It is believed that India has been inhabited for over 75,000 years! It is a fertile and colourful land that draws people back over and again, which is perhaps why it has been invaded time and time again. The country has a long history of invasion but it still stands strong.The Aryan’s first invaded India in 1500BC, they in fact introduced Sanskrit to India, which was used to write the Vedas and is still used up until this day. The Aryans also introduced the caste system and even laid the foundations for religion. They stayed around and settled on the Ganges River.
The next invasion recorded was the Persian invasion in 500BC, but the Greeks, under Alexander the Great, pushed the Persians out in mid 600 BC. The Persians came back again in the 18th Century led by the emperor Nadir Shah. They invaded the North and sacked Delhi in 1739.
Arab traders had always visited the West Coast of India since the 8th century, but in 1001 they swept the country and continued to pillage for the next 25 years or so. They came back in 1192 and remained as a dominant influence until the late 14th century. The Turks and Afghans also invaded in the 10th and 11th centuries.
The Mongolian invasion of India is perhaps one of the most notable and influential invasions the country experienced. The Mongolians came in the early 16th century creating the Mughal Dynasty, which resulted in landmarks such as the famous Taj Mahal. The Mughals ruled most of India by the 1600’s but began to fade out at the beginning of the 18th century. They were finally quashed in 1857 in an Indian rebellion known as the War of Independence.
And then there are all of the European countries that established themselves through the East India companies; particularly the Dutch and the French. You can see a lot of French influence throughout India, but most particularly in Pondicherry, South India.
The most dominant country in India trading under the East India Company was Britain. They were first present in 1619 and reached their height of power in 1850. Britain’s presence wasn’t technically an invasion just a slow takeover through their power with the East India Company. They slowly tried to colonise India but were pushed out in the mid 20th century.
Portugal also tried their hand at invasion led by Vasco Da Gama. Their heaviest influence can be seen in Goa, particularly through architecture and religion. They were finally forced out by the Indian military in 1961.
There is no doubt that this history of invasion has added to the richness of India’s culture as they adapted and involved different cultures into their every day lifestyles. The variety of lifestyle from each state to the next and even from town to town is what makes exploring India that much more interesting!
To experience this amazing country join us on one of our many small group tours, click here to see our full tour list, or contact us on 1300722092 or info@touchofspirittours.com.au
