The History of India begins with the Indus Valley Civilization - one of the richest and the most ancient civilizations in the world. Indus Valley Civilization and the coming of Aryans are described as the pre-Vedic and Vedic periods.

The Vedic Age contributed immensely in the field of Indian literature and philosophy, through its various treatises and epics and laid the foundation of the Hinduism religion.

In the 4th century, India was fragmented into a several smaller kingdoms. The Vedic age is followed by the rise of Kingdoms of the Mauryas, Guptas, and Deccan. The Gupta period has been described as the golden age of Indian history. In South India, great empires rose, entirely independent from those of the north.

The kingdoms were invaded by stronger rulers, chief among them being the Mughals. The Mughal Empire expanded to cover almost the entire length and breadth of the Indian subcontinent and the rule lasted for 332 years. Finally, the Mughals were overthrown by the British armies in the year 1857.European Influence

Attracted by the wealth of minerals, spices and culture, India was a target of European conqourers be it the Portugese, the Dutch, the French or the British.

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to settle in Goa, western coast of India. They arrived before the Mughals. The Dutch East India Company followed the Portuguese and established spice trade and factories in south. In 1613, the British East India Company started its first trading post in Gujarat. In 1644, the French established trade with India. Pondicherry in the south was the hub of French settlements.

Attracted by the wealth, in terms of minerals, spices and culture, India has been the target for the invasion and colonization by the Europeans.

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to settle in west of India, in Goa. They arrived before the Mughals. The Dutch East India Company followed the Portugese and established spice trade and factories in south. In 1613, the British East India Company started its first trading post in Gujarat. In 1644, the French established trade with India. Pondicherry in the south was the hub of French settlements.

In 1757, at the Battle of Plassey, the British East India Company established their political sovereignty in India which marked an important step towards the eventual British dominance of the country.

Sepoy Mutiny or the first major Indian rebellion against the British after the Battle of Plassey took place in 1857, but the rebellion was crushed by the British and thus began the 300 years of British rule in India.

Eventually the socio- religious movements brought forth by various social reformers all over the country, inspired and invoked the spirit of patriotism among the Indian masses. There were many leaders to work towards the freedom of the country. The most noted among them is of course the Mahatma Gandhi or the Father of the Nation who transformed the Indian National Congress political party into a mass movement to campaign against the British colonial rule. It was Mahatma Gandhi through his Ahimsa movement or adherence to non violence(which is the core of Hinduism) that after several years of struggle, the British decided to quit India.

On 15th of August, 1947, India became completely independent from colonial rule, ending the 350 years of British presence in India. On January 26, 1950 India became a republic.

The country has been constantly invaded and the influence of the invasions resulted in certain positive facets in terms of creativity and aesthetics. With the emergence of the Mughals in the 16th century, there was a remarkable blend of Indian, Persian and Central Asian influences which were manifested in an impressive legacy. The magnificent palaces, forts, tombs and landscaped gardens-including the magnificent edifice, the Taj Mahal were all built during the Mughal rule.

India is as diverse as its people. Even today India remains one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. India's diversity is visible in its people, religions, climate, languages, customs, and traditions which differ from place to place within the country, yet this diversity forms a composite whole.

The culture of India is an amalgamation of all the diverse cultures and traditions spread all over the country, that are millennia’s old. It has been shaped by its long history, unique geography, and the absorption of customs, traditions and ideas over the changing times, yet retaining the essence that was once established.