One consistent feature found in the history of southern India was the growth of small regional kingdoms rather than large empires because of:

1. the absence of minerals like iron
2. too many divisions in the social structure
3. the absence of vast areas of fertile land
4. the scarcity of manpower

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• The growth of small regional kingdoms in southern India stemmed from the absence of vast, contiguous fertile plains.

Answer: (c) too many divisions in the social structure