The holy land of India saw the flourishing of first major civilization about 5000 years back. This civilization, which thrived along the Indus River Valley, became popular as Indus Valley Civilization. The people of this civilization were highly skilled people who had great skills of town planning. Indus Valley Civilization existed for about a millennium and then collapsed due to natural disasters and the coming of Aryans in India. Aryans came about 1500 BC and had a lasting impact on the culture and lifestyle of this land. This was the period when Hinduism emerged as a religion in India.

Around 550 BC, Buddhism and Jainism were founded as separate religions by Buddha and Mahavira respectively. Buddhism was accepted by a large number of people and expanded its base around the world during the times of King Ashoka and his son. Ashoka founded Mauryan Empire which lasted from 321 BC to 184 BC. The time period from 184 BC to 320 AD witnessed a great number of invasions in the country. The Classical Age from 320 AD to 650 AD is known for Gupta Empire and King Harshvardhan. From 500 AD onwards, a large number of kingdoms emerged in the central and south India, which included Pallavas, Chalukyas, Cheras, Rashtrakutas, Cholas, Yadavas and many others. These kingdoms lasted for around 700 years. The same period saw the flourishing of regional kingdoms of Rajputs, Palas, Pratiharas and Chandellas in the northern India.

India witnessed the first onslaught of Islamic force in 11th century when Mahmud Gazni attacked northern India. Soonafter, Delhi Sultanate came into existence in around 1206 AD and remained a major political power until 1526 when the Mughal Empire replaced the Sultanate. India saw the first wave of European explorers, including Portuguese, French, Dutch and British, reaching the country in early 17th century. In the next 150 years, the British had gained control of the major part of India. After a long struggle, India got independence from the British in 1947. However, the freedom came at a cost and the world saw the birth of a new country Pakistan. India accepted the democratic mode of governance and today boasts of being the largest democracy of the world.