South Asia Flashcards
(72 cards)
What percentage of the Earth’s land does South Asia occupy?
4%
What percentage of the world’s population lives in South Asia?
25%
What is the rural population percentage in South Asia?
70%
What geographic event created the Himalayas?
Collision of Indian Plate/Eurasian Plate
What sustains the great Asian rivers in South Asia?
Permanent snow/ice meltwater
Which major religions originated in South Asia?
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
What is India’s largest official language?
Hindi
What role does English play in India?
Lingua franca
How many major languages does India recognize today?
14
True or False: South Asia has a significant Muslim population.
True
When did Hinduism originate?
1500 BC
Hinduism originated with the invasion of the Indus Valley by Aryans speaking an Indo-European language.
What type of religion is Hinduism considered?
One of the oldest ethnic religions
It is strongest today on the Ganges Plain.
What system of social stratification is established in Hinduism?
Hindu caste system
This system creates roles such as priests (Brahmans), soldiers, and merchants.
What does Hinduism encompass beyond being a religion?
An intricate web of religious, philosophical, social, economic, and artistic elements
This complexity makes Hinduism a multifaceted belief system.
What is the significance of the Ganges River in Hinduism?
It holds great importance in Hindu culture and practices
The river is considered sacred and is a key element in Hindu rituals.
Which two countries are predominantly Hindu today?
India and Nepal
These countries have the largest populations of Hindus in the world.
True or False: Hindu nationalists want to include non-Hindus as integral members of society.
False
Hindu nationalists consider non-Hindus as outsiders.
Who is the founder of Buddhism?
Siddhartha Gautama
Siddhartha Gautama lived from 563 to 483 BC.
What did Siddhartha Gautama renounce?
His royal birth
What is a key focus of Buddhism compared to Hinduism?
Self-knowledge
What did Buddha preach regarding worldly desires?
Elimination of worldly desires
What determination did Buddha promote?
Not to hurt or kill people or animals
How did Buddhists in India interact with Hinduism?
They compromised with the beliefs and customs of Hinduism
What has happened to Buddhism in India over time?
Many Buddhists have left India