Geography and Climate of South Asia

Geography and Landforms

• Himalaya Mountains: Include Mount Everest, the world's tallest peak, that arose from tectonic collisions.
• Subcontinent: Refers to India, a large landmass smaller than a continent.
• Alluvial Plain: Fertile lands like the Indo-Gangetic Plain, rich in agricultural potential.
• Archipelago: Refers to groups of islands, exemplified by the Maldives.
• Atoll: Low-lying islands formed from submerged volcanoes, surrounded by coral reefs.
• Great Rivers: Major rivers such as Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra are critical to the region's geography.

Climate and Weather Patterns

• Monsoons: Seasonal winds bringing dry or moist air; summer monsoons (June-September) cause heavy rains, while winter monsoons (October-February) bring dry conditions.
• Cyclones: Intense storms that generate strong winds and heavy rains, posing a significant hazard to South Asia.
• Storm Surge: High water levels caused by cyclones that inundate low-lying areas.

Major Religions and Cultural Aspects

• Hinduism: Dominant religious belief in India, influencing culture and societal norms.
• Buddhism: Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), emphasizes meditation and spiritual development.
• Mughal Empire: Brought Muslim governance to India, shaped culture and customs.
• Caste System: A rigid social structure defining occupation and societal status.

Political and Historical Context

• Raj: The period of direct British rule over India lasting 90 years.
• Partition: Division of British India, notably leading to the creation of India and Pakistan.
• Kashmir: A contested area between India and Pakistan, significant for its geopolitical conflicts.
• Nonviolent resistance: Advocacy for social change through peaceful protests, notably led by Gandhi.

Economic Factors and Resources

• Microcredit: Financial service providing small loans to impoverished entrepreneurs to boost small businesses.
• Agriculture: Major economic activity in India, along with textiles and machinery production.
• Natural Resources: India is rich in minerals like coal, iron, and diamonds; agricultural land supported by river systems.

Societal Issues

• Illiteracy: A critical challenge; many individuals lack the ability to read or write.
• Basic Necessities: Includes essential needs like food, clothing, and shelter; their scarcity correlates with high poverty levels.
• Infant Mortality: High rates discourage family planning, leading to larger families to ensure child survival.

Environmental Concerns

• Deforestation: Drastic loss of forest cover causing soil erosion, flooding, and biodiversity loss.
• Climate Zones: Diversity in climate ranges from tropical wet in coastal areas to arid deserts like the Thar.

Population Dynamics

• High Birth Rates: About 70,000 babies born daily in India; rapid population growth challenges resource availability.
• Education's Role: Enhanced education for women tends to lower birth rates by delaying motherhood.

Cultural Practices

• Festivals and Customs: Religious traditions such as mandalas in Bhutan, and rituals along the Ganges signify deep cultural ties.
• Ethnic Diversity: Includes groups like Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka, which contributes to a complex social fabric.

Ecological Diversity

• Vegetation Zones: Include tropical rainforests, highland forests, semiarid shrub areas, and diverse flora in Sri Lanka's varying climates.
• Offshore Islands: Maldives' formation as an archipelago comprises numerous small islands, predominantly surrounded by coral reefs.