Physical Geography of India Landforms South Asia is separated from the rest of Asia by the Himalaya, Karakoram Range, and the Hindu Kush mountain ranges. India occupies most of the subcontinent, a large landmass that is part of a continent but still distinct from it. The Gangetic Plain, the world’s longest alluvial plain, an area of fertile soil deposited by floodwaters, is India’s most densely populated area.

Physical Geography of India Water Systems Three major river systems, the Ganges, the Brahmaputra, and the Indus, flow from sources high in the Himalaya through the northern part of the subcontinent. The Ganges is a sacred river to the Hindus, and many major cities are located on its shores. The Indus flows mostly through Pakistan and is an important source of irrigation and a major transportation route.

Climates, Biomes, and Resources Physical Geography of India Climates, Biomes, and Resources India’s shape, proximity to the Equator, and the influence of the Indian Ocean affect its climate. The monsoon winds cause rainfall and temperatures to fluctuate, or ebb and flow, creating wet and dry seasons. Cyclones, storms with heavy rains and high winds, are the most common natural hazards in South Asia. Tsunamis, huge sea waves caused by undersea earthquakes, also threaten the region and can destroy villages and kill thousands.

History and Government Human Geography of India History and Government India and its primary religion, Hinduism, have a rigid social structure based on the social position in which a person is born, called a caste or jati. Muslim invaders arrived in the 700s, culminating in a Muslim dynasty led by the Moguls, during which time many Indians converted to Islam. Britain’s imperialist policy resulted in its taking direct control of India until India won independence in 1947 and became Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan. India is the world’s most populous democracy.

Human Geography of India Population Patterns India is second only to China in population, and is likely to surpass China in the next 20 years. Most Indians belong to two ethnic groups, though many self-identify according to religious affiliations. India’s cities are some of the world’s most populated, but most of its people live in rural areas. Growing numbers have been migrating to cities for better opportunities, straining resources.

Society and Culture Today Human Geography of India Society and Culture Today Indians speak more than 1,000 languages with Hindi the most widely spoken. Nearly 80 percent are Hindu and identify themselves by jati, only 13 percent are Muslim. In rural India, those in higher jatis live in the village center, while those in lower jatis live in the surrounding areas. Nearly all Indians marry, have children, and live in extended families, but many marriages are arranged according to jati.

Human Geography of India Economic Activities Governmental deregulation of many industries sparked economic growth, but also contributed to economic inequality. Half the population works in agriculture, and farmers still rely on labor-intensive methods. India has many well educated people working in the fields of high technology and engineering. India’s energy consumption increases every year, as more people buy cars and use more electricity.

People and Their Environment: India Managing Resources India has made huge strides in reducing poverty and has improved health and education. Development policies have put many resources at risk, such as the degradation of 40 percent of forests, leading to erosion and flooding. Air and water pollution are growing threats as the population continues to expand and its consumption of resources increases.

People and Their Environment: India Human Impact India’s population size and density create significant human impact on the environment, the complex physical, chemical, and biotic factors that act upon an ecological community. While India has greatly improved water quality and sanitation, overcrowding in urban areas still threatens water resources. Fires used for cooking and an ever increasing number of cars continue to create smog and harmful air pollution.

People and Their Environment: India Addressing the Issues India’s government has worked to protect the environment and added that mission to its constitution in 1976. Indian courts have enforced laws aimed at restricting harmful pesticides and reducing ecotourism in India’s tiger reserves. Efforts continue to improve the quality of life through sustainable development and economic growth.