It begins with evidence of human activity of Homo sapiens as long as 75 000 years ago, or with earlier hominids including Homo erectus from about 500 000 years ago. The Indus Valley Civilization, which spread and flourished in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent from c. 3300 to 1300 BCE, was the first major civilization in India. In one of these kingdoms, Magadha, Mahavira, and Gautama Buddha were born in the 6th or 5th century BCE and propagated their sramanic philosophies.
Almost of all the subcontinent was conquered by the Maurya Empire during the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE. It subsequently became fragmented, with various parts ruled by numerous Middle kingdoms for the next 1500 years. This period, witnessing a Hindu religious and intellectual resurgence, is known among its admirers as the "Golden Age of India".
India's languages, religions, dance, music, architecture, food, and customs differ from place to place within the country, but nevertheless possess a commonality. India is the only country in the world to have so many religions and beliefs. The culture of India is an amalgamation of these diverse sub-cultures spread all over the Indian subcontinent and traditions that are several millennia old.
Regarded by many historians as the "oldest living civilization of Earth", the Indian tradition dates back to 8000 BC and has a continuous recorded history since the time of the Vedas, believed variously to be 3000 to over 5500 years ago. Several elements of India's diverse culture such as Indian religions, yoga, and Indian cuisine have had a profound impact across the world.
Regarded by many historians as the "oldest living civilization of Earth", the Indian tradition dates back to 8000 BC and has a continuous recorded history since the time of the Vedas, believed variously to be 3000 to over 5500 years ago. Several elements of India's diverse culture such as Indian religions, yoga, and Indian cuisine have had a profound impact across the world.
