Geography and Early India: Section 1

Which statement best defines a subcontinent?

• A large landmass smaller than a continent

• A small island separated by seas

• A continent with several countries only

• A peninsula surrounded by three seas

Which mountain ranges form major barriers in northern South Asia?

• Himalayas and Hindu Kush mountains

• Alps and Ural mountains

• Andes and Appalachian ranges

• Sahara and Gobi deserts

Why did early Indian civilizations first develop near the Indus River?

• Monsoons made inland travel impossible

• River valleys provided water and fertile soil

• Mountains forced people into deserts

• Oceans offered easier trade than rivers

How did northern mountains affect movement between India and the rest of Asia?

• They acted as physical barriers to migration

• They created open plains for easy travel

• They reduced rainfall and encouraged crossings

• They connected regions through many river ports

Look at a map showing South Asia. Which description best matches India’s overall shape and position on the continent?

• A narrow strip running east to west

• A roughly triangular landmass jutting southward

• A long peninsula on Africa’s east coast

• A circular plateau in central Asia

A group plans to migrate from Central Asia into South Asia around ancient times. Considering the region’s geography, which route would most likely be challenging and why?

• Crossing the northern mountains due to high passes

• Sailing the Arabian Sea due to calm waters

• Walking across open grasslands with few rivers

• Traveling along the Indus due to scarce water