Indian culture is one of the oldest in the world, with a recorded history dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization (3300 BCE - 1300 BCE). The Vedic period (1500 BCE - 500 BCE) saw the rise of Hinduism, which would become the dominant philosophy of the subcontinent. The concept of Dharma (duty/righteousness) and the pursuit of Moksha (liberation) are central to Hindu thought. The Upanishads, ancient texts that form the foundation of Hindu philosophy, emphasize the importance of self-realization and the interconnectedness of all living beings.