If we look at the ages the human civilisation has gone through, Early Stone Ages → Neolithic → Copper and Bronze Ages → Iron Age → Age of Philosophy → Medieval Period → Renaissance and Scientific Revolution
The Medieval Period in Indian subcontinent started at about 600 CE and by late Medieval (1200 CE) the subcontinent was contesting with foreign philosophies through empires like the Delhi Sultanate.
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Prehistoric and Early Civilizations • c. 9000 BCE - Early Neolithic Period: Evidence of early farming and settlement (e.g., Mehrgarh culture c. 7000–3300 BCE). • c. 3000–1500 BCE - Indus Valley Civilization: One of the world’s earliest urban civilizations with advanced city planning (Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa). Vedic Period and Iron Age (c. 1500–500 BCE) • Early Vedic Age (1500–1000 BCE): Tribal and pastoral society with the composition of Rigveda. • Later Vedic Age (1000–500 BCE): Emergence of kingdoms and iron usage; formation of sixteen Mahajanapadas by c. 600 BCE. Classical Empires (c. 322 BCE – 550 CE) • Maurya Empire (322–184 BCE): Founded by Chandragupta Maurya; Ashoka expanded it and promoted Buddhism. • Post-Mauryan Period and Indo-Greek/Kushan Rule (c. 200 BCE–300 CE): Invasions and cultural exchanges. • Gupta Empire (c. 320–550 CE): Known as the Golden Age of India with progress in arts, science, and political stability. Early Medieval Period (c. 600–1200 CE) • Harsha’s Rule (606–647 CE): Brief unification with support for arts and religion. • Regional Kingdoms: Chalukyas, Pallavas, Rashtrakutas, Palas in different parts of India; Chola Empire dominates South India (c. 850–1279 CE). Late Medieval Period (c. 1200–1526 CE) • Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 CE): Establishment of Muslim rule with several dynasties (Slave, Khalji, Tughlaq, Sayyid, Lodi). • Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646 CE): South Indian strong kingdom resisting northern invasions. Early Modern Period (c. 1526–1857 CE) • Mughal Empire (1526–1857 CE): Founded by Babur; peak under Akbar, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. Cultural renaissance, centralized administration, and architectural achievements. • Regional Powers: Marathas, Sikhs, Rajputs rise; European colonial powers arrive (Portuguese, Dutch, British). Colonial Era and Modern India (c. 1857–Present) • British Colonial Rule (1858–1947): British Crown takes control after 1857 rebellion; economic and social changes. • Indian Independence Movement (late 19th–mid 20th century): Struggle led by figures like Gandhi, Nehru. • Post-Independence (1947–Present): Republic of India established; development across various sectors continues