Post the Vedic period we see the rise of Mahajapanpadas. A smaller polity neighbouring the Mahajanapadas in the east, Magadha would end up dominating a significnt land mass of India. Modern India takes many of its symbols from this Magadha. Be it the Ashokan 4 lioned capital as the national emblem or naming India's national diplomatic enclave Chanakyapuri.

Modern India shares much more with Ancient India.