Major cities in South Asia tended to develop in areas that have
low rainfall
rugged terrain
semiarid climates
fertile farmland
Some major cities in South Asia that have developed in areas with these characteristics include:
1) Delhi, India: Delhi is located in the northern part of India and has a semi-arid climate. It is situated on the fertile Gangetic plains, which provide abundant farmland.
2) Karachi, Pakistan: Karachi is located on the southern coast of Pakistan and has a semi-arid climate. It is situated near the Indus River delta, which provides fertile farmland.
3) Mumbai, India: Mumbai is located on the western coast of India and has a semi-arid climate. It is situated on a narrow strip of land between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats mountain range.
4) Kathmandu, Nepal: Kathmandu is located in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, which has a semi-arid climate. The valley is surrounded by rugged terrain due to the presence of the Himalayan mountain range.
5) Colombo, Sri Lanka: Colombo is located on the western coast of Sri Lanka and has a tropical climate with a wet and dry season. It is situated in a coastal plain that is fertile for farming.
These cities developed in these areas due to factors such as access to water sources, fertile land for agriculture, trade routes, and strategic locations for defense purposes.
so which one is it
Apologies for the confusion. Major cities in South Asia tended to develop in areas with a combination of fertile farmland, access to water sources, and strategic locations for trade and defense purposes. While some cities may have semi-arid climates or resemble rugged terrain, these characteristics are not necessarily exclusive to all major cities in the region.
The major cities in South Asia developed in areas with several characteristics: low rainfall, rugged terrain, semiarid climates, and fertile farmland. Let's break down each of these factors and understand their role in the development of major cities in the region.
1. Low rainfall: Cities in South Asia generally developed in areas with low rainfall as water availability is crucial for sustaining a settlement. By settling in areas with low rainfall, early civilizations were forced to develop systems for water management, such as building reservoirs, canals, and wells to ensure a steady water supply for agriculture, domestic needs, and industrial activities.
2. Rugged terrain: South Asia is known for its diverse and often mountainous topography. Though rugged terrain can present challenges, it also offers strategic advantages for city development. The presence of natural barriers, such as mountains and hills, provided protection against invasions and facilitated defense strategies. Additionally, valleys and river basins within the rugged terrain were suitable for agricultural activities and establishing trade routes, making them attractive locations for settlement and eventual urban development.
3. Semiarid climates: The presence of semiarid climates, characterized by moderate rainfall but considerable dry periods, influenced the development of major cities in South Asia. These climates typically feature hot summers and relatively mild winters. The availability of water sources, both permanent and seasonal, was crucial for sustaining agriculture and other economic activities, allowing cities to flourish.
4. Fertile farmland: Fertile farmland played a significant role in the development of major cities in South Asia. The presence of fertile soil, often in river valleys or floodplains, supported agricultural practices and allowed communities to produce surplus food. This surplus not only sustained the local population but also facilitated trade and urbanization. Cities such as the Indus Valley civilization and the Gangetic plain cities developed in areas with fertile farmland, leading to social and economic growth.
In summary, major cities in South Asia developed in areas with low rainfall, rugged terrain, semiarid climates, and fertile farmland. These geographical factors influenced the development of water management systems, defense strategies, trade routes, and agricultural practices, all of which are vital for the growth and sustenance of urban areas.