Introduction
The British divided Indian history into three periods to make it easier to study and understand. These periods are ancient, medieval, and modern. Each period is characterized by significant events, cultural shifts, and changes in political power.

Ancient Period
The ancient period in Indian history spans from prehistoric times to the 8th century CE. This period is characterized by the Indus Valley Civilization, the Vedic period, the Mauryan empire, and the Gupta Empire. During the Vedic period, the Vedas were written, and Hinduism emerged as a dominant religion. The Mauryan empire was one of the largest empires in ancient India and was ruled by Emperor Ashoka, who spread Buddhism throughout the region. The Gupta Empire was known for its advancements in science, art, and literature.

Medieval Period
The medieval period in Indian history spans from the 8th century CE to the 18th century CE. This period is characterized by the rise of Islam and the Mughal empire. The Delhi Sultanate was established in the 13th century and was followed by the Mughal empire in the 16th century. The Mughal empire was known for its architectural achievements, including the Taj Mahal.

Modern Period
The modern period in Indian history spans from the 18th century to the present day. This period is characterized by British colonialism, the Indian independence movement, and the partition of India and Pakistan. The British established the East India Company in the 18th century and gradually took control of India. The Indian independence movement was led by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, who fought for India's independence from British rule. The partition of India and Pakistan in 1947 led to widespread violence and displacement.

Conclusion
The division of Indian history into three periods helps students and scholars to understand the major events and cultural shifts that have shaped India's rich and diverse history. By studying the ancient, medieval, and modern periods, we can gain a deeper appreciation for India's contributions to world culture and history.

British divided indian history into three periods because they felt that periodisation can help in understanding the relevance and changes of that period of time.They divided indian history into three periods- Hindu , Muslim and British based on the religion of the influential rulers at that time.