A great indicator of where to choose would be to look and see whether or not your location has a thriving community of various South Asian peoples! Since Columbia is in NYC and Berkeley in the Bay Area, they shouldn't be difficult to find. Looking at the requirements for both programs, it also matters what prerequisites you have. For instance, while Columbia appears to be nonchalant about the issue, Berkeley requires one of the following:
Two years of study in the language of emphasis or the equivalent, as determined by the Head Graduate Adviser;
Five undergraduate courses concerning South and Southeast Asia or the equivalent, as determined by the Graduate Adviser.
Best of luck to you!