Social Change in India In spite of improvements in the legal status, discrimination still exists and is a part of Indian society. It has a stronger effect in rural villages than in urban areas.

Social Change in India The status of Women Women were granted more rights under the 1950 constitution. It gave women the right to vote and recognized their right to divorce and inherit property. In 1966 a women, became prime minister – Indira Gandhi. As with the caste system, traditional restrictions on women are more persistent in rural areas.

Sikh Separatism Sikhism is a religion that began in 1500s by blending elements of Islam and Hinduism. In the 1980s, there was an increased demand for self-rule by Sikhs in the state of Punjab.

Sikh Separatism Sikh Symbol Sikhism is a religion that began in 1500s by blending elements of Islam and Hinduism. In the 1980s, there was an increased demand for self-rule by Sikhs in the state of Punjab. Sikh Symbol

Sikh Separatism In the 80s Sikh separatists occupied the Golden Temple in Amritsar to express their demands. Indira Gandhi, still prime minister, sent troops. Many Sikhs died as a result. Not long after that Gandhi herself was assassinated by two Sikhs who had served as her bodyguards. Continuing tension exists between Sikhs and Hindus.

Golden Temple Amritsar India

Dispute Over Kashmir India and Pakistan have disputed control of the state of Kashmir since the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947. Although governed by the secular government of India, the population of Kashmir is predominantly Muslim.

Dispute Over Kashmir

Dispute Over Kashmir The two nations fought wars over Kashmir in 1947- 1948 and in 1965 and maintain a fragile truce today. In recent years there have been a number of terrorist attacks by Islamic separatists, which raise the fear of war between these two nuclear powers.

India’s Family Life 95% of marriages are arranged where they do not meet their mates until the wedding. Many families live in large clans including cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. Women are subordinate to men. Men rule the households however women have gained more rights since independence. Population Growth and Control 18% of the world’s population lives in India. The government has tried to control population growth.

India’s Family Life They encourage family planning and promote slogans such as “A Small Family Is a Happy Family.” They encourage families to limit themselves to 2 children but many prefer large families. why? 3 reasons

India’s Family Life 1. Religion-Hindus feel that is a sign of good fortune to be blessed with children 2. Economic-in rural areas, many children means more workers for the fields. Even those who go to the city send money home so the family can buy fertilizer, machinery, workers, etc. 3. Social-parents with many children know that someone will be there to care for them when they get old.

India’s Family Life Experts feel that Indians will begin to limit their families voluntarily-Why? -people moving to cities where homes are crowded and there are fewer jobs for children -as farming becomes more modern, machines will do a lot of the work now done by children -more women are getting educated and going to work