See Also

India

India , officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia South Asia

South Asia, also Southern Asia, is a south [i]ern geopolitical [i] region [i] of the Asia [i] ... 

. It is the seventh-largest List of countries and outlying territories by total area

This is a list of the countries [i] of the world sorted by total area. ... 

 country by geographical area, the second most populous country, and the largest liberal democracy Liberal democracy

Liberal democracy is a form of government [i]. ... 

 in the world. India has a coastline of over seven thousand kilometres and borders Pakistan Pakistan

[i] located in [[South Asia]... 

 to the west; China People's Republic of China

The People's Republic of China , is a country [i] in East Asia [i]. ... 

, Nepal Nepal

Nepal, officially Kingdom of Nepal, is a landlocked [i] Himalayan [i] country [i] in South Asia [i] ... 

, and Bhutan Bhutan

[i] and [[Tibet]... 

 to the north-east; and Bangladesh Bangladesh

Bangladesh, officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh, is a country in South Asia [i]. ... 

 and Myanmar Myanmar

Myanmar, officially the Union of Myanmar is the largest country in geographical area in mainland ... 

 to the east. India is adjacent to the Indian Ocean Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean is the third largest body of water in the world, covering about 20% of the Earth's wate... 

 island nation of Sri Lanka Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka , is a tropical [i] island nation [i] ... 

.

Discussions

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Timeline

1000 BC   Archaeological evidence obtained from inscriptions excavated in 2005 dates the Tamil Tamil language

Tamil is a classical language [i] and one of the major language [i]s of the Dravidian language [i] ... 

 language, a classical language spoken in India.

500 BC   Foundation of first republic Republic

In a broad definition, a republic is a state [i] or country [i] that is led by people whose political power [i] ... 

 in Vaishali Bihar Bihar

Bihar is a state [i] of the India [i]n union situated in the eastern par ... 

 India.

11   In India, Satakarni begins his reign as Emperor of the Andhra Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh : , is a state [i] in South India [i]. ... 

 Empire (11-29).

18   In India, the Indo-Parthians Indo-Parthian Kingdom

The Indo-Parthian Kingdom was established during the 1st century [i], by a Parthian [i] leader n ... 

 control Taxila Taxila

. The Gandhara [i]n city of Taxila was an important Vedic [i] and Buddhist [i] centre of learning from t ... 

.

52   Saint Thomas Thomas the Apostle

Thomas, also called Judas Thomas Didymus or Jude Thomas Didymus, was one of the twelve apostle [i] ... 

, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Jesus

Jesus,Some of the historians and Biblical scholars who place the birth and death of Jesus within this ra... 

, believed to have landed in Kodungallur, India to preach the Gospel Gospel

In Christianity [i], gospel means "good news [i]". ... 

; the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, the Indian Orthodox Church, and the Assyrian Church of the East Assyrian Church of the East

The Holy Apostolic and Catholic Assyrian Church of the East under His Holiness Mar Dinkha IV [i] is a Christian [i] ... 

 claim descent from him.

78   Indian Prince Aji Caka introduces Sanskrit Sanskrit

The Sanskrit language is a classical language [i] of India [i], a liturgical language [i] ... 

 language and Pallawa script, used to inscribe Java Java

style="margin-left: inherit; font-size: medium;" | Java ... 

nese words and phrases, to the Indonesia Indonesia

Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a nation of islands [i] consist ... 

n islands.

78   Kanishka I (78-144), reigns over the Tocharian Empire of Kusana (Afghanistan Afghanistan

Afghanistan ; Persian [i]: ?????? ?????? ?????????, Pashto [i]:' ... 

 and Northern India). He is a renowned conqueror and wise administrator.

96   A schism in Buddhism Buddhism

Buddhism is a dharmic [i], non-theistic [i] religion [i], a way of life, a p ... 

, creates a new, popular religion in India, mahâyâna Mahayana

Mahayana is one of the major branches of Buddhism [i]. ... 

 (Grand Vehicle).

102   The presence of sugar Sugar

In general use, non-scientists take "sugar" to mean sucrose [i], also called "table sugar" or saccharose, a wh ... 

 in the urine is interpreted as a sign of illness in India.

104   In India, figures of Buddha Buddha

In Buddhism [i], a Buddha is any being who has become fully awakened, has permanently overcome greed [i] ... 

 replace abstract motifs on decorative items.

   More Events >>


Quotations

India is probably the best country in the world, both scenic and peaceful, it truly is god's country. ~ Kobe Bryant

Lord Ram is the Imam of Hindustan (India).- Allama Iqbal (1873-1938)

If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India. ~ Romain Rolland (French Nobel Laureate)

India is, the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only. ~ Mark Twain

So far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked. ~ Mark Twain

India has two million gods, and worships them all. In religion all other countries are paupers; India is the only millionaire. ~ Mark Twain (Following the Equator)

       More Quotes >>


Encyclopedia

India , officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia South Asia

South Asia, also Southern Asia, is a south [i]ern geopolitical [i] region [i] of the Asia [i] ... 

. It is the seventh-largest List of countries and outlying territories by total area

This is a list of the countries [i] of the world sorted by total area. ... 

 country by geographical area, the second most populous country, and the largest liberal democracy Liberal democracy

Liberal democracy is a form of government [i].... 

 in the world. India has a coastline of over seven thousand kilometres and borders Pakistan Pakistan

[i] located in [[South Asia]... 

 to the west; China People's Republic of China

The People's Republic of China , is a country [i] in East Asia [i]. ... 

, Nepal Nepal

Nepal, officially Kingdom of Nepal, is a landlocked [i] Himalayan [i] country [i] in South Asia [i] ... 

, and Bhutan Bhutan

[i] and [[Tibet]... 

 to the north-east; and Bangladesh Bangladesh

Bangladesh, officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh, is a country in South Asia [i]. ... 

 and Myanmar Myanmar

Myanmar, officially the Union of Myanmar is the largest country in geographical area in mainland ... 

 to the east. India is adjacent to the Indian Ocean Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean is the third largest body of water in the world, covering about 20% of the Earth's wate... 

 island nation of Sri Lanka Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka , is a tropical [i] island nation [i] ... 

.

Home to the Indus Valley Civilisation Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley Civilisation was an ancient civilisation [i] thriving along the Indus River [i] and th ... 

, and a centre of important trade routes and vast empires, India has long played a major role in human history. Hinduism Hinduism

[i]
... 

, Sikhism Sikhism

Sikhism is a religion [i] that began in sixteenth century [i] Northern India [i] with the... 

, Buddhism Buddhism

Buddhism is a dharmic [i], non-theistic [i] religion [i], a way of life, a p ... 

 and Jainism Jainism

Jainism , traditionally known as Jain Dharma , is a religion [i] and philosophy [i] originating in ... 

 all have their origins in India, while Islam Islam

Islam is a monotheistic [i] religion [i] based upon the Qur'an [i], which adherents believe w ... 

, Judaism Judaism

Judaism is the religion [i] of the Jew [i]ish people. ... 

 and Christianity Christianity

Christianity is a monotheistic [i] religion [i] centered on Jesus of Nazareth [i] ... 

 enjoy a strong cultural heritage having arrived through trade even before foreign invasions, and having reached the subcontinent before European occupation of the region. Colonised as part of the British Empire British Empire

The British Empire was the most extensive empire [i] in world history and for a ... 

 in the nineteenth century, India gained independence in 1947 as a unified nation after an intense struggle for independence Indian independence movement

The Indian Independence Movement consisted of efforts by India [i]ns to obtain political independence fr ... 

. The country's culture, population, wildlife, geographical terrain and climate system are among the most diverse in the world.

Etymology

The name India // is derived from Indus Indus River

The Indus is the longest and most important river [i] in Pakistan [i]. ... 

, which is derived from the Old Persian Old Persian language

Old Persian also known as Aryan language [i], is the name given to the an ancient Persian tongue by the ... 

 word Hindu Hindu

A Hindu , as per modern definition, is an adherent of the philosophies and scriptures of [[Hinduism]... 

, from Sanskrit Sanskrit

The Sanskrit language is a classical language [i] of India [i], a liturgical language [i] ... 

 Sindhu Indus River

The Indus is the longest and most important river [i] in Pakistan [i]. ... 

, the historic local appellation for the Indus River Indus River

The Indus is the longest and most important river [i] in Pakistan [i]. ... 

. The Constitution of India Constitution of India

The Constitution of India was passed by the Constituent Assembly of India [i] on November 26 [i], 1949 [i] ... 

 and common usage recognise Bharat , as an official name; India is also recognized with equal status. A third name, Hindustan has been used since the twelfth century, although its contemporary use is unevenly applied.

History

Stone Age Stone Age

The period encompasses the first widespread use of technology [i] in human evolution [i] and the spread of humanity [i] ... 

 rock shelters with paintings at Bhimbetka Bhimbetka

Bhimbetka is a place in Madhya Pradesh [i] where the earliest known traces of human life in India [i] we ... 

 in the state of Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is a state [i] in central India [i]. ... 

 are the earliest known traces of human life in India. The first known permanent settlements appeared over 9,000 years ago and gradually developed into the Indus Valley Civilization Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley Civilisation was an ancient civilisation [i] thriving along the Indus River [i] and th ... 

, dating back to 3300 BCE in western India. It was followed by the Vedic Civilization which laid the foundations of Hinduism Hinduism

[i]
... 

 and other cultural aspects of early Indian society. From around 550 BCE, many independent kingdoms and republics known as the Mahajanapadas Mahajanapadas

Mahajanapadas literally means "Great kingdoms".... 

 were established across the country laying the foundations of ancient India.

The empire built by the Maurya dynasty Mauryan dynasty

* Samprati [i]
  • Salisuka [i]

... 

 under Emperor Ashoka the Great Ashoka

Emperor Ashoka the Great was the ruler of the Maurya Empire [i] from 273 BC [i] to 232 BC [i]. ... 

 united most of modern Southern Asia South Asia

South Asia, also Southern Asia, is a south [i]ern geopolitical [i] region [i] of the Asia [i] ... 

 except the Dravidian kingdoms in the south. From 180 BCE, a series of invasions from Central Asia Central Asia

Central Asia is a vast landlocked [i] region of Asia [i]. ... 

 into the north-western Indian Subcontinent Indian subcontinent

The Indian subcontinent is a peninsula landmass [i] of the Asia [i]n continent [i] occupying the Indian Plate [i] ... 

 followed, including the Indo-Greek Indo-Greek Kingdom

The Indo-Greek Kingdom covered various parts of the northwest and northern Indian subcontinent [i] from... 

s, Indo-Scythian Indo-Scythians

The Indo-Scythians are a branch of the Indo-European Sakas [i], who migrated from southern Siberia [i] i ... 

s, Indo-Parthian Indo-Parthian Kingdom

The Indo-Parthian Kingdom was established during the 1st century [i], by a Parthian [i] leader n ... 

s and the Kushans Kushan Empire

The Kushan Empire was a state that at its height, about 105 [i]–250 [i], stretched from what ... 

. From the third century CE, the Gupta dynasty Gupta Empire

The "Gupta Empire" was one of the largest political and military empire [i]s in ancient [i] India [i] ... 

 oversaw the period referred to as ancient India's "Golden Age." While the north had larger, fewer kingdoms, in the south there were several dynasties such as the Chalukyas Chalukya

The Chalukya dynasty was a powerful Indian [i] royal dynasty that ruled large parts of southern [i] ... 

, Rashtrakutas Rashtrakuta

The Rastrakutas were a dynasty which ruled the southern and the central parts or the Deccan [i], India [i] ... 

, Hoysalas Hoysala Empire

[i] from about[[1000]... 

, Cheras Chera dynasty

The Chera dynasty were one of the ancient Tamil [i] dynasties who ruled the southern India [i] ... 

, Cholas Chola dynasty

The Chola dynasty was a Tamil [i] dynasty [i] that ruled primarily in southern India [i] un ... 

, Pallavas Pallava

Pallavas were a South Indian dynasty.... 

 and Pandyas Pandyan Kingdom

The Pandyan kingdom ????????? was an ancient Tamil [i] state in South India [i] of unknown ... 

 in different times and regions. The political influence of these mighty southern kingdoms, though felt to a lesser extent by north India, extended into Southeast Asia Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion [i] of Asia [i], consisting of the countries th ... 

 and Sri Lanka Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka , is a tropical [i] island nation [i] ... 

 and deeply influenced their culture. The southern kingdoms remained relatively more stable and carried out maritime trade in spices and precious gems with the Arabia, China and Europe from ancient times. Science, engineering Science and technology in ancient India

Science and technology in ancient India covered all the major branches of human knowledge and activities... 

, art Indian art

The vast scope of the art of India intertwines with the cultural history, religions and philosophies whi... 

, literature Indian literature

Indian literature is generally acknowledged, but not wholly established, as the oldest in the world.... 

, mathematics, astronomy Science and technology in ancient India

Science and technology in ancient India covered all the major branches of human knowledge and activities... 

, religion Religion in India

India [i] is one of the most religiously diverse nations in the world, with some of the most deeply religious ... 

 and philosophy flourished under the patronage of these kings.


Following the invasions from Central Asia, between the tenth to the twelfth centuries, much of north India came under the rule of the Delhi Sultanate Delhi Sultanate

The Delhi Sultanate, or Sultanat-e-Hind / Sultanat-e-Dilli refers to the various Muslim [i] ... 

, and later the Mughal dynasty Mughal Empire

The Mughal Empire, was an empire that at its greatest territorial extent ruled most of the Indian subcontinent [i] ... 

, who gradually expanded their reign through most of the Indian subcontinent. Nevertheless, several indigenous kingdoms flourished,in the west and the south, such as the Maratha Empire Maratha Empire

The Maratha Empirealso known as the Maratha Confederacy, was a Hindu [i] state of India [i] which ... 

 and Vijayanagara Empire Vijayanagara Empire

The Vijayanagara empire(Telugu [i] - ??????? ???????????) was based in the Deccan [i], i ... 

. From the sixteenth century onwards, several European Europe

Europe is one of the seven traditional continent [i]s of the Earth [i]. ... 

 countries, including Portugal Portugal

Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic is located in southwestern Europe [i] on the Iberian Peninsula [i] ... 

, Netherlands Netherlands

The Netherlands is the Europe [i]an part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands [i] , which is formed ... 

, France France

France, officially the French Republic, is a country [i] whose metropolitan territory [i] ... 

 and the United Kingdom United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a country and sovereign state [i] tha ... 

, started arriving as traders, later taking advantage of the fractious nature of relations between the kingdoms, to establish colonies Colony

In politics [i] and in history [i], a colony is a territory [i] under the immediate political control of ... 

 in the country. By 1856, most of India came under control of the British East India Company British East India Company

The British East India Company, sometimes referred to as "John Company", was a joint-stock company [i] ... 

. A year later, a failed nationwide insurrection of rebelling military units and kingdoms, known locally as the First War of Indian Independence Indian rebellion of 1857

The Indian rebellion of 1857 was a prolonged period of armed uprisings as well as rebellions in Norther... 

  broke out, leading to India being under the direct control of the British Crown British monarchy

The British monarch or Sovereign is the head of state [i] of the United Kingdom [i] and in the British overseas territories [i] ... 

 as a colony of the British Empire.


In the early twentieth century, a nationwide struggle for independence Indian independence movement

The Indian Independence Movement consisted of efforts by India [i]ns to obtain political independence fr ... 

 was launched by the Indian National Congress Indian National Congress

Indian National Congress is a major political party [i] in India [i].... 

, and various revolutionary groups. The movement was largely led by Mahatma Gandhi Mahatma Gandhi

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a major political and spiritual leader of India [i] and the Indian independence movement [i] ... 

, with Maulana Azad, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Ba? Ga?gadhar ?i?ak , was an Indian nationalist [i], social reformer and freedom fighter [i] ... 

, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Sardar Vallabhbhai Pa?el was a political and social leader of India [i], who played a major role in th ... 

, Jawaharlal Nehru Jawaharlal Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru , also called Pandit Nehru, was one of the most important leaders of the ... 

, Bipin Chandra Pal and Subhash Chandra Bose Subhash Chandra Bose

Subhash Chandra Bose,, also known as Netaji, was one of the most prominent leaders of the Indian Independence Movement [i] ... 

 playing important roles. Millions protested in various mass campaigns of civil disobedience Civil disobedience

Civil disobedience encompasses the active refusal to obey certain law [i]s, demands and commands of a government [i] ... 

 with a commitment to ahimsa Ahimsa

Ahimsa is a religious [i] concept which advocates non-violence [i] and a respect for all life [i] ... 

or non-violence. Finally, after the Quit India massive civil disobedience Quit India Movement

The Quit India Movement (Bharat Chhodo Andolan or the August Movement) was a civil disobedience [i] ... 

 movement during WWII World War II

World War II, or the Second World War, was a worldwide [i] conflict [i] fought betwe ... 

, and a number of mutinies The Royal Indian Navy Mutiny

The RIN Mutiny (Also called the Bombay Mutiny) encompasses a total strike and subsequent mutiny [i] ... 

 in the armed forces after the war, India gained independence from British rule on 15 August 1947. Three years later, on 26 January, 1950, India ratified a new Constitution Constitution of India

The Constitution of India was passed by the Constituent Assembly of India [i] on November 26 [i], 1949 [i] ... 

, and became a republic.

Since it gained independence, India has seen sectarian violence and insurgencies in various parts of the country, but has maintained its unity and democracy. It has unresolved territorial disputes with China, which escalated into the brief Sino-Indian War Sino-Indian War

The Sino-Indian Border War , began on 10 October [i] 1962 [i]. ... 

 in 1962; and with Pakistan, which resulted in wars in 1947 Indo-Pakistani War of 1947

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 sometimes known as the First Kashmir War was a war fought between India [i] ... 

, 1965 Indo-Pakistani War of 1965

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, also known as the Second Kashmir War, was the culmination of a ser... 

, 1971 Indo-Pakistani War of 1971

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was a major military conflict between India [i] and Pakistan [i]. ... 

 and in 1999 war in Kargil Kargil War

conflict=Kargil War
|partof=the Indo-Pakistani Wars [i]
... 

. India is a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement Non-Aligned Movement

The Non-Aligned Movement, or NAM, is an international organization [i] of over 100 states [i] ... 

 and the United Nations United Nations

name = United Nations
Nations Unies
... 

 . In 1974, India conducted an underground nuclear test Smiling Buddha

The Smiling Buddha was the first nuclear test explosion [i] by India [i] on May 18 [i], ... 

. This was followed by five more tests in 1998. Significant economic reforms beginning in 1991 have transformed India into one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Government

National symbols of India
Flag Tiranga Flag of India

The National Flag of India was adopted in its present form during an ad hoc [i] meeting of the Constituent Assembly [i] ... 

 
Emblem Sarnath Lion Emblem of India

[i]
... 

Anthem "Jana Gana Mana Jana Gana Mana

Jana Ga?a Mana is the national anthem [i] of India [i]. ... 

"
Song "Vande Mataram Vande Mataram

Vande Mataram is the national song [i] of India [i]. ... 

"
Animal Royal Bengal Tiger Bengal Tiger

[i] found in parts of [[India]... 

Bird Indian Peacock Indian Peafowl

The Indian Peafowl, Pavo cristatus also known as the Common Peafowl and the India Blue Peaf... 

Flower Lotus Nelumbo nucifera

Nelumbo nucifera is known by a number of common names, including Blue Lotus, 'Indian Lotus... 

Tree Banyan Banyan

Banyan is a subgenus of many species of tropical fig [i]s with an unusual growth habit. ... 

Fruit Mango Mango

he mango is a genus of about 35 species of tropical fruiting tree [i]s in the flowering plant [i] famil ... 

Sport Field Hockey Field hockey

Field hockey is a popular sport for men and women in many countries around the world.... 

Calendar Saka 


India is referred to as the largest democracy in the world, by virtue of the fact that it has the largest electing population among democratic countries. The country has a federal form of government and a bicameral Bicameralism

In government [i], bicameralism is the practice of having two legislative or parliamentary chamber [i]s. ... 

 parliament Parliament

A parliament is a legislature [i], especially in those countries whose system of government is based on ... 

 operating under a Westminster-style Westminster System

The Westminster system is a democratic [i] parliamentary system of government modelled after t ... 

 parliamentary system. It has three branches of governance: the Legislature Legislature

A legislature is a type of representative deliberative assembly [i] with the power to adopt law [i]s. ... 

, Executive and Judiciary. The President President of India

The President of India is the head of state and first citizen of India [i] and the Supreme Commander [i] ... 

 is the head of state Head of State

Head of State or Chief of State is the generic term for the individual or collective office that s... 

, though he has a largely ceremonial role to play. He is also the Supreme Commander of India's armed forces Indian Armed Forces

The Indian armed forces are the primary military organisations [i] responsible for the terr ... 

. The President is elected indirectly by an electoral college Electoral college

An electoral college is a set of elector [i]s who are empowered as a deliberative body [i] to elect some ... 

 for five-year terms. Presidential assent is needed for a Bill or Ordinance passed by the Parliament to come into force. The Prime Minister is the de facto head of government, and has most executive powers. He or she is appointed by the President, with the requirement that he or she enjoy the support of the party or coalition having more than 50% seats in the lower house. The Union Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister aids and advises the President on governance matters.


The legislature of India is the bicameral Parliament, which consists of the upper house called the Rajya Sabha Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha or the Council of States is the upper house of the Parliament of India [i]. ... 

 , and the lower house called the Lok Sabha . The 245-member Rajya Sabha is chosen indirectly through the state Legislative Assemblies, and has a staggered six-year term. Each state sends members to the Rajya Sabha in a proportion of its population. The 545-member Lok Sabha is directly elected by popular vote for a five-year term , and is the determinative constituent of political power and government formation. Universal adulthood suffrage is guaranteed by the Constitution for citizens above 18 years of age. The executive arm consists of the President, Vice-President, and the Council of Ministers  headed by the Prime Minister. Any minister holding a portfolio must be a member of either house of parliament. In the Indian parliamentary system, the executive is subordinate to the legislature.

India's independent judiciary consists of the Supreme Court, headed by the Chief Justice of India. The Supreme Court has both original jurisdiction over disputes between states and the Centre, and appellate jurisdiction over the eighteen High Courts of India High Courts of India

India [i]'s judicial system [i] is made up of the Supreme Court of India [i] at the apex of the ... 

, and additionally, the power to declare Union and state laws null and void if in conflict with the Constitution.

Politics



For most of its independent history, India has been ruled by the Indian National Congress Indian National Congress

Indian National Congress is a major political party [i] in India [i].... 

. The party enjoyed a parliamentary majority barring two brief periods during the 1970s and late 1980s. This rule was interrupted between 1977 to 1980, when the Janata Party coalition won the election owing to public discontent with the "Emergency" declared by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi Indira Gandhi

Indira Priyadarsini Gandhi was Prime Minister of India [i] from January 19 [i], 1966 [i] to March 24 [i] ... 

. The Janata Dal won elections in 1989, but its government managed to hold on to power for only two years. Between 1996 and 1998, there was a period of political flux with the government being formed first by the right-of-centre, nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party Bharatiya Janata Party

The Bharatiya Janata Party , literally meaning Indian People's Party, created in 1980 [i], is one of ... 

  followed by a left-leaning United Front coalition. In 1998, the BJP formed the National Democratic Alliance  with smaller regional parties, and became the first non-Congress and coalition government to complete a full five-year term. The 2004 Indian elections Indian general election, 2004

Legislative elections were held in India [i], the world's largest democracy [i], in four phases between... 

 saw the left-leaning Congress party winning the largest number of seats to form a government by leading the United Progressive Alliance, and supported by communist parties and those opposed to the BJP.

Since independence, India has maintained cordial relationships with most nations. It took a lead in the 1950s in advocating the independence of European colonies in Africa and Asia. During the Cold War Cold War

The Cold War was the protracted geopolitical [i], ideological [i], and economic [i]... 

, India tried to maintain its neutrality and was one of the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement Non-Aligned Movement

The Non-Aligned Movement, or NAM, is an international organization [i] of over 100 states [i] ... 

. After the Sino-Indian War Sino-Indian War

The Sino-Indian Border War , began on 10 October [i] 1962 [i]. ... 

 and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 Indo-Pakistani War of 1965

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, also known as the Second Kashmir War, was the culmination of a ser... 

, India's relationship with the Soviet Union Soviet Union

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , more commonly known as the Soviet Union, was a Communist state [i] ... 

 warmed at the expense of ties with the United States United States

The United States of America, also known as the United States, the U.S., the U.S.A., a... 

 and continued to remain so until the end of the Cold War. India has consistently refused to sign the CTBT Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty

The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty bans all nuclear [i] explosions in all environ ... 

 and the NPT to maintain sovereignty over its nuclear program despite criticism and military sanctions. Recent overtures by the Indian government have strengthened India's relations with United States, China and Pakistan. In the economic sphere, India has close relationships with other developing nations of South America South America

South America is a continent [i] situated in the western hemisphere [i] and, mostly, ... 

, Asia Asia

Asia is the largest and most populous continent [i] or region, depending on the definition.... 

 and Africa Africa

Africa is one of the greatest sized continents of the Earth.... 

. In recent years, India has played an influential role in the SAARC South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation is the largest regional organization [i] in the world, ... 

. India has been a long time supporter of the United Nations United Nations

name = United Nations
Nations Unies
... 

, with over 55,000 Indian military Indian Armed Forces

The Indian armed forces are the primary military organisations [i] responsible for the terr ... 

 and police personnel having served in 35 UN peace keeping operations over four continents . Since the 1990s, India has been considered an emerging power on the global stage, meaning it has increasing influence on international affairs.

Administrative divisions


Administratively, India is divided into twenty-nine states , and six union territories . All states and the union territories of Delhi and Puducherry have elected governments. The remaining union territories have centrally-appointed administrators. The states and territories are further divided into 602 districts.

Geography


The territory of India constitutes a major portion of the Indian subcontinent Indian subcontinent

The Indian subcontinent is a peninsula landmass [i] of the Asia [i]n continent [i] occupying the Indian Plate [i] ... 

, situated on the Indian Plate India Plate

The India or Indian Plate is a minor tectonic plate [i]. ... 

, the northerly portion of the Indo-Australian Plate Indo-Australian Plate

The Indo-Australian Plate is an overarching name for two tectonic plate [i]s that include the continent of Australia [i] ... 

, in southern Asia South Asia

South Asia, also Southern Asia, is a south [i]ern geopolitical [i] region [i] of the Asia [i] ... 

. India's northern and northeastern states are partially situated in the Himalayan Mountain Range Himalayas

The Himalayas are a mountain range [i] in Asia [i], separating the Indian subcontinent [i] from the Tibetan Plateau [i] ... 

. The rest of northern, central and eastern India consists of the fertile Indo-Gangetic plain Indo-Gangetic plain

The Indo-Gangetic Plain is a rich, fertile and ancient land encompassing most of northern and eastern India [i]... 

. In the west, bordering southeast Pakistan Pakistan

[i] located in [[South Asia]... 

, lies the Thar Desert Thar Desert

The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is a desert [i] located in western India [i]... 

. The southern Indian South India

South India is a linguistic-cultural region of India [i] that comprises the four Indian states [i] ... 

 Peninsula Peninsula

A peninsula is a geographical [i] formation [i] consisting of an extension of land [i] ... 

 is almost entirely composed of the Deccan plateau Deccan Plateau

The Deccan Plateau is a vast plateau [i] in India [i], encompassing most of Central and Southern India [i] ... 

, which is flanked by two hilly coastal ranges, the Western Ghats Western Ghats

The Western Ghats are a mountain range in India [i]. ... 

 and Eastern Ghats.

India is home to several major rivers, including the Ganga Ganges River

The Ganges River is a river [i] of northern India [i] and Bangladesh [i]. ... 

, Brahmaputra Brahmaputra River

The Brahmaputra is one of the major river [i]s of Asia [i].
... 

, Yamuna Yamuna

Yamuna is a major river [i] of northern India [i], with a total length of around 1370 km [i]. ... 

, Godavari Godavari River

The Godavari River is a major waterway in India [i], next to the Ganges [i] and Indus [i] ... 

, Kaveri, Narmada, and Krishna Krishna River

The River Krishna
The traditional source of the river is a spout from the mouth of a statue of a cow in ... 

. India has three archipelagos – Lakshadweep Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is the smallest union territory [i] of India [i].... 

 off the southwest coast, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a union territory [i] of India [i]. ... 

-volcanic island chain to the southeast, and the Sunderbans Sundarbans

The Sundarbans delta [i] is the largest mangrove [i] forest in the world. ... 

 in the Gangetic delta in West Bengal.

Climate in India varies from tropical in the south to more temperate in the Himalayan north, with elevated regions in the north receiving sustained snowfall in winters. India's climate is strongly influenced by the Himalayas and the Thar Desert. The Himalayas, along with the Hindu Kush Hindu Kush

The Hindu Kush, Hindu Kush, Hindoo Koosh or Hindukush is a mountain range [i] in Afghanistan [i] ... 

 mountains in Pakistan, provide a barrier to the cold winds from Central Asia. This keeps most of the Indian subcontinent warmer than most locations in similar latitudes. The Thar Desert Thar Desert

The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is a desert [i] located in western India [i]... 

 is responsible for attracting the moisture laden southwest monsoon Monsoon

A monsoon is a wind pattern that reverses direction with the seasons.... 

 winds that provide most of India's rainfall between June and September.

Economy

The economy of India is the fourth largest in the world as measured by purchasing power parity , with a GDP Gross domestic product

A region's gross domestic product, or GDP, is one of the several measures [i] ... 

 of US $3.63 trillion. When measured in USD United States dollar

For details of current paper money [i] and coins, see Federal Reserve Note [i] and United States coinage [i] ... 

 exchange-rate terms, it is the twelfth largest in the world, with a GDP of $785.47 billion or Rs 35,34,615 crore in 2005, as calculated by the World Bank. India is the second fastest growing major economy in the world, with a GDP growth rate of 9.3%, and annual Industrial production change of 12.4%, as of the first quarter of 2006. Wealth distribution in India, a developing country Developing country

A developing country is a country [i] with a relatively low standard of living [i], undeveloped industrial base [i] ... 

, is fairly uneven, with the top 10% of income groups earning 33% of all income. India's per capita income  of US$ 3,400 is ranked 122nd in the world. It is calculated by the IMF International Monetary Fund

The International Monetary Fund is an international organization [i] that oversees the global financial system [i] ... 

 that by 2007, the Indian economy will be ranked 3rd measured by PPP, See : List of countries by GDP estimates for 2007

For most of its independent history, India adhered to a quasi-socialist Socialism

Socialism refers to a broad array of doctrines or political movements that envisage a socio-economic [i]... 

 approach, with strict government control over private sector participation, foreign trade, and foreign direct investment. Starting from 1991, India has gradually opened up its markets through economic reforms by reducing government controls on foreign trade and investment. Privatisation of public-owned industries and some sectors to private and foreign players has continued amid political debate.

India has a labour force of 496.4 million of which 60% is employed in agriculture or agriculture-related industries which contributes to only about 22% of the GDP, 17% in mainstream industry and 23% in service industries. India's agricultural produce includes rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, potatoes. Major industries include textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum and machinery.a's large English English language

English is a widely distributed language that originated in England [i] but is now the primary language ... 

 speaking middle-class has contributed to the country's growth in Business Process Outsourcing . It is becoming a major base for US tech companies for future targeted research & development, including the likes of Google, IBM, and Microsoft. All this has helped the services sector to increase its share of the economy to approximately 50%.

India is also a major exporter of financial Finance

Finance studies and addresses the ways in which individuals, businesses [i] and organizations raise, all ... 

, research and technology services. India's most important trading partners are the United States United States

The United States of America, also known as the United States, the U.S., the U.S.A., a... 

, China People's Republic of China

The People's Republic of China , is a country [i] in East Asia [i]. ... 

, UK United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great