Modern-Day India
Republic of India Second most populous country in the world Sometimes classed Bharat Divided into 29 states; Six union territories Administered by a federal government Ethnic composition: the Aryan in the north and the Dravidian in the south Hindi and English are spoken More than 1,500 languages and dialects 80% of population is Hindu, and 14% is Muslim Other religions: Christians, Sikhs, and Buddhists No state religion
Economy of India Village India—agriculture; many live below poverty line Urban India—one of the most lively industrialized areas in the world State-owned railroad systems—one of the most extensive networks in the world
The Europeans Great Britain and France seized the opportunity to increase trade and wealth in the 18 th century Today’s India: Tensions eased somewhat when Pakistan moved to shut down the groups responsible for most terror attacks in India.