Important Dates in Indian History

The Battle of Hydaspes was fought in 326 BCE between Alexander and Porus. For exams, link it with Alexander's Indian campaign.

The Mauryan Empire is generally considered to have ended around 185 BCE. Link it with the rise of Pushyamitra Shunga.

Vikram Samvat is a traditional Indian calendar era whose beginning is conventionally placed in 57 BCE. In many historical explanations, the era is associated with King Vikramaditya, although details about the traditional origin and the historical evidence are discussed differently by scholars. For this school-level question, the expected date is therefore 57 BCE, which is option B.

The other dates represent different historical reference points or are not the accepted starting date of this era. The Saka era is commonly associated with 78 CE, so option C must not be confused with Vikram Samvat. The question asks for the conventional beginning of the Vikram era, not for a later calendar calculation or a modern calendar conversion. Thus B follows from the standard textbook convention.

Harshavardhana began his rule in 606 CE. Link it with Kannauj and the politics of North India.

Balban assumed rule in 1266 CE. Remember him with strict centralisation and dignity of kingship.

The English East India Company received its charter in 1600 CE. Link it with the beginning of English trade in India.

Captain Hawkins reached Surat in 1608 CE. Link it with early English contact with the Mughal court.

Mughal emperor Shah Jahan began the construction of the Taj Mahal in 1632 CE in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. By 1639 CE, the main mausoleum was largely completed, so it is not the year construction began. Exam tip: Remember 1632 CE as the start of construction and associate the Taj Mahal with Shah Jahan.

Jyotirao Phule was born in 1827. For exams remember him as a reformer of education and social equality.

Savitribai Phule was born in 1831. For exams remember her as a pioneering woman educator of India.

The Phule couple started a school for girls' education in Pune in 1848. For exams remember this date of women's education reform.

Pandita Ramabai was born in 1858. For exams connect her with women's education and widow welfare.

Sharada Sadan was an institution linked with Pandita Ramabai in 1889. For exams remember dates of women's reform institutions.

The Aruvippuram consecration of 1888 is linked with Narayana Guru's social reform work. For exams remember dates of Kerala reform movements.

The SNDP Yogam was founded in 1903 and is linked with Narayana Guru's reform tradition. For exams remember the organization and year together.

The Servants of India Society was founded in 1905 by Gopal Krishna Gokhale. For exams remember years of social service organizations.

SNDT Women's University is linked with Dhondo Keshav Karve's efforts in 1916. For exams remember dates of women's education institutions.

The Self Respect Movement is linked with Periyar in 1925. For exams remember dates of social reform movements in South India.

Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950. For exams remember years of institutions linked with social service.

The Bhoodan Movement was started by Vinoba Bhave in 1951. For exams connect it with land donation and village reform.