Important Dates in Indian History

The Fourth Anglo-Mysore War was fought in 1799 CE between the British East India Company and Tipu Sultan. Tipu Sultan died during the battle of Seringapatam, after which British influence over Mysore was established. The year 1792 CE is associated with the Treaty of Seringapatam after the Third Anglo-Mysore War. Exam tip: Remember that the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War and Tipu Sultan’s death are linked with 1799.

The Second Anglo-Maratha War began in 1803 CE. Link it with a major conflict between the British and the Marathas.

The Third Anglo-Maratha War began in 1817 CE and continued until 1818 CE. The East India Company defeated the major Maratha powers in this war, leading to the near end of Maratha political dominance in India. The year 1803 is associated with the beginning of the Second Anglo-Maratha War. Exam tip: Remember the starting years in order—First: 1775, Second: 1803, Third: 1817.

The final decline of Maratha power is generally associated with 1818 CE. It is related to the result of the Third Anglo-Maratha War.

Punjab was annexed into the British Empire in 1849 CE. It happened after the Second Anglo-Sikh War.

The postage stamp system was introduced in India in 1854 CE. Dates related to modern communication can be asked in exams.

Awadh was annexed by the British in 1856 CE. Link it with the causes of the Revolt of 1857.

The Vernacular Press Act was passed in 1878 CE. Link it with restrictions on the Indian language press.

The Ilbert Bill was introduced in 1883 during Lord Ripon's time. For exams remember the date along with the related Viceroy.

Delhi was announced as the capital of India in 1911. Remember it with the Delhi Durbar and the shift of capital.

The Khilafat Movement arose after the First World War around concerns about the position of the Ottoman Caliph and the treatment of Turkey by the victorious powers. In India, leaders including the Ali brothers mobilised support, and the issue became connected with wider anti-colonial politics. The movement began in 1919 and later interacted closely with the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Option C is correct. The dates 1917 and 1918 belong to earlier wartime developments and do not mark the usual beginning of the Indian Khilafat Movement. 1922 is associated with the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement, not its start. Remembering 1919 with the post-war setting and the later Hindu-Muslim political cooperation helps distinguish this answer.

The Third Round Table Conference was held in 1932. For exams, remember the order of all three Round Table Conferences.

Subhas Chandra Bose took leadership of the Indian National Army in 1943. Link it with Netaji and the freedom struggle.

India's first general election began in 1951. Remember it with the beginning of democratic history in independent India.

Alexander invaded India in 326 BCE. Remember it with Porus and the Battle of the Hydaspes.

The Saka Era is traditionally counted from 78 CE. It is a historical era used in Indian calendrical practice and is also the basis of the Saka calendar used in India’s national calendar system. The year number in an era is not the same as the corresponding Gregorian year in every month, but the starting point asked in this question is conventionally given as 78 CE.

Option C is correct. 57 BCE is linked with the Vikram Samvat tradition, while 261 BCE is associated with a much earlier period of Mauryan history. 320 CE is often connected with the rise of the Gupta era or Gupta power, not the Saka Era. The simple exam association is Saka Era equals 78 CE.

The Indian Councils Act was passed in 1892 CE. Remember it with the growth of limited representation in British India.

Congress ministries formed provincial governments in 1937 CE. Link it with the elections held after the Act of 1935.

The Gupta Era, also called the Gupta Samvat in many school-history contexts, is generally considered to have begun in 320 CE. This date is associated with the rise of the Gupta dynasty, traditionally linked with the accession of Chandragupta I and his Lichchhavi marriage alliance. It is an important reference point for studying the Gupta period and its political and cultural developments.

Option B, 320 CE, is therefore the correct choice. The other dates belong to different historical reference points: 78 CE is commonly connected with the Shaka Era, 606 CE with the beginning of Harsha’s reign, and 1206 CE with the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate. Thus the supplied answer and explanation are appropriate.

The Theosophical Society was founded in 1875 CE. Connect it with Annie Besant and cultural awakening in India.