The history of ancient India dates back 1700 BC beginning with the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished in the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent. Indian history can be divided into the three ages namely the Bronze Age civilization, the Iron Age Vedic period were major kingdoms were born and the Golden Age of India which saw the rise of the Gupta empire. After the Gupta Empire, the rule of the Chalukyas, Cholas, Pallavas and Pandyas prevailed during which Hinduism and Buddhism spread to the south-east Asia.
In the 6th century BC, great scholars and monks like Mahavira and Gautama Buddha were born. The history of Buddhism in India was a special chapter, which has given the world a new religion. Buddhism was founded by Siddharth Gautama. Gautama was a prince who abandoned his kingdom in search of the meaning of life. Gautama Buddha diluted the culture of priesthood and caste hierarchy in the 5th century B.C. Gautam and Mahavir (the founder of Jainism) gave the world a practical means of seeking the truth.
The Harappan civilization was established in the northwest. It was primarily an agricultural economy, which extended into an urban mode of society. Long distance trade started at this time. This period of Indian history also saw extensive agricultural development around the Yamuna, Ganga and several other southern rivers which boosted population, trade and urbanization.