Ancient India Timeline

Ancient India: The Birthplace of Major World Religions and a Classical Civilization 

Ancient India refers to the formative period of South Asian history spanning from approximately 3300 BCE to 550 CE, encompassing the rise and development of early Indian civilization. This era began with the Indus Valley Civilization, centered on major urban sites such as Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, known for advanced city planning, long-distance trade, and administrative organization. Following the decline of the Indus cities, the Vedic period emerged, marked by the composition of the Vedas, the development of Sanskrit, and evolving religious, social, and political institutions. Over time, early kingdoms known as janapadas and mahajanapadas arose, alongside expanding trade networks linking India to Central Asia and the Indian Ocean world. Significant intellectual milestones included the Upanishads, early philosophical thought, iron technology, and the foundations of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. By the end of the Gupta Empire in the 6th century CE, Ancient India had established enduring cultural, religious, scientific, and political traditions that shaped the classical and medieval history of the Indian subcontinent.