim government, which was followed by Mrs. Gandhi's return to power in January 1980. On October 31, 1984, Mrs. Gandhi was assassinated, and her son, Rajiv, was chosen by the Congress (I)--for "Indira"--Party to take her place. His government was brought down in 1989 by allegations of corruption and was followed by V.P. Singh and then Chandra Shekhar.
In the 1989 elections, although Rajiv Gandhi and Congress won more seats in the 1989 elections than any other single party, he was unable to form a government with a clear majority. The Janata Dal, a union of opposition parties, was able to form a government with the help of the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the right and the communists on the left. This loose coalition collapsed in November 1990, and the government was controlled for a short period by a breakaway Janata Dal group supported by Congress (I), with Chandra Shekhar as Prime Minister. That alliance also collapsed, resulting in national elections in June 1991.
On May 27, 1991, while campaigning in Tamil Nadu on behalf of Congress (I), Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated, apparently by Tamil extremists from Sri Lanka. In the elections, Congress (I) won 213 parliamentary seats and put together a coalition, returning to power under the leadership of P.V. Narasimha Rao. This Congress-led government, which served a full 5-year term, initiated a gradual process of economic liberalization and reform, which has opened the Indian economy to global trade and investment. India's domestic politics also took new shape, as traditional alignments by caste, creed, and ethnicity gave way to a plethora of small, regionally based political parties.
The final months of the Rao-led government in the spring of 1996 were marred by several major political corruption scandals, which contributed to the worst electoral performance by the Congress Party in its history. The Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged from the May 1996 national elections as the single-largest party in the Lok Sabha but without enough strength to prove a majority on the floor of that Parliament. Under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the BJP coalition lasted in power 13 days. With all political parties wishing to avoid another round of elections, a 14-party coalition led by the Janata Dal emerged to form a government known as the United Front, under the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, H.D. Deve Gowda. His government lasted less than a year, as the leader of the Congress Party withdrew his support in March 1997. Inder Kumar Gujral replaced Deve Gowda as the consensus choice for Prime Minister of a 16-party United Front coalition.
In November 1997, the Congress Party in India again withdrew support for the United Front. New elections in February 1998 brought the BJP the largest number of seats in Parliament--182--but fell far short of a majority. On March 20, 1998, the President inaugurated a BJP-led coalition government with Vajpayee again serving as Prime Minister. On May 11 and 13, 1998, this government conducted a series of underground nuclear tests forcing U.S. President Clinton to impose economic sanctions on India pursuant to the 1994 Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Act.
In April 1999, the BJP-led coalition government fell apart, leading to fresh elections in September. The National Democratic Alliance-a new coalition led by the BJP-gained a majority to form the government with Vajpayee as Prime Minister in October 1999.
Temples In India
Bal Hanumal Mandir (Kolkata)
In heaven there was a very famous apsara (courtesan, dancing girl) named Punjikasthala. On a certain occasion she insulted one of the rishis. As a result she got a curse that she would be born as a female monkey. After her birth she was named Anjana. Her husband's name was Kesari. Because Anjana had no son, she began to do penance. She gave up eating and drinking. She prayed to god Vayu not only to get her a son, but that he should be powerful and swift, just like god Vayu himself.
Vayu answered: "Tathastu", "Amen", "Let it be as you desire."
In the morning of the first 14th day of Chaitra in a cave on the Rushyamuk mountain, Anjana gave birth to her son Hanuman. Soon after his birth Hanuman came out of the cave and, as the sun was rising, he flew towards the sun to eat its reddish rays.
As he flew towards the sun, Rahu stood in his way. But with a stroke of his tail he pushed Rahu aside. Then came Ketu, but he also was removed, and Hanuman flew ahead towards the sun. Then heaven became worried. Indra mounted his elephant "Airavat", and wondered in his mind, "Who is this extraordinary child going out to eat the sun?" Indra became angry and flung his weapon "vajra"
(thunderbolt) on Hanuman, who was caught unawares. He was hit on his left knee, and fell on the top of a high mountain.
Kali Ghat Mandir (Kolkata)
The temple at Kalighat as a place of worship for the Sakti cultists was set up by the Sabarna Roy Choudhurys, A famous Brahmin Zamindar family of Barisa in the district of 24 Parganas. This family was one of the foremost Brahmin families in Bengal and still continues to be very highly regarded for the various contributions to the cultural development of Bengal. Different branches of the Sabarna Roy Choudhurys had settled themselves at other villages, namely, Halisahar, portions of Calcutta, Baruipur, etc. The original temple was a small hut. A small
temple was constructed by King Manasingha in the early Sixteenth century. The present temple was built in 1809 on the site of an ancient temple.
It is believed that the swirling wheel of Lord Vishnu had sliced off the corpse of Goddess Sati, when Lord Shiva was performing his menacing dance (Pralay) with her on his shoulders, in a fit of tremendous rage. The slices of her body fell at different places which later turned into pilgrimage centers for the devout Hindus. Kalighat is one such sacred spot where a toe of the Goddess's right foot is believed to have dropped. In the months of Bhadra, Paush and Chaitra (according to Bengali calendar), Kalighat turns into a confluence of devout Bengali and non-Bengali pilgrims.
Scientist, Dr. A. Sarkar of University of Northedam, Indiana, USA sent a message which says ' I never believed in myths and had never any trust on Gods and Goddess till i had my wife miraculously got back her life after our first child birth and both survived beyond's doctor's imaginations from the claws of death. Surely there is some power Supreme, somewhere to do and undo nything in this mortal world. We are to get touch of that power through the blessings of that Allmighty. For me the Nirmalya from Kalighat did that marvel, a miracle above all science any human can think over'.
The pujas and other festivals of light, crackers and colorful processions connected with Navarathri celebrations are hallmarks and highlights of the festivals conducted in honour of Goddess Kali. This temple of Mother Kali is one of the 52 Shakthi Peetams in India and does known for her aggressive yet love nature. Apart from the divine power of the residing deity, the temple has long been famous for its fine examples of terracotta art, though a lot of it has been ravaged by time.
The idol of Goddess Kali is made of black stone and decorated with gold and silver. The one of Lord Shiva is in silver. The goddess is offered a ceremonial bath every year on the snan-yatra day, the rituals being performed by the head priest. Kali represents the destructive side of Siva's consort and demands daily sacrifices; therefore in the morning goats have their throats slit here to satisfy the goddess's bloodlust. During the day many poor people come here for a free feed.
Kalighat is also associated with the worship offered to Kaali by a Dasanami Monk by name Chowranga Giri, and the Chowringee area of Kolkata is said to have been named after him. Kalighat kali temple is always over crowded with devotees from all over the world
Place In India
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir (Katra)
A pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimages of our times. Popular the world over as Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata, which means, the Mother who fulfills whatever Her children wish for, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji resides in a Holy Cave located in the folds of the three peaked mountain named Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot). The Holy Cave attracts lakhs of devotees every year. In fact, the number of Yatris visiting the Holy Shrine annually now exceeds 5 million. This is due to the unflinching
faith of the devotees who throng the Shrine from all parts of India and abroad. he Holy Cave of the Mother is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft. The Yatris have to undertake a trek of nearly 12 km from the base camp at Katra. At the culmination of their pilgrimage, the yatries are blessed with the Darshans of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum- the Holy Cave. These Darshans are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. There are no statues or idols inside the Cave.
Darshans are open round the clock throughout the year.
Since the year 1986, when the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (commonly called Shrine Board) was formed (under “The Jammu & Kashmir Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Act, 1986’), the management of the Shrine and regulation of the Yatra has been vested in the Board. The Board has undertaken a number of developmental activities aimed at making the Yatra a comfortable and satisfying experience for the Yatris. So far, over 125 crores of rupees have been invested by the Board for providing various infrastructural and other facilities. The Board continues to reinvest the offerings and donations received in carying out improvements in various kinds of Yatri facilities.
India Gate (Delhi)
Delhi is perhaps one of the most accurate microcosmic representations of the cosmopolitanism that characterizes India. The various influences that have sculptured the city into what she is like today include the influence of the British as well, who have left their mark on several of the architectural masterpieces in and around the city. One of these is the India gate, which can be credited to a large extent for representing India to the rest of the world.
Located in Rajpath, perhaps the most prestigious area in the entirety of the city of Delhi, the India Gate was built
to commemorate the death of 90,000 India soldiers, who were killed in the North West Province during the First World War and the Afghan Conquest of 1919.
Constructed in sandstone and rising to a height of 160 ft., the height of the arch is 136' externally and 87'6" internally. India Gate is also credited for being the first gate to be constructed in New Delhi. The names of the soldiers in whose memory the Gate was constructed is inscribed on its walls, beside which an eternal flame called the Amar Jawan Jyoti. The foundation stone of the memorial was laid by HRH the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and the monument was dedicated to the nation 10 years later by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. The Amar Jawan Jyoti was added to the memorial after India had gained her independence, in memory of the soldiers of the Indo-Pakistan War of December 1971.
Today, the India Gate is one of the most important symbols of India, being at the center of the itinerary of most of the tourists who visit the country's capital city. Whether it is eating out at the roadside eateries or enjoying a monkey show outside, India Gate offers entertainment for everyone. So in case you are planning a trip to the capital, make sure India Gate plays a pivotal role in your itinerary
Victoria Memorial (Kolkata)
The Victoria Memorial is perhaps the most grandiose landmark of Kolkata, remnant of Kolkata’s colonial past. After the death of Queen Victoria, the Empress of British India, Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of British India, decided to set up a majestic monument as a tribute to the memory of the deceased British Queen. The princes and the people of the country overwhelmingly acceded, and the foundation stone for the monument was laid by King George V, who was then the Prince of Wales, on January 4, 1906. Victoria Memorial was finally open to the public in 1921.
Designed by Sir William Emerson, President of the British Institute of Architects and constructed by Martin & Co. of Calcutta, the architecture of this art museum of Kolkata is worth admiring. Set up on 64 acres of land, the main building 184 feet high occupies an area of 338 foot x 228
foot. During that time, the construction of the memorial cost INR10, 500,000. Curzon had insisted that the memorial be built of white marble, similar to the Taj Mahal of Agra. Accordingly, white marble was brought from the quarries in Makrana in Rajasthan, from where Shah Jahan obtained stones for the Taj. The memorial is a curious blend of Mughal and European architecture. Housing stunning art galleries, impressive sculptures and surrounded by a wonderful garden, Victoria Memorial is a popular tourist destination
