When did modern humans arrive on the Indian subcontinent?
Modern humans arrived on the Indian subcontinent from Africa no later than 55,000 years ago. Their long occupation in isolation as hunter-gatherers made the region highly diverse.
Questions about India
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What is the oldest scripture associated with Hinduism and when was it composed?
The Rig Veda is the oldest scripture associated with what later became Hinduism and was composed by Indo-Aryan-speaking tribes between around 1500 BCE and 1200 BCE. It consists of 1,028 hymns originally intended for recital during rituals.
Who reigned over the Maurya Empire from approximately 268 BCE to 232 BCE?
Ashoka reigned over the Maurya Empire from approximately 268 BCE to 232 BCE. During his reign the empire briefly controlled the major urban hubs and arteries of the subcontinent except in the deep south.
On which date did India gain independence and who became prime minister?
India gained independence on the 15th of August 1947 when Jawaharlal Nehru became prime minister of the Dominion of India. He held this office until the 26th of January 1950 when India became a republic.
How many residents were estimated to live in India in 2023?
With an estimated 1,428,627,663 residents in 2023 India is the world's most populous country. The first post-colonial census conducted in 1951 counted 361 million people.