South Asia

Geography Separated from the rest of Asia by mountains and bodies of water. Because of its size and location it is often called a Subcontinent.

This region is about one-half the size of the US and contains about one-sixth of the world’s population, (well over one billion people.) (1.2 B) Most of the people in this region are villagers who are closely tied to the land, (farming and herding). Many of the people are very poor.

Himalayas Himalayas- The highest mountain range in the world. These mountains form a “wall” dividing South Asia from the rest of the continent. – The countries of Bhutan and Nepal are located in the Himalayas.

Mt. Everest- The world’s highest mountain. It is located in Nepal. It summit is about five and one- half miles above sea level.

Monsoon- A current of moist, warm air that blows across South Asia between June and September. – The “monsoon season” brings a large amount of rain in a short period of time. – The monsoon season often means massive flooding to many parts of South Asia.

India’s Colonial History Like the US, India was also a former colony of the British Empire. – This colonial period altered the history and helped shaped the present culture of this region.

Here come the British! In the 1600s India was rich and self-sufficient with a powerful monarchy. The emperor Akbar allowed an English company, The British East India Company, to set up small trading posts along the coast and begin the cultivation of plantations to grow tea and cotton.

British Justification A civil war broke out as the Hindus and Muslims began fighting for control of the government. The British Government eventually sent in troops to stop the fighting and restore the peace. This was done primarily to protect the British business and trade. While the British maintained control of India for many years, few British moved to the region.

India “fights” back In 1947, Mohandas Gandhi and his followers were able to secure independence for India. They did this after years of peaceful demonstrations.

The Indian subcontinent was divided into Hindu and Muslim countries in an attempt to settle the rift between these two groups. – India was to be controlled by the Hindus and Pakistan was to be a Muslim nation.

This resulted in the formation of Pakistan as a homeland for Muslims, leaving India for Hindus.

Hinduism 900 million to 1 Billion people practice Hinduism. – Most Hindus live in India. Like most religions, Hinduism is both a religion and a culture.

Hinduism as a Religion While there are different beliefs among Hindus, most follow five beliefs: 1.The belief that there is a single unifying spirit called Brahma. – The soul of every living creature is part of this spirit. – The many other gods and goddesses are the varied faces of Brahma.

2. The belief that all life is sacred. Every creature possesses a soul.

3. The belief in reincarnation. – After a person dies, they are reborn. They are released from this cycle after they have achieved union with Brahma.

4.The belief in Karma, the law of causes and effect. – A good life is rewarded by rebirth into a better life. – Karma explains why some people have a higher or lower status (or caste), in society.

5. Each individual is born with a sacred duty or purpose in life.

Hinduism as a Culture As with any culture, religion plays an important part in setting cultural standards in India.

The caste system defined cultural hierarchy in India. (Today in urban areas and among westernized India this is a thing of the past.) – A caste is the level of society in which one lives. A person is born into their caste and it cannot change.

caste system In India the word Varna is often used instead of caste. There may be a wide range of people in each Varna or caste. (Some Shudras may be viewed as “better” than other Shudras.)

India’s Problems

Population growth is one of India’s biggest problems. – The high growth rate puts a strain on India’s government as they try to meet the needs of their people.

Why the High Growth Rate? In rural India, (as in much of the world), children have meant security for their parents. Parents depend upon the children to help with the farming and to take care of the parents in their old age. – Despite industrialization, long-held traditions are slow to change.