Why were capitals like Paithan and Nagarjunakonda located on major rivers?

Rivers provided essential irrigation for the agrarian surplus needed to support a capital and served as internal trade arteries.

Historical Geography

UPSC Archival Analysis

Harappa is on the Ravi, Hastinapur on the Ganga, Nagarjunakonda on the Krishna, and Paithan on the Godavari.

Exam Year

2008

Evidence Source

ID: HIS_ANC_2008_81 Ref: Standard Educational Reference