South Asia http://www.vbmap.org/asia-maps-7/south-asia-political-map-91/

Chapter 24: Physical Geography of South Asia: The Land Where Continents Collided South Asia’s major landforms, including the massive Himalayan Mountains, were created when the subcontinent broke off from Africa and drifted into Asia. Section 1: Landforms and Resources Section 2: Climate and Vegetation Section 3: Human-Environment Interaction South Asia is a subcontinent of peninsulas bordered by mountains and oceans. A wide variety of natural resources helps sustain life in the region.

Mountains and Plateaus The Indian Subcontinent India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives Subcontinent—large landmass that’s smaller than a continent called Indian Subcontinent because India dominates the region Though half the size of U.S., area has 1/5 of world’s people Natural barriers separate subcontinent from rest of Asia mountains form northern border, Indian Ocean surrounds rest Arabian Sea to west, Bay of Bengal to east

South Asia was once part of East Africa Northern Mountains South Asia was once part of East Africa split off 50 million years ago and collided with Central Asia collision of tectonic plates pushed land into huge mountain ranges Himalaya Mountains—1,500 mile-long system of parallel ranges include world’s tallest mountain—Mt. Everest form barrier between Indian subcontinent and China kingdoms of Nepal, Bhutan are also in these mountainsNorthern Mountains At west end, Hindu Kush mountains separate Pakistan, Afghanistan historically blocked invasions from Central Asian tribes Khyber Pass is one of the major land routes through the mountains Karakoram Mountains are in northeastern part of Himalayas include world’s second highest peak, K2

Tectonic plate collision also created smaller mountain ranges Southern Plateaus Tectonic plate collision also created smaller mountain ranges Vindhya Rang in central India Deccan Plateau covers much of southern India Western, Eastern Ghats: mountain ranges flank Deccan Plateau block moist winds and rain, making Deccan mostly arid

Rivers, Deltas, and Plains Great Rivers Northern Indian, or Indo-Gangetic, Plain: lies between Deccan Plateau, northern mountain ranges is formed by three river systems that originate in Himalayas Indus River flows west, then south through Pakistan to Arabian Sea Ganges River flows east across northern India Brahmaputra winds east, then west, south through Bangladesh Ganges and Bramaputra meet, form delta, flow into Bay of Bengal

Rivers irrigate farmlands, carry rich alluvial soil Fertile Plains Rivers irrigate farmlands, carry rich alluvial soil overflow deposits this soil on alluvial plains—rich farmlands Indo-Gangetic Plain has some of the world’s most fertile farms Heavily populated area has 3/5 of India’s people area’s big cities: New Delhi, Kolkata in India; Dakha in Bangladesh Plain is drier to west between Indus, Ganges The Thar, or Great Indian Desert, lies to the south

Offshore Islands Sri Lanka: The Subcontinent’s “Tear Drop” Island in Indian Ocean, off India’s southeastern tip Large, tear-shaped country with lush tropical land Range of high, rugged, 8,000-foot mountains dominate center Many small rivers flow from mountains down to lowlands Northern side has low hills, rolling farmland Island is circled by coastal plain, long palm-fringed beaches

The Maldives Archipelago Maldives is archipelago—island group—of 1,200 small islands stretch north to south for 500 miles off Indian coast, near equator Islands are atolls—low-lying tops of submerged volcanoes surrounded by coral reefs, shallow lagoons Total land area of Maldives is 115 square miles only 200 islands are inhabited http://www.travel-visit-places.com/en/maldives/

Natural Resources Water and Soil Water and soil resources provide food through farming, fishing River systems help enrich land with alluvial soil, water large- and small-scale irrigation projects divert water to farmlands Types of fish include mackerel, sardines, carp, catfish Waters provide transportation, power India, Pakistan work to harness hydroelectric power

Indian rain forests produce hardwoods like sal and teak also bamboo and fragrant sandalwood Bhutan’s and Nepal’s highland forests have pine, fir, softwoods Deforestation is a severe problem causes soil erosion, flooding, landslides, loss of wildlife habitats overcutting has devastated forests in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka

Minerals India is fourth in world in coal production, has petroleum, uranium Pakistan, Bangladesh have natural gas resources Iron ore from India’s Deccan Plateau used in steel industry, exported Other minerals: manganese, gypsum, chromium, bauxite, copper India has mica for electrical equipment and growing computer industry India is known for diamonds; Sri Lanka for sapphires, rubies

Section 2: Climate and Vegetation Climate conditions in South Asia range from frigid cold in the high mountains to intense heat in the deserts. Seasonal winds affect both the climate and vegetation of South Asia. Climate—Wet and Dry, Hot and Cold Climate Zones Cold highland zone in Himalayas, other northern mountains Humid subtropical in foothills (Nepal, Bhutan), Indo-Gangetic Plain Semiarid zone of west Plain, Deccan Plateau is warm with light rain Desert zone covers lower Indus Valley, west India, south Pakistan Thar Desert is driest area, with 10 inches of rain annually Tropical wet zone in Sri Lanka and coasts of India, Bangladesh Cherrapunji, India, holds rainfall record—366 inches in one month

Monsoons—seasonal winds that affect entire region Monsoons and Cyclones Monsoons—seasonal winds that affect entire region dry winds blow from northeast October–February moist ocean winds blow from southwest June–September moist winds bring heavy rainfall, especially in southwest, Ganges Delta unpredictable; cause hardship in lowlands of India, Bangladesh Cyclone—violent storm with fierce winds, heavy rain in Bangladesh low coastal region swamped by high waves

Vegetation: Desert to Rain Forest Vegetation Zones Forested tropical wet zone in India’s west coast, south Bangladesh lush rain forests of teak, ebony, bamboo Highland forests of pine, fir in north India, Nepal, Bhutan Humid subtropical river valleys; foothills have sal, oak, chestnut Less vegetation in semiarid areas; desert shrubs, grasses Deccan Plateau, Thar Desert Sri Lanka’s tropical wet and dry climate produces grasses, trees

Ganges is the best-known South Asian river Section 3: Human-Environment Interaction Rivers play a central role in the lives of South Asians, but water pollution and flooding pose great challenges to South Asian countries. Living Along the Ganges Mother Ganges Ganges is the best-known South Asian river it’s shorter than the Indus, Brahmaputra flows 1,500 miles from Himalayan glacier to Bay of Bengal drains area three times France; home to 350 million people Provides drinking and farming water, transportation Known as Gangamai—“Mother Ganges” becomes the Padma where it meets the Brahmaputra

Hinduism is the religion of most Indians A Sacred River Hinduism is the religion of most Indians To Hindus, the Ganges River is the sacred home of the goddess Ganga Hindus believe waters have healing powers; temples line its banks pilgrims come to bathe, scatter ashes of dead at sacred site of Varanasi they gather daily for prayer, purification float baskets of flowers, burning candles on water

Centuries of use have made Ganges most polluted river in world A Polluted River Centuries of use have made Ganges most polluted river in world sewage, industrial waste, human bodies poison the water users get stomach and intestinal diseases, hepatitis, typhoid, cholera In 1986, government plans sewage treatment plants, regulations today few plants are operational, factories still dump waste Clean up will take time, money, a change in how people see river http://in.reuters.com/article/2007/09/16/idINIndia-29492620070916

Controlling the Feni River A River Overflows Feni River flows from Chittagong Hills to Bay of Bengal Wide, slow-moving river flows through low-lying coastal plain flat, marshy area floods during wet season due to monsoon rains Cyclones bring storm surges—high waters that swamp low areas sea water surges up river into flatlands, flooding villages In 1980s, Bangladesh builds earthen dam over river’s mile-wide mouth

Bangladesh uses large population’s unskilled workers to build dam Using People Power Bangladesh uses large population’s unskilled workers to build dam Use cheap materials, low-tech process lay bamboo mats, weight with boulders, cover with bags of clay Build partial closure, then close Feni completely February 28, 1985 when tide goes out 15,000 workers fill gaps with 600,000 bags seven hours later the dam is closed

Dump trucks, earthmovers raise clay dam to height of 30 feet Completing the Dam Dump trucks, earthmovers raise clay dam to height of 30 feet put concrete, brick over sides, build road on top South Asia’s largest estuary—arm of sea at river’s lower end—dam Dam holds against cyclones and storm surges villages and lands are protected

Chapter 25: Human Geography of South Asia: A Region of Contrasts Both South Asia’s rich and ancient history, and its religious and ethnic diversity, have strongly shaped and defined its people’s lives. Section 1: India Section 2: Pakistan and Bangladesh Section 3: Nepal and Bhutan Section 4: Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Section 1: India India is the largest country in South Asia and has the most developed economy. Indian culture is deeply influenced by religion.

Invasions, Empires, and Independence Early History Indian civilization begins in Indus Valley in 2500 B.C. Aryans from north of Iran invade in 1500 B.C. establish kingdoms on Ganges Plain, push Dravidians south Persians, Greeks later invade Indus Valley Mauryan Empire unites India in 321 B.C.; Asoka spreads Buddhism Gupta Empire later rules northern India Muslim Mughal Empire rules much of India by early 1500s

In 1500s, French, Dutch, Portuguese build cloth, spice trades Europeans Arrive In 1500s, French, Dutch, Portuguese build cloth, spice trades British East India Company controls Indian trade by 1757 British establish direct rule in 1857 Raj—90-year period of direct British control, opposed by most Indians Mohandas Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance achieves goals peacefully India gains its independence from Britain in 1947 Muslim Pakistan splits from Hindu India; violence, migrations result

Governing the World’s Largest Democracy India After Independence Constitution is created under first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru a democratic republic since 1950 System has federation of states, strong central government, like U.S. Parliamentary system, like U.K. India is mostly Hindu, but with large Muslim, Sikh, Tamil minorities Sikhs kill Gandhi’s daughter, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, 1984 Tamils assassinate her son, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, 1991

Economic Challenges Dependence on Farming India has large economy, but half its people live in poverty Two-thirds of people farm; most farms are small with low crop yields Land reform—more balanced distribution of land among farmers 5 percent of farm families own 25 percent of farmland land-reform proposals make little progress After famines of 1960s, scientists improve farm techniques, crops Green Revolution increases crop yields for wheat, rice

Cotton textiles have long been a major product Growing Industry Cotton textiles have long been a major product iron, steel, chemical, food industries develop after 1940s Main industrial regions include: Kolkata (Calcutta), Ahmadabad, Chennai (Madras), Delhi Mumbai (Bombay) is India’s most prosperous city a commercial center which produces metals, chemicals, electronics Bangalore is the high-tech center, home to software companies

Life in Modern India Education Indian economy is changing; more people work in factories, offices Education is key to change, most middle-class kids go to school Literacy has risen steadily since the 1950s In slums and rural areas, school attendance, literacy still low

Indian Culture Many Languages Constitution recognizes 18 major languages India has over 1,000 languages and dialects Hindi is the official language, but English is widely used by government, business workers

80% of Indians are Hindu; complex Aryan religion includes many gods Hinduism 80% of Indians are Hindu; complex Aryan religion includes many gods reincarnation—rebirth of the soul after death Original Aryan caste system of social classes: Brahmans—priests, scholars; Kshatriyas—rulers, warriors Vaisyas—farmers, merchants; Sudras—artisans, laborers Dalits (untouchables) are outside caste system—lowest status Dharma is a caste’s moral duty; only reincarnation changes caste

Other Religions India’s other faiths include Jainism, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism Buddhism originated in northern India, but Islam is still strong in certain parts of India Millions of Muslims left after 1947 independence

Section 2: Pakistan and Bangladesh Pakistan and Bangladesh are Muslim countries formed as a result of the partition of British India. Both Pakistan and Bangladesh have large populations and face great economic challenges.

New Countries, Ancient Lands Early History Indus Valley civilization—largest of early civilizations arises around 2500 B.C. in what is now Pakistan Civilization falls around 1500 B.C.; Aryans invade soon after Mauryan, Gupta, Mughal empires all rule entire region Area is then ruled by British Empire until 1947

1947 partition creates Hindu India, Muslim Pakistan Partition and War 1947 partition creates Hindu India, Muslim Pakistan Hindu-Muslim violence killed one million people 10 million crossed borders: Hindus to India, Muslims to Pakistan Ethnic differences led to civil war between West and East Pakistan East Pakistan won independence in 1971, became Bangladesh

Struggling Economies Subsistence Farming Rapidly growing populations, low per capita income in both countries Small plots farmed with old methods struggle to feed families Climate hurts yields: arid Pakistan, Bangladesh, stormy Pakistan’s irrigated Indus Valley grows wheat, cotton, rice Bangladesh’s deltas produce rice, jute (used for rope, carpets) freshwater fishing is also vital to economy

Neither country is highly industrialized Small Industry Neither country is highly industrialized small factories lack capital, resources, markets to expand Both export cotton clothes; Pakistan exports wool, leather goods Microcredit policy allows small loans to poor entrepreneurs entrepreneurs—people who start and build businesses small businesses join together to get microloans

One Religion, Many Peoples Islamic Culture Customs include daily prayer Ramadan—month of fasting from sunrise to sunset Pakistan’s stricter Islamic law includes purdah—women’s seclusion women have no contact with men they are not related to, must wear veils in public Bangladesh’s religious practices are less strict

Pakistan is more diverse: five main groups, each with own language Ethnic Diversity Pakistan is more diverse: five main groups, each with own language Punjabis, Sindhis, Pathans, Muhajirs, Balochs Punjabis are half the population, Muhajirs left India in 1947 national language is Muhajirs’ Urdu Majority of people in Bangladesh are Bengali Bengali language based on Sanskit, ancient Indo-Aryan language

Section 3: Nepal and Bhutan Nepal and Bhutan are landlocked Himalayan kingdoms. Rugged terrain and an isolated location have had a great impact on life in Nepal and Bhutan.

Mountain Kingdoms Geographic Isolation Both countries are located in Himalayas; each has: central upland of ridges, valleys leading to high mountains small lowland area along Indian border Mountain landscape isolates Nepal, Bhutan: hard to reach, conquer China controlled Bhutan briefly in 18th century Both remained mostly independent, rarely visited by foreigners

In past, both countries split into religious kingdoms, ruling states Evolving Monarchies In past, both countries split into religious kingdoms, ruling states Unified kingdoms emerge, led by hereditary monarchs Today both are constitutional monarchies kingdoms where ruler’s power is limited by constitution Bhutan’s king is supreme ruler, Nepal’s shares power with parliament

Developing Economies Limited Resources Both countries are poor: agricultural economies, but little farmland mountainous terrain, poor soil, erosion terraced farms grow rice, corn, potatoes, wheat livestock include cattle, sheep, yaks Timber industry is important, but has led to deforestation

Developing Economies Increasing Tourism Tourism is fastest-growing industry in Nepal people visit capital at Kathmandu, climb Himalayas hotels, restaurants, services grow but tourism also hurts Nepal’s environment; trash left on mountains • Bhutan regulates, limits tourism, keeps some areas off-limits

Rich Cultural Traditions A Mix of People Nepal’s Indo-Nepalese, Hindu majority came from India centuries ago speak Nepali, variation of Sanskrit Nepal also has groups of Tibetan ancestry, including Sherpas high-Himalayan people; traditional mountain guides of Everest area Bhutan’s main ethnic group is the Bhote, who trace origins to Tibet

Siddhartha Gutama, the Buddha, born in 500s B.C. Religious Customs Siddhartha Gutama, the Buddha, born in 500s B.C. Nepalese were Buddhist; today most are Hindu Tibetan-style Buddhism is official religion of Bhutan uses mandalas—symbolic geometric designs for meditation

Section 4: Sri Lanka and the Maldives Sri Lanka and the Maldives are island countries with strong connections to the South Asian subcontinent. Sri Lanka and the Maldives face difficult challenges that affect their political and economic development.

History of the Islands Settlement of Sri Lanka In 500s B.C. Indians cross strait to Sri Lanka, become Sinhalese In A.D. 300s, Tamils—Indian Dravidian Hindus—settle in north end Portuguese, Dutch come in 1500s; British rule in 1796, call it Ceylon island gains independence in 1948, becomes Sri Lanka in 1972

A Muslim State in the Maldives Buddhists, Hindus from India, Sri Lanka settle islands in 500s B.C. Arab traders visit often, population converts to Islam by 1100s Governed by six dynasties of Muslim sultans—rulers Declares itself a republic in 1968, headed by elected president 1,200 islands; a land area of 115 square miles; population 300,000 one of the world’s smallest independent country

Life in the Islands Cultural Life in Sri Lanka Buddhist, Hindu temples, Muslim mosques dot landscape art, literature strongly influenced by religions Cultural Life in the Maldives Culture is strongly influenced by Muslim customs Islam is state religion—no others allowed

Economic Activity in the Islands Economic Strengths Sri Lanka has South Asia’s highest per capita income agricultural economy: rice farms; tea, rubber, coconut exports manufacturing is increasing famous for gemstones like sapphires, rubies, topaz Maldives has limited farming, food is imported fishing for tuna, marlin, shark still provides 1/4 of jobs main economy is now tourism centered on beaches, reefs

Tourism in Sri Lanka grew until civil war began in early 1980s Tough Challenges Tourism in Sri Lanka grew until civil war began in early 1980s war has also damaged infrastructure, disrupted economic activities Maldives must deal with global warming if polar icecaps melt at all, islands could flood completely

Chapter 26: Today’s Issues: South Asia South Asia faces the challenges of rapid population growth, destructive weather, and territorial disputes caused by religious and ethnic differences. Section 1: Population Explosion Section 2: Living with Extreme Weather Case Study: Territorial Dispute

Section 1: Population Explosion Explosive population growth in South Asia has contributed to social and economic ills in the region. Education is key to controlling population growth and improving the quality of life in South Asia.

Growing Pains Rapid growth In 2000, India’s population reached 1 billion Rapid growth means many citizens lack life’s basic necessities Population Grows India’s population was 300 million in 1947; has since tripled So large that even 2% growth rate produces population explosion Unless rate slows, India will have 1.5 billion by 2045 India, Pakistan, Bangladesh among top 10 most populous countries region has 22% of world’s population, lives on 3% of world’s land

Region has widespread poverty, illiteracy—inability to read or write Inadequate Resources Region has widespread poverty, illiteracy—inability to read or write poor sanitation, health education lead to disease outbreaks Every year, to keep pace, India would have to: build 127,000 new schools and 2.5 million new homes create 4 million new jobs and produce 6 million more tons of food

Managing Population Growth Smaller Families India spends nearly $1 billion a year encouraging smaller families Programs have only limited success Indian women marry before age 18, start having babies early to poor, children are source of money (begging, working fields), and can later take care of elderly parents

Growth factors can be changed with education, but funds are limited Education is a Key Growth factors can be changed with education, but funds are limited India spends under $6 per pupil a year on education while the U.S. spends $6,320 per pupil a year Education could break cycle of poverty, raise living standards improves females’ status with job opportunities better health care education could lower infant mortality rates

Section 2: Living with Extreme Weather South Asia experiences a yearly cycle of floods, often followed by drought. The extreme weather in South Asia leads to serious physical, economic, and political consequences.

The Monsoon Seasons Summer and Winter Wind Systems Annual cycle of extreme weather makes life difficult Monsoon is wind system, not a rainstorm; two monsoon seasons Summer monsoon—blows moist from southwest, across Indian Ocean blows June through September, causes rainstorms, flooding Winter monsoon—blows cool from northeast, across Himalayas, to sea blows October through February, can cause drought

Impact of the Monsoons Physical Impact Summer monsoons nourish rainforests, irrigate crops floodwaters bring rich sediment to soil, but can also damage crops Cyclones are common with summer monsoons Winter monsoon droughts turn lush lands into arid wastelands

Floods, droughts make agriculture difficult Economic Impact Floods, droughts make agriculture difficult countries buy what they can’t grow; famine looms Weather catastrophes also destroy homes, families people often too poor to rebuild, governments lack funds to help People build: houses on stilts, concrete cyclone shelters, dams

Case Study Territorial Dispute: How Can India and Pakistan Resolve Their Dispute Over Kashmir? Kashmir territory is a territory of 12 million people surrounded by Pakistan, China, India India and Pakistan have fought three wars over Kashmir since 1947 Danger increases now that both countries have nuclear weapons http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/asia/kashmir.htm

A Controversy Over Territory Partitioning British left India in 1947 and partitioned—divided—the subcontinent created two independent countries India is predominantly Hindu, Pakistan is mostly Muslim Britain lets each Indian state choose which country to join Muslim states join Pakistan, Hindu states remain in India

Kashmir’s problem: population is Muslim, but its leader was Hindu Politics and Religion Kashmir’s problem: population is Muslim, but its leader was Hindu Maharajah of Kashmir wants an independent nation but is forced to cede territory to India in 1947 Pakistan invades; a year later India still controls much of Kashmir India, Pakistan fight two more wars over Kashmir in 1965, 1971 dispute remains unresolved; each country still controls part China has had a small portion since 1962

A Question of Economics Indus River flows through Kashmir many of its tributaries originate in the territory Indus is critical source of drinking, irrigation water in Pakistan Pakistan doesn’t want India to control that resource Kashmir is a strategic prize neither side will give up

Bibliography Mcdougal Littell, World Geography. Houghton Mifflin Company. 2012