Ancient India consisted of Northern India located in the Himalayas and Northwest India located in the Hindu Kush mountains. The geography shaped how people lived - those near oceans and rivers relied on seafood while those in mountains developed textiles and water management techniques like walls and pipes. Ancient India experienced a Golden Age from 320-550 CE under the Gupta Empire, when the military provided security and people had access to healthcare, arts, and education. However, the Gupta Empire declined in the 6th century as governors grew powerful and new invaders like the Huns attacked. Ancient Indians made significant contributions to science, math, and medicine, including surgery, algebra, and trigonometry.