SOUTH ASIA

Himalayas and Hindu Kush Mountains that form a barriers Separates South Asia from Asia Khyber Pass Passes through Hindu Kush Between Pakistan and Afghanistan Access to South Asia from Asia

Monsoon – seasonal wind – dominates the climate of South Asia Wet monsoons of summer Moist air from the sea Essential to survival in the region Dry monsoons of winter Cool air from mountains blows back to sea Monsoon affects are uneven – causes great variation in climate and vegetation

Mountains affect rainfall Directly south of Himalayas Causes heavy rainfall in Bangladesh, Bhutan and northeastern India Rain Shadow One side of mountain receives plenty of moisture Other side of mountain gets almost none

People of South Asia 2010 population of U. S. – 309 million 2010 populations of South Asia region 1.57 billion India – 1.17 billion Second largest population – behind China Rapid population growth remains a major problem for nations

Cultural Diversity Geographic features separate people into regional and local groups Wide variety of customs and practices 5 religions Buddhism – primary religion of Sri Lanka India – 700 languages and dialects Most widely spoken is Hindi Diversity enriches the region – also poses challenge to the government

Caste System Developed by the Aryan culture Divided into 4 classes – varna Caste – social groups based on birth Not possible to change caste Caste system based on the idea that there are separate kinds of humans Caste system has been weakened by urbanization

British Rule 1498 – Portuguese reached India Dutch, French, and British soon followed British came as traders – turned their attention to conquest 1760s – British forces defeat the French 1850s – Indian grievances against British rule

Sepoy Rebellion Sepoys – Indian troops who served in the British army Rebellion outbreak Reasons – new law required Sepoy to fight on foreign land Rumor guns were greased with beef or pork fat Hindus – cows are sacred Muslims – forbidden to touch pork Showed British lack of cultural understanding British put down rebellion

1858 – Britain took over India as a colony Direct rule Reformed law codes Controlled court system Moved away from using Indian soldiers Set up civil service Created a new class of British-educated Indians – middle class

Indian Nationalism Strongest among British-educated elite 1885 – INC – Indian National Congress Most members were Hindus Called for gradually change After WW I – more forceful - Mohandas Gandhi Stressed Indian culture and heritiage 1906 – Muslim League – Muhammad Ali Jinnah Distrust kept Hindus and Muslims apart 1930s – believed subcontinent must be divided into two nations

Freedom and Partition During and after WW I Increased demand for freedom Amritsar Massacre - April 13, 1919 Gathering of more than 10,000 Indians British troops opened fire 379 – killed / 1,100 – injured Deepened distrust of British Increased call for separation from British

Moving Toward Independence INC refused to support Britain in WW II unless Britain promised immediate independence British refused Gandhi organized “Quit India” movement Boycotts, strikes, protest Reasons Britain gave up India as a colony Weakened by WW II, Nationalist were too strong, British citizens opposition to keeping colonies

Pakistan 1947 – created by Indian Independence Act Partition of subcontinent into India and Pakistan Partition led to mass migration of Hindus and Muslims Continues to faces economic and political challenges High illiteracy rate High poverty 1991 – Koran was made the supreme law

Afghanistan Mountainous landlocked nation links South Asian and Middle East 1979 – 1989 Soviet troops supported communist government Late 1990s – Taliban gained power Harsh rule, extreme form of Islam Oct – U. S. military action in response to Al Qaeda attacks in U. S. One of the poorest countries in the world War has left the country in ruins

Issues over Kashmir Region of India - Never under control of Britain At partition, Kashmir tried to stay independent Muslims rebelled Kashmir asked India for support Pakistan sent troops to support Muslims UN cease-fire left Kashmir divided between India and Pakistan Solution satisfied no one Increased tension between India and Pakistan is of concern to the world because both countries have nuclear weapons U. S. in difficult position since Pakistan has aided U. S. during war on terror