1. History and Government
Human Geography of India
History and Government
India and its primary religion, Hinduism, have a rigid social structure based on the social position in which a person is born, called a caste or jati.
Muslim invaders arrived in the 700s, culminating in a Muslim dynasty led by the Moguls, during which time many Indians converted to Islam.
Britain’s imperialist policy resulted in its taking direct control of India until India won independence in 1947 and became Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan.

2. Human Geography of India
Population Patterns
India is second only to China in population, and is likely to surpass China in the next 20 years.
Most Indians belong to two ethnic groups, though many self-identify according to religious affiliations.
India’s cities are some of the world’s most populated, but most of its people live in rural areas.
Growing numbers have been migrating to cities for better opportunities, straining resources.

3. Society and Culture Today
Human Geography of India
Society and Culture Today
Indians speak more than 1,000 languages with Hindi the most widely spoken.
Nearly 80 percent are Hindu and identify themselves by jati, only 13 percent are Muslim.
In rural India, those in higher jatis live in the village center, while those in lower jatis live in the surrounding areas.
Nearly all Indians marry, have children, and live in extended families, but many marriages are arranged according to jati.

4. Human Geography of India
Economic Activities
Governmental deregulation of many industries sparked economic growth, but also contributed to economic inequality.
Half the population works in agriculture, and farmers still rely on labor-intensive methods.
India has many well educated people working in the fields of high technology and engineering.
India’s energy consumption increases every year, as more people buy cars and use more electricity.