Indian history starts with the Indus Valley Civilization that flourished from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE on the banks of the Indus River and its tributaries. The Indus Valley Civilization declined after 1300 BCE and all its cities were abandoned. Historians are still not sure as to why the civilization declined. A number of reasons such as famine, floods, monsoon changes, etc have been postulated to explain the fall of the IVC.

The IVC was followed by the Vedic period. During this period, the Indo-Gangetic plains were occupied and many kingdoms known as "mahajanapadas" arose in India. Many scriptures were composed during this period. Many of these have survived to our times and form a core part of Hinduism.

In the later years, many new empires and kingdoms were established. This period also saw invasions by Persians and Greeks. In the north-western part of present day India, the Greeks established the Indo-Greek kingdom. The contact of Greeks with Indians led to the fusion of two diverse cultures and so led to the established of a unique culture. This period is referred to as "Greco-Buddhist period" and is characterized by distinct art and architecture.

During the 4th and 3rd centuries before Christ, almost the entire subcontinent was united into one by the Maurya Empire. In the following centuries, it fragmented into smaller kingdoms and it was only during the Gupta period in the 4th century CE that it was united again. During this period, art and culture flourished. Many new ideas were developed and great progress was made in the fields of medicine, sciences, astronomy, mathematics and religion. Many historians rightly call this period the "Golden Age of India".

During this period, Southern India experienced its own golden age. Under the Chalukyas, Cholas, Pandyas and Pallavas, South India experienced a period of stability, peace and prosperity. Its culture spread to many other countries of South Asia through trade contacts. South Indian influence can be felt to this date in many South-East Asian countries.

In the subsequent centuries, India faced the wrath of Islamic invaders. Muslim rule in India started with Muhammad bin Qasim who conquered the north-western part of the sub-continent in 712 AD. Subsequently, India faced a series of Invasions from Central Asia that led to the formation of the Delhi sultanate and the Mughal Empire. This period saw suppression of Hinduism and cruelty towards Hindus. Many Hindus were killed and many temples were destroyed during this period.

In addition to the Mughals, other Kingdoms flourished in the South. These included the Viajayanagara Empire, the Marathas, and various Rajput Kingdoms. In the subsequent centuries, the Mughal Empire collapsed and the British East India Company succeeded in taking the sub-continent under its grasp.

The British East India Company gradually annexed different parts of the country. The masses were dissatisfied with the Company’s rule and so revolted against it in 1857. The revolt was crushed and subsequently, India came directly under the British Crown. This period saw rapid development of infrastructure. At the same time, however, the economy of the sub-continent declined.

During the 20th century, a nationwide struggle was launched with the goal of achieving independence from Britain. India achieved Independence in 1947, but was partitioned into two countries--India and Pakistan. After Independence, India made a great deal of progress. However, a lot needs to be achieved.

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