Indian civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization or Harappan Civilization, was one of the earliest and most advanced civilizations in the world. It flourished in the Indus Valley from around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE and was known for its sophisticated urban planning, advanced architecture, and a writing system that has yet to be fully deciphered.

The Indus Valley Civilization was located in present-day India and Pakistan and covered a vast area, including the cities of Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, and Lothal. The civilization was built around the Indus River, which provided a steady water supply for agriculture and allowed for trade and transportation.

The cities of the Indus Valley Civilization were built on a grid system, with straight streets and houses made of brick and stone. The houses were designed to keep the inhabitants cool in the hot, dry climate, with courtyards and open spaces to allow for air flow.

The people of the Indus Valley Civilization were skilled in a number of crafts, including pottery, metalworking, and weaving. They traded with other civilizations in the region, including Mesopotamia and Egypt, and their goods were highly prized for their quality.

The writing system used by the Indus Valley Civilization, known as the Indus script, remains largely a mystery. Although more than 4,000 examples of the script have been found, no one has been able to decipher it fully. This has led to speculation about the nature of the civilization's language and culture.

The religion of the Indus Valley Civilization is also a subject of debate. Although no temples or religious structures have been found, some artefacts suggest that the people may have worshipped a mother goddess and a bull. The widespread use of animal motifs in art and decoration also suggests that animals played an important role in their culture.

The decline of the Indus Valley Civilization is still not fully understood, but it is believed to have been a gradual process. Climate change, earthquakes, and invasion by outside forces have all been suggested as possible factors. By 1900 BCE, the civilization had largely disappeared, leaving behind a legacy of impressive urban planning and technological innovation.

After the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, India went through a period of political fragmentation and cultural change. The Aryans, a nomadic tribe from central Asia, migrated into India around 1500 BCE and brought with them a new language and culture. The Vedas, a collection of religious texts that form the basis of Hinduism, were composed during this period.

The Maurya Empire, which lasted from 322 BCE to 185 BCE, was one of the most powerful and influential dynasties in Indian history. Under the leadership of Emperor Ashoka, the Mauryan Empire expanded its territory and became known for its religious tolerance and support for Buddhism.

In the centuries that followed, India was ruled by a number of different empires, including the Gupta Empire, which lasted from 320 CE to 550 CE and is considered a "golden age" of Indian civilization. During this time, literature, art, and philosophy flourished, and the concept of zero was invented, laying the foundation for modern mathematics.

The arrival of Europeans in India in the 16th century led to a period of colonial rule, first by the Portuguese, then the Dutch, and finally the British. The British Raj, which lasted from 1858 to 1947, saw India become a British colony, with the country ruled by a viceroy appointed by the British monarchy.

The struggle for Indian independence began in earnest in the early 20th century, led by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. India finally achieved independence in 1947, with the country divided into India and Pakistan.