Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The Thar Desert (Rajasthan, Gujarat) is extremely hot and dry, resulting in very low population density. However, oasis towns with water access have historically been important trade centers, enabling habitation.
The Ganges River provides water for drinking, irrigation, transport, and religious rituals, leading to high population density along its banks. It's also a source of India-Bangladesh water disputes. The Indus River similarly supports dense populations in Pakistan and India for water, irrigation, and trade, but fuels India-Pakistan tensions over water rights.
In summary, deserts deter settlement except at oases, while rivers attract dense populations due to water, agriculture, transport, and cultural significance.