International Encyclopedia of Communication Online

Extract

India, with a population of more than a billion, is a multiethnic, multilingual, multi-religious, pluralistic society. Politically it is a union of states (28 states and 7 union territories) and a sovereign, secular, democratic republic with a bicameral, multiparty, parliamentary system of government based on a universal adult franchise. It is governed by a written constitution, adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, which came into force on January 26, 1950. India is an ancient civilization. There is evidence of human activity in India at least from 20,000 bce (Bhimbetka rock paintings); of farming from 7000 bce ; and of city life from 2700 bce (Harappa). Alexander the Great was in India 326–325 bce . He returned because his army refused to enter the territory of the Nanda Empire (424–321 bce ), which extended from Punjab to Bengal. After Alexander's return the Nanda Empire was replaced by the Maurya Empire (321–185 bce ), which was later followed by the Gupta Empire (320–467 ce ), the Harshvardhan (606–647), and the Mughal (1526–1757), and, after the battle of Plassey, by East India Company rule (1757–1858). India was under the British crown from 1858 to 1947. Independence and partition into India and Pakistan came in 1947. In terms of public writings, India had the Rock Edicts of Emperor Asoka (c. 273–236 bce ), writings on leaves and barks mentioned ... log in or subscribe to read full text