About India
India, the seventh-largest country in the world, derives its official name from the Old Persian term “Sindhu,” historically used for the Indus River. The Constitution of India and common usage also officially recognize “Bharat,” a name rooted in the Sanskrit legend of an ancient Hindu king found in the Mahabharata, holding equal status. Additionally, “Hindustan,” a Persian term signifying “land of the Hindus,” has historical usage dating back to the Mughal era. However, contemporary use of “Hindustan” varies and sparks domestic debates regarding its representativeness as a national identifier.
Location
The Republic of India, located in South Asia, encompasses the majority of the Indian subcontinent. With a coastline spanning over seven thousand kilometers, it shares borders with Pakistan to the northwest, the People’s Republic of China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. Along the Indian Ocean, it adjoins the island nations of the Maldives to the southwest, Sri Lanka to the south, and Indonesia to the southeast. India ranks as the world’s second most populous nation, with a population exceeding one billion, and it is the seventh largest country in terms of geographical area.
The distance from India’s southern tip to its northernmost point measures 3,214 kilometers, while its east-to-west breadth spans 2,933 kilometers. India boasts a coastline stretching 7,516 kilometers, encompassing three bodies of water: the Arabian Sea along its western border, the Indian Ocean to the south, and the Bay of Bengal on its eastern flank. India is renowned for its vast array of cultural, traditional, and religious diversity.
The Indian subcontinent is set apart from the rest of Asia by the imposing Great Himalayan range. Covering an expansive 3,268,000 square kilometers, which is roughly a third of the landmass of the continental United States, the subcontinent’s geographic features are incredibly diverse. This diversity ranges from permanently snow-covered peaks to scorching deserts, tropical rainforests to extensive fertile plains, and rugged rock escarpments to gently rolling downs. India’s northern and northeastern regions are predominantly characterized by the Himalayan Range, while the remainder of the north, central, and eastern parts consists of the fertile Indo-Gangetic plain.
Climate
India’s vast size leads to a diverse climate that varies not only with the time of year but also by geographical location. In general, the northern regions experience cooler temperatures, especially from September to March, while the southern parts are coolest between November and January.
As June approaches, winds and warm surface currents shift northward and westward, moving from the Indian Ocean into the Arabian Gulf. This movement gives rise to the phenomenon known as the southwest monsoon, characterized by heavy rains along the west coast of India. From October to December, a similar climatic pattern, referred to as the northeast monsoon, affects the Bay of Bengal region, bringing rains to the east coast.
In addition to the monsoons, India experiences two other distinct seasons: spring and autumn. These four seasons collectively contribute to the country’s rich and varied climate.
Occupation
India is primarily an agricultural country, and agriculture plays a significant role in its economy. However, the country has a diverse industrial landscape, including a substantial iron and steel industry and the production of a wide range of manufactured goods. In recent years, India has made substantial strides in the information technology sector, and it has become a global hub for IT and software services. Each year, a substantial number of software professionals, over 100,000, leave India to work in other countries, notably the United States, contributing to India’s presence in the global IT industry.
India is also renowned for its thriving film industry, producing the highest number of films annually worldwide. The most famous segment of the film industry is Bollywood, based in Mumbai, which primarily produces commercial Hindi films but has a global audience.
Education is highly valued across all segments of Indian society, and the country has a robust educational system. India is known for producing a large number of skilled professionals in various fields.
India is also celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, including beautiful jewelry and fashion. The country’s traditional and contemporary fashion and jewelry styles are admired both nationally and internationally, reflecting its vibrant and diverse culture.
Populations
India is home to a vast and diverse population that has enriched its vibrant character for centuries. With a population of one billion, it is the second most populous country in the world, following China. Despite its relatively smaller geographical area compared to its population, India stands as the largest democracy globally. It is often described as more of a continent than a country, given the vast differences in people, cultures, and moods from North to South and East to West.
India is a pluralist, multilingual, and multicultural society, known for its tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Religious practices from various faiths are an integral part of everyday life. In 2001, India had 35 cities and urban areas with populations exceeding one million, with a combined population of approximately 108 million, representing 10.5 percent of the national population. Mumbai, with over 16 million inhabitants, ranks as the world’s fourth-largest urban area, followed by Kolkata in fifth place.
The United Nations predicts that by 2050, India will surpass China as the most populous country in the world. Currently, Indians constitute 16.7 percent of the global population, with an annual growth rate of nearly two percent, outpacing the world’s overall annual population growth rate of 1.4 percent. In 2001, the sex ratio for India was 933 females for every 1,000 males.
Indian people can be broadly categorized into four groups based on their physical characteristics and languages. The first group comprises the majority of high-caste Hindus in North India, whose languages are derived from Sanskrit. The second group consists of those in South India, south of the Vindhyas, who speak languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, which are distinct from Sanskrit and are collectively known as “Dravidians.” The third group comprises primitive tribes residing in the hills and jungles, accounting for eight percent of India’s population, with tribes like the Kols, Bhils, and Mundas.
The fourth group includes people with distinct Mongolian features residing in the Himalayan slopes and Assam’s mountains, such as the Gorkhas, Bhutiyas, and Khasis. It is important to note that India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions, with deep cultural continuities that connect its people. The country recognizes fourteen official languages, and there are twenty-four languages spoken by over a million people, along with numerous dialects. India is home to seven major religions, various minor ones, six primary ethnic groups, and a multitude of holidays.
Subdivision
India is subdivided into 28 states, 6 union territories and a National Capital Territory.
Territories
Andaman and Nicobar Islands , Chandigarh , Dadra and Nagar Haveli , Daman and Diu , Lakshadweep , Pondicherry , National Capital Territory , Delhi.
States of India
Jammu & Kashmir , Himachal Pradesh , Punjab , Haryana , Rajasthan , Delhi , Uttar Pradesh , Chandigarh , Karnataka , Tamil Nadu , Kerala , Andhra Pradesh , Gujarat , Maharashtra , Goa ,Daman & Diu , Bihar , Orissa , West Bengal , Sikkim , Assam , Meghalaya , Arunachal Pradesh , Nagaland , Manipur , Mizoram , Tripura , Madhya Pradesh.
North India
In the northern part of India, nestled in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas, you’ll find a region brimming with a multitude of cultures, religions, awe-inspiring monuments, vast wildlife parks and sanctuaries, holy rivers, the grandeur of the Himalayan mountain range, and a wide range of climatic conditions. The entirety of northern India shares its borders with countries such as Pakistan, China, Nepal, and Bhutan, extending from the northwest to the northeast. Geographically, northern India boasts tremendous diversity. From the towering grandeur of the Himalayas to the breathtaking mountainous landscapes of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir, and the fertile plains of Punjab, Haryana, and the Ganga basin in Uttar Pradesh, which have nurtured countless ancient civilizations, the region offers a visually captivating and culturally rich tapestry. This rich cultural fabric is interwoven with vibrant elements encompassing dance, music, cuisine, traditional attire, languages, customs, and festivals, creating a breathtaking variety that is universally appealing. Northern India is also home to the sacred origins of rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and many other significant waterways.
South India
Southern India, which extends to the Indian Ocean, is a region known for its abundant wildlife, diverse flora and fauna, and a multitude of temples. Geographically, it comprises a vast triangular peninsula, bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Bay of Bengal to the east. The traditional boundary between northern and southern India is demarcated by the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges and the Narmada River. South of the Satpura range lies the Deccan plateau, defined by the Western Ghats on the western side and the Eastern Ghats on the eastern side. The major rivers of South India, including the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, originate in the Western Ghats and traverse the Deccan plateau before emptying into the Bay of Bengal through gaps in the Eastern Ghats.
Culturally and linguistically, South India encompasses the five southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep, Pondicherry, Andaman, and Nicobar Islands. The residents of these regions are commonly referred to as South Indians. South India is also known as Dakshina Nad, Dravida Nad, or simply Dravida. Traditional dance forms in South India include Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniattam, often described as ‘the dance of the enchantress.’ The music of the region is referred to as Carnatic music.
Prominent features of South India include a tropical climate that is milder compared to the northern states, lush tropical vegetation in the coastal areas, and a culture, architecture, languages, and lifestyle that have retained their Dravidian essence despite various external influences. South India is known for its numerous temples, reflecting the devout nature of its people, along with the abundance of jasmine and ‘kanakambaram’ flowers, and the distant sound of drums signaling the commencement of festivals. Key languages spoken in the region include Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Tulu, among others. Women predominantly wear the Sari, while men often don the Lungi, which is a form of unstitched drapery similar to the sari. Rice is a staple in the diet, with fish being a crucial component of coastal South Indian cuisine. Coconut is a significant ingredient in many South Indian dishes. The people are largely engaged in agriculture, relying on monsoons, as is the case in most parts of India. Major crops cultivated in South India include paddy, sorghum, millet, pulses, cotton, chili, and ragi. The region has been historically and remains a prominent hub for spice cultivation, including areca, coffee, pepper, tapioca, and cardamom, particularly in the Nilgiri Hills and Coorg. Education is highly esteemed in the South Indian community, often seen as a pathway to better opportunities and livelihoods.
Culture
Indian cultural history is a rich tapestry that extends back over 4,500 years. During the Vedic period, which spanned from 1700 to 500 BC, the foundations of Hindu philosophy, mythology, theology, and literature were established. Many beliefs and practices that continue to endure today, such as dharma (duty), karma (the law of cause and effect), yoga (spiritual and physical practices), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth), were rooted in this period. The Vedic texts laid the groundwork for the enduring spiritual and philosophical traditions of India.
India is celebrated for its remarkable religious diversity, with a multitude of faiths coexisting within its borders. Hinduism is the predominant religion, but Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, and Jainism are among the nation’s major religions as well. Hinduism, which encompasses a vast spectrum of beliefs and practices, has been shaped by various historical schools of thought, including those found in the Upanishads (philosophical texts), the Yoga Sutras (ancient guide to yoga), the Bhakti movement (devotional and emotional expression of faith), and has been influenced by Buddhist philosophy.
This rich and diverse religious landscape has greatly contributed to the cultural and philosophical heritage of India, influencing art, architecture, music, dance, literature, and daily life throughout the country’s history.
Clothing
Cotton cultivation has a long history in India, with evidence of domestication dating back to around 4000 BCE. The traditional clothing in India exhibits a wide range of colors and styles, influenced by various factors including the climate and religious beliefs. Popular traditional attire includes draped garments like the sari for women and the dhoti or lungi for men. Stitched clothing, such as the shalwar kameez for women and kurta-pyjama combinations or Western-style trousers and shirts for men, are also commonly worn.
Jewelry holds a significant place in Indian culture, drawing inspiration from ancient traditions dating back thousands of years. Delicate jewelry, often resembling real flowers, has been a part of Indian tradition for millennia. Gemstones are also worn as talismans, reflecting the rich cultural and historical significance of jewelry in India.
Art & Architecture
Indian architecture is a magnificent fusion of ancient local traditions and imported styles, resulting in a rich and diverse architectural heritage. It reflects the country’s deep-rooted cultural diversity and influences from various periods and regions.
Mughal architecture, exemplified by iconic structures like the Taj Mahal, seamlessly blends indigenous architectural elements with foreign influences. The Taj Mahal, constructed in Agra between 1631 and 1648 under the orders of Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, is renowned as one of the most universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage and has been described as “the jewel of Muslim art in India.”
South Indian architecture also boasts its own distinct style, characterized by intricate and ornate temple structures that incorporate regional design elements.
Vernacular architecture in India is highly regional and varies in style and materials, reflecting the local environment and available resources. It is a testament to the adaptability and ingenuity of Indian builders.
Vastu Shastra, often referred to as the “science of construction” or “architecture,” is an ancient Indian architectural tradition attributed to Mamuni Mayan. It explores how the laws of nature influence human dwellings, employing precise geometry and directional alignments to create spaces that reflect perceived cosmic principles. Hindu temple architecture often incorporates principles from the Shilpa Shastras, a series of foundational texts that draw upon the concept of the Vastu-Purusha mandala, a square representing the “absolute.”
During the late 19th century, the British developed Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture, drawing inspiration from Indo-Islamic architectural styles. This architectural revival combined Indian and Islamic elements and is seen in various structures built during the British colonial period.
In essence, Indian architecture showcases a rich tapestry of styles and influences, reflecting the country’s historical and cultural diversity.
Major Religions
Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism