Lesson 13: Geography & the Early Settlement of India
How did geography affect early settlement in India?
How did geography affect early settlement in India?
To the northeast of Africa lies the enormous continent of Asia. The south central part of Asia is known as the Indian subcontinent, which includes the country of India. Present-day India is a nation whose beginnings stretch back into the distant mists of time. When historians talk about ancient India, however, they are referring to the entire Indian subcontinent, not present-day India. Other present-day countries located on the Indian subcontinent include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, and the island nation of Sri Lanka.
Summary:
Major Rivers In northern India, the Brahmaputra, the Ganges, and the Indus rivers carry rich silt from the mountains to the plains. India's early settlers farmed and later built walled settlements in the river valleys. This was the start of civilization in India.
Deccan Plateau In some parts of this raised area between two mountain ranges in southern India, rich black soil is good for growing cotton.
Mountain Ranges The Eastern and Western Ghats are near India's coasts. Between them lies the Deccan Plateau. The Western Ghats are higher and wetter than the Eastern Ghats. The Himalayas along India's northern border are the highest mountains in the world. The Hindu Kush range runs through present-day Pakistan. It provides access through the Khyber Pass to the Indian subcontinent.
Thar Desert This vast desert in northern India has huge sand dunes, little plant life, and extreme heat. Dust storms are common. Animals, such as lizards, snakes, gazelles, and a variety of birds, live here.