India

India

By Harsh Parekh

Geographic Features

Rann of Kachchh- Salty marsh region in the Northern part of the state of Gujarat.

Bay of Bengal- The largest bay in the world forming the North East part of the Indian Ocean.

Mt.Girnar- A collection of mountains in the Junagadh district of Gujarat.

Ganges River- One of the major rivers in India.

Famous Indians

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi- Known as Father of Nation, played a key role in winning freedom for India.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah- Founder of Pakistan.Shah Jahan- Second to last Mughal ruler of India.

Creator of the Taj Mahal and Red Fort.Indira Gahdhi- First female Prime Minister of

India.

Major Events in India’s History

April 13, 1919-Jallianwala Bagh massacre- 50 British soliders open fire on unarmed Indians. Approx. 1500 casualties.

August 14, 1947- India and Pakistan become separate nations.

August 15, 1947- Indian Independence- British rule ends in India and officially becomes the Republic of India.

Religion

• Hinduism- 80.5%• Islam- 13.4%• Christianity- 2.3%• Sikhism- 1.9%• Buddhism- 0.8• Jainism- 0.4• Bahai- 0.18• Other- 0.32

Political Leaders

• The current president of India is Pratibha Patil, she is India’s first female President. Her Vice President is Mohammad Hamid Ansari. The current Prime Minister of is Manmohan Singh.

Indian Holidays

• Diwali, the festival of lights, is a very famous holiday in India. It’s celebrated by Hindus and Jains. It marks when Lord Rama slays the demon Ravana. During diwali people light small clay lamps called divas to show the victory of good (light) over evil (darkness).

Indian Food

• In Northern India people eat naan and jalebi.• In Southern India people eat dosa and sambar.• In East India people eat rasgulla and kheer.• In West India people eat roti(chapatti, flat bread)

and dal (lentil soup). • Indians also eat a variety of spices. Like saffron

and turmeric. Often used to make masala(curry).

The Indian Flag

• Three stripes: Orange on top representing courage and faith. White in the middle meaning purity and truth. Green on the bottom standing for faith. A blue 24 spoked wheel in the middle meaning the endless cycle of life.