Enriched Profile of India
Officially known as the “Republic of India” it is the largest liberal democracy of the world consisting of 29 states and 6 union territories. The language, geography and climatic conditions and huge natural beauties and resources are hardly comparable with any other country. Known for its high-rich cultural heritage and warm and friendly people, India is one the oldest civilizations on earth. In Hindi India is known as Bharat or Hindustan.India is strategically located in southern Asia, bordering Pakistan China, Nepal, and Bhutan on the north; Bangladesh, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), and the Bay of Bengal on the east; the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar and the Indian Ocean on the south; and the Arabian Sea and Pakistan on the west. New Delhi is the capital of India and is one of the largest cities. India believes in “spiritual integrity” and “unity in diversity”. The secular nature of India has attracted philosophers and researchers from across the globe to explore India. Peace, prosperity and religious tolerance are other integral parts of India’s composite culture. India is also the land of the ‘Vedas’ - the oldest scriptures in the world. It is divided in four-volumes namely ‘Rig, Sam, Jadur and Atharva’ and is regarded as the storehouse of national thoughts. India’s love for complex art forms is evident in the various religious and mythological references. Today, India is the world’s seventh largest country in terms of area and second in terms of population. The sights, sounds, the ancient temples and the lush paddy fields make the country unique and amazing. It has 22 major languages with 844 dialects, making this country and its people culturally diverse.
India: Root Facts
Country Name: Republic of India; Bharat Ganrajya
Land Area: 3.29 million square kilometers Capital: New Delhi
Location:
The Indian peninsula is separated from mainland Asia by the Himalayas. The Country is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Arabian Sea in the west, and the Indian Ocean to the south. The Republic of India is a country in South Asia which comprises most of the Indian subcontinent. India has a coastline which stretches for over seven thousand kilometres and shares its borders with Pakistan on the northwest, the People's Republic of China, Nepal, and Bhutan on the north, and Bangladesh and Myanmar on the east. On the Indian Ocean, it is also adjacent to the island nations of the Maldives on the southwest, Sri Lanka on the south, and Indonesia on the southeast. India is the second most populous country in the world, with a population of over one billion, and is the seventh largest country by geographical area. The distance from India's southern tip to its northernmost point is 3214 kms. Its distance from east to west is 2933 kms. It has 7,516 kms of coastline on three bodies of water: the Arabian sea off its western coast, the Indian Ocean to the south and the Bay of Bengal on its eastern side. India is a vast expanse of cultural, traditional and religious diversity. It covers an area of 32,87,2631 sq km, extending from the snow-covered Himalayan heights to the tropical rain forests of the south. As the 7th largest country in the world, India stands apart from the rest of Asia, marked off as it is by mountains and the sea, which give the country a distinct geographical entity. Bounded by the Great Himalayas in the north, it stretches southwards and at the Tropic of Cancer, tapers off into the Indian Ocean between the Bay of Bengal on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its geographical features are as diverse, ranging from perpetually snowcapped peaks to torrid deserts, form tropical rainforests to huge fertile plains & from rock escarpments to gentle rolling downs. Occupying most of the Indian subcontinent, India's entire north and northeast states are made up of the Himalayan Range. The rest of northern, central and eastern India consists of the fertile Indo-Gangetic plain
Political System and Government:
India attained independence from British rule on 15 August 1947. The 1950 Constitution provides for a Parliamentary system of Government with a bicameral parliament and three independent branches: the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. The country has a federal structure with elected Governments in States. There are 29 states and 6 Union Territories (administered directly by the Central Government). There is healthy competition between all the states to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for speedy economic growth and employment generation.
Government Type: Sovereign Socialist Democratic Republic with a Parliamentary system of Government.
Administrative Divisions: 29 States and 6 Union Territories.
Independence: 15th August 1947 (From the British Colonial Rule)
Constitution: The Constitution of India came into force on 26th January 1950.
Legal System: The Constitution of India is the fountain source of the legal system in the Country.
Flag Description : The National Flag is a horizontal tricolour of deep saffron (kesaria) at the top, white in the middle, and dark green at the bottom in equal proportion. At the centre of the white band is a navy blue wheel, which is a representation of the Ashoka Chakra at Sarnath.
Population: 1,028 million (2001)
Geographic Coordinates: Lying entirely in the Northern Hemisphere, the Country extends between 8° 4' and 37° 6' latitudes north of the Equator, and 68°7' and 97°25' longitudes east of it.
Growth Rate: 1.93 per cent (1991 - 2001) Population Density: 324 persons per square kilometre Life Expectancy: 60.4 years, male: 61.8 years, female: 59 years Literacy Rate: 65.38 percent (Kerala has the highest literacy rate of 90.92 per cent. As per 2001 census all States and Union Territories have achieved a male literacy rate of 60 per cent and most of the States have attained a female literacy rate of over 50 per cent). Languages Spoken: India is a multilingual society with 18 principal languages recognised by the constitution. Hindi is the language of a large percentage of people (38 percent), while English is the preferred business language. Major Religions: Majority are Hindus, though a significant number are Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and others. Major Airports: Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram. Currency Unit: Indian Rupee (INR), 100 paise=1 INR. Coins in vogue - 50 paise, INR 1 and 5. Currency notes INR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000.
Major Ports of Entry: Kandla, Mumbai, Mormugao, New Mangalore, Kochi, Tuticorin, Chennai, Vishakhapatnam, Paradip, Kolkata, and Haldia. Time Zone: GMT +5 ½ hours.
HISTORY:
India is home to one of the richest and the most ancient civilizations in the world, which existed over 5,000 years ago. This civilization originated in the Indus River Valley, hence the name given to it was Indus Valley civilization. It was the origin of many of the ideas, philosophies and movements which have shaped the destiny of mankind. Its people are thought to be Dravidians, whose descendants still inhabit the far south of India.
Culture:
The Indian culture is unique and varied. The culture of India is one of the oldest and unique. In India, there is amazing cultural diversity throughout the country. The South, North, and Northeast have their own distinct cultures and almost every state has carved out its own cultural niche. There is hardly any culture in the world that is as varied and unique as India. India is a vast country, having variety of geographical features and climatic conditions. India is home to some of the most ancient civilizations, including four major world religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.A combination of these factors has resulted into an exclusive culture- Indian culture. Indian culture is a composite mixture of varying styles and influences. In the matter of cuisine, for instance, the North and the South are totally different. Festivals in India are characterized by color, gaiety, enthusiasm, prayers and rituals. In the realm of music, there are varieties of folk, popular, pop, and classical music. The classical tradition of music in India includes the Carnatic and the Hindustani music.
Science:
The history of philosophy, scientific discoveries and development in India dates back to theVedic era. It is believed that, ancient Indian scholars had developed geometric theorems before Pythagoras who did in the sixth century B.C. The concept of squares, rectangles, circles, triangles, fractions, and the ability to express the number ten to the twelfth power, algebraic formulas, and astronomy have all their origins in Vedic literature; some are as early as 1500 B.C. The decimal system was already in use during the Harappan civilization. This is evident in their use of weights and measures. Moreover, the concepts of astronomy, metaphysics, and perennial movement are all embodied in the Rig Veda. Although the Chinese used a decimal based counting system, it was the formal notational system of the Indians that reached the west through the Arabs.India’s development in the field of science and technology was substantial from British period. In 1947 when India got her independence, the process of development was further enhanced by receiving funds from the government. Today for the government, science and technology is an important part of its five-year plans.
Today, one can easily realize that India has achieved significant success in varied fields of science and technology in global arena. India can boast of leading scientists and their path breaking research. The government-sponsored scientific and technical developments have aided research in diverse areas such as agriculture, medical, biotechnology, cold regions research, communications, environment, industry, mining, nuclear power, space, and transportation.. Now India has expertise in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics, liquid crystals, condensed matter physics, molecular biology, virology, and crystallography, software technoloy, nuclear power and defense research and development.India’s technological discoveries in the fields of pharmacology, brain surgery, medicine, artificial colors and glazes, metallurgy, recrystallization, chemistry, the decimal system, geometry, astronomy, and language and linguistics (systematic linguistic analysis having originated in India with Panini's fourth-century B.C. Sanskrit grammar, the Ashtadhyayi) have led to the practical applications in various allied sectors.The government’s early “Scientific Policy Resolution – 1958” states that, "by all appropriate means, the cultivation of science and scientific research in all its aspects – pure, applied, and educational" should be encouraged. In 1983, the government issued a similar statement, which, while stressing the importance of international cooperation and the diffusion of scientific knowledge, put considerable emphasis on self-reliance and the development of indigenous technology. The goals are to be achieved restlessly with the cooperation from individuals and institutions as well, so as to make India a prosperous and developed nation in the world.
Architecture:
One of the most enduring achievements of Indian civilization is undoubtedly its architecture. Indian architecture, which has evolved through centuries, is the result of socio-economic and geographical conditions. Different types of Indian architectural styles include a mass of expressions over space and time, transformed by the forces of history considered unique to India. As a result of vast diversities, a vast range of architectural specimens have evolved, retaining a certain amount of continuity across history. Indian architecture, belonging to different periods of history, bears the stamp of respective periods. Though the cities of Indus Valley provide substantial evidence of extensive town planning, the beginnings of Indian architecture can be traced back to the advent of Buddhism in India. It was in this period that a large number of magnificent buildings came up. Some of the highlights of Buddhist art and architecture are the Great Stupa at Sanchi and the rock-cut caves at Ajanta. With the establishment of Hindu kingdoms in South India, the south Indian school of architecture began to flourish. The most notable achievements of the Pallava rulers were the rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram and the temples of Kanchipuram. The Chola, Hoyasala and Vijayanagar rulers also did remarkable job in the field of architecture. The temples at Thanjavur, Belur and Halebid bear testimony to the architectural excellence of the South Indian rulers. In north India, there developed a new a different style of architecture. This was called as the Nagara style architecture. In central India, the Chandela rulers built a magnificent temple complex at Khajuraho. With the coming of the Muslim rulers, there developed a new architectural style in India- the Indo-Islamic architecture. The Indo-Islamic style was neither strictly Islamic nor strictly Hindu. The architecture of the medieval period can be divided into two main categories. They are the Delhi or the Imperial Style and the Mughal Architecture. It was followed by a new style of architecture that developed as a result of colonization of India. This style of architecture came to be called as Indo-Saracenic. The Indo-Saracenic architecture combined the features of Hindu, Islamic and western elements. The colonial architecture exhibited itself through institutional, civic and utilitarian buildings such as post offices, railway stations, rest houses and government buildings.
People & Religion:
India’s culture is diverse like its people. It is a rich mosaic of foreign and regional influences. It has been moulded heavily by customs, languages and thoughts and ideas of immigrants. India has an amazing ability to absorb and assimilate varied ways of being. The culture of India is a glorious reflection of its past and traditions. Indians believe in sharing happiness and sorrow with each other.The Indians are a vibrant and earthy lot, belonging to diverse ethnic and social and religious backgrounds. Modern India is a cultural mix of various regions of India. Religions and rituals are essential parts of Indian lives. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism are the major religions practiced in the country. India has the third largest population of Muslims in the world and Christians are living here for more than 2000 years. A peace loving nation, India is a land of humankind. It believes in the philosophy of “live and let live.”
The history of philosophy, scientific discoveries and development in India dates back to theVedic era. It is believed that, ancient Indian scholars had developed geometric theorems before Pythagoras who did in the sixth century B.C. The concept of squares, rectangles, circles, triangles, fractions, and the ability to express the number ten to the twelfth power, algebraic formulas, and astronomy have all their origins in Vedic literature; some are as early as 1500 B.C. The decimal system was already in use during the Harappan civilization. This is evident in their use of weights and measures. Moreover, the concepts of astronomy, metaphysics, and perennial movement are all embodied in the Rig Veda. Although the Chinese used a decimal based counting system, it was the formal notational system of the Indians that reached the west through the Arabs.India’s development in the field of science and technology was substantial from British period. In 1947 when India got her independence, the process of development was further enhanced by receiving funds from the government. Today for the government, science and technology is an important part of its five-year plans.
Today, one can easily realize that India has achieved significant success in varied fields of science and technology in global arena. India can boast of leading scientists and their path breaking research. The government-sponsored scientific and technical developments have aided research in diverse areas such as agriculture, medical, biotechnology, cold regions research, communications, environment, industry, mining, nuclear power, space, and transportation.. Now India has expertise in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics, liquid crystals, condensed matter physics, molecular biology, virology, and crystallography, software technoloy, nuclear power and defense research and development.India’s technological discoveries in the fields of pharmacology, brain surgery, medicine, artificial colors and glazes, metallurgy, recrystallization, chemistry, the decimal system, geometry, astronomy, and language and linguistics (systematic linguistic analysis having originated in India with Panini's fourth-century B.C. Sanskrit grammar, the Ashtadhyayi) have led to the practical applications in various allied sectors.The government’s early “Scientific Policy Resolution – 1958” states that, "by all appropriate means, the cultivation of science and scientific research in all its aspects – pure, applied, and educational" should be encouraged. In 1983, the government issued a similar statement, which, while stressing the importance of international cooperation and the diffusion of scientific knowledge, put considerable emphasis on self-reliance and the development of indigenous technology. The goals are to be achieved restlessly with the cooperation from individuals and institutions as well, so as to make India a prosperous and developed nation in the world.
Architecture:
One of the most enduring achievements of Indian civilization is undoubtedly its architecture. Indian architecture, which has evolved through centuries, is the result of socio-economic and geographical conditions. Different types of Indian architectural styles include a mass of expressions over space and time, transformed by the forces of history considered unique to India. As a result of vast diversities, a vast range of architectural specimens have evolved, retaining a certain amount of continuity across history. Indian architecture, belonging to different periods of history, bears the stamp of respective periods. Though the cities of Indus Valley provide substantial evidence of extensive town planning, the beginnings of Indian architecture can be traced back to the advent of Buddhism in India. It was in this period that a large number of magnificent buildings came up. Some of the highlights of Buddhist art and architecture are the Great Stupa at Sanchi and the rock-cut caves at Ajanta. With the establishment of Hindu kingdoms in South India, the south Indian school of architecture began to flourish. The most notable achievements of the Pallava rulers were the rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram and the temples of Kanchipuram. The Chola, Hoyasala and Vijayanagar rulers also did remarkable job in the field of architecture. The temples at Thanjavur, Belur and Halebid bear testimony to the architectural excellence of the South Indian rulers. In north India, there developed a new a different style of architecture. This was called as the Nagara style architecture. In central India, the Chandela rulers built a magnificent temple complex at Khajuraho. With the coming of the Muslim rulers, there developed a new architectural style in India- the Indo-Islamic architecture. The Indo-Islamic style was neither strictly Islamic nor strictly Hindu. The architecture of the medieval period can be divided into two main categories. They are the Delhi or the Imperial Style and the Mughal Architecture. It was followed by a new style of architecture that developed as a result of colonization of India. This style of architecture came to be called as Indo-Saracenic. The Indo-Saracenic architecture combined the features of Hindu, Islamic and western elements. The colonial architecture exhibited itself through institutional, civic and utilitarian buildings such as post offices, railway stations, rest houses and government buildings.
People & Religion:
India’s culture is diverse like its people. It is a rich mosaic of foreign and regional influences. It has been moulded heavily by customs, languages and thoughts and ideas of immigrants. India has an amazing ability to absorb and assimilate varied ways of being. The culture of India is a glorious reflection of its past and traditions. Indians believe in sharing happiness and sorrow with each other.The Indians are a vibrant and earthy lot, belonging to diverse ethnic and social and religious backgrounds. Modern India is a cultural mix of various regions of India. Religions and rituals are essential parts of Indian lives. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism are the major religions practiced in the country. India has the third largest population of Muslims in the world and Christians are living here for more than 2000 years. A peace loving nation, India is a land of humankind. It believes in the philosophy of “live and let live.”
