South Asia Flashcards

(72 cards)

1
Q

What percentage of the Earth’s land does South Asia occupy?

A

4%

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2
Q

What percentage of the world’s population lives in South Asia?

A

25%

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3
Q

What is the rural population percentage in South Asia?

A

70%

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4
Q

What geographic event created the Himalayas?

A

Collision of Indian Plate/Eurasian Plate

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5
Q

What sustains the great Asian rivers in South Asia?

A

Permanent snow/ice meltwater

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6
Q

Which major religions originated in South Asia?

A
  • Hinduism
  • Buddhism
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7
Q

What is India’s largest official language?

A

Hindi

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8
Q

What role does English play in India?

A

Lingua franca

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9
Q

How many major languages does India recognize today?

A

14

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10
Q

True or False: South Asia has a significant Muslim population.

A

True

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11
Q

When did Hinduism originate?

A

1500 BC

Hinduism originated with the invasion of the Indus Valley by Aryans speaking an Indo-European language.

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12
Q

What type of religion is Hinduism considered?

A

One of the oldest ethnic religions

It is strongest today on the Ganges Plain.

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13
Q

What system of social stratification is established in Hinduism?

A

Hindu caste system

This system creates roles such as priests (Brahmans), soldiers, and merchants.

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14
Q

What does Hinduism encompass beyond being a religion?

A

An intricate web of religious, philosophical, social, economic, and artistic elements

This complexity makes Hinduism a multifaceted belief system.

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15
Q

What is the significance of the Ganges River in Hinduism?

A

It holds great importance in Hindu culture and practices

The river is considered sacred and is a key element in Hindu rituals.

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16
Q

Which two countries are predominantly Hindu today?

A

India and Nepal

These countries have the largest populations of Hindus in the world.

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17
Q

True or False: Hindu nationalists want to include non-Hindus as integral members of society.

A

False

Hindu nationalists consider non-Hindus as outsiders.

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18
Q

Who is the founder of Buddhism?

A

Siddhartha Gautama

Siddhartha Gautama lived from 563 to 483 BC.

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19
Q

What did Siddhartha Gautama renounce?

A

His royal birth

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20
Q

What is a key focus of Buddhism compared to Hinduism?

A

Self-knowledge

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21
Q

What did Buddha preach regarding worldly desires?

A

Elimination of worldly desires

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22
Q

What determination did Buddha promote?

A

Not to hurt or kill people or animals

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23
Q

How did Buddhists in India interact with Hinduism?

A

They compromised with the beliefs and customs of Hinduism

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24
Q

What has happened to Buddhism in India over time?

A

Many Buddhists have left India

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25
Approximately how many Buddhists are there in India today?
8 million
26
In which regions has Buddhism diffused apart from India?
Tibet, Sri Lanka, Korea, Southeast Asia
27
True or False: Buddhism has a significant number of followers in India today.
False
28
What significant actions did the Mughal rulers take upon the arrival of Islam in the 8th Century?
Destroyed Buddhist monasteries, burned libraries, and killed monks. ## Footnote This reflects the religious and cultural conflicts during the period.
29
In which regions did Islam take root during its early expansion?
Indus River Valley and northern India eastward through Bengal. ## Footnote This indicates the geographical spread of Islam in the Indian subcontinent.
30
Who was Shah Jahan and what is he known for?
A legendary Islamic ruler who built mosques and the Taj Mahal. ## Footnote Shah Jahan's reign is noted for its architectural achievements.
31
What period did the British rule over India, taking advantage of weakened Mughals?
1757-1948. ## Footnote This marks the duration of British colonial influence in India.
32
What percentage of India's population is Muslim?
15%. ## Footnote This highlights the demographic composition of India.
33
What percentage of Bangladesh's population is Muslim?
90%. ## Footnote This demonstrates the predominance of Islam in Bangladesh.
34
What percentage of Pakistan's population is Muslim?
97%. ## Footnote This indicates that Pakistan is predominantly Muslim.
35
How many Muslims live in India today?
200 million. ## Footnote This makes them the largest minority group in the world.
36
What is a monsoon?
Seasonal wind reversal ## Footnote Monsoons are characterized by changes in wind direction and precipitation patterns.
37
What happens to the Asian landmass during the monsoon season?
It heats up, developing low pressure ## Footnote This low pressure causes air to flow from the ocean to the land.
38
What is the typical onshore flow period during the monsoon?
May-June (wet season) ## Footnote During this time, moist air from the ocean brings rainfall.
39
What is the typical offshore flow period during the monsoon?
December-January (dry season) ## Footnote In this period, dry air flows from the land to the ocean.
40
What are potential negative effects of monsoons?
Widespread flooding, property damage, destruction of agricultural lands ## Footnote These effects can have severe impacts on communities and economies.
41
What is partition in the context of India and Pakistan?
Separation of India and Pakistan on August 15, 1947 ## Footnote This event marked the end of British rule in India and led to significant demographic changes.
42
What were the consequences of partition?
Millions displaced or dead, epic refugee migrations ## Footnote The partition led to one of the largest human migrations in history.
43
What arms race occurred after the partition?
Both India and Pakistan became nuclear powers ## Footnote The nuclear capabilities of both countries have since created a tense geopolitical situation.
44
What is the significance of Jammu and Kashmir in Indo-Pak relations?
Disputed area between nuclear powers ## Footnote The region has been the focal point of conflict and military engagement between India and Pakistan.
45
What capital did Pakistan create to assert its claim in Kashmir?
Islamabad ## Footnote Islamabad was established as a forward capital near the Kashmir border.
46
What was the demographic situation in Kashmir during the partition?
Hindu ruler but mostly Muslim population ## Footnote This demographic mismatch contributed to the conflict over Kashmir's accession.
47
What happened when Pakistan invaded Kashmir?
Maharaja fled to Delhi ## Footnote The flight of the Maharaja led to the intervention of Indian troops in the conflict.
48
What occurred after the Indian and Pakistani troops moved into Kashmir?
1949 – UN cease-fire ## Footnote The cease-fire established the Line of Control, dividing the region between India and Pakistan.
49
Fill in the blank: The partition of India and Pakistan occurred on _______.
August 15, 1947 ## Footnote This date marks the independence of both nations from British rule.
50
True or False: The partition resulted in peaceful coexistence between Hindus and Muslims.
False ## Footnote Tensions between the two communities escalated dramatically during and after the partition.
51
What is the religious composition of Pakistan?
Sunni (80%) and Shi’ites (20%) ## Footnote This highlights the significant sectarian divide within the country's predominant Islamic faith.
52
What is the level of technological development in Pakistan?
Very low ## Footnote This indicates challenges in infrastructure and economic growth.
53
What is the population of Pakistan and its growth rate?
Over 200 million population growing at a high rate of natural increase ## Footnote This presents challenges for resource management and development.
54
What type of country is Pakistan primarily classified as?
Predominantly desert country ## Footnote This affects agricultural practices and water resource management.
55
What is the significance of the Indus River in Pakistan?
It is an 'exotic' river ## Footnote This means it originates in a different climate and is crucial for irrigation and water supply in a desert region.
56
What significant event occurred in Pakistan in 1999?
Detonation of Pakistan’s first nuclear weapon ## Footnote This was a strategic response to India's nuclear capabilities established in 1974.
57
Why did China engage with Pakistan regarding military bases?
To access markets/raw materials ## Footnote This reflects China's broader economic strategy in the region.
58
What military development is India pursuing in response to China's actions?
Building its own navy ## Footnote This indicates an arms race and regional security concerns in South Asia.
59
What is the status of Afghanistan in terms of external control?
Fractured, dysfunctional, impossible to control by outside powers ## Footnote This includes historical attempts by the Russian and British Empires as well as the USA.
60
What is the percentage of the Pashtun ethnic group in Afghanistan?
42% ## Footnote The Pashtuns are the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan.
61
What is the percentage of the Tajik ethnic group in Afghanistan?
27% ## Footnote The Tajiks are the second largest ethnic group in Afghanistan.
62
Name three other ethnic groups present in Afghanistan.
* Hazaras * Uzbeks * Turkmen * Baluchis ## Footnote These groups contribute to the ethnic diversity of Afghanistan.
63
What role did Afghanistan play during the Cold War?
Buffer State ## Footnote Afghanistan served as a buffer state filled with violent Islamic militants despite the presence of U.S. troops.
64
True or False: Afghanistan has a significant ethnic majority.
False ## Footnote No single ethnic group constitutes a majority in Afghanistan.
65
What has characterized Afghanistan in terms of militant presence?
Filled with violent Islamic militants ## Footnote This situation persisted despite a 15-year presence of U.S. troops.
66
What year did Bangladesh gain independence?
1971
67
What was Bangladesh formerly known as?
East Pakistan
68
What percentage of the population in Bangladesh is Muslim?
90%
69
How is Bangladesh classified in terms of economic status?
One of the world’s poorest countries
70
What natural hazard is common in Bangladesh?
Cyclones
71
What is the term used for cyclones in the US?
Hurricanes
72
How many of the worst 20th-century disasters occurred in Bangladesh?
8 out of 10