Ancient India

Ancient Indian Art

Introduction to Ancient India

Life in Ancient India was believed to have started in the Indus Valley around 2000 B.C.E. Civilization in ancient India developed along the Indus and Ganges rivers. The Indus Valley travels along the Hindu Kush and the Himalayan mountains. The Indus River flows from the Himalayan mountains into the Arabian Sea. Seasonal monsoon winds caused unpredictable flooding and a wet and dry season. The Indians relied off of the silt carried by the floods to grow crops. The Indus River changed course and the soil in and around most cities became infertile. This made most cities unable to survive and thrive. Most of the cities are now in ruins because of the changes in the course of the Indus River, but what are now ruins were once beautiful, bustling cities full of trade and life for the people of the Indus valley.

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Map of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Ancient Indian Trade

Ancient Indians traded heavily with the people of ancient Mesopotamia. The traders traveled along the Indus River, Arabian Sea, and Persian Gulf to exchange goods. The ancient Indian civilization was full of life. In this civilization they developed shared written languages. The ancient cities were a center point for life in the Indus Valley civilization.

Timeline of Ancient India

Ancient Indian Culture

The Indians had a strong and organized government. This is evident by the planned cities in the Indus River Valley. City planning was an integral part of the ancient Indians’ culture. Markets along the wide streets of the gridded cities sold goods such as textiles. Religion was a central part of the ancient Indians’ culture. It contributed to their development of architecture and culture. Ancient Indians developed astronomy and mathematics thanks to a central focus on religion. With all the trade coming from different civilizations, the Indians developed other developments such as mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. All of these innovations were incredibly important and helpful to the expansion of Ancient India.