The First Civilization in India - 2500 BCE

While the first advanced civilization in China formed about 5,000 BC, such an advanced society did not form in India until about 2,500 years later. The Indus River was the site of this civilization and it was known as the Indus Valley Civilization.

The Indus Valley Civilization consisted of several towns that surrounded two large cities, known as Harappa and Mohenjodaro. It was located along the Fertile Indus River. Although the Indus Valley inhabitants were adept at agriculture, there is also ample evidence that they domesticated animals and were a seafaring people. As a matter of fact, it appears that they made use of boats for extensive trade with distant towns.

It seems that the Indus Valley civilization was somewhat sophisticated. They assembled large cities and towns which contained buildings constructed of brick and they fabricated ornate pottery. Artifacts from the era show drawings of women wearing intricate jewelry.

It is not clear why, but the Indus Valley Civilization seems to only have flourished for about 1,000 years. The most likely cause of its demise was invading Aryan forces from regions north of India.