1. 7.2 | Environment, Culture, and Economy
Central and South Asia
7.2 | Environment, Culture, and Economy

2. Environment Origins Central Asia is hemmed in by
Caspian Sea to the west
Deserts and rugged terrain to the south
Vast mountain ranges in the east
The vast forests of Siberia to the north
C/A is primarily temperate grasslands
South Asia is a product of its mountains
Tributaries form massive rivers
The Indus River Valley
The Ganges River
Intense rain

3. Origins of Culture Central Asia South Asia
Indo-Aryans settled in the region, bringing Vedic tradition
South Asia
Indo-Aryans conquered northern India and assimilated
South India remained more indigenous Indian

4. Origins of Economy Central Asia South Asia
Nomadic lifestyles = limited trade (self-reliance)
South Asia
Agricultural trade
Cotton production
Trade with Mesopotamia to diversify economy

5. Environmental Development
As movement of people and goods grew, so did towns
Trading centers along the Silk Road sprang up in C/A
Samarkand amidst wandering nomads
South Asia expanded its agricultural production
The spice market

6. Cultural Development Central Asia
The Turkic Diaspora led to large-scale Turkic settlements
Gradual assimilation
The Abbasid victory at Talas c. 750 AD
Islamification
South Asia
Vedic (Hindu) culture became foundational for most Indians
The Mughal Empire Muslim Indians

7. Economic Development Central Asia South Asia
Reliance upon Silk Road trade
Stagnation as international markets shifted to the Atlantic
South Asia
Spice and cotton production had huge demand (Europe)
Gradual European domination of Indian trade
Colonization and independence 1947

8. Environment Today Spoiler – it is sad
Central Asia
Soviet nuclear testing in Kazakhstan
The disappearing Aral Sea
Pollution, both air and water
South Asia
Waste management
Deforestation

9. Culture Today Central Asia South Asia Primarily Turkic and Islamic
Struggling to form a global identity
South Asia
Ethnically Indian
Divided by religious affiliation

10. Economies Today Central Asia South Asia Struggling to modernize
Abundant oil and natural gas reserves
Chinese investment
South Asia
The Indian economy is expanding greatly
Mostly agricultural and service-oriented
This is why when you call Microsoft
An Indian answers