Events

Judaism is one of the oldest religions in the world. The influence of Judaism can be seen on both Christianity and Islam. Because of their similarities, these religions are often called Abrahamic religions. All these religions consider Abraham to be a prophet and believe in monotheism, the belief in one God. Certain texts and traditions … Read more

The civilization of Iran is as ancient as the civilization of India. Iran was historically known as Persia and has been the centre of several great civilizations. In ancient times the people of Iran followed Zoroastrianism, whose sacred text is the Avesta (commonly called Zend Avesta), which is considered as ancient as the Rigveda of … Read more

The invasions of India by the Turks and the Afghans were often marked by violence and plunder. However, the invasions of the Mongols were considered even more destructive. Mongol campaigns across Asia and Europe caused immense devastation, and their armies killed millions of people regardless of religion. The most famous Mongol leader was Genghis Khan, … Read more

Aurangzeb ruled the Mughal Empire for nearly forty-nine years and died in 1707. At the time of his death, he had three surviving sons—Azam Shah, Kam Bakhsh, and Muazzam. Muazzam was serving as the governor of Kabul, Azam Shah was the governor of Gujarat, and Kam Bakhsh governed Bijapur. Aurangzeb himself had ascended the throne … Read more

The region where the modern Indian state of Kerala exists today was once home to the powerful kingdom of Travancore. After the decline of the Chera Kingdom, several smaller principalities emerged in the region. One of these was the principality of Venad. Marthanda Varma ascended the throne of Venad in 1729. Through military campaigns and … Read more

The Subsidiary Alliance and the Doctrine of Lapse were two important instruments used by the East India Company to expand its imperial control in India. While some regions such as Bengal and Punjab were annexed directly through conquest, the Company subordinated many other states through the system of subsidiary alliances. The policy of Subsidiary Alliance … Read more

India and China had traded with the western world since ancient times. Spices, textiles, and several other valuable products were exported to western countries. Most of this trade took place through land routes, the most famous being the Silk Route, which existed from ancient times until the 15th century. These routes were used not only … Read more

There are many figures in history who rose from humble beginnings to greatness, and one of the most remarkable among them was Shivaji. Born as the son of a jagirdar in the Bijapur Sultanate, Shivaji rose from modest circumstances to challenge the mighty Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. He founded the Maratha Empire, which later surpassed the … Read more

Babur laid a strong foundation for the Mughal Empire by defeating Ibrahim Lodi at Panipat, Rana Sanga at Khanwa, and the Afghans in Bihar and Bengal. Yet, the greatest challenge to the Mughal Empire did not come from a powerful monarch but from an ordinary jagirdar of Sasaram — Sher Shah Suri. Though Sher Shah … Read more

The Mughal Empire had no fixed or settled law of succession. After the death of an emperor—and sometimes even during his lifetime—potential heirs fought among themselves for the throne. Ultimately, the prince who emerged victorious became the emperor. Shah Jahan was particularly ruthless in securing his claim to the throne. To eliminate rivals, he ordered … Read more