The Indus and Ganges river valleys were ideal locations for early settlement for several reasons. 1. Impact of the Indus and Ganges rivers: - The rivers provided a reliable source of water for irrigation, allowing farmers to grow crops and support a settled agricultural lifestyle. This abundance of water made the land fertile and suitable for farming. - The rivers also facilitated transportation and trade, as people could use boats to move goods and connect with neighboring regions. This enabled the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices, promoting economic and social development. - The rivers acted as natural boundaries, providing protection against invaders and facilitating the establishment of centralized political systems. 2. Unsuitability of other physical features in India for settlement: - The Himalayas, located in the north, served as a natural barrier that limited contact and interaction with other civilizations. The rugged terrain made it difficult to cultivate land and establish settlements. - The Thar Desert in the northwest is a harsh, arid region with limited water resources. This made it challenging to sustain agriculture and support a settled lifestyle. - The Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, running parallel to the western and eastern coasts respectively, are mountain ranges that posed challenges for agriculture and communication due to their steep slopes and dense forests. In summary, the Indus and Ganges river valleys were ideal locations for early settlement due to the rivers' positive impact on the surrounding land, such as providing water for irrigation and facilitating transportation and trade. Additionally, other physical features of India, such as the Himalayas, Thar Desert, and Western and Eastern Ghats, were less suitable for settlement due to their challenging terrain, limited water resources, and geographical barriers.
