South Asia:The Cultural Geography

Scooby Snacks Question 1 : What is the population of South

Asia and what percentage of the worlds population live here? Answer 1 :

Question 2: What is the capital city of Bangladesh? Answer 2:

Question 3: What famous architectural tomb is located in Agra, India? Answer 3:

South Asian Languages

The Culture: Varied Characteristics

South Asia’s most significant fact: A population of over 1.4 billion people! Remember, . . . This is 1/5th of the entire

world population. Diversity:

Mix of religious, social, cultural influences. Speak hundreds of languages and practice

several religions.

Regional Characteristics

India: The Dravidians: Largest number of Indian

descendants. Traditionally identify by religion: As Hindus,

Muslims, Buddhists, etc. Jati: a group that defines one’s occuptation and

social position. Pakistan and Bangladesh:

Once part of British India. More than 90% of the people here practice Islam. Bengali: Ethnic group in Bangladesh with Hindu

practices.

Regional Characteristics: Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and

Nepal Sri Lanka: 2 main groups. The Buddhist Sinhalese: The majority group

that controls the government. The Hindu Tamils: Have been fighting for

independence since the 1980s. Violence has disrupted the economy and people of

the region. Bhutan and Nepal:

Mongolian ancestors: Differ in appearance from other South Asians.

Sherpas of Nepal: Most notable people from Nepal who are great mountaineers.

Population Density and Distribution: Regional

Variation Population density is generally high throughout

South Asia. Factors that contribute to population growth:

Climate, vegetation, and physical features.

Highest concentrations of population are found on the Ganges Plain and the monsoon water coast of India.

Bangladesh: 2nd most densely populated country of South Asia. 1991: The average female gave birth to 4 children in

her lifetime.

Urban and Rural Life

Rural Life: They farm, live in villages, and struggle to grow food for their

families. Nomadic and seminomadic groups. Herd camels, goats, or yaks for a living.

Growing Urbanization: Recent years: People are starting to move into cities for the hope

of better jobs and wages. South Asian Cities:

Mumbai: India’s main port city and largest city. Kolkata (Calcutta): Thriving port on the Ganges River.

The center of India’s steel and iron production. Delhi: India’s third largest city.

Megalopolis: Chain of closely linked metropolitan areas.

History and Government

Earliest South Asians left few written records.

The Indus Valley Civilization: Arouse around 2500 B.C. Developed a writing system, strong

central government, thriving overseas trade.

Worlds first cities: Mohenjo Daro and Harappa.

Cities most likely destroyed by flooding or drought as the Indus River changed its course.

Indus Valley Civilization

The Aryans The Aryans took over after the Indus Valley

Civilization crumbled. Vedas: Sacred writings that revealed Aryan

ideas about religion and social structure. Society as 4 groups:

Priests. Warriors (nobles). Artisans and farmers. Enslaved people.

Caste System: Dictates social rank at birth.

Two Great Religions: Hinduism & Buddhism

Hinduism: Dharma: Moral Duty. Reincarnation: Rebirth as another living being. Karma: Actions in accordance with one’s Dharma.

Here. . . Let me explain this.

Buddhism: Siddhartha Gautama: Years of meditation and

spiritual seeking earned him the name, Buddha. Nirvana: If one follows the Buddhist teaching,

they will eventually become enlightened by entering a state of insight.

South Asia: A Vast History

Mauryan Empire: First people to maintain control after the Aryans. Ruled all but the southernmost part of the Indian subcontinent.

Gupta Empire: This Hindu civilization was one of the most advanced in the world. Arabic numerals developed during the Gupta period.

Mogul Empire: Islamic empire with a diverse ancestry. Mongolia, Turkey, and Persia.

British Empire in India: European invaders came by sea. British raj: The Hindi word for empire.

India: Independence & Modernity

Mohandas K. Gandhi: India’s fight for Independence was demonstrated

through nonviolent tactics: Boycotting British goods & peace demonstrations.

India: Often called the worlds largest democracy.

Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh: Parliamentary republic.

Bhutan & Nepal: Traditional style monarchies.

Mohandas K. Gandhi

Languages Indo-European Languages:

Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Northern India: Official languages rooted in Indo-European

languages. India = Hindu. Bangladesh = Bengali. Pakistan = Urdu.

Other Languages: Southern India and Sri Lanka:

Speak languages of the Dravidian family.

Quality of Life Health:

Life expectancy lower than developed countries. HIV & AIDS: 2nd highest rates in the world. Scarcity of clean drinking water.

Food: Poor nutrition is a problem. 1/3rd of population too poor to buy quality foods. Muslims – cannot eat pork. Hindus – cannot eat beef.

Education: South Asian standard of living should rise with educational

opportunity. Committed to raising literacy rates. Extending educational opportunities to females.

Activity• For the following activity,

you will be given a review sheet on chapter 24.

• Do your BEST to complete the sheet before the end of the period.

• You may also work with a partner.

• NOW, I WANT YOU! . . . TO START YOUR WORK.