The Indian subcontinent is geographically constrained by several significant physical features that block or limit access to its northern and northeastern regions. The key physical barriers include:
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Himalayan Mountain Range: The most prominent geographic barrier, the Himalayas, stretch across the northern border of India. This massive mountain range includes some of the world's highest peaks, such as Mount Everest, and acts as a formidable natural barrier against invasions or migration from the north.
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Karakoram Range: Located further northwest of the Himalayas, this mountain range also plays a significant role in blocking access from Central Asia. It contains K2, the second-highest mountain in the world.
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Eastern Mountain Ranges: In the northeast, the Patkai and Naga Hills serve as barriers that isolate the northeastern states of India from the rest of the country, contributing to both a geographic and cultural separation.
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Forests and Rivers: The dense forests and rivers in the region further complicate any potential access routes. The Brahmaputra River, for instance, creates natural boundaries and can be challenging to traverse.
These physical blocks have historically influenced the movement of people and cultures, affecting trade routes and interactions between different regions.