HUMAN GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH ASIA

Cultures of South Asia The three main ideas of Hinduism are reincarnation, dharma, and karma –Reincarnation— rebirth of one’s soul in different forms - Thousands of languages! -Poverty remains huge problem. India is one of the worlds fastest growing economies

Cultures of South Asia -Different mixes of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam – often causes tension in the region 80% of Indians are Hindu Belief in many gods and goddesses (what is the belief in multiple gods called?) Dharma—importance of doing one’s duty according to one’s position in life Karma—positive or negative force of one’s life You do dharma to get good karma!

Political Geography of South Asia Nations in South Asia: Afghanistan became independent in Four were created from British 1.India after WW2 (1947) 2.Pakistan (1947) 3.Sri Lanka (1947) 4.Bangladesh (1971) Two are small countries located deep in the Himalayas, isolated until recent times 1.Bhutan 2.Nepal One is a tiny island chain in the Indian Ocean – Maldives.

Brief History of South Asia Ancient Times – Hinduism and Islam, caste system, several huge empires in region. British Rule – Britain ruled all of South Asia from 1776 to “British East India Company” controlled almost all commerce Independence and Partition – British freed and divided region into India (mostly Hindu) and Pakistan (mostly Muslim). Influenced heavily by Mahatma Gandhi. To avoid civil war between Muslims and Hindus, India was split into two countries India became a Hindu country and Pakistan became a Muslim country Modern Era – Wars between India and Pakistan. Growing power of India, and Pakistan’s crisis with Islamic radicals and Taliban.

What is the “Caste System”? Ancient origins, predating Hinduism. Divided South Asian people into different jobs and ranks in society. Very complex, thousands of smaller groups. Mostly broken down in the cities, still common in rural India “untouchables” are discriminated against. They are given unclean jobs and can have no contact with people of the caste system. The Caste System has been banned in modern India, however it remains in some rural areas

Nations of South Asia India Nepal Sri Lanka Pakistan Afghanistan Bangladesh Maldives

India ¾ of all South Asia land area; slightly more than 1/3 of the U.S. A federal republic consisting of 28 states, 6 Union Territories, and 1 National Capital Territory Population: billion people 15 official languages. English and Hindi most common. About 80% Hindu, 20% Muslim Emerging economic and regional military power, with advanced industrial and scientific capacity.

Mohandas Gandhi ( ) Father of modern India Nicknamed “Mahatma” ( great soul) Preached non-violence, civil disobedience. Salt March – 1930, walked to sea to protest British salt tax. After WWII, Gandhi pushes for independence for India Assassinated January 30, 1948 by a by a Hindu fanatic Would nonviolent resistance have worked on other groups besides the British, like the Nazi’s for example? Why or why not?

Gandhi wanted one unified India. Partition - split in 1947 into Hindu (India) and Muslim (Pakistan) Riots, refugees, violence – 14 million people moved, ½ million died 1948 Gandhi assassinated by Hindu extremist (intolerant of other religions). Trauma of Partition

India in Transition India divided – modern caste system. New wealth, huge poverty at same time. Bollywood – Indian film industry, largest in world! Booming population, bigger than China soon. High tech industries power the economy. Huge, overcrowded cities

Pakistan Twice the size of California A federal republic with 4 provinces, one territory, and 1 capital territory Population: 173 million people Languages: Urdu and English, however 48% speak Punjabi Formerly known as West Pakistan. Independent since Primarily Sunni Muslim Continuing struggles with internal ethnic groups, India, Afghanistan

Crisis in Pakistan Pakistan has internal divisions, an unstable government, an expanding young population, and troubles with Islamic Fundamentalists. Tied into the current war in Afghanistan (USA/NATO vs. Al Qaeda/Taliban), which resulted from the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Pakistan is violently divided between those supporting the USA’s efforts, and those supporting the Taliban. Pakistan has 20 to 50 nuclear weapons. These could fall into the wrong hands if Pakistan collapses.

Conflict Between India and Pakistan Jammu and Kashmir – In 1947 was Muslim majority, but Hindu ruler. After partition, military of both sides moved on the region and war broke out. After war, it stayed part of India. Sore spot for Pakistan and India, constant guerrilla war. Several wars, including 1971 war that created Bangladesh. Both countries now have nuclear weapons. Why do India and Pakistan both feel that they need nuclear weapons?

Afghanistan About the size of Texas Landlocked Population – 30,000,000 Mostly Pashtuns, who are Muslims. Extremely poor, mountainous country Leading exporter of opium, heroin. US invaded in 2001 after 9/11, to defeat Taliban. Taliban were/are funded partly by Pakistan, which is also helping to fight Taliban.

Bangladesh Slightly smaller than Iowa Low elevation and location make almost half of land surface prone to flooding during monsoons. Parliamentary democracy Population: 154 million people Languages: Bangla (Bengali) and English Formerly known as East Pakistan. Independent since Primarily Muslim Cultivation of rice is the single most important agricultural activity. One of world’s poorest nations.

Nepal Size of Arkansas A parliamentary democracy, but was a monarchy until 2005 Population: 30 million people Languages: Primarily Nepali Primarily Hindu with approximately 10% Buddhist Tourism on Mt. Everest Sherpas: an ethnic group from Nepal's Himalaya region famed for their climbing prowess that serve as mountain climbing guides Home of the Gurkha, soldiers famed for bravery and the Kukri knife.

Sri Lanka Slightly larger than West Virginia Republic with 8 provinces Population: 21 million people Languages: Sinhala (80%) and Tamil (20%) Primarily Buddhist (70%) Civil War ( ) between Buddhist Sinhalese majority government in south, and Hindu Tamil minority (“Tamil Tigers”/LTTE) in north.

Maldives Small archipelago, 26 separate atolls. Population - 300,000 Most of nation is less than 5ft above sea level, highest point only 8ft. Islamic, run on sharia law. Economy based on fishing and tourism Maldives is heavily involved with UN global warming treaties and conferences.