Ancient India

Indus Valley Civilization

5500 BCE

The indus valley was an ancient civilization located in what is Pakistan and Northwest India today on the fertile flood plain of the Indus River and its vicinity. Along with ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia it was one of three early civilizations of the old world and the three most widespread.

Farming in Ancient India

4000 BCE

The early farmers of the Indus Valley made good use of the yearly floods. They planted cotton and sesame seeds just before the monsoon began. By the time the rain stopped and the Indus River shrank to its normal size, the crops would be ready to harvest. The farmers grew barley and wheat during the winter and harvested it in the spring.

The first Harappan cities emerged

3200 BCE

By 2300 BCE, the first villages in the Indus valley have developed into cities in the Harappan civilization. Named after the city of Harappa, one of the earliest discovered ancient sites, this civilization features far-flung trade with Mesopotamian civilizations and planned cities surrounded by walls.

Manu becomes the first king of India

3102 BCE

According to myth, Manu Vaivaswata becomes the first king of India in 3102 BCE. There is little evidence to support this claim, but by 3102 BCE villages in the Indus valley had begun to develop into towns.

The Aryans settled in the Indus Valley

1500 BCE

Sometime between 1575 and 1500 BCE, nomadic Aryans from the north settle in the Indus valley. Accustomed to fighting and living in roving bands of warriors, the Aryans eventually settle in the ruins of the Harappan civilization.