India is something of a rarity, especially in Asia - it is a country where properties for sale are available on a 'first tier' basis. They aren't being traded up or sold on by previous developers, and there is more than enough opportunity to get in on the ground floor for those starting out in investment. Prices are rising more and more each year though, and chances for getting into the market like this are becoming less. Some experts are putting property sale price growth in India at the 20 to 30 percent mark each year, and the market is not expected to reach its peak until around 2015 - there is time to get in there, but action shouldn't be taken slowly!

During the first half of the twentieth century, a nationwide struggle for independence was launched by the Indian National Congress and other political organizations. In the 1920s and 1930, under a movement led by Mahatma Gandhi , chatacterized by the commitment to ahimsa , or non-violence, millions of protesters engaged in mass campaigns of civil disobedience . Finally, on 15 August 1947, India gained independence from British rule, but was partitioned with independent governments for the Dominion of India and the Dominion of Pakistan in accordance with the wishes of the Muslim League , to create a nation state along the lines of religion.Three years later, on 26 January 1950, India became a republic and a new constitution came into effect.

For most of its post-independence history, India adhered to a quasi- socialist approach with strict government control over private sector participation, foreign trade , and foreign direct investment . However, since 1991, India has gradually opened up its markets through economic reforms and reduced government controls on foreign trade and investment.Foreign exchange reserves have risen from US$5.8 billion in March 1991 to US$308 billion on 4 July 2008, [92] while federal and state budget deficits have decreased.
India's national sport is field hockey although cricket is the most popular sport in India. In some states, particularly those in the northeast and the states of West Bengal, Goa, and Kerala, football (soccer) is also a popular sport. [123] In recent times, tennis has also gained popularity. Chess , commonly held to have originated in India, is also gaining popularity with the rise in the number of Indian grandmasters . Traditional sports include kabaddi , kho kho , and gilli-danda , which are played nationwide. India is also home to the ancient martial arts , Kalarippayattu and Varma Kalai . Martial arts practised in neighboring countries are said to have been influenced by this country.