History of India : - For near about 4000 years old history of India, with its political , cultural , social and religious heritage background. The history begins with Harappan Culture in Indus River Valley around 2500 BC. The Mauryas and The Ashoka came to picture to build a great Indian Empire under the leadership of Chandergupta Maurya in 321 BC. The first Gupta ruler, Chandragupta I, established their kingdom in 319 AD, but the Gupta’s expand their empire in full swing under the leadership of Chandragupta II from 375 to 413 AD. The First Muslim ruler came to India from Afghanistan in 11th century, the name Mahmud Ghazni, followed by Mohammed of Ghur in 1191, who expand his powers and fought many battles against Hindu. One of his generals captured Delhi and appointed as governor, Qutb-ud-din. Near about 230 years The Great Mughals ruled the country from 1527 to 1757. Babur was the first invader of Mughals ruler from 1527 to 1530, than Humayan from 1530 to 1556. The Akbar was the most successful ruler among the Mughals from 1556 to 1605. Than the Jhangir from 1605 to 1627. Shah Jahan is famous for The Builder of Taj Mahel of his beloved Queen Mumtaz, ruled from 1627 to 1658. Aurangzeb is responsible for the down fall of the Mughals, ruled from 1658 to 1707. After the Mughals, the Rajputs and the Martha’s rules the empire. The British expand their empire from 1498 from the west part of India, Goa. They ruled this country till 1947. Finally India got the Independence in 15th Aug 1947.
Government & Politics :- India is a multiparty constitutional Democracy. The Prime Minister is elected for the period of 5 years by the people through free and fair voting. All the powers are with the Prime Minister and the parliament are consist of Two houses, The Lower House is called the Lok Sabha ( the house of people ) and the Upper house is called the Rajya Sabha ( Council of States ). The President is the first person of the country and he can declare the emergency in the states and President rule in the states, where the situation is not under control.
Foreign Exchange / Currency :- Tourism is the second largest industry after the Oil industry The India rupee is the local currency and is subdivided into 100 paise. You are allowed to bring unlimited amount of foreign currency to travelers Cheques, but you have to declare anything over US$ 1000 on arrival. You are not allowed to take Indian Currency out side India, other than Nepal.
Population of India :- The Indian population is the second largest population in the world, after China. In 2001 the population is more than One Billion plus and going to become the first largest populated country in the world. Indian population is 16% of the world population and growing at about 2% per year.
Religion in India :- India is a Hindu country but in practice the religion is a strange blend of Hinduism and more than 80% of the peoples are Hindu. Apart from India, Nepal is the only Hindu country in the world, where more than 70% of the peoples are Hindu. Apart from Hinduism, the other religions are Islam , Christianity , Sikhism , Buddhism , Jainism and Zoroastrianism. But there is a harmony among the religions.
Language of India :- There are more than 30 languages are spoken in India, out of which 18 languages are recognized by the constitution of India. There is no such any language in India, that spoken by majority of peoples. This is the reason that still after the Independence more than 50years, English is spoken by the majority of peoples. English is the official language and language for Tourism.
Visa :- You must have valid Visa and a passport for your stay in India. Visa is grant for Six months for multiple entry from the origin point by the Overseas Indian Embassy office. Visa is required for all neighboring countries by their embassies in India. Visa can be extending for the period of 15 days by the office of FRRO in the main cities.
Time :- India is 5 Hrs 30 mts ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 4 Hrs behind Australian Time and 10 Hrs 30 mts a head of American Time..
Climate :- India is so vast that the climate conditions are differ from North to South and East to West. India has three seasons in a year - The Hot ( Summer ) is from April to September and the maximum temperature is around 45 degree C, The Wet ( Mansoon ) is from July to September and the temperature is around 35 degree C, The Cool ( Winter ) is from October to March and the minimum temperature is around 6 degree C. The Temperature in Hill areas during winters are 0 degree C.
Cities of India :- India is full of beauty with the Culture , Nature , Adventure and Safaris from North to South and East to West. Every State in India is famous for their Unique things like - Utter Pardes is for Taj Mahel in Agra , Ganges in Varanasi , Adventure and Hills in Mussorie and Nainital , Rajasthan is for Palaces , Havelies , Traditions , Culture and desert safari, South is for Beach Holidays , Nature , Back water and Dances , East is for Adventure and Tribal Tours , North for Himalayas , Mountains , Adventure and Safari. Pilgrimage Tours and Temples Tour.
Restrictions :- Valid visa is not enough to travel in all parts of India, Special additional permits to be required by the foreign travelers to visit some of the restricted places in India. Special Permits to be required for some of these restricted area - Andaman Islands , Lakshadeep , North - East Region and Sikkim.
