The ancient civilization in Indian sub continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without breakdown to the present day UPSC
When it comes to the continuation of the culture and traditions; the Indian civilization is far ahead of the civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece. sub-continent. This is attributed to the unique characteristics of the ancient civilization of the Indian.
The Indian culture has had inherent sustainability and enduring character. Unlike other civilizations, the Indian civilization has refined itself from time to time to suit contemporary times. That is why despite multiple upheavals and political and religious intermixing with other civilizations it has carried its basic characteristics to the modern times.
Beliefs of the Indus valley civilization like worshipping the Mother Goddess and Pashupati still exist in India. On its journey to modernization Indian civilization carried with it the tenants of ancient Vedic culture, Buddhism, and Jainism. The institution of slavery which become one of the major reasons for the downfall of ancient civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece was characteristically absent in India.
Throughout history, it is found that whenever Indian culture got threatened or over-influenced by an alien culture, it systematically reformed itself eliminating the redundant and outdated practices and beliefs. For example, the socio-religious reform movement of the nineteenth century gave a new character and more robustness to Indian civilization.
Similarly in medieval times the Bhakti and Sufi movements led the cultural revivalism and strengthened the foundation of Indian culture with the ancient faith and modern outlook. In ancient times the 6th century gave rise to new religions like Buddhism and Jainism and enriched the Indian civilization that continues to the present day.
Another important factor behind the continuation of ancient Indian civilization is that while other civilizations were being replaced by conflicting faiths and beliefs; Indian civilization encompassed all the cultures within it. That is the reason India become home to many dominant faiths like Sikhism, Zoroastrian, Islam, etc. Therefore the uniqueness of the Indian culture to adapt to changing times with a tolerant approach to new faiths has helped it to continue without breakdown to the present day.