Table of Contents
Introduction: Timeline of Ancient Indian History
The “Timeline of Ancient Indian History” offers a chronological overview of significant events and periods that shaped early civilization on the Indian subcontinent.
Spanning thousands of years, this timeline traces the evolution of ancient Indian societies, from the advanced urban planning of the Indus Valley Civilization to the cultural flourishing of the Gupta Empire.
Through key epochs such as the Vedic Period, the Maurya Empire, and the spread of Buddhism and Jainism, this timeline illuminates the social, political, and cultural milestones that laid the foundation for modern India.
Timeline of Ancient Indian History
| Year | Events |
|---|---|
| 600000 – 10000 BCE | Paleolithic Age in India |
| 10000 – 6000 BCE | Mesolithic Age |
| 6000 – 1800 BCE | Neolithic Age |
| 7000 BCE | Pre-Harappan Era: Mehrgarh |
| 3300 BCE until 2800 BCE | Indus Valley Civilization – Early Phase |
| 2600 BC- 1900 BCE | Indus Valley Civilization – Mature Phase |
| 1900 – 1300 BCE | Indus Valley Civilization – Decline Phase |
| 2100 – 1500 BCE | Ahar Culture |
| 2000 – 1800 BCE | Kayatha Culture |
| 1700 – 1200 BCE | Malwa Culture |
| 1400 – 700 BCE | Jorwe Culture |
| 1500 BC – 1000 BC | Early Vedic Age |
| 1000 BC – 600 BC | Later Vedic Age |
| 567 BC | Birth of Budda |
| 487 BC | Death of Gautam Buddha / Mahaparinirvan |
| 540 BC | Birth of Mahavira |
| 468 BC | Death of Mahavira |
| 544 BC-492 BC | Haryanka Dynasty |
| 326 BC | Alexander invaded India |
| 322 BC | Chandragupta Maurya became king |
| 305 BC | The battle between Chandragupta Maurya and Seleucus |
| 269 BC | Coronation of Ashoka |
| 261 BC | Kalinga War |
| 183 BC | Invasion of Indo-Greeks |
| 57 BC | Vikram Era begins |
| AD 78 | Saka Era begins |
| AD 150 | Junagarh Inscription |
| AD 319 | Coronation of Chandragupta I |
| AD 335-380 | Reign of Samudragupta |
| AD 380-412 | Reign of Chandragupta II |
| AD 405-411 | Visit of Chinese traveler Fa-Hien |
| AD 412-454 | Kumaragupta’s rule, Foundation of Nalanda University |
| AD 454-467 | Rule of Skandagupta, attack of Hunas |
| AD 606-647 | Harshavardhana’s reign |
| AD 630 | Visit of Hiuen Tsang |
| AD 632 | The battle between Harshavardhana and Pulakesin II |
| AD 712 | Arab invasion on Sindh |
| AD 915-916 | Almasudi’s attack on India |
| AD 985–1014 | Reign of Rajaraja 1 |
| AD 1012–1044 | Reign of Rajendra Chola |