• A semi-arid region is advantageous to the people for settlement purpose. For example, the Sind region, having this type of climate in ancient period, resulted in the flourishing Harappan civilization.

• It also helped the growth of urban settlements. Similarly, the rise of Pataliputra and the importance of Magadha in Bihar can also be explained in relation to its physical features and environment.

• Pataliputra was surrounded by the rivers, namely the Ganges, Son and Gandak, which provided natural defence as well as internal communication. Moreover, the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains helped in the maintenance of a strong population base.

• An area gifted with navigable rivers has well developed trade and communication networks. Our ancient literature, like the Jatakas and other texts, mention many riverine routes in ancient India.

• Similarly, the coastal routes promote the long distance trade with different countries. The mountain passes are also very important in this context. For example, the Palghat Pass linked the east and west coasts and thus, helped in the growth of Indo-Roman trade in ancient times.