The Geography of India

Bhutan Bangladesh Pakistan Nepal India Maldives Sri Lanka (SOL) Afghanistan

Physical Characteristics Mountains influence the region population settlement patterns ability of people to move climate

Mountains Himalayas Western and Eastern Ghats

Himalayas

Varied climate regions--ranging from tropical wet to humid continental Many natural hazards--monsoons, cyclones, and earthquakes

Monsoon--a seasonal shift in the prevailing winds that influences large climate regions Cyclone--a destructive tropical storm similar to a hurricane

Influence of water--(rivers, seas, and ocean currents) on agriculture, trade, and transportation

Important bodies of water--Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, Ganges River, Indus River, Brahmaputra River

Agricultural advancements and technology are enabling greater food production-- “Green Revolution” Environmental degradation deforestation fishing is important

Cultural Characteristics Areas of extremely dense and sparse population severe contrast between rural and urban areas serious religious conflicts--primarily between Hindus and Muslims

Three world religions began in South Asia: Hinduism Buddhism Sikhism

Roots of Hinduism 1500 B.C.E Aryans invaded from central Asia The Aryans brought with them the idea of a caste system.

Caste system is a rigid class system Caste system is a rigid class system. A person cannot move between castes or classes. (remember jati) Believe in reincarnation Sacred writing of the Hindus are the Vedas

The Ganges River is sacred to the Hindus. Highly polluted Bathe in the river to purify themselves

Buddhism founded about the same time as Hinduism. Founder Siddhartha Gautama Leader today is the Dalai Lama Buddhist believe in reincarnation. People reach the state of Nirvana

During the late 1800s Indians developed a strong sense of nationalism. Many Indians were educated in Europe.

One of those people was Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi. He led non violent resistance against England.

1946 England agreed to give India its independence if they could agree on a government.

Conflict grew in India between the Muslims and the Hindus

The only solution was to partition or divide India into Pakistan and India. The Hindus occupied India and the Muslims occupied Pakistan

Later conflicts developed between East and West Pakistan The country of Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) was created in 1971

Within the past few years, Pakistan and India have tested nuclear weapons. They are in conflict of a portion India known as Kashmir.

Located in Agra, India, not far from New Delhi Taj Mahal Located in Agra, India, not far from New Delhi Built by a Muslim emperor in the 17th century as a mausoleum for his wife Fell into disrepair when Muslim empire collapsed and Hindus took over Recently restored to former glory; now a symbol of national pride; major tourist site

New Delhi, India

New Delhi, India Capital of India; not far from the Taj Mahal

Cottage industries – businesses run from homes, typically making cloth or jewelry Jute – strong fiber used in string, cloth, and rope

Drawing Connections pt. 3 Using your notes from yesterday, draw 5 pictures relating to current problems/interesting concepts in South Asia Make sure to make connections between these problems and the culture + land Turn it in when you are done