South Asia

1. South Asia Unit 8

2. South Asia Cultural Geography

3. 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 • 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. Invasions & Empires Other groups invaded the region and established empires • After the Aryans other groups invaded S. Asia • Mauryan Empire (320-180 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 theArthashastra. • 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 262 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 • 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 • 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 • 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