IndiaIndia

India Landforms India Landforms

►Mountain Ranges: Mountain Ranges: Himalayas: Highest mountain range in the world.Himalayas: Highest mountain range in the world. Two low lying mountain ranges on the coastlineTwo low lying mountain ranges on the coastline Western Ghats and Eastern GhatsWestern Ghats and Eastern Ghats

► Rivers:Rivers:► The Ganges River: Starts in the high The Ganges River: Starts in the high

Himalayas as runoff from the snow and Himalayas as runoff from the snow and glaciers. This river is a holy site for followers glaciers. This river is a holy site for followers of Hinduism. of Hinduism.

HistoryHistory

►The Aryans arrived around 1500 B.C.The Aryans arrived around 1500 B.C.►Hinduism and Buddhism developedHinduism and Buddhism developed►Muslims invaded and formed kingdom Muslims invaded and formed kingdom

at Delhi in 1200’s.at Delhi in 1200’s.►Mughal Empire established in 1520s.Mughal Empire established in 1520s.

European InfluenceEuropean Influence

►Traders arrived in 1490s- first Portuguese, Traders arrived in 1490s- first Portuguese, then Dutch, French, and British.then Dutch, French, and British.

►Britain defeated France and controlled Britain defeated France and controlled India.India.

►British built infrastructure; taught English; British built infrastructure; taught English; influenced education, law, and influenced education, law, and government.government.

►Britain partitioned India at independence.Britain partitioned India at independence.

BollywoodBollywood

► http://www.youtube.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbvPcom/watch?v=LbvP7dT3Dx07dT3Dx0

► http://www.youtube.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vewpcom/watch?v=vewp4vJojac4vJojac

► Located in Mumbai, Located in Mumbai, India.India.

► Is referred to as Is referred to as Hindu cinemaHindu cinema

► Influenced by:Influenced by: Indian epicsIndian epics Traditional folk Traditional folk

theatertheater HollywoodHollywood Musical televisonMusical televison

HinduisHinduismm

Origins of HinduismOrigins of Hinduism

►Hinduism, unlike most major religions, does not Hinduism, unlike most major religions, does not have a central figure upon whom it is founded. have a central figure upon whom it is founded. Rather, it is a complex faith with roots Rather, it is a complex faith with roots stemming back 5,000 years to the people of stemming back 5,000 years to the people of the Indus Valley. When the Aryan tribes of the Indus Valley. When the Aryan tribes of Persia invaded the Indus Valley around 1700 Persia invaded the Indus Valley around 1700 B.C., the groups’ beliefs merged and Hinduism B.C., the groups’ beliefs merged and Hinduism began to form.began to form.

►Hinduism is one of the oldest known organized Hinduism is one of the oldest known organized religions. It has about 800,000,000 followers religions. It has about 800,000,000 followers today, most of whom are in India.today, most of whom are in India.

What Hindus BelieveWhat Hindus Believe► The Eternal Soul The Eternal Soul ► Hindus believe in an eternal spiritual truth, called Brahman, from whom all Hindus believe in an eternal spiritual truth, called Brahman, from whom all

existence comes. existence comes. ► The soul passes through many kinds of life, but only human life offers the The soul passes through many kinds of life, but only human life offers the

chance of learning this truth. chance of learning this truth.

► ReincarnationReincarnation► Reincarnation is the belief that the soul is eternal and lives many lifetimes, in Reincarnation is the belief that the soul is eternal and lives many lifetimes, in

one body after another. The soul is sometimes born in a human body, one body after another. The soul is sometimes born in a human body, sometimes in an animal body and sometimes in a plant body, such as that of a sometimes in an animal body and sometimes in a plant body, such as that of a tree. All forms of life contain a soul, and all souls have the chance to experience tree. All forms of life contain a soul, and all souls have the chance to experience life in different forms. life in different forms.

► KarmaKarma► Karma is the Sanskrit word for action. Actions are important because they bring Karma is the Sanskrit word for action. Actions are important because they bring

reactions. Hindus believe every experience, pleasant or unpleasant, is linked to reactions. Hindus believe every experience, pleasant or unpleasant, is linked to past actions, in this lifetime or in some previous lifetime. This does not rule out past actions, in this lifetime or in some previous lifetime. This does not rule out free choice, because by practicing yoga, or spiritual discipline, one can change free choice, because by practicing yoga, or spiritual discipline, one can change one’s actions and so change one’s future. Belief in karma teaches people to one’s actions and so change one’s future. Belief in karma teaches people to accept responsibility for their behavior, and learn from their mistakes.accept responsibility for their behavior, and learn from their mistakes.

The Hindu GodsThe Hindu Gods► Hinduism is a polytheistic Hinduism is a polytheistic

religion, meaning that its religion, meaning that its followers believe in more followers believe in more than one god. In fact, than one god. In fact, worshippers commonly worshippers commonly devote themselves to one devote themselves to one god, their personal deity. god, their personal deity. Household shrines feature Household shrines feature pictures and statues of the pictures and statues of the chosen gods. Individuals chosen gods. Individuals may choose this god for its may choose this god for its special attributes. For special attributes. For example, Ganesh, the god example, Ganesh, the god with the head of an elephant, with the head of an elephant, is known for overcoming is known for overcoming obstacles and bringing obstacles and bringing success.success.

The Hindu TrinityThe Hindu Trinity

►The foremost of the Hindu gods are The foremost of the Hindu gods are Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Although Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Although each of these deities possess special each of these deities possess special attributes, many Hindus believe they attributes, many Hindus believe they represent three properties of one god. represent three properties of one god. Together they form the Hindu Trinity.Together they form the Hindu Trinity.

Brahma: The CreatorBrahma: The Creator

► Brahma is considered the Brahma is considered the mystical creator, the mystical creator, the supreme presence, or God. supreme presence, or God. Many Hindus believe that all Many Hindus believe that all other gods originate from other gods originate from Brahma. His four faces Brahma. His four faces stand for the four corners of stand for the four corners of the universe. He holds a the universe. He holds a sacrificial ladle, the four sacrificial ladle, the four Vedas (sacred writings), a Vedas (sacred writings), a jar of holy water from the jar of holy water from the Ganges, and a necklace of Ganges, and a necklace of prayer beads. Like all Hindu prayer beads. Like all Hindu gods, he sits upon a lotus gods, he sits upon a lotus throne.throne.

Vishnu: The PreserverVishnu: The Preserver

► Followers of Vishnu Followers of Vishnu worship him as the worship him as the preserver, greatest of preserver, greatest of the gods. His role is to the gods. His role is to maintain a balance maintain a balance between good and evil between good and evil powers in the universe. powers in the universe. In order to do this, In order to do this, Vishnu returns to earth Vishnu returns to earth in different forms, both in different forms, both animal and human.animal and human.

Shiva: The DestroyerShiva: The Destroyer► Shiva is worshipped as the Shiva is worshipped as the

destroyer or purifier. Like destroyer or purifier. Like Vishnu, Shiva appears in many Vishnu, Shiva appears in many different forms throughout different forms throughout Hindu legends. Hindu legends.

► Shiva dances in a halo of fire, Shiva dances in a halo of fire, representing the cycle of birth representing the cycle of birth and death. As he dances, he and death. As he dances, he crushes the dwarf, the demon crushes the dwarf, the demon of ignorance. In his right hand, of ignorance. In his right hand, he keeps rhythm beating a he keeps rhythm beating a drum, while in his left hand he drum, while in his left hand he holds the flame of destruction, holds the flame of destruction, purification, and renewal. purification, and renewal. Around his arms and neck he Around his arms and neck he wears deadly snakes. The wears deadly snakes. The snakes symbolize Shiva’s snakes symbolize Shiva’s power over evil forces.power over evil forces.

Hindu Daily DutiesHindu Daily Duties► Almost all Hindus keep a shrine in their Almost all Hindus keep a shrine in their

home, regardless of their caste or economic home, regardless of their caste or economic status. These shrines, dedicated to a status. These shrines, dedicated to a particular god, vary in size. Hindus attend to particular god, vary in size. Hindus attend to five religious duties:five religious duties:

► 1. Worshipping God: Hindus must 1. Worshipping God: Hindus must devote part of their day to worship. devote part of their day to worship. This ensures spiritual contact.This ensures spiritual contact.

► 2. Reciting scripture: By reciting from 2. Reciting scripture: By reciting from a sacred text, the faithful learn the a sacred text, the faithful learn the lessons of worldly and religious life.lessons of worldly and religious life.

► 3. Honoring parents and elders: Hindus 3. Honoring parents and elders: Hindus are very loyal family members. Parents are very loyal family members. Parents and elders are honored for their wisdom and elders are honored for their wisdom and self-sacrifice.and self-sacrifice.

► 4. Helping the poor: Even the less 4. Helping the poor: Even the less fortunate try to obey this fortunate try to obey this commandment. Guests, in particular, commandment. Guests, in particular, are given special attention in a Hindu are given special attention in a Hindu home.home.

► 5. Feeding animals: Because Hindus 5. Feeding animals: Because Hindus consider all life a sacred part of one consider all life a sacred part of one God, animals are respected and cared God, animals are respected and cared for.for.

Other ReligionsOther Religions

► Islam- largest minority religion, 11-14% of Islam- largest minority religion, 11-14% of the population, mainly in the north.the population, mainly in the north.

►Christianity- some 20 million followerChristianity- some 20 million follower►Buddhism- orginally form India, now Buddhism- orginally form India, now

followed by less than 1% of the population.followed by less than 1% of the population.►Sikhism- combines Muslim and Hindu Sikhism- combines Muslim and Hindu

beliefsbeliefs► Jainism- strict moral code based on Jainism- strict moral code based on

preserving life. preserving life.

CultureCulture

►More than 1,000 languages and dialectMore than 1,000 languages and dialect Hindi is national language; English is widely Hindi is national language; English is widely

used.used.►Typical clothing for hot weather- sari, Typical clothing for hot weather- sari,

choli, lungi, turbans (Sikhs)choli, lungi, turbans (Sikhs)►Food- curry made of many spices; Food- curry made of many spices;

variety based on climate, crops, regionsvariety based on climate, crops, regions►Festivals- many holidays, including Holi, Festivals- many holidays, including Holi,

pongalpongal

Mohandas GandhiMohandas Gandhi

“Control over the mind alone is necessary, and when it is attained, manIs free like the king of the forest, …his very glance withers the enemy.”

““Mahatma”Mahatma”

► The people called Gandhi The people called Gandhi the Mahatma, which means the Mahatma, which means “Great Soul”. He was “Great Soul”. He was considered one of the considered one of the foremost spiritual, political, foremost spiritual, political, moral, and cultural leaders moral, and cultural leaders of the 1900’s. He helped of the 1900’s. He helped free India from British free India from British control by using a unique control by using a unique method of nonviolent method of nonviolent resistance. Gandhi is resistance. Gandhi is honored by the people of honored by the people of India as the father of their India as the father of their nation. He was slight in nation. He was slight in build, but had great physical build, but had great physical and moral strength.and moral strength.

Gandhi’s BeliefsGandhi’s Beliefs► Gandhi’s life was guided by a Gandhi’s life was guided by a

search for truth. He believed search for truth. He believed truth could be known only truth could be known only through tolerance and concern through tolerance and concern for others and that finding a for others and that finding a truthful way to solutions truthful way to solutions required constant testing. He required constant testing. He called his autobiography called his autobiography My My Experiments with Truth.Experiments with Truth. Gandhi overcame fear and Gandhi overcame fear and taught others to master fear. taught others to master fear. He believed in nonviolence He believed in nonviolence and taught that to be truly and taught that to be truly nonviolent required courage. nonviolent required courage. He lived a simple life and He lived a simple life and thought it was wrong to kill thought it was wrong to kill animals for food or clothing. animals for food or clothing.

Gandhi’s Independence CampaignGandhi’s Independence Campaign► In 1914, Gandhi returned to India after In 1914, Gandhi returned to India after

practicing law in South Africa for practicing law in South Africa for several years. Within five years, he several years. Within five years, he became the leader of the Indian became the leader of the Indian nationalist movement.nationalist movement.

► In 1919, the British imperial In 1919, the British imperial government introduced the Rowlatt government introduced the Rowlatt bills to make it unlawful to organize bills to make it unlawful to organize opposition to the government. Gandhi opposition to the government. Gandhi led a campaign that succeeded in led a campaign that succeeded in preventing passage of one of these preventing passage of one of these bills. The other was never enforced. bills. The other was never enforced. Gandhi called off the campaign when Gandhi called off the campaign when riots broke out. He then fasted to riots broke out. He then fasted to impress the people with the need to be impress the people with the need to be nonviolent.nonviolent.

► His belief in the cruelty of imperial rule His belief in the cruelty of imperial rule was demonstrated by the Amritsar was demonstrated by the Amritsar Massacre of April 13, 1919. A British Massacre of April 13, 1919. A British general ordered his men to fire on an general ordered his men to fire on an unarmed crowd, and almost 400 unarmed crowd, and almost 400 Indians were killed. This made Gandhi Indians were killed. This made Gandhi even more determined to develop even more determined to develop Satyagraha (courage, non-violence, and Satyagraha (courage, non-violence, and truth) and to win independence truth) and to win independence through nonviolent resistance.through nonviolent resistance.

The Great Salt MarchThe Great Salt March► In 1930, Gandhi led hundreds of In 1930, Gandhi led hundreds of

followers on a 240-mile march to followers on a 240-mile march to the sea, where they made salt the sea, where they made salt from seawater. This was a protest from seawater. This was a protest against the Salt Acts, which made against the Salt Acts, which made it a crime to possess salt not it a crime to possess salt not bought from the British bought from the British government. Gandhi’s journey government. Gandhi’s journey lasted 23 days and hundreds of lasted 23 days and hundreds of followers joined him in a followers joined him in a procession that stretched for two procession that stretched for two miles.miles.

► During World War II (1939-1945), During World War II (1939-1945), Gandhi continued his struggle for Gandhi continued his struggle for India's freedom through India's freedom through nonviolent disobedience to British nonviolent disobedience to British rule. He was jailed for the last rule. He was jailed for the last time in 1942. Altogether, he spent time in 1942. Altogether, he spent seven years in prison for political seven years in prison for political activity. He believed that it is activity. He believed that it is honorable to go to jail for a good honorable to go to jail for a good cause.cause.

Freedom and DeathFreedom and Death► India was granted freedom in 1947. But India was granted freedom in 1947. But

the partition of India into India and the partition of India into India and Pakistan grieved Gandhi. He was Pakistan grieved Gandhi. He was saddened also by the rioting between saddened also by the rioting between Hindus and Muslims that followed. Hindus and Muslims that followed. Gandhi had worked for a united Gandhi had worked for a united country, and he had urged Hindus and country, and he had urged Hindus and Muslims to live together in peace.Muslims to live together in peace.

► On Jan. 13, 1948, at the age of 78, On Jan. 13, 1948, at the age of 78, Gandhi began his last fast. His purpose Gandhi began his last fast. His purpose was to end the bloodshed among Hindu, was to end the bloodshed among Hindu, Muslim, and other groups. On January Muslim, and other groups. On January 18, their leaders pledged to stop 18, their leaders pledged to stop fighting and Gandhi broke his fast. fighting and Gandhi broke his fast. Twelve days later, in New Delhi, while Twelve days later, in New Delhi, while on his way to a prayer meeting, Gandhi on his way to a prayer meeting, Gandhi was assassinated. Nathuram Godse, a was assassinated. Nathuram Godse, a Hindu fanatic who opposed Gandhi's Hindu fanatic who opposed Gandhi's program of tolerance for all creeds and program of tolerance for all creeds and religions, shot him three times.religions, shot him three times.

► A shocked India and a saddened world A shocked India and a saddened world mourned Gandhi's death. mourned Gandhi's death.

► The great scientist Albert Einstein said The great scientist Albert Einstein said of Gandhi: "Generations to come will of Gandhi: "Generations to come will scarcely believe that such a one as this scarcely believe that such a one as this walked the earth in flesh and blood."walked the earth in flesh and blood."