Important Dates in Indian History

The Azad Hind Fauj is associated with 1942. For exams connect it with Subhas Chandra Bose and the freedom struggle.

The First Round Table Conference began in 1930. For exams remember the order of the three Round Table Conferences.

The Poona Pact took place in 1932 between Gandhi and Dr B R Ambedkar. For exams remember dates linked with social representation.

The Swadeshi Movement is linked with the protest against the Partition of Bengal in 1905. For exams remember movements with their causes.

The Home Rule Movement began in 1916. For exams connect it with Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

Alexander's Indian campaign is linked with 326 BCE. In exams connect it with Porus and the Jhelum region.

The Mauryan Empire is generally dated from 322 BCE. In exams remember Chandragupta Maurya and Kautilya together.

The Gupta Era is generally considered to begin in 320 CE. In exams connect it with the rise of the Gupta period.

Harshavardhana's rule is considered to begin in 606 CE. In exams link Kannauj and Xuanzang with him.

Muhammad bin Qasim's Sindh campaign took place in 712 CE. In exams connect it with Arab contact with India.

The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka. In exams connect Hampi with it.

Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in 1498. In exams connect it with the beginning of European sea trade.

Shivaji Maharaj's coronation took place in 1674 at Raigad. In exams remember this year in Maratha history.

The Bengal Sati Regulation of 1829, enacted during Lord William Bentinck’s tenure, declared the practice of Sati illegal. Raja Rammohan Roy played an important role in building public opinion against this practice. The year 1856 is associated with the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act, so it is a close but incorrect option. Exam tip: remember 1829 for abolition of Sati and 1856 for widow remarriage legislation.

India's first passenger train ran in 1853 between Mumbai and Thane. In exams connect the start of railways with modern India.

The Revolt of 1857 is counted among India's major struggles for freedom. In exams remember Meerut and Delhi.

The Purna Swaraj resolution was passed at the Lahore session of 1929. In exams remember Jawaharlal Nehru's presidency.

The Dandi March started in 1930 against the salt law. In exams remember Sabarmati Ashram and Dandi.

The Government of India Act was passed in 1935. In exams remember its link with provincial autonomy.

India became independent from British rule on 15 August 1947, so 1947 is the correct year. The year 1942 is associated with the Quit India Movement, while in 1950 the Constitution came into force and India became a republic. Exam tip: remember Independence Day—15 August 1947; Republic Day—26 January 1950.