Welcome to Ancient India! Did kids go to school? Did they play with toys? What did they wear? Explore daily life in the mysterious Indus Valley, in Ayran times, and in the Gupta Empire. Learn about Hinduism. Read ancient stories, play games!

Ancient India for Kids

2600 BCE: Archaeologists have found ruins of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. What they found was odd. For one thing, the houses in each town were remarkable similar in size and design. What archaeologists have not found is a palace-size residence in any Indus Valley city. By 2600 BCE, dozens of towns and cities had been established. In each town, streets were straight. Women wore lipstick. Houses had bathrooms with running water.

1500 BCE: The Aryans were warriors. Aryan clans rode in from the north, conquered the locals, and settled down. Each clan was ruled by a hereditary chief. The chief made the decisions, but only after hearing from the rest of the tribe. Once the chief made a decision, everyone had to obey. We know about these people from their oral stories, spoken and sung, handed down for generations.

320-550 CE: During the Gupta Empire, India entered a "Golden Age", a time of peace and prosperity. People had religious freedom. Hinduism spread, and was clearly the preferred religion, but Buddhism flourished as well.  The empire provided simple health care for free. Writers, artists and musicians were paid to produce their art. 

Geography of India

Archaeologists discover
the Ancient Indus Valley Civilization!

Daily Life in the Ancient Indus Valley

Aryan Civilization -
The Aryan Clans Arrive in India

Daily Life in Aryan Times

The Ramayana

The Vedas

The Caste System

Hinduism for Kids

Buddhism for Kids

The Gupta Empire -
Introduction, Golden Age, Elephants and the Military

Daily Life in the Gupta Empire

Clothing & Jewelry

Art, Architecture, Literature, Music, Dance

Festivals of India

Stories for Kids

Amazing Animals

A History of India for Kids

Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age (for kids)

Interactive Quiz about Ancient India (with questions)

Free Interactive Games for Kids about India

India for Teachers

Free Lesson Plans and Activities

Free Presentations in PowerPoint format

Choose Your Own Adventure (from a long and creative list of Classroom Activities and Possible Assignments)

We're published!

Ancient Mesopotamia / Ancient India
This book has two complete units,
one for Ancient Mesopotamia (4-5 weeks)
and one for Ancient India (2-3 weeks).
Includes lesson plans and creative activities
to keep your students busy and productive for weeks.