India has always been one of the most well known and powerful countries in Asia. Located in Southern Asia, India has been a birthplace for many religions and has become even more prominent within the magical world. It has an incredible history when it comes to advancements and religions, and even more will continue to be made in the next few centuries.

Like normal, we will begin with some Muggle history. The Mauryas of India were one of the first Muggle empires within India. Chandragupta Maurya seized power and established the Mauryan Empire after Alexander the Great left India. They ruled from 321-185 BCE. Asoka was the greatest Mauryan king, and he ruled from 268-232 BC. He began his reign with military conquest, but hated the bloodshed and converted to Buddhism since he believed in religious toleration. After Asoka’s death, the Mauryas began to decline. For the next 500 years, waves of invaders poured into northern India. They were reunited with the Gupta Empire. Chandra Gupta rose to power after the 500 years of turmoil ended. He married the daughter of a powerful royal family. The Gupta’s conquered for years and expanded their power. Trade and farming flourished as Chandra Gupta promoted stability with a strong central government while still giving power to local leaders.

The magical side of India is almost just as well known as that in Muggle India. Firstly, India is yet another country with a Ministry of Magic. Many Asian Ministry of Magics, including that of India, were very suspicious of the game of Quidditch and did not like it being played. When Quidditch was played, they used flying carpets instead of brooms to fly on. The Indian Ministry of Magic is one of the least known Ministries because it did not make any massive decisions to affect the whole of the magical world. The Indian Ministry of Magic was also very aggressive when it came to fighting against wizards who exploited muggles.

There are many creatures that are native to India. Some of which are the Occamy, Phoenix, Lethifold, Remora, and more. Many creatures can also be found worldwide as well as in India, some of which include the Ashwinder, the Clabbert, Fairy, Plimpy, Streeler, and more. India has one of the largest magical creature populations in the world.

India is one of the most powerful countries both in the Muggle and magical world. India affected Muggle history with many cultural advancements, and the magical world was too affected by its Ministry of Magic and vastly diverse magical creatures.

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America is a newer country, but has quickly gained power over less than three hundred years ago. Yes, today we are discussing America itself. Specifically, the United States of America. This country contains some powerful wizarding schools, a rich muggle and magical history, and a catalog of creatures to go through! Now, let’s learn about America!

So where to begin? Well, the United States of America were first discovered in the fifteenth century by a sailor named Christopher Columbus. He found the territory, and then started to colonise it. Many years later, the British came along and conquered the territory. For hundreds of years, America was under British rule. However, in 1776, a rebellion took place and the British were kicked out of America. After that, America started to grow. America underwent a civil war in the late 1800’s, which was fought over many different disputes on how to treat others in their country. After that, America grew larger and stronger, and became a major powerhouse in the two world wars.

Well, that is a quick history of America. Did I cover it all? No, not in the slightest. We are here for the magic after all, aren’t we? Rappaport's Law was the first big decision made in America, as it was a law that separated the magical and Muggle worlds. It is similar to the International Statute of Secrecy, but a lot more strict and was way more centred around America. MACUSA is the Ministry of Magic of America, and it was founded in 1693. It helps protect the rights of magicians and as well as that of Muggles. They made many laws to protect both groups and to ensure none seriously harmed the other. In 1926 a battle took place in New York, a city in America, when a dark wizard named Grindelwald broke into MACUSA and tried to evade capture.

Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is the school of the United States, but there is not much known about it. It is the most well known school in America, though, and people from all around the country go there even if there is a closer alternative. There are many powerful creatures in America as well. The Pukwudgie, Snallygaster, Hidebehind, Hodwag, Sasquatch, Thunderbird, and Jackalope are some of the native ones to both of the Americas. The Doxy, Vampire, Re’em, Knarl, and Jobberknoll are some only found in North America.

Well, that is a quick lesson on America and India! And alas, that is our last full Magic Around the World article! Next month will be our final Magic Around the World article, which will compare and contrast all seven nations we have spoken about. Get ready for that!

Written by Michael Isserles.
Edited by Hazel Antler.
Proofread by Daphne Clarke.