Toxic smog engulfed much of northern India on Monday and pollution readings in New Delhi hit their highest of this pre-winter season, after dense fog overnight. Visibility dropped to about 300 ...

Scholars believe it was first used in reference to a tribe called Bharata who populated northern India. The history of pre-independence India is often divided into Hindu, Muslim and British periods.

North’s increased population The uneven growth in populations across north and south India means northern Indian states now account for about 50% of the population compared with 43% in 1971.