Burmese history dates back to ancient times, with the establishment of the Pyu city-states around the 1st century CE. The region saw the rise of the Bamar people, who founded the Pagan Kingdom in the 9th century, unifying various tribes and promoting Buddhism. This kingdom flourished until the 13th century, when it fell to the Mongol invasions. In the 19th century, British colonial rule began after the First Anglo-Burmese War in 1824. Burma became a part of British India until it gained independence in 1948. The country has since experienced periods of military rule, political unrest, and efforts toward democratization, shaping its modern identity.