What is known as India today was home to one of the world’s earliest civilizations—the Indus Valley Civilization of the 3rd millennium BCE. In the first millennium BCE large-scale colonization began in the Ganges. In the 17thcentury, the country of India was unified by the Mughal Empire, and in the subsequent centuries, came under the leadership of the British Crown. Finally in 1947 India gained its independence due to a nationalist movement. Today, India holds one of the fastest-growing economies, yet it is characterized by poverty, malnutrition, corruption, and poor health care. These challenges are largely products of the Caste System—a social hierarchy system that streams from the Hindi religion. The country of India is known for its incredible cuisine, diversity, and expansive vegetation.