INDIA

THE LAND, ITS PEOPLE AND CULTURE: A SEVENTH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES CLASS

Official Name Capital Population Area Geographical Location Coastline Length Languages

Bharat (Hindi), Republic of India (English) New Delhi 1,210,193,422 (2011 Census) more than a billion! (more than three times the US population) 1.29 million square miles (less than one third the US land area) Lies between latitudes 8 4' and 37 6 ' north and longitudes 68 7 ' and 9 25' east 4725 miles

India has two National languages (Central administrative). They are English (associate official) and Hindi (in the Devanagiri script). The Indian Constitution also officially recognizes 22 regional languages.

Major Religions (percentages are from 2001 census)

Hinduism (80.5%, 974.2 million), Islam (13.4%, 162.2 million), Christianity (2.3%, 28 million), Sikhism (1.9%, 23 million), Buddhism (0.8%, 9.7 million), Jainism (0.4%, 5 million), other ( 0.6%, 7.2 million)
65.38% Tiger (Panthera tigris) Peacock Lotus Banyan Mango Rupee (One Rupee=100 paise) Hockey (field hockey)

Literacy National Animal National Bird National Flower National Tree National Fruit National Currency National Sport

THE STARK YET BEAUTIFUL DESERT

THE MAJESTIC HIMALAYAS

TROPICAL PARADISE

THE PEACEFUL BEACHES

A Few Basic Facts about India

The largest active, thriving, robust democracy. With six main religions, 24 languages, and varying climate and topography, India is a nation full of diversity. Land of great contrasts. It is vibrant, pulsating, and throbbing with life. Crowded, noisy, colorful. Men, machine & animals share the land.

Despite its tryst with modernism, it is deeply spiritual.

How people live in India?

Same as anywhere else. Everywhere in the world things are "Same, yet Different." Basic needs: Food, shelter, clothing, transport Food for the mind: Arts, music & culture Food for the soul: Religion/Spiritualism

Foods of India

The foods of India are as rich and diverse as its culture. Indian cooking is considered an art form, passed down from one generation to the next, by word of mouth. India is noted for her hospitality. Indians take great honor in sharing their meals, whether they are bountiful or meager. Indian women take great pride in insuring that no guest leaves their home unhappy or unfed. Vegetarians in India depend heavily on legumes as a source of protein flavored with many different spices. The spices used often depends on the region of the country, however, they might include curry, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, coriander, cumin, ginger, turmeric, tamarind, coconut, chilies, and saffron. Some popular vegetables include spinach, okra, zucchini, tomatoes, cauliflower, cucumber, mushrooms, potatoes and onions.

But meat is also eaten. In general, food is spicy! It is usually curried, and flavored with herbs and spices.

Vegetables, fruits & spices

CAUTION! SPICY!

Shelter: Cities and towns 20 - 30%

Shelter: Villages, 70 80%

Shelter: Homes

Clothing Womens

SAREES

Clothing: Womens Ethnic CLOTHING

Choli Ghagra

Salwar kameez

Clothing: Mens ethnic

Auto rickshaw taxi

Public and private transport

Moped

Scooter

Motor cycle

Cars

Non motorized Transport

Food for the mind: The Arts

Musical Instruments

ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE

MODERN ARCHITECTURE

Food for the Soul: Religion/Spirituality

Hinduism (80.5%, 974.2 million), (Click here for The Hindu Faith: A Primer) Islam (13.4%, 162.2 million), Christianity (2.3%, 28 million), Sikhism (1.9%, 23 million), Buddhism (0.8%, 9.7 million), Jainism (0.4%, 5 million), Other ( 0.6%, 7.2 million)

Thank You and Namaste