Historical Facts About India That Will Change Your View on History

1. India Had a Vast System of Universities Long Before the West

India is often credited with the development of some of the earliest educational systems in the world. The ancient university of Nalanda, founded around the 5th century CE, was one of the first residential universities in the world. It attracted students from all over Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. With thousands of students and teachers, it thrived for centuries before being destroyed by invaders in the 12th century. In fact, Takshashila, an even older educational institution, existed around 600 BCE and is said to have offered education in subjects ranging from medicine to warfare.

2. Mughal Architecture Was Influenced by Persian Art, Not Just Indian Traditions

While the Mughal Empire is known for its iconic architectural feats, like the Taj Mahal, many people mistakenly attribute these designs solely to Indian culture. The truth is, Mughal architecture was heavily influenced by Persian design, which the Mughal emperors adopted and adapted to suit Indian climate and culture. The intricate patterns, use of gardens, arches, and domes were all features brought to India by the Mughals, who originally came from Central Asia. They blended these Persian influences with Indian artistry to create the magnificent structures we see today.

3. The First Known Plastic Surgery Was Practiced in Ancient India

Long before modern medicine discovered the intricacies of plastic surgery, ancient Indian doctors were performing surgeries that are remarkably similar to those today. The first known references to reconstructive surgery come from the Sushruta Samhita, written around 600 BCE by the ancient Indian surgeon Sushruta. The text describes procedures such as rhinoplasty (reconstruction of the nose), skin grafting, and even cataract surgery. The ancient Indian knowledge of medicine was centuries ahead of its time and laid the foundation for many surgical techniques still in use today.

4. The British Didn't Just Loot India, They Destroyed Its Economy

It is commonly known that British colonial rule had a significant impact on India, but few realize the extent to which the British economically devastated the country. The British East India Company and later the British government systematically looted India's wealth, but they also undermined India's thriving industries. India's textile industry, once among the most advanced in the world, was destroyed by British policies that forced India to export raw materials and buy back manufactured goods. By the time India gained independence in 1947, it was economically impoverished, with many of its traditional industries virtually destroyed.

5. India Was Home to One of the Oldest Civilizations in the World — the Indus Valley Civilization

The Indus Valley Civilization (around 3300–1300 BCE) was one of the world’s earliest urban cultures, predating ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa were highly advanced, with well-planned streets, drainage systems, and public baths. The civilization was so advanced that its citizens had a sophisticated system of weights and measures, and evidence suggests they traded with regions as far as Mesopotamia. Despite their advances, much about the Indus Valley Civilization remains mysterious, as their script has yet to be deciphered.

6. India Was a Leader in Global Trade Long Before the British Arrived

For centuries before European colonial powers arrived, India was a major player in global trade. The Silk Road and Indian Ocean trade routes facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. India traded spices, textiles, and gemstones with regions as far as the Roman Empire, Southeast Asia, and China. Indian merchants were instrumental in spreading not only material goods but also cultural and religious ideas. The spread of Buddhism from India to East Asia is a prime example of how Indian influence shaped cultures far beyond its borders.

7. The Indian Independence Movement Was A Peaceful Revolution

While the Indian independence movement is often associated with violent rebellions, the truth is that the most significant push for independence came from nonviolent resistance. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, the movement championed the idea of Satyagraha (truth and nonviolent resistance), which became a powerful tool for social change. Gandhi’s leadership and nonviolent methods, including civil disobedience and boycotts, inspired similar movements around the world, most notably in the United States under Martin Luther King Jr.

8. Indian Kings Were Among the Richest in the World

Before the British colonization, Indian kingdoms were some of the wealthiest in the world. One of the most famous examples is Raja Maharana Jai Singh II of Jaipur, whose wealth and influence were such that he was known to possess diamonds that no other ruler could rival. Another example is the Nizam of Hyderabad, whose personal fortune was once estimated to be among the largest in the world. The treasures of India were so vast that they were seen as major targets for European imperialists, who looted many of these riches during the colonial period.

9. India Gave the World Zero and the Decimal System

One of the most important contributions to the modern world was India’s invention of zero and the decimal system. These concepts were first recorded in Bakhshali Manuscript around the 3rd century CE. Indian mathematicians, such as Aryabhata, used the concept of zero as a placeholder, which allowed for more complex calculations and the development of algebra and calculus. The decimal system revolutionized the way we understand numbers and is used globally today.

10. The Maratha Empire Was a Major Force in Pre-Colonial India

When we think of pre-colonial India, many focus on the Mughal Empire or other regional powers. However, the Maratha Empire, which rose to prominence in the 17th century, was a significant force in India. Founded by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Marathas not only fought against the Mughals but also established a vast empire that stretched across much of present-day India. Their military tactics and administrative reforms influenced the future of Indian governance. The Maratha Confederacy played a crucial role in resisting British expansion until the early 19th century.

Conclusion

India’s history is much richer and more diverse than what is commonly portrayed. From early advancements in science and medicine to the complex systems of trade and governance, India's contributions to the world are immense. These historical facts not only challenge common perceptions of India but also highlight the extraordinary resilience and ingenuity of its people. Understanding these facts can provide a deeper appreciation of India's complex and dynamic past, shaping how we view its present and future.

Explore More