India “India’s story is one of the grand epics of world history” (Lonely Planet).

2nd most populated country in the world; 1.2 billion people. Birthplace of 3 major religions  Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. Fastest growing economy in the world. Land of contrasts…

Brief history Rise and fall of warring states, empires, invasions and conquests. Foreign rule destroyed and rebuilt India. Traders brought new languages and culture. Impacted dramatically by colonization

History dates back 400,000 years to hunters and gatherers. 500 BC settled in the Indus Valley and began farming and raising livestock. Sophisticated cities socially, politically and economically. Vedic Ages  1500-1000 BC Brought the Aryans, Hinduism and caste system.

Aryan Migration

600 BC trading began which led to urbanization. 1206 Islam was established in the north. 1498-1858 began European invasion by the Portuguese, French and British.

British Raj 1858-1947  British Raj and total control of India by the British. Caste system strengthened Forced Indians into cash crops and mining. Set up British style of government. English official language. British Raj created impoverished and landless peasants; continues today.

Gandhi and Independence 1915  Gandhi began civil disobedience against the British. Civil Disobedience  defy laws and take punishment. 1930 Salt March against the British monopoly on salt was largest movement. British agree to independence in 1947.

Partition Gandhi wanted all of British India to become one independent country. 1947 independence and partition. Partition  Split British India between Hindus (India) and Pakistan (Muslims). Jan 1948  Gandhi assassinated by fundamentalist Hindu.

http://www.5min.com/Video/Mohatma-Gandhi-Biography-120003030

India Today New government became a mix of traditional with modernization. Largest democracy in the world. Appalling poverty along with more millionaires that the U.S. ½ of India lives in poverty. 35% make less than 1$ a day.

India Poverty

1947 vs. today Population  350 vs. 1.2 billion. Literacy rate  18% vs. 62% Urbanization  10% vs. 27% Life expectancy  40 vs. 63

Major accomplishments Major member of the global economy. “Green Revolution” made India self sufficient in food production. Largest export are garments and jewelry. Better diets, controlled famine, less disease.

Cultural uniqueness Thousands of festivals large and small. Traditional irrigation methods still used. 70% of Indians depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Food and drank variety from simple to extravagant; staple is rice, dhal, stewed meats, spices, bread and vegetables. Marriage and family are at the center of life; most rural marriages are arranged.