Cultural and Religious Centers in Ancient India

Pataliputra was the capital of the Maurya Empire, which ruled over much of India from 321 to 185 BCE.

Nalanda was a major center of Buddhism in ancient India, and was home to a large monastic university.

Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, and is believed to be the birthplace of the god Shiva.

Rajgir was a major center of Jainism in ancient India, and is believed to be the birthplace of the Jain tirthankara Mahavira.

Amritsar is the holiest city in Sikhism, and is home to the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine in the Sikh religion.

Mumbai was a major center of Zoroastrianism in ancient India, and is home to the largest Zoroastrian community in India.

Cochin was a major center of Judaism in ancient India, and is home to the oldest Jewish synagogue in India.

Goa was a major center of Christianity in ancient India, and is home to the oldest Christian church in India.

Delhi was a major center of Islam in ancient India, and is home to the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India.

Ajmer was a major center of Sufism in ancient India, and is home to the dargah of the Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti.

Vrindavan was a major center of the Bhakti movement in ancient India, and is believed to be the birthplace of the god Krishna.

Pune was a major center of the Maratha Empire in ancient India, and was the capital of the Maratha Confederacy.

Delhi was a major center of the Mughal Empire in ancient India, and was the capital of the Mughal Empire.

Calcutta was a major center of the British Raj in ancient India, and was the capital of the British Raj.

Bombay was a major center of the Indian National Congress in ancient India, and was the birthplace of the Indian National Congress.