India's Ancient Civilization

The physical features of the Indian subcontinent have contributed to the development of IndiaÐ'ÐŽÐ'Їs civilizations. India is cut off from other civilizations because of the various mountains ( for example, the Himalayas, Vindhya Mountains, etc.) and the rivers (for example, the Ganges River). Therefore, India, unlike many other cultures at the time, was free from the influences of the outside world. They were able to develop their own culture. In terms of the physical features, the value of the environment would have determined where people lived. For example, civilizations most likely grew along the rivers of India rather than near the mountains. Rivers were a commodity because they provided fertile land, a route for merchant trade and provided a water source. On the other hand, mountains are generally not favorable for human habitation; the mountains were filled with dangerous animals, there would be harsher climates, and the rough terrain would make life harder because there would be scarcely an area for farming so thus there would be less food available. People who lived on the rivers most likely supported themselves through agriculture. The rivers provided fertile soil, which helped increase agricultural yields and their economy most likely started on agriculture then grew to become more complex (eventually including the specialization of labor). People living near the mountains most likely did not farm as mountain terrain is not at a proper ground level for farming. They most likely hunted for food and chopped woods for cooking. People living on the coast most likely supported themselves through fishing. Mountain people were less civilized than the river people because of the differences in their environment. These physical features also contributed to weather patterns which either decreased or increased the development of ancient Indian society. Mountains generally provide a colder winter, milder summers and stronger winds. However, river areas generally have milder weathers. The population of river civilizations was greater than the mountain civilizationsÐ'ÐŽÐ'Ї. It was thus easier for river civilizations to develop. Mountain areas were harder to invade because of the harsh weather and high altitudes. River civilizations were easier to invade but not in India because even the rivers were protected by mountains. Thus the physical features of India contributed to its development of civilizations because it protected