Question

How might geography help explain why it was difficult for Britain to gain control of Kashmir?

A. The rugged terrain and mountainous borders created natural barriers.
B. The presence of large rivers hindered military advancements.
C. The flat and open landscapes facilitated guerrilla warfare.
D. The absence of natural resources made the region less attractive.

Answer 1

It was difficult for Britain to gain control of Kashmir due to the region's rugged terrain and mountainous borders, along with its strategic location and water resources contributing to complex political dynamics.

Step-by-step explanation:

Geography might help explain why it was difficult for Britain to gain control of Kashmir primarily because the rugged terrain and mountainous borders created natural barriers. This harsh geographical obstacle made military advancements challenging. Moreover, Kashmir's strategic location and control over water resources like the Indus River flow is vital to the region's sustainability and has been a point of contention. The complex political dynamics of the area, with historical claims and religious divides between Muslim-majority Kashmiris and the Hindu maharajah leading to a contested accession to India, also played a critical role in the conflict. This geographical dispute has been exacerbated by the nuclear capabilities of India and Pakistan, which control different parts of Kashmir, adding to the region's geopolitical sensitivity.