Which civilization preceded the Vedic culture in India?

The civilization that preceded the Vedic culture in India was the Indus civilization, also known as the Harappan civilization. This ancient civilization thrived around 2500-1900 BCE in the northwestern regions of South Asia, particularly in what is now Pakistan and northwest India. It is characterized by advanced urban planning, impressive architecture, and sophisticated water management systems.

The Vedic culture emerged after the decline of the Indus civilization, around 1500 BCE, when Indo-Aryans began to migrate into the Indian subcontinent. The Vedic texts, which are foundational to Hinduism, were composed during this time and emphasized ritual, social organization, and spiritual practices.

While the Harappa (Harappan) civilization is indeed part of the broader Indus civilization, it specifically refers to one of the key urban sites within that civilization. Thus, both terms are often used interchangeably in discussions about the ancient civilization that laid the groundwork for subsequent Indian cultures, including the Vedic culture. The other listed civilizations, such as the Maurya and Gupta Empires, were established much later in Indian history.