18th century is usually regarded as the beginning of modern Age in Europe. Talking about India, various historians have divided the history of the country in various ways. British historians divided the Indian history into Hindu, Muslim and British periods. Some historians divided it into ancient, medieval and modern period. However, it has been advocated by several historians that it is a periodisation that is borrowed from the West where the modern period was associated with the growth of all the forces of modernity – science, reason, democracy, liberty and equality. Medieval was a term used to describe a society where these features of modern society did not exist. This periodisation does not apply to India because she was under the British rule where liberty, freedom and justice was denied to the natives. Hence, this period cannot be termed as 'modern'. It can be termed as 'colonial'. It is only because the modern age in Europe began in the 18th century, that several historians have also adopted the same timeline for India.

The 18th Century: The Beginning of the History of Modern India

The 18th century marks a significant turning point in the history of India as it witnessed various events and factors that laid the foundation for the emergence of modern India. This period witnessed the decline of the Mughal Empire, the rise of regional powers, the advent of European colonialism, and the beginning of socio-cultural reforms.

1. Decline of the Mughal Empire:
- The Mughal Empire, which had been a dominant force in India for centuries, started to decline in the 18th century due to weak rulers, internal conflicts, and invasions.
- As the central authority weakened, regional powers emerged, leading to the fragmentation of the empire, and the rise of independent states.

2. Emergence of Regional Powers:
- The decline of the Mughal Empire resulted in the emergence of regional powers such as the Marathas, Sikhs, and various princely states.
- These regional powers played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of India in the 18th century and beyond.

3. European Colonialism:
- The 18th century saw the increasing influence and colonization by European powers, particularly the British, French, and Portuguese.
- The British East India Company, in particular, gained significant power and control over trade and territories in India, which eventually led to British colonial rule.

4. Socio-Cultural Reforms:
- The 18th century witnessed the beginning of socio-cultural reforms that aimed to challenge social inequalities and traditional practices.
- Prominent figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy advocated for reforms such as the abolition of sati (the practice of widow burning), promotion of education, and the denouncement of social evils.

5. Impact on Indian Society:
- The events and factors of the 18th century led to a transformation in the social, political, and economic fabric of India.
- The rise of regional powers challenged the central authority and set the stage for further conflicts and power struggles.
- European colonialism laid the groundwork for British rule and the subsequent exploitation of Indian resources.
- Socio-cultural reforms sowed the seeds of modernization and social progress, challenging orthodox practices and promoting enlightenment ideals.

In conclusion, the 18th century is regarded as the beginning of the history of modern India due to the decline of the Mughal Empire, the emergence of regional powers, the onset of European colonialism, and the initiation of socio-cultural reforms. These events and factors shaped the trajectory of India's history, leading to significant political, social, and economic changes that set the stage for the formation of modern India.

Because many new inventions like printing press,piano, newspapers published in many languages are invented in 18 century which developed our india modern