India A few things about me.

Religion – Hinduism World's oldest religion No specific founder Vedas are the oldest readings of Hinduism 330 Million Gods Hindu Deities Brahma – Creator Vishnu – Preserver Shiva – Destroyer

Hinduism Hinduism is the religion of approximately 83% of the Indian population. Two major points to know about the Hindu religion: Hindus believe in reincarnation, which teaches a person is born, lives, dies, and is reborn again many times. Hindus believe in karma, which states a person’s social position in the next life depends upon his or her conduct in the present life.

India – Geography India is considered a subcontinent a large area of land separated from the rest of a continent by a natural barrier

India – Geography Himalayan Mountains Natural barrier Limits the movement of people Contains Mt. Everest Origins of Ganges and Indus Rivers

India Ganges River is sacred to Indians who follow the Hindu religion It is holy and is where the dead are cremated.

India’s History 2000 BCE – Invasion of Indus Valley by the Aryans from Central Asia. Aryans brought with them the Hindu religion and Caste System 600 BCE – Ganges River Settlements

India’s History 1626-1707, the Mughal Empire brought Islam to India Akbar’s grandson built a magnificent mausoleum to his wife, now known as the Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal Trash

India’s History After WWII: India divided into East and West Pakistan Pakistan (Islam) and India (Hinduism) had a combined 12 million refugees Still conflict between the two: Religious differences and Territorial disputes (Kashmir)

India: Relations with China India invaded Tibet 1950 In 1959 China violently put down the revolt and the Dalai Lama was forced to flee to India for safety Spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism and – until the establishment of Chinese communist rule – the spiritual and temporal ruler of Tibet China took territory from India in 1962 China supported Pakistan in India-Pakistan War

Statistics in India 1.22 billion in India – 2nd largest populated nation in the world. It is 1/7th of the world’s population of 7.3 billion, around 17%. One million births each month, which is a strain on their natural resources

India: Lifestyle Family: Large family units live together Arranged marriages Dating/divorce are rare Male oriented society women submit & obey Recreation: Hockey, cricket, soccer, rugby Rice, curry, chai tea (many vegetarians) Cows are sacred: No leather in a temple Do not touch women – sign of respect Remove shoes when entering home Bindi – red dot on forehead, lots of jewelry India makes most the movies in the world Eat with their hands, women eat after guests, men, and children No backslapping, winking, whistle, or public displays affection