India has long been and remains one of the most popular among tourists, one of the most recognizable, and yet one of the most mysterious countries in the world. Its traditions, customs, and unique culture have influenced the history of humanity as a whole. The history of India begins several thousand years ago in the valley of the Indus River, where the legendary Harappan civilization originated. Ancient and original, this country is primarily known to us as the homeland of Sanskrit, the epic «Mahabharata», the decimal number system, Hinduism and Buddhism, many philosophical schools, and yoga. What events have shaped India and played a significant role in its fate? The book by the outstanding British historian John Keay covers five thousand years of history of this extraordinary country, from its origins to the present day: the great empires of the Mauryas, Guptas, and Mughals, the spread of Islam, the Delhi Sultanate, the activities of the East India Company, and British conquests, Mahatma Gandhi and the independence movement. Examining the completely different paths of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Republic of India, Keay in his brilliant and vividly written narrative creates an epic portrait of one of the world's oldest and most diverse civilizations. First published in 2000, this work remains one of the most extensive and complete studies of the history of India worldwide. Previously, the book was published in the series «Historical Interest» under the title «India: 5000 Years of History».
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