The most important factor in the settlement of South Asia was the availability of fertile land for agriculture. The subcontinent has two major river systems, the Indus and the Ganges, which provided a consistent water supply for irrigation and facilitated the growth of agriculture. This fertile land allowed for the development of settled communities, which eventually led to the formation of early civilizations such as the Indus Valley Civilization and the Vedic culture. The agricultural surplus generated by these civilizations further supported population growth and the establishment of urban centers, which became the foundation of South Asian society and culture.
