Notes: Chapter 7, Section 1:“Geography and Indian Life”

Physical Geography of India

India is a subcontinent, which is a large landmass that is like a continent, only smaller.

India is separated from Asia by two mountain ranges (Hindu Kush and the Himalayas).

Indian Bodies of Water

The two most important rivers in India are the Ganges and the Indus rivers.

India is surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal.

Indian Climate

The tall mountains block cooler winds from the north. As a result, India is extremely hot.

Summer monsoon winds bring warm rainy weather.

The Earliest Civilizations

The earliest farmers raised wheat and barley and domesticated cattle, sheep, goats, and chickens.

Harappan Culture

Harappan civilization existed in the Indus river valley.

Harappan cities were planned with streets in grids and thick brick walls surrounding the cities.

Harappan Advancements

Harappan cities were planned with sewers to carry away human waste.

Houses had toilets and indoor bathrooms.

Harappan Decline

Around 2,000 B.C., earthquakes shook the region and probably led to the rivers drying up. The Harappan civilizatilon went into decline.