Saturday, July 31, 2010

India's Geography and Climate

India has the second largest population in the world and one of the most diverse landscapes. It is surrounded to the South by the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea to the West. It shares boarders with China via the Himalayas, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The 26 states that make up India demonstrate the countries diversity and rich landforms, from the mountainous Himalayas to the Thar Desert.
India’s climate is a testament to its varied landscape. Different parts of India experience different temperatures at different times. While it may be cooler in the North during March to September the South experience their cooler temperature during November to January. In June, winds and warm surface currents begin to move northwards and westwards, heading out of the Indian Ocean and into the Arabian Gulf. This creates a phenomenon known as the south-west monsoon, and it brings heavy rains to the west coast. Between October and December, a similar climatic pattern called the north-east monsoon appears in the Bay of Bengal, bringing rains to the east coast. In addition to the two monsoons, there are two other seasons, spring and autumn. Whilst the monsoon may sound like a catastrophe it’s not all bad news for India as it brings about lush green paddocks and a shimmering landscape.

www.geographia.com/india/

Raaflaub, K. A. (n.d.). Geography and Ethnography : Perceptions of the World in Pre-Modern Societies.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Geography Of India

India is a recognisable figure of any world map spaning from the continental wall separating itself “the sub-continent” from the rest of Asia, this is known as the mountainous range of the Himalayas situated in the north. Expanding south towards the nations further reaches the coastline rests on three large bodies of water surrounding the land; The Bay of Bengal to the east, The Arabian Sea to the west and the Indian Ocean to the south. (InterKnowledge Corp. 1997- 2005)

The Himalayas
The Himalayas when translated from Sanskrit, an ancient language of the Indo-Aryan people situated around the Himalayan region, means the “Abode of Snow” and the mountain range is the northern barrier of the Indian sub-continent.

Geographical
This barrier, the Himalayas makes is made up the 92 mountain ranges/areas which are greater than seven thousand three hundred metres tall (which makes for the world’s largest mountain system) (indiasite.com) and arcs around creating a natural border for the Indian people as it spans from the Indus River valley in the west all the way to the Brahmaputra River valley in the east. Overall the Himalayas’ range for approximately two thousand two hundred kilometres long and varies in width from the maximum of four hundred kilometres in the western regions to its minimum width of one hundred and fifty kilometres in the eastern regions.

Ecosystem - River Systems
The river systems that originate from the Himalayas hold the key to survival in this region of the world. The amount of people this mountain range affects after all of these contributing river systems continue into their drainage areas, the population that have made these areas their homes and livelihoods is approximately three billion people (that’s half the world’s entire population).

The major river that affects India that origins from the Himalayas is the Ganges or Ganga River, is the longest river in the Indian subcontinent and the Ganga and its many tributaries are integral to the irrigation system and crop production of many of the towns and regions it passes through before existing in the Bay of Bengal such as Kanpur, Soron, Kannauj, Allahabad, Bhagalpur and Chunar. This Himalayan river (like all the others) is perennial and therefore has a constant flow of water every summer from the melting ice caps of the glaciers in the mountain ranges. (InterKnowledge Corp. 1997- 2005)


http://www.geographia.com/india/
http://www.indiasite.com/land/himalayas.html
http://www.indiasite.com/land/rivers.html
http://www.indiasite.com/land/ganga.html

India's Climate



The word ‘India’ means ‘body of water’, it is a vast country which spans thousands of miles in all four directions (North,West,South,East). Geographers have emphasised that like the terrain the climate is highly diverse, that is to say the countries size and difference in altitude can have an influence over the impact of weather in a particular place.

When studying the Indian climate rather than making generalisations it is easier to divide the country into different regions: the tropical wet, tropical dry and the subtropical humid and montane, inasmuch these regions can be further divided into four climate zones:


1. Alpine zones the Himalayas that is subject to frequent climatic changes, they also act as barriers to the frigid winds flowing down from South Asia.

2. Subtropical zones are found within the Northern parts of India which experience heavy rainfalls and dry and cold winters.

3. Tropical zones are found in the middle of India, experiences wet monsoon or dry and cold monsoon, although the whole country is considered to be tropical.

4. Arid Zone are experienced in the western parts of India with lower than average rainfalls and scorching summers (particularly within Rajasthan) as high as 50 degrees Celsius.

The Indian year passes through four seasons: the relatively dry cool winter (December – February), the dry hot summer (March – May), the southwest monsoon which delivers much of the countries rain falls (June – September), travelling towards the Northwest of India and than retreating back from the same path (October – November).

Hence the diversity in weather all but adds to the colourful picture of India’s natural beauty.

http://www.besttofind.com/Travel/Asia-Travel/India-Travel/Know-India/Climate-of-India/Climate-of-India.htm

http://www.articlesbase.com/art-articles/indian-climate-india-is-known-for-its-diversity-in-climate-680673.html


Monday, July 26, 2010

Indian Movie Facts

INDIAN MOVIE FACTS

India, since the beginning of 20th century had produced many movies. It produced 1000 movies annually and currently has one of the biggest film industries in the whole world aside from United States, China and Europe. People often mistaken that they called the Indian movie as a “Bollywood” Movies. In reality, Bollywood is a company which based in Mumbai India that produced many Indian Movies with Hindi language only. This is quite an opposite. Some of the actors and actress that currently graces India’s movie scene nowadays is on High demand from Hollywood’s movie directors. Name such as Sharukh Khan, Aiswarya Rai and Dev Patel have been contacted to featured in future Hollywood movie. There were a lot of famous Indian movie (both Local and International) which not only famous in India alone but the whole world. Such as: Slumdog Millionaire and My Name Is Khan.

http://www.thecolorsofindia.com/interesting-facts/cinema/index.html

http://www.indiamarks.com/guide/Interesting-Facts-about-Indian-Films-and-Indian-Cinema/9494/

India Population

India is currently home to about 1.15 billion people which represents about 17% of the earth’s population. India gained independence from the England in 1947, and the country’s population was about 350 million. Since 1947, the population of India has more than tripled.

In 1950, India’s total fertility was approximately 6 children per one woman. Since 1950 India there has been attempts to control population growth. In 1983, the goal of the country’s National Health policy to replace the value of fertility rate of 2.1 by the year 2000. This did not occur.

In 2000, the country established a new national population policy to reduce the growth of the country’s population. One of the primary goals of the policy was to reduce the total fertility rate to 2.1 by 2010; one of the steps along the path towards the goal in 2010 was a total fertility rate by 2.6 by 2002.

As the total fertility rate in India remained high and has become 2.8, that goal was not achieved. So it’s unlikely that the total fertility rate will be 2.1 by 2010. India population will continue to grow.

http://geography.about.com/od/obtainpopulationdata/a/indiapopulation.htm


painting of Saraswati Devi - Goddess Of Learning ( Art , Music , Education)

The Ideals of Indian Art

The Ideals of Indian art

Indian Art is the art produced on the Indian subcontinent from about the 3rd millennium BC to modern times. Indian art is also an art of social, political and religious influences that can be observed in its modern as well as in its traditional forms.
Indian art can be classified into specific periods, each reflecting particular religious, political and cultural developments.
· Ancient period (3500 BCE-1200 CE)
· Islamic ascendancy (1192-1757)
· Colonial period (1757–1947)
· Independence and the postcolonial period (Post-1947)
The purpose of art is that Indian artist’s heavily relied on religious scriptures to draw inspiration, prayers, fables etc.
Traditional art of India have always identified the female and considered sacred. For example this is why in many art forms there are paintings of Indian women dressed in white symbolising the purest form of India being mother earth.

http://www.art.in/indian-art.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_art (remembering this is not a reliable source “only posted the periods of art through this site”

Indian Religion
Hinduism and Buddhism are considered to be two important religious aspects of India and the religious community. Of the two religions, Hinduism is infinitely more popular, with an incredible 82 percent of the population practicing it. There are significant differences in the belief systems and caste divisions. Although there is division in some areas of Hinduism, there are many area incommon. For many Indians, religion is a way of life. It is an integral part of the entire Indian tradition. India is home to Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and other innumerable religious traditions. Muslims are the most prominent religious group and are an integral part of Indian society.
Hinduism does not advocate the worship of one particular deity. One may worship Shiva or Vishnu or Rama or Krishna or some other gods and goddesses or one may believe in the 'Supreme Spirit' or the 'Indestructible Soul' within each individual and still be called a good Hindu.
There are festivals and ceremonies associated not only with gods and goddesses but also with the sun, moon, planets, rivers, oceans, trees and animals. Some of the popular Hindu festivals are Deepawali, Holi, Dussehra, Ganesh Chaturthi, Pongal, Janamasthmi and Shiva Ratri. These innumerable festive occasions lend Hinduism its amazing popular appeal and make the Indian tradition rich and colorful.
There are some similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism. Buddhism is based on the principle or the law of impermanence. According to this practice, it is the karma which leads to the occurrence of all events.

http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/india/religion.htm

Free - Trade Links

For the economical side of India, which in regards to the Free – Trade links that have been bought up to the assemble by the Indian economical political party and the European Union (EU) party. This has lead to the discussion of further connections within the future work force of the India’s massive growing population and the provided work force by the European Free- Trade companies. India is still on negotiating terms with the E.U. and hopefully will set the final objectives by December 2010 in regards to industrial expansion in Delhi.
In regards to the free trade agreement (FTA), and if it is to be concluded by this estimated date, then the investment trades in Delhi would be expect to increase rapidly and that could result in a positive turn over if the negotiable contract is approved. This is seen as a positive land slid towards the massive population of India as opportunities for work placement and jobs can be provided.
This negotiating plan has been going on since 2007 between India and the European Union, even though nine rounds of free trade negotiations have been complete, we are expected to see more market opening strategies and plans for the upcoming years. It is expected that India can increase the mass production and exports if the FTA concludes by the end of 2010. However, the trade’s services index is expected to increase double in result to $US200 billion in the next four years.
http://news.indiamart.com/story/india-eu-discuss-free-trade-pact-next-month-59107.html

An Aspect of the Indian Political System

The Indian parliament is a constitutional democracy made up of two houses and a president.

Lok Sabha (Lower House): Parliament in India

The Lok Sabha, also known as the House of People is representative of the people who are chosen through direct election. These people are chosen on the basis of adult suffrage. The structure consists of a maximum of 552 members. 530 are chosen to represent the states, 20 are chosen to represent the union territories and no more than 2 are chosen to represent the Anglo- Indian community, although this is only if the president feels that the representation of this community is inadequate.

To become a member of the Lok Sabha you must be over the age of 25 years. The term for these representatives is 5 years although this time may be extended if the Proclamation of Emergency is in process.

The Indian political structure consists of a political party known as a national party or a state party (just like in Australia, we have a federal government and a state government). Throughout India there are many national parties that are recognised. These include:

Indian National Congress
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Communist Party of India (CPI)
Communist Party of India (Marxist)
Bahujan Samaj Party
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)

http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/intro/introls.htm
http://library.thinkquest.org/11372/data/POLITICS.HTM

Brief History of India. Many Perspectives

326BC Alexander the great invaded India






1600 East India company constituted






1857 first War of Independence






1942-43 Quit India movement formed






1947 India gains freedom Nehru First Prime Minister






1948 Mahatma Gandhi assassinated






1965 War with Pakistan/then ceasfire






These were some of the many events that have shaped modern India as we know it today. The continuing tensions with Pakistan will influence India's future. This is a view from a western perspective. But it only tells some of the story. Indian history from a Indian point of view would be very different. How would the people of India view their history. What events would be significant? The Hindu population would view their history in a totally different light to how the Muslims would see India's history. Different perspectives come from different experinces of history. It is important we keep this in mind as we look at India. That we are aware of how our experince or perspective will colour our version of history.

http://voiceofdharma.org/books/hhrmi/ch1.htm

indian drama/ramayana

This is an epic poem of courage, magic and humor, containing 18 books and 24,000 verses divided into 500 songs. Set in India, Rama (avatar--incarnation--of the God Vishnu) and his wife Sita have been banished from their kingdom of Kosala for fourteen years, due to a plot by the mother of one of Rama's four brothers to keep Rama from the throne. Rama's brother, Laksmana, accompanies the couple. King Rawana of Ceylon spies the beautiful Sita and creates a plan to abduct her. He sends one of his minions, magically disguised as a golden deer to entice Rama and Laksmana away from Sita. Rama goes after the deer, instructing Laksmana not to leave Sita. Rama brings down the golden deer with his bow and arrow. The golden deer reverts to its original shape and with its dying breath calls out "Help, help, help" in Rama's voice. Sita, hearing Rama's voice, entreats Laksmana to go and help Rama. When he refuses, she goads him into leaving. Laksmana draws a magic circle around Sita and tells her that she must stay inside it until he and Rama return. When Sita is alone, Rawana appears, disguised as an ailing old man, who begs Sita for help. When Sita steps out of the magic circle to aid the old man, the old man changes into Rawana and abducts Sita, telling her that Rama is dead. He rises in the air with her and flies to his Kingdom.

The Ramayana story is especially important to Hindus because it is possible for ordinary people to identify with the characters and situations. The heroes and heroines are emulated for their positive qualities of honesty, devotion, perseverance, fidelity, and bravery. Strongly evident in this story is the portrayal of pure evil and those who have the courage to resist and overcome that evil.

If you would like to find out more about this topic just follow the link

http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3664739437466035640

from cheryl

Map of Indus Valley

The Spice of Life

India's spices were like powdered gold. The likes of cinnamon, cloves, ginger and pepper were a prized exports as the Chinese, Greek and Roman traders travelled to the Malabar Coast to lay claim to the fortune. That is, until Vasco da Gama in 1498 took control of the lucrative spice trade to Europe. India has remain the king of spice imports through to today where they are responsible for 44% of the worlds imports. These spices are also known for their medicinal qualities especially for their preventative applications. The knowledge of this medicinal application is an historic indigenous system called Ayurveda that goes back over 5,000 years. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word which means the science of life. The practice of Ayurveda has made its way into the western world as a compliementary or alternative source of medicine. It includes the use of herbs in various forms or combinations, massage and yoga. The basic elements that make up this system are earth, water, fire, air and ether and are considered to be the elements that make up the universe. These elements combine to create three forces within the body: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The Ayurvedic name for this force is ‘dosha’ and each individual has a combination of the forces with a dominance of one and sometimes two. The Ayurvedic belief is that people become unwell when their dosha becomes unbalanced. This can be due to various reasons such as diet, stress or the environment. The mind and body are treated as one and the same.

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Ayurveda
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda

The Indus Valley Basic Story


The Indus Valley is located in the Western part of the Indian sub-continent around the Indus River. It is now primarily in Pakistan and extending in to the western area of modern India. The area surrounding the Indus Valley dates back to 2,500 BCE and displays an advanced rich culture. Having remained hidden for eons until the late 1920’s when excavations at the site uncovered houses and streets of an obviously advanced civilization.
These diggings have uncovered traces of script which would have enabled the leaders to document and control. There are also traces of agricultural methods including crops such as cotton, rice and sesame. Carvings also exhibit the use of animals having been domesticated and used as beasts of labour.
It is thought the civilization commenced to decline about 1900 BCE as a result of over use of the agricultural system along with successive floods causing devastation in the area. Some of the flimsy dwellings were the first to collapse followed by major buildings and roadways.

http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=ab73