What factors contributed to India and China's historical economic dominance?

India and China's historical economic dominance can be attributed to a combination of geographical advantages and economic activities, according to the sources

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Geographical Advantages: Both countries benefit from a unique geographical advantage.

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The Tibetan Plateau, the largest source of fresh water, is where the major rivers of both countries begin, including the Ganges and Indus Rivers in India, and the Yangtze River in China.

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These rivers provide a continuous supply of fresh water, which was essential for agriculture, industry, and human settlements. The rivers also deposit silt on their banks, which results in highly fertile soil and high agricultural output.

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Agricultural Productivity: The abundance of fresh water and fertile soil enabled both India and China to become agricultural powerhouses, with more than 50% of the world's farmers and agricultural produce.

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Prior to the Industrial Revolution, agriculture was the main economic activity on the planet.

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Due to their agricultural output, India and China accounted for more than 50% of the world's GDP for approximately 1700 years. It's estimated that the two countries produced about 27% of the world's GDP on average from the year 1 to the year 1700.

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Population Size: The abundant resources enabled the sustenance of large populations.

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For thousands of years, over 50% of the world's population has lived in South Asia.

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The presenter notes that the difference between the second and third most populous countries is significant, with the population of the United States being far less than that of India.

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Trade Routes: The Indian Ocean is identified as the world's most peaceful ocean from which oil, gas, resources and raw materials flow, accounting for about 90% of all such trade.

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India is strategically located along these trade routes, which historically contributed to its economic power.

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China, however, does not have direct access to these routes, which has historically caused it some difficulty.

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Pre-Industrial Economy: Before the Industrial Revolution, India and China were dominant because agricultural production was the primary economic activity.

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Their dominance declined when the Industrial Revolution took hold in Europe, and when industrial production replaced agriculture as the main driver of the world's economy.

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With the rise of industrial production, European countries could produce much more than workers in India or China, causing a shift in global economic power.

In summary, India and China's historical economic dominance was based on their strategic geography, abundant freshwater sources, high agricultural output, and large populations. The Industrial Revolution led to a shift in global economic power, but the sources suggest that the two countries are on a path to regaining their economic prominence.