1. India Geography’s affect on the Indian people The Indian subcontinent The physical regions of India The Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Indus rivers The Indian Monsoon

2. The Indian Subcontinent India is apart of a larger piece of land called the Indian “Subcontinent” A landmass that is part of a continent but is geographically an independent entity India is separated from Asia by the Himalaya and Hindu Kush Mountains The Indian subcontinent is divided into three major physical regions The Northern Mountains The Indo- Gangetic Plain The Deccan Plateau

3. The Northern Mountains Himalayan Mountains Tallest mountain range in the world 20 mountains that are over 24,000 ft. high Mount EverestEverest Tallest peak at 29,035 ft  First climbed by Edmond Hilary & Tenzing Norgay in 1953  Many have tried to climb it since and hundreds have died Creates the majority of the northern border of India Source of important rivers to India Ganges, Feni, Indus, and Brahmaputra rivers

4. The Northern Mountains Hindu Kush Named for their danger Kush= Death Extremely rugged Like the Himalayas are a source of water for much needed rivers

5. Indo- Gangetic plain Area that surrounds the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers Best farmland in India No coincidence that this is one of the two most densely populated areas in India They farm rice, wheat, cotton, sugarcane, and tea

6. Ganges River Begins in the Himalayas and flows 1500 miles directly through the Indo- Gangetic plain Also known as “Gangamai” or Mother Ganges Important for farming, trade, and transportation Holiest river of Hinduism Home to the Goddess Ganga Hindus believe they must purify themselves in it Travel down the sacred “Ghats” or steps Bathe and drink water to wash away their sins Ashes of the dead are scattered in the water

7. One of the most polluted rivers on earth Raw sewage, industrial waste, dead animals and humans have poisoned the water Toxic chemicals and bacteria Dangerous to Hindus who bath in and drink it Hepatitis, typhoid, and cholera are common Many Hindus travel as far upstream as they can before purifying themselves Cities like Varanasi get many bathers because of the relatively clean water Less pollution

8. Indus River Begins in the Himalayas and flows 1975 miles through the country of Pakistan Formerly apart of India Important to the development of the first cities and civilizations in India Mohenjo- Daro and Harrapan civilizations Important for farming, trade, and transportation Today it the at the front lines of conflict between India and Pakistan Fighting over the fertile cotton fields of Kashmir

9. Brahmaputra River Begins in the Himalayas and flows 1100 miles through northern Indian the country of Bangladesh Important for farming, trade, and transportation Important to Hinduism like the Ganges Represents one of the main gods of Hinduism called Vishnu The river is credited with preserving all life along its banks

10. The Monsoon India has two major seasons Summer is hot and very wet Winter is cool and very dry (still hot) The climate is caused by the “Monsoon” Seasonal winds During summer the winds come from the Indian Ocean & bring large amounts of rain During winter the winds come from the land and are dry

11. Summer monsoon is essential for survival Brings needed water for farming But the heavy rains also cause great devastation Flooding and “cyclones” are common VViolent storms like hurricanes Eastern India and Bangladesh suffers great damage almost every year Villages and farms are flooded and destroyed Overflowing of rivers GGanges and Brahmaputra

12. Religious Life Majority of people practice Hinduism. They believe that everything has a spirit or soul which comes of the creator Brahma. Because everything has a soul animals (esp. Cows) are greatly respected. Cows are sacred! MOOO!!! Final goal of Hinduism is to have unity with Brahma- a state of bliss without change or pain Soul must pass through cycles of reincarnation until soul becomes pure.

13. Caste System (Social Hierarchy) People are Born into their rank in society. Each caste has its own duties and obligations. Hindus believe that they can improve their station in the next life if their carry out their duties well in their current life. Social relationships are often confined to their own social class. Untouchables have few educational and employment opportunities the other classes.

14. Other Religions Other religions in India: Islam Christianity Sikhism Jainism Sikhism began as a movement to combine Hinduism and Islam Sikhs are not divided into castes Jainism (reaction to Hinduism) teaches non- violent and avoids harming any living creature.