Ancient India, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, was a thriving civilization that flourished in the Indian subcontinent from around 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. It was characterized by advanced urban planning, well-organized city structures, and sophisticated drainage systems. The people of ancient India excelled in various fields such as agriculture, metallurgy, trade, and arts. They had an extensive trade network, connecting with Mesopotamia and other parts of the world. The religious and cultural practices of ancient India laid the foundation for the development of Hinduism, one of the world's oldest religions. The ancient Indian society was divided into social classes known as varnas, with the Brahmins (priests) being the highest and the Shudras (laborers) being the lowest. The period also witnessed important intellectual contributions, including the development of mathematics, medicine, and philosophical ideas, as reflected in texts such as the Vedas and Upanishads. The decline of the Indus Valley Civilization is still not fully understood, with theories suggesting natural disasters, environmental changes, or invasion by nomadic tribes as possible causes. Despite its eventual decline, ancient India laid the foundation for the rich cultural, intellectual, and spiritual traditions that continue to influence the country to this day.
