India's History Overview

Study Notes

India became a republic in 1950, operating under a democratic parliamentary system.
It is a major nuclear power with high military spending.
India is the world's most populous democracy since 1947, with a strong legacy of British legal and administrative systems.
India has a diverse population, with multiple languages and religions including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, and Hinduism.
Muslim armies from Central Asia intermittently ruled parts of Northern India, leading to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.
The Vijayanagara Empire developed a unified Hindu culture in Southern India.
Sikhism emerged in the Punjab, rejecting institutionalized religions.
The Mughal Empire governed India for two centuries, providing a period of relative peace.
The British East India Company colonized India starting in 1858, exploiting India's resources and cheap labor.
During WWI, over a million Indians fought for the British, contributing to a nationalist movement led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress.
The movement's nonviolent resistance led to India's independence from British rule.
After WWII India voted against cooperation with the UK. In 1947, the British Indian Empire was divided into two independent nations, India (with a majority Hindu population) and Pakistan (with a majority Muslim population), resulting in significant human suffering.

India's rapid economic growth now challenges China's prominence.
India has overtaken the UK to become the world's 5th-largest economy according to updated figures from the IMF.
India's economy is expected to continuously gain prominence, potentially overtaking both Germany and Japan in size within the next decade.
The Indian economy has traditionally been hampered by a large state sector, bureaucratic procedures and widespread poverty.
India has enjoyed a high GDP growth rate in recent years, making it one of the fastest growing emerging markets.
The IMF anticipates sustained economic growth in India in the coming years.
The Indian stock market is the world's fifth-largest market, with a projected market cap reaching 10 trillion USD by 2030.
The IT-BPM sector accounts for a significant portion of India's economy, generating revenue of ~$245 billion in FY2023. Domestic revenues in the IT industry are near $51 billion and export revenues are ~$194 billion.

India still faces issues of poverty and infrastructure limitations.
India's political decisions and policies related to labor and land affect investment and business opportunities despite significant progress.
Rising commodity prices and global interest rates pose risk to sustainable economic growth.
A large and growing population requires addressing potential issues of housing, employment, and resources.

India's economy is rapidly evolving, with global recognition and potential for future growth.
Despite facing challenges, India demonstrates considerable adaptability and resilience
Recent reforms have laid a groundwork for long-term economic growth.
India is becoming a significant global economic player with significant opportunities for further development.