History of India facts

Religious lines between Hindu and Muslim. British India was partitioned along religious lines into two states: the Muslim-majority Dominion of Pakistan (comprising what is now the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the People's Republic of Bangladesh) and the Hindu-majority Union of India (later the Republic of India). This led to mass rioting amongst Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs. About twelve million refugees moved between the newly founded nations.

Around 500-400 BC. The times of Gautama's birth and death are uncertain. At a symposium on this question held in 1988, the majority of those who presented definite opinions gave dates within 20 years either side of 400 BCE for the Buddha's death.

Vasco da Gama. The sum of the distances covered in the outward and return voyages made this expedition the longest ocean voyage ever made until then, longer than the circumference of the Earth.

East India Company policies. As lands came under company control, the land tax was typically raised from 10% to up to 50% of the value of the agricultural produce, and was raised even higher at the famine peek. Nevertheless, the company continued to suffer financially, and influenced Parliament to pass the Tea Act in 1773, which ultimately lead to the American War of Independence.