[Stalker]

Well, India her loos like the same isolated and self-content society as China.
Look, Chinese invented almost everything the Europeans re-invented much later: industrial paper-making, iron works of a quality the European only achieved in 17th century, gunpowder, kites, silk, missiles (rocketry), compass etc...
In 15th century (40 years before Columbus) they sent the sea expedition consisting of military ships, transports and exploration ships - over 200 units! The flagship was so huge that it could use caravels Columbus used in his expeditions as life-boats. They visited Indonesia, Philippines, India and Persia. Then they also visited Eastern African shore and everywhere they faught and traded.
It's amazing, it's a historical paradox why China remained isolated after that being the largest by population, most technically and culturally advanced, the strongest in military terms (potentially)?
The explanation rests on social reasons. The society was immobile and stagnating. It was no driving force inside the society, and multiple limitations and regulations only supressed the further progress. Maybe, the same is with India.