Cultures and Lifestyles of South Asia

1-Name the three countries in South Asia that are among the world’s seven most- populous nations. India Pakistan Bangladesh

2-List two reasons for the dramatic population grow in South Asia during the last century. Improved medical and healthcare which lowered death rates Continued high birthrates

3-Why are population densities in South Asia high? As the population rises, the land area stays the same size.

4-What is the largest city in South Asia? Mumbai [19 million +]

5-What are common problems in South Asia’s urban slums? Unemployment Pollution Disease Crime Lack of clean water

6-What challenges do people in the rural areas of South Asia face? Farmland is limited in Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives. Overcrowding has reduced the size of land plots that farmers can work. Inefficient farming methods have lead to low crops. As a result, millions of people barely grow enough food to feed their families. Rural villages in South Asia may also lack safe drinking water and electricity.

7- List 5 facts about the Sherpa? Ancestors came from Tibet. They live mainly in the Himalaya area of Nepal. They are farming people. They are also known as strong mountain climbers. Because of their skills and endurance in high altitudes, many Sherpa are hired to guide climbing expeditions or to carry gear and supplies on these trips

8- a- How many languages does India officially recognize? 15 b-About half of India’s population speak Hindi as their primary language? c- Why do you think that English is widely spoken in parts of South Asia? Because of British rule

9-What is the most widely practiced religion in South Asia? HINDUISM

10-What is a dzong? Buddhist centers of prayer and study in Bhutan.

11-Explain the beliefs of these religions: Sikhism It teaches the belief in one God and stresses doing good deeds as the way to escape the cycle of reincarnation and join with God. Jainism Jains try to reach spiritual purity by rejecting all violence. They aim to protect every living creature.

12-What has influenced much of the art, architecture and literature in South Asia? Religion

13- a-Which musical instrument is usually featured in classical Indian music? Sitar b-Describe that instrument A long-necked instrument with 7 strings on the outside and 10 strings inside the neck.

14- a- How is marriage in South Asia commonly viewed? The joining of two families b-What is the role of the parents in marriage in South Asia? Parents arrange marriages by choosing partners they consider suitable. c- After a woman marries, she becomes part of her husband’s family.

15- A sari is a long, rectangular piece of cloth that is gracefully draped around a woman’s body.

16-Provide details about how religious beliefs affect diet in South Asia. Hindus view cows as sacred and do not eat beef. Muslims do not eat pork, which they consider unclean. Jains avoid eating all meat.