Overview of Hindu Literature and India's Topography

A social system in India that groups people according to birth, influencing their social standing and occupation.

A major linguistic family in Europe, with branches including Indo-Aryan and Indo-Iranian.

The official language of India, spoken by 30% of the population, belonging to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family.

A language group prominent in southern India, with languages like Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.

A language group found in small, isolated regions of India, not as widely spoken as Indo-Aryan or Dravidian.

The ability to read and write, a key indicator of educational attainment, and a measure of social development.

The dominant religion in India, with about 83% of the population being adherents.

A system of secular governance, recognizing and respecting all religions, ensuring freedom of belief.

The Himalayan mountain range forms India's northern boundary, extending from Pakistan in the west to Bhutan in the east. It is characterized by its towering peaks and valleys, including the Karakoram Range with peaks exceeding 7,300 meters.

The Northern Plains, located in north-central India, are a vast lowland region formed by the deposition of silt from the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers. It supports a substantial portion of India's population due to its fertile soil and extensive agricultural activities.

Peninsular India occupies the southern portion of the country, characterized by its unique geological formation as a plateau. It is marked by diverse topography, from hilly highlands to coastal plains, and harbors varied ecosystems.

The Karakoram Range, part of the Himalayan system, is known for its towering peaks, including several exceeding 7,300 meters. It forms the northwestern border of India and is home to some of the world's highest mountains.

Nanda Devi, situated in the Great Himalayas, stands as the highest peak in India at 7,817 meters. It is a significant landmark within the mountain range and a popular destination for mountaineers.

The Vale of Kashmir, a narrow valley north of the Great Himalayas, is renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. It is centered around the city of Srinagar and is a popular tourist destination.

India's population is incredibly diverse, with a long history of migration and cultural intermingling from various groups. This has resulted in a rich blend of ethnicities, races, and cultures, contributing to the country's pluralistic nature.

The earliest Indian populations are believed to have originated from Australia and the South Pacific islands. Subsequent migrations primarily occurred through mountain passes in the northwest, leading to significant intermingling of ethnicities and cultures.

The concept of unwavering truth and peacefulness used by Mahatma Gandhi to achieve independence for India.

The untouchable class in India, whom Gandhi advocated for and called 'children of God'.

A series of ancient sacred texts in Hinduism that offer philosophical and spiritual guidance.

The ancient Indian language used for religious and literary works, with a rich oral and written tradition.

A non-violent resistance strategy employed by Gandhi to fight against oppressive forces and injustice.

The massacre of unarmed Indian protestors in Amritsar by British troops in 1919, which fueled Gandhi's resistance movement.

A traditional Indian caste associated with merchants and moneylenders, which Gandhi's family belonged to.

A period of non-cooperation with the British government in India, spearheaded by Mahatma Gandhi.

A period in Indian history where there was a renewed interest in Indian culture and literature, fueled by the British colonial influence and the desire to reclaim Indian identity.

A prominent figure in the British government who criticized Indian literature, unintentionally igniting a movement to preserve and celebrate Indian heritage.

The process of adopting English as a language of education and communication in India, leading to its influence on Indian literature and social reform.

Pioneers in Indian literature who developed a utilitarian style, focusing on practical and functional writing.

The first period in Indian literature, dating back to 1500 BC, characterized by Vedic texts and Sanskrit language.

A vernacular form of Sanskrit, used for writing in ancient India.

A style of writing that explores the beauty and emotions of life, often focusing on nature and love.

A style of writing that focuses on realistic portrayal of social issues and everyday life.

The oldest collection of sacred hymns in India, composed around 1400 B.C., containing 1028 hymns to various gods, mainly nature deities.

The prevailing religion of the Rig-Veda, emphasizing the oneness of God and the universe, with Brahma as the primary deity.

A collection of 108 philosophical discourses on the Brahman religion, exploring concepts like Maya (the illusory world) and Nirvana (union with the universal soul).

Extremely concise and often cryptic treatises on Vedic ritual practices, dating back to 500-200 B.C.

The longest poem in the world, composed around 500 B.C., consisting of 18 books and about 200,000 lines. It tells the story of the battle between the Kauravas and Pandavas, representing good and evil.

The second major Indian epic, also containing religious and mythological elements, composed around 400 B.C., focusing on the hero Rama and his wife Sita.

A type of Sanskrit literature that combines elements of drama, poetry, and music, often performed in the palaces of rulers.

A famous Indian play attributed to King Sundra, which tells the story of a courtesan's kindness toward a merchant, leading to a happy ending.

A classic Indian play attributed to the poet Kalidasa, known as the 'Hindu Shakespeare,' showcasing a powerful tale of love, betrayal, and reunion.

The Indian tradition of storytelling, which is believed to be the source of many world folktales.

A key element of many Indian plays, serving as comic relief and adding humor to the story.