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India. “India’s story is one of the grand epics of world history” (Lonely Planet). 2 nd most populated country in the world; 1.2 billion people. Birthplace of 3 major religions Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. Fastest growing economy in the world. Land of contrasts…. Brief history.
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India “India’s story is one of the grand epics of world history” (Lonely Planet).
2nd most populated country in the world; 1.2 billion people. • Birthplace of 3 major religions Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. • Fastest growing economy in the world. • Land of contrasts…
Brief history • Rise and fall of warring states, empires, invasions and conquests. • Foreign rule destroyed and rebuilt India. • Traders brought new languages and culture. • Impacted dramatically by colonization
History dates back 400,000 years to hunters and gatherers. • 500 BC settled in the Indus Valley and began farming and raising livestock. • Sophisticated cities socially, politically and economically. • Vedic Ages 1500-1000 BC • Brought the Aryans, Hinduism and caste system.
600 BC trading began which led to urbanization. • 1206 Islam was established in the north. • 1498-1858 began European invasion by the Portuguese, French and British.
British Raj • 1858-1947 British Raj and total control of India by the British. • Caste system strengthened • Forced Indians into cash crops and mining. • Set up British style of government. • English official language. • British Raj created impoverished and landless peasants; continues today.
Gandhi and Independence • 1915 Gandhi began civil disobedience against the British. • Civil Disobedience defy laws and take punishment. • 1930 Salt March against the British monopoly on salt was largest movement. • British agree to independence in 1947.
Partition • Gandhi wanted all of British India to become one independent country. • 1947 independence and partition. • Partition Split British India between Hindus (India) and Pakistan (Muslims). • Jan 1948 Gandhi assassinated by fundamentalist Hindu.
http://www.5min.com/Video/Mohatma-Gandhi-Biography-120003030
India Today • New government became a mix of traditional with modernization. • Largest democracy in the world. • Appalling poverty along with more millionaires that the U.S. • ½ of India lives in poverty. • 35% make less than 1$ a day.
1947 vs. today • Population 350 vs. 1.2 billion. • Literacy rate 18% vs. 62% • Urbanization 10% vs. 27% • Life expectancy 40 vs. 63
Major accomplishments • Major member of the global economy. • “Green Revolution” made India self sufficient in food production. • Largest export are garments and jewelry. • Better diets, controlled famine, less disease.
Cultural uniqueness • Thousands of festivals large and small. • Traditional irrigation methods still used. • 70% of Indians depend on agriculture for their livelihood. • Food and drank variety from simple to extravagant; staple is rice, dhal, stewed meats, spices, bread and vegetables. • Marriage and family are at the center of life; most rural marriages are arranged.