An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s18.20

v1.c9.s18.20

*4.18.1 N. region.* Since post-Harappa times, i.e. from *c.* 1500 B.C., n. India comprising Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh stands at the forefront of Indian history. This is particularly true of the early historical period, when the region witnessed the emergence of some of the first urban centres of the period like ŚRĀVASTĪ, KAUŚĀMBĪ and VARANASI (RAJGHAT). Together with parts of w. Bihar the region forms part of what has been justly called the ‘nuclear region’ of the subcontinent. Its cultural significance was largely dependent on its favourable geographical conditions. An adequate rainfall and a rich alluvial soil made it possible for food crops to grow in abundance. As much of the area around the limited pockets of the habitation centres was densely forested, timber for building and fuel was in plentiful supply. Several small to large rivers of the indus and Ganga systems with perennial water supply afforded easy means of communication. Most of the cities were located on river banks.