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A study of the cultural geography of South Asia will reveal how the region’s history is tied to its ancient past through language and social structures.
Section 1: India
The characteristics and distribution of human populations affect physical and human systems. India is a mix of ancient influence and modern cities in a country that claims the world’s largest democracy.
Section 2: Pakistan and Bangladesh
Cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control of Earth’s surface. Pakistan and Bangladesh have worked together to achieve goals, though they have also experienced conflict.
India
The cultural geography of India includes a history that is thousands of years old. Today’s India is a mix of ancient influence and modern cities in a country that claims the world’s largest democracy.
Population density and distribution, as well as urbanization, continue to shape India’s population patterns.
Population Patterns
• The people:
– Many Indians identify themselves by their religion.
Population Patterns (cont.)
• Density and distribution:
– India’s average population density is about 7 times the world average.
– Nearly 70% live in rural villages.
– India’s cities are among the world’s most densely populated.
South Asia: Population Density
India’s ancient history continues to influence its populations today.
History and Government
• First civilizations:
– Aryan people
– Indus Valley civilization
• India’s key religions:
– Hinduism
– Buddhism
History and Government (cont.)
• Invasions and Empires:
• Mohandas K. Gandhi led India’s fight for independence—one that ended in freedom in 1947.
South Asian Empires
– Mauryan Empire
– Gupta Empire
– Mogul Empire
– European invasion
India’s people share an amazingly diverse culture rooted in religious traditions.
Culture
• Education—children must attend school through age 14.
• Health care—the state-run hospital system has improved.
• Language—Hindi is the most widely spoken.
Culture (cont.)
• Religion—most people are Hindus.
• The arts—epic poems, dance, “Bollywood”
• Family life—extended families live together; arranged marriage
• Leisure—movies, television, celebrations
Pakistan and Bangladesh
The histories of Pakistan and Bangladesh have included great conflict but also great cultural achievement.
A. Dhaka
Pakistan and Bangladesh
B. Islamabad
C. Karachi
D. Mohenjo Daro
E. Harappa
Population movement and population growth have had profound impacts on Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Population Patterns
• The people:
– Pakistan—Punjabis, Sindhis, Pashtuns, Mohajirs, Baluchis
– Bangladesh—Bengali
Population Patterns (cont.)
• Density and distribution:
– Bangladesh is the most densely populated country in South Asia.
– Pakistan is South Asia’s most urbanized country.
Population by Age and Sex
Similarities and differences have driven the histories of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
History and Government
• Achievements of the Indus Valley Civilization:
– Writing system
– Strong central government
– Thriving overseas trade
– First cities
Indus Valley Civilization
History and Government (cont.)
• Islam has played an important role in both Pakistan and Bangladesh since the eighth century.
• Conflicts and government:
– India and Pakistan have been fighting over Kashmir for decades.
– East Pakistan versus West Pakistan
– Formation of Bangladesh
– Stable rule has been difficult in both countries.
A. A
B. B
C. C
D. D A B C D
0% 0%0%0%
Pakistan and Bangladesh both have which type of government?
A. Democratic
B. Parliamentary republic
C. Communist
D. Socialist
Although the people of Pakistan and Bangladesh share cultural similarities, there are also distinct differences between them.
Culture
• Education—lags far behind most other South Asian countries
• Health care—very poor
• Language—Bangladeshis speak Bangla; Pakistanis speak Punjabi.
Culture (cont.)
• Religion—Islam is the main religion in both countries.
• The arts—literature, dance, and music
• Family life—family is the center of social life.
Population and Culture • The population of South
Asia exceeds 1 billion and continues to grow.
• South Asia has an ethnically diverse population.
• There are several hundred languages spoken in the region, and most of the world’s major religions are practiced here.
The Impact of Colonialism
• Most of South Asia was ruled by the British under its colonialempire.
• The colony of India was divided into Pakistan, which was comprised mostly of Muslims, and India which was mostly Hindu.
• Pakistan was divided into East and West Pakistan. East Pakistan later broke from West Pakistan to become Bangladesh.
• Issues from the colonial era still exist today as India and Pakistan fight over who should control the Kashmir region.
Conflict and Government
• Ethnic and religious diversity in South Asia often leads to conflict.
• After India and Pakistan gained their independence, Hindus and Muslims on the wrong side of the border often faced violence against them.
• In Sri Lanka, the minority Hindus are using violence to try to gain independence from the majority Buddhist in the south.
India’s population will continue to grow. The percentage of urban population will also increase.
As the number of people per sq. km grows, it is likely that cities will get more crowded.
jati
in traditional Hindu society, a social group that defines a family’s occupation and social standing
megalopolis
a “great city” that is made up of several large and small cities, such as the area between Boston and Washington, D.C.
dharma
in Hinduism, a person’s moral duty, based on class distinctions, which guides his or her life
reincarnation
rebirth into new bodies or forms of life
karma
in Hindu belief, the sum of good and bad actions in one’s present and past lives
mercantilism
the theory or practice of merchant and trading pursuits
imperialism
the actions by which one nation is able to control other, usually smaller or weaker, nations
raj
Hindi word for “empire”
guru
a teacher or spiritual guide
total fertility rate
the average number of children a woman has in her lifetime
Sikh
a religious group that incorporates elements of Hinduism and Islam
lama
Buddhist religious leader
mantra
in Hinduism, a sacred word or phrase repeated in prayers and chants
stupa
a dome-shaped structure that serves as a Buddhist shrine
