1. Notes: Chapter 7, Section 1: “Geography and Indian Life”

2. Physical Geography of India  India is a subcontinent, which is a large landmass that is like a continent, only smaller.  India is separated from Asia by two mountain ranges (Hindu Kush and the Himalayas).

3. Indian Bodies of Water  The two most important rivers in India are the Ganges and the Indus rivers.  India is surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal.

4. Indian Climate  The tall mountains block cooler winds from the north. As a result, India is extremely hot.  Summer monsoon winds bring warm rainy weather.

5. The Earliest Civilizations  The earliest farmers raised wheat and barley and domesticated cattle, sheep, goats, and chickens.

6. Harappan Culture  Harappan civilization existed in the Indus river valley.  Harappan cities were planned with streets in grids and thick brick walls surrounding the cities.

7. Harappan Advancements  Harappan cities were planned with sewers to carry away human waste.  Houses had toilets and indoor bathrooms.

8. Harappan Decline  Around 2,000 B.C., earthquakes shook the region and probably led to the rivers drying up. The Harappan civilizatilon went into decline.