I can explain the effects of monsoons on the people of India. Winter monsoons – blow from the Northeast bringing dry air across the country (Oct. – May) Summer monsoons – picks up moisture from the Indian ocean. It carries rains that drench the plains and river valleys daily. Farmers depend on these seasonal rains to grow crops.

I can understand how various amounts of rainfall effect India and Pakistan. India and Pakistan experience seasonal monsoons (winter and summer) During the winter monsoons it is very dry/hot During the summer monsoons it is rainy/hot. Necessary for farming and replenishing water supply. It rains so much (daily) that mud slides and floods occur.

I can describe the effects that Aryan invaders had on Northern India’s society. Aryans brought their language and the use of tools and weapons made from iron. They also started a caste system. People had to stay in the same caste (class) as their parents and other group members. They couldn’t get a better job or change their station in life.

I can describe the important achievements of the Maurya Empire in India. Huge army to enforce laws and crush revolts New irrigation system for farming Government officials promoted crafts and mining Vast network of roads made trade easier between Mauryans and foreign lands Order and peace for the people of the empire

I can describe the role of the Untouchables in the Hindu Society. Caste system – puts people in order from the bottom of society to the top Untouchables - below the lower class are the Untouchables. They are “casteless” or an outcast group. They could only do the dirtiest work and were not allowed to mix with people of higher castes.

I can identify the similarities between the Egyptian pharaohs and the Indian emperor Chandragupta. Egyptian pharaohs and the Indian emperor Chandragupta ruled with absolute power and had order and peace within their empires.

I can describe why the Caste System is not strictly enforced in Indian cities. The Caste System (class) is not strictly enforced in Indian cities because the people there are better educated and more tolerant.

I can describe the purpose of dividing the Indian subcontinent into two nations. The purpose of dividing the Indian subcontinent into two nations (India and Pakistan) was to separate people with different religious beliefs. India – Hindus, Pakistan – Muslims

I can explain why India and Pakistan claim the region of Kashmir. This disputed area contains the Indus river which both India and Pakistan need for irrigating their crops.

I can explain population distribution among land resources in Southeast Asia. Most people in South and Southeast Asia live in river valleys because of the fertile farmland and supply of water. The mountain areas have a varying climate and are difficult for travel.

I can explain the belief system of Buddhism. Buddha (the Awakened One) believed that life was suffering. The only way to cure human suffering was to give up selfish desires. Desires could never be satisfied.

I can explain the belief system of Hinduism. No single founder of the religion. Belief in many Gods and Goddess’s but they believe in a single spirit. Belief in reincarnation - live well and be born back in higher position.

I can compare and contrast 5 major world religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Judaism). Hinduism – many Gods, no founder Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism – single God, single founder

I can explain identify the origin of Bangladesh and the issues the country faces. Created due to geographical, cultural, and economic differences between East and West Pakistan. Flooding is common in the low lying river delta’s.

I can describe the effect of India’s geographic location on its development. The Himalaya Mountains and surrounding oceans limited contact between India and the rest of the world throughout its history.

I can describe the formation process of the Himalaya Mountains. About 40 million years ago the Indian subcontinent collided with Asia. This “crumpling” effect caused the formation of the Himalayas. They are still growing today.

I can name the two major South Asian rivers that originate in the Himalayas. Indus and Ganges

I can name the natural resources of South Asia. Bamboo, fertile land, minerals, and water

I can explain how the farmers of Pakistan rely on the Indus River. Pakistanis on the Indus Plain have built thousands of canals and ditches to move water to their fields. This irrigates the land even in times of drought.

I can explain the positive and negative effects of irrigating the Indus Plain. Positive – water for crops Negative – water contains salt, when it evaporates salt is left behind which harms crops

I can explain and understand the economy of the region and its global implications. Outsourcing of jobs to India is due to the low cost of labor. India’s economy is growing, many people are still subsistence farmers. Most of the countries’ industry is located on the Indus Plain, which is near sources of hydroelectric power. Pakistan is building for the future by improving their industries and modernizing agriculture.

I understand the conflict in the Kashmir region and its origin. Pakistan, India, and China all claim certain areas of the Kashmir region. The regions are divided primarily between Islam, Hindu, and Buddhist religious groups. India and Pakistan were on the brink of nuclear war over this region.

I understand the impact that Gandhi’s non-violent resistance had with Martin Luther King Jr.’s non-violent protest during the American Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s. King visited India and learned about Gandhi’s rules of non-violent resistance (Satyagraha). King instructed his followers not to strike back against their enemies. This proved successful as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed which outlawed discrimination against African Americans.

Which month has the highest amount of precipitation? June

Which month has the highest monthly rain fall? April

What type of climate does Bihar have? Humid Subtropical

What type of climate does Andhra Pradesh have? Tropical Wet & Dry