Ancient India History of India begins with the Indus Valley Civilization which dates back to 3300 B.C. The world’s first great urban civilization flourished in cities like Harappa and Mohenjodaro which are now mostly in Pakistan and western India. Discovery of seals, sculptures and pottery from various sites show evidence of a technologically and advanced urban civilization of the time. The Indus Valley Civilization was followed by the Vedic Civilization. It was during the Vedic period that Hinduism was founded. From around 550 BC, many independent kingdoms and republics known as the Mahajanapadas were established in this region.
It was during the 3rd century BC that Emperor Asoka took over the reins of the Mauryan dynasty and extended it as far as South Asia. After successfully conquering Kalinga, Asoka turned to Buddha’s preachings and love of ahimsa or non-violence. He popularized the teachings of Lord Buddha and during his reign Buddhism spread beyond India to Syria, Egypt and large parts of South Asia. The Indo-Greeks, Indo-Scythians, Indo-Parthians and the Kushans invaded India on various occasions. From the third century AD, the Gupta dynasty continued to rule over the land and this period was known as ancient India's “Golden Age”. It is referred as the Golden Age of India because of achievements made in the fields of astronomy, science, religion and mathematics. Famous poet and dramatist Kalidasa, astronomer Varahamir and mathematician Aryabhatta lived during this period.
The southern region of India was ruled by several powerful dynasties such as the Chalukyas, Cholas, Pallavas and Pandyas, for over centuries. During this period India gained significant success in the fields like science, engineering, art, literature, astronomy, and philosophy under the patronage of several kings. The Pallavas of Kanchi ruled over this region for more than four hundred years.
