- A Separate Subcontinent
- Less Number of Invasions in the Past
- Earliest Human Civilizations
- Economic Advantages
- A Unique, but Diverse Culture
- Influence on Climate
- Tourism for Everyone's Taste
Mother
nature has been very kind to India, giving it a potential advantage in terms
of economy, culture, climate, tourism, etc. although, unfortunately, this has
neither been reciprocated nor has the potential been utilized.
India
is a distinct geographical unit bounded on the north by the ranges of the
Himalaya and Karakoram, on the north-west by the mountains to the west of the
Indus, on the north-east by the hills of Assam and Cachar, and everywhere else
by the sea, forming a distinct subdivision within the continent. Its not a
surprise that this area is called the Indian Subcontinent.
In
ancient times, when no power attempted to assert full command of the sea, a
country so largely surrounded by the ocean was inaccessible for the most part,
and could be approached by land through its continental section only. The
north-eastern hills and the gigantic Himalayan and Karakoram ranges present
comparatively few passable openings, and none easy of passage for considerable
bodies of men. But the hills west of the Indus are pierced by many passes more
or less open. The main land gates of India are on her north-western frontier,
and this physical fact dominated her history for thousands of years, avoiding
thousands of potential invasions. It was only when water navigation developed
in European countries did India become a colony.
The
northern plains being made fertile by Ganga and Indus, combined with
availability of water for other daily purposes led to the development of one
of the earliest human civilizations in the world. And this laid the foundation
of development of what we have today in the entire world - market, arts,
farming, administration, etc
Due to
geographical position, China and India became the two most prosperous regions
in the world with the highest living standards at around 0 BC. Economic
activities like farming and places like markets were well established. Long
coastline also created many natural ports and harbors. This led to the
establishment of cities like Mumbai and Kolkata near the ports.
A very
diverse geography is one of the primary reasons for diverse culture in India.
We have desert, mountains, plains, coastal areas, plateau having diverse
climatic conditions and natural resources which shaped regional habits and
culture. Then a broad belt of hill and forest running from the Gulf of Cambay
on the west to the mouths of the Mahanadi on the east, along with Vindhya and
Satpura mountains and river Narmada separates North from South India. This
barrier was difficult to cross in ancient times which is clearly reflected by
almost distinct culture between the 2 regions.
The
lofty Himalaya Mountains form a barrier which prevents the cold winds of north
Asia from blowing into India, thus protecting it from severely cold winters.
It also traps the Monsoon winds, forcing them to shed their moisture within
the sub-continent. India lies between 8 N and 37 N latitudes. The Tropic of
Cancer passes through the middle of India, thus making the southern half of
India in the Torrid Zone and the northern half in the Temperature Zone, which
is responsible of different climate due to wind patterns, etc.
As I
mentioned before, India has everything. I have been to various European
nations and the US and can say that if natural resources are better developed
and made more accessible in India, then Himalayas can beat Switzerland, Thar
desert can take over Death Valley, Goa over famous beaches. Then we have
forests and lagoons in Kerala, various lakes, rivers, etc.
In a nutshell, India's location offers it with
numerous advantages that can easily take it to the top. This is clearly
reflected by the fact that the subcontinent was the most advanced region in
the BC era - when nature was the primary source of development.
But then the social structure, policies and various other things (which are
outside the scope of this answer) decelerated its growth.
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