India's history dates back to more than 5,000 years. The Indus Valley Civilization is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, showcasing well-planned towns. Ancient India has witnessed several civilizations – The Vedic period with the Ramayan and Mahabharata written during this age; the Buddhist Era, Alexander's invasion, and the Gupta Dynasty. The country's rich history also witnessed powerful empires like Palas and the Cholas, with foreign invaders ruling the land from the 8th century to the early 20th century. Finally, in 1947, India freed itself from foreign rule and became an independent country
