Getting Ready

The first traces of human settlement in India are found on the Indus River floodplain. The Harappan civilization, one of the world's oldest, flourished here during the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C., and expanded into northwestern India. By 2500 BC, a sophisticated urban culture had been created. Aryan tribes from Central Asia migrated into the Indian subcontinent about 1500 BC; their merger with the earlier inhabitants created the classical Indian culture. Religions involving complex deities developed between 1000-600 BC, and the caste system, with Brahmin priests at the top, was formed. In the 6th century BC, Buddhism and Jainism were founded, challenging Brahmin dominance.

India’s first empire, the Mauryan Empire, began in 321 BC and reached its peak under Ashoka, one of India’s greatest rulers. Much of South Asia was united under his reign. After this empire declined, invaders from Central Asia established a series of dynasties. The Gupta dynasty (4th to 6th centuries AD) introduced a Golden Age of science, art, and culture. Two sects of Hinduism, Vaishnavism and Shaivism, became prominent during this period. In the south, numerous dynasties arose after the decline of the Mauryan empire, growing wealthy through trade with Rome.

During the period from 750-1200 AD, three major northern dynasties (the Pratiharas, Rashtrakutas and the Palas) fought frequent wars with one another, but between battles they also built lavish palaces and temples. Around this same time, the Chola dynasty rose to prominence in the south. Literature, architecture and sculpture flourished, and many magnificent temples were built.

Constant infighting between the various kingdoms left them vulnerable to attack – beginning in the 11th century, Turks and Afghans invaded India, founding the first of many Muslim dynasties and establishing the Delhi Sultanate. These sultans introduced new styles of architecture that merged Hindu and Islamic elements. However, these dynasties were also weakened by infighting.

In the early 16th century, the Central Asian prince Babur overthrew the last Delhi Sultanate and established the Mughal Dynasty, which ruled India for more than three centuries. Literature, architecture and decorative arts reached new heights during this era, and the empire was expanded well into the south. Also at this time, European explorers began establishing footholds in India, forever altering the course of its history. The English East India Company began acquiring territories in the north, and by the mid 19th century, British control extended over much of India. Discontent with their foreign rulers led to the Indian Mutiny of 1857. In 1858, the Company’s rule was dissolved, and its Indian territories became part of the British Empire. This new kingdom, along with this period of British rule, became known as the Raj.

The British Indian Army played a vital role in both World Wars. The nationalist desire for independence was still strong, however. In 1920 Mahatma Ghandi became the leader of the National Movement. His strategy of nonviolent resistance to British rule eventually brought about independence in 1947. The new democratic government united more than 550 princely states, with Jawaharlal Nehru as its first prime minister. However, a war over the disputed territory of Kashmir led to the subcontinent's bloody partition, which resulted in the creation of two separate states, India and Pakistan.

After Nehru’s death, his daughter Indira Ghandi became prime minister in 1966. She initially continued his left-wing, anti-poverty policies, but later, perceiving threats to her power, she jailed dissidents and censored the press. She lost the 1977 election but returned to power in 1980. In 1984, Ghandi ordered an attack on Sikh rebels at their sacred temple in Punjab. In retaliation, she was assassinated by her Sikh guards in 1984.

Indira’s son Rajiv Ghandi took over after her death. He, too, was assassinated in 1991 by a Sri Lankin Tamil separatist, but his economic reforms continued, opening the country to global trade and investment. Though India still suffers from extensive poverty and overpopulation, it has developed into a major economic power with a prosperous middle class.

Casual, comfortable clothing is best and will be suitable for most activities. You will want to pack a dressy outfit for special dinners. We recommended that you keep luggage to a minimum for your own comfort and ease of transport, especially if you are using light aircraft transfers.

Here is a guideline list of important items to bring:

- Light cotton shirts (long and short sleeved), pants and skirts or shorts
- A sweater or jacket for cool evenings
- Bathing suit
- Good, comfortable walking shoes
- Casual, lightweight cotton, khaki or neutral colored clothes for safari
- Fleece for game drives in Central India
- Wide-brimmed hat Personal toiletries, sunblock and lip creams
- Sunglasses
- Cotton socks
- Any special medicines
- Waterproof rain jacket/windbreaker
- Insect repellent
- Small flashlight
- Camera

Women should also carry a scarf or shawl (useful for covering your head and shoulders when visiting mosques and other sacred buildings).