Sample Answer
Introduction
Geographical factors played a vibrant role in shaping the consciousness of ancient India.
Body
Key Geographical factors and their impacts –
- Natural Barrier
- Through passes; invasion of different groups Ex. Persians, Macedonians/Indo-Greeks, Shakas,
- Pahlavas, Kushan & Hunas. It resulted in significant cultural interactions [Kushaans i.e., most Indianized group]
(b) Shielding of arctic winds –
- Lot of rainfall
- Agricultural prosperity
- Urbanisation
- India emerged as a cradle of civilization
(c) India as a land of rivers
- River valleys civilizations (IVC)
- Urbanisation: First urbanisation (IVC) Indus River valley region. Second urbanisation (Mahajanpada Era) Gangetic River valley region
(d) Discovery of Monsoon by HIPPALUS
- Mid-Oceans Routes to India Ports were discovered
- Promotion of International Trade
- Availability of Coastal Ports and Plains resulted in emergence of powerful empires in South India. (Ex.Cholas, Cheras, Pandayas etc.)
(e) Geographical Diversity Promoted richness in all spheres
- Indians never faced scarcity of resources and always avoided conflicts
- For promotion of trade, Indians always welcomed different cultural groups in India
- Resulting in emergence of India as spiritual leader in the world
- Ascetic culture
- Non-Violence
- Ethnic and Cultural Diversity
- Vasudhaiva-Kutumbakam
- Multiculturalism
- A more humane psyche
Conclusion
Due to its rich cultural diversity & economic prosperity Indians also made significant progress in the fields of technology, literature, science & architecture etc.
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