1. South Asia
Unit 8

2. South Asia Cultural Geography

3. More than one-fifth of the world's population (1
More than one-fifth of the world's population (1.3 billion people) lives in South Asia.
A complex mix of religious, social, and cultural influences reflect the diversity of this region.

5. Human Characteristics
India
Most of the population is descended from the Dravidians & the Aryans
Many Indians identify themselves by their religions
Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, & Christians
Pakistan & Bangladesh
Most practice Islam
Pakistanis belong to one of five major ethnic groups
Most of the people of Bangladesh are Bengali

6. Human Characteristics
Sri Lanka’s Sinhalese & Tamils
The Buddhist Sinhalese are the majority & form the gov’t
Hindu Tamils have been fighting for independence in northern Sri Lanka
Conflict has resulted in many deaths and disruption of their economy
Bhutan & Nepal
Bhote & Tibetan people of Bhutan & the various ethnic groups of Nepal are descended from Mongolians

8. Population Density & Distribution
South Asia's population density is almost seven times the world average,
the population is concentrated in areas where the climate, vegetation, and physical features are favorable
Desert & mountain areas are thinly populated
Maldives is the worlds most crowded country (2,400/sq. mi)
Bangladesh slows its growth
2nd most populated country in S. Asia
Encouraging women to have fewer children and become involved in business

10. Urban & Rural Life
Most people live in rural areas, where life has changed little over hundreds of years.
In recent years, however, growing numbers of South Asians have been migrating to urban areas for better jobs and wages.
The region's cities have turned into population centers where modern buildings contrast with slums and temporary shelters.

12. Early History

13. Early History
The earliest S. Asians left few written records, but evidence of their achievements in building & trade have been discovered in modern times

14. The Indus Valley Civilization
Arose around 2500 BC
Developed a writing system, strong gov’t, & overseas trade
Built what could be the 1st cities
Declined around 1600 BC
The Aryans
Invaders/hunters & herders from the north
established a complex social structure that grew into the “caste” system.
Their culture and religion developed into Hinduism

17. 2 Great Religions Hinduism Buddhism A Marriage of Influences
Grew out of Aryan culture
Everyone is expected to carry out their dharma to achieve good karma
Belief in reincarnation
Worship many Gods & Goddesses
Different forms of one eternal being
Buddhism
Based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama
Teaches people to achieve contentment by working diligently, thinking clearly, showing compassion & avoiding attachment to material things
8-Fold Path
A Marriage of Influences
Buddhism spread from India to other countries
New forms of Buddhism blended with local practices

19. Other groups invaded the region and established empires
Invasions & Empires
Other groups invaded the region and established empires
After the Aryans other groups invaded S. Asia
Mauryan Empire ( BC)
Invaded through the Khyber Pass
Gupta Empire
Hindu civilization
Technology & the arts flourished
Mogul Empire
Islam was brought by missionaries, traders, and later the Mogul Empire and spread throughout the region
European
1500’s Europeans arrived
By the 1700’s the British became the major power in S. Asia
British introduced western civilization

20. Chandragupta: 321 BCE-298 BCE
Unified northern India.
Defeated the Persian general Seleucus.
Divided his empire into provinces, then districts for tax assessments and law enforcement.
He feared assassination [like Saddam Hussein]  food tasters, slept in different rooms, etc.
301 BCE  gave up his throne & became a Jain.

21. Kautilya Chandragupta’s advisor. Brahmin caste.
Wrote The Treatise on Material Gain or the Arthashastra.
A guide for the king and his ministers:
Supports royal power.
The great evil in society is anarchy.
Therefore, a single authority is needed to employ force when necessary!

22. Asoka (304 – 232 BCE)
Religious conversion after the gruesome battle of Kalinga in BCE.
Dedicated his life to Buddhism.
Built extensive roads.
Conflict  how to balance Kautilya’s methods of keeping power and Buddha’s demands to become a selfless person?

23. The Maurya Empire
321 BCE – 185 BCE

27. MODERN SOUTH
ASIA

28. Modern South Asia Ghandi
was a major political and spiritual leader of India and the Indian independence movement
Gandhi practiced and advocated non-violence and truth, even in the most extreme situations.
A student of Hindu philosophy, he lived simply, organizing an ashram that was self-sufficient in its needs. Making his own clothes—the traditional Indian dhoti and shawl woven with a charkha
he lived on a simple vegetarian diet. He used rigorous fasts, for long periods, for both self-purification and protest.

30. Modern South Asia Independence
During the first half of the twentieth century, a nationwide struggle for independence was launched by the Indian National Congress and other political organizations.
Led by Mahatma Gandhi, and displaying commitment to ahimsa, or non-violence, millions of protesters engaged in mass campaigns of civil disobedience. Finally, on 15 August 1947, India gained independence from British rule, but was partitioned,
In accordance to wishes of the Muslim League, along the lines of religion to create the Islamic nation-state of Pakistan. Three years later, on 26 January 1950, India became a republic and a new constitution came into effect.
In 1971 East Pakistan revolted against West Pakistan & became Bangladesh
In 1948 Ceylon gained its independence from Britain

31. Modern South Asia Regional Conflicts Today’s Governments
The region continues to experience border conflicts and ethnic and religious tensions
Today’s Governments
India-worlds largest democracy
Pakistan-parliamentary republic
Bangladesh & Sri Lanka-parliamentary republic with many divisions
Nepal & Bhutan-ruled by monarchies

32. Languages
There are 19 major languages and hundreds of local dialects, most of which fall into the Indo-European language family.
Indo-European Languages
Most common in the region
Hindi is spoken by half of India's people as their primary language
Urdu is the official language of Pakistan
Bengali is the official laguage of Bangladesh
Sanskrit is still used for religious, literary, & musical purposes
Other Languages
About 20% of the people in S. India & Sri Lanka speak Dravidian languages
English is a common language

34. Religions
Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism are the major religions in the region
20 million followers of Sikhism live in NW India
Christianity is concentrated in urban areas in southern and northwestern India
Religion influences daily life and the arts and architecture

35. The essence of Hinduism
Hinduism is the predominant religion of the Indian subcontinent
Hindu beliefs vary widely, with concepts of God and/or gods ranging from monotheism, polytheism, and atheism with Vishnu and Shiva being the most popular deities.
Other notable characteristics include a belief in reincarnation and karma, as well as personal duty, or dharma.

36. The essence of Buddhism
Derived from Hinduism
The “middle way of wisdom and compassion.”
2,500 year old tradition.
The 3 jewels of Buddhism:
Buddha, the teacher.
Dharma, the teachings.
Sangha, the community.

37. What is the fundamental cause of all suffering?
Desire!
Therefore, extinguish the self, don’t obsess about oneself.

39. The Arts Literature Dance & Music Movies Visual Arts & Architecture
Roots in religion
Mahabharata & Ramayana
Salman Rushdie & Michael Ondaatje
Dance & Music
Long traditions in India
Based on movements ancient temple dancers
Rhythm=tala Melodies=raga
Movies
Mumbai has developed the world's largest film industry
Visual Arts & Architecture
Sculpture & temple archtecture express religious beliefs
Taj Mahal
Modern S. Asian architecture blends traditional & western styles

41. Quality of Life Health Food Education
HIV and AIDS and the scarcity of clean water keep the mortality rate in the region high
Food
Religious regulations keep different groups from eating meat
despite improved farming techniques, poor nutrition is still a problem.
Education
S. Asian government are working to raise literacy rates & extend opportunities to women & members of lower social classes

43. Celebrations
South Asians celebrate a variety of traditional holidays based on some form of religion
The region’s different countries also commemorate national holidays
Celebration of independence from European colonial leaders

45. THE END