India is the 7th largest country in area and the second-most populous country in the world.
The special features of Indian history are :
1. Continuity of civilization and culture: India has one of the earliest histories in the world. The physical features of our country, full of variety, richness and contrasts tend to divide India into different local zones. However, it . has 4000 years of continuous history and continuity of civilization and culture, like China.
2. Evolution in phases : Its has developed in various stages with necessary improvements. We find a connecting link of events from the Indus to the Vedic **, Vedic to Islamic and ***** influences.
3. Foreign invasions: The natural barriers on the frontiers of India provided security from foreign invasions. However, foreigners like Greeks, Persians, Huns, Shakas, *****, Turks, Kushans, Afghans, and others entered India from the Khyber and Bolan passes.
All these invaders contributed to the Indian culture. The historical monuments and other structures like Forts built by these invaders are attracting tourists even today. South India had immunity from such invasions and developed a distinct culture of its own.
4. Religious tolerance (Dominant and tolerant . Hindu ***):** India is home for Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs, Muslims, Parsis, Christians and several tribal faiths and practices. Indians believe in the concept of ‘Vasudhaivaka kutumbakam’ and ‘Sarve janaha sukhino bhavantu which means that the whole world is one family and let all the people be happy.
5. Indian contributions to the world: India has contributed immensely in the fields of literature, philosophy, science, art, culture, architecture, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, etc., UNO has recognized more than 30 Indian historical sites as centers of world heritage, such as the Hill forts of Rajasthan, Khujaraho, Konark, Tajmahal, Bodh Gaya, Sanchi, Ajanta, Ellora, Hampi, Aihole, Pattadakallu, Madurai, Kanchi, Churches of Goa, etc.,
Yoga, Ayurveda, and other artistic specimens are the special contributions of Indians to the world. The great contributions of Indian mathematicians haye enriched the world with the concept of zero and the decimal system.
The ancient universites of Nalanda, Takshashila, Ujjain, Prayag, Vikramshila, Kashi and Kanchi attracted students from different countries of the world. India was at the height of its intellectual and spiritual glory.
6. Unity in diversity : India possesses diverse physical and geographical features and also shows diversity racially, linguistically, socially, economically, religiously and almost in every sphere of human activities. In spite of all these diversities, there are many unifying forces that have kept India united.
