Indian civilization is distinctive for its antiquity and continuity. It is known for its variety and diversity as well as for its unity and uniformity. Apart from its own vitality, the continuity of Indian civilization is largely due to its ability to adapt to alien ideas, harmonise contradictions and mould new thought patterns. Her constant contacts with the outside world also gave India the opportunity to contribute to other civilizations.
The earliest origins of the Indian civilizaion are traced to the period of the highly advanced urban Harappan cities. Since then, and even before, trade between India and the West had been an important contact which continued until the decline of the Roman Empire. The Aryans laid the foundation of Vedic civilization.
There are close resemblances between the language and mythology, religious traditions and social institutions of the Indians and Iranians on the one hand, and those of the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Germans and Slavs on the other. Contact between the Indians and the Greeks during the period of Persian ascendancy was close and constant, and became even closer after the military campaign of Alexander. After Alexander's death, his Empire dissolved but for some two centuries Greek or Semi-Greek principalities continued in the northwestern region of India.
The remarkable archaeological discoveries of Harappa and Mahenjodaro have put back the antiquity of Indian civilization and culture by several centuries and made it contempora-neous with which of the following civilizations?
(a) Egypt
(b) Elam
(c) Mesopotamia
(d) Rome
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
