Role of Geography in Sustenance of Pre-Historic Settlements in Karnataka, India

By : Hema Thakur

Page No: 72-88

Abstract 
Ancient settlements beginning from pre-historic period have been found spread nearly all over Karnataka. The geographical factors and environmental setting help in understanding the settlement pattern and resource base which may have supported human settlements through centuries. The distribution and exploitation of geographical resources have influenced human colonies and determined the way in which they have concentrated in “zones” and “sub-zones” from the neolithic-chalcolithic period, through the megalithic ultimately leading to the establishment of early historic settlements. In this paper human settlements and the contribution of geographical factors have been discussed. The territory of Karnataka where Kannada was spoken as a common language was roughly fixed by the twelfth century. Karnataka has borders with more than one state. The state of Maharashtra adjoins northern Karnataka. Andhra Pradesh and east Karnataka have a common border. Though these neighbouring states have some common features with Karnataka, it is the rivers which bring them close to each other as some of the important rivers originate in adjoining states and flow in Karnataka or vice-versa. The drainage of Karnataka is dependent on three main rivers - Krishna on the north, the Kaveri on the south, the two Pennars (North Pennar and the South Pennar) and the Palar on the east. Rivers have always been very crucial and they have supported human habitation since prehistoric period. Karnataka has also been endowed with minerals and useful rocks. These natural resources encouraged human habitation and this is made evident by the archaeological remains including structures which have been found nearly all over Karnataka and for almost all the historical periods.

Author :
Hema Thakur : Research Scholar, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/ATNAGI.2018.38.01.6