India — Geography, History & Civics
Part 1 — Geography: Our India
India on the Map
India is in ASIA. It is the 7th LARGEST country. Surrounded by: Himalayas (NORTH). Indian Ocean (SOUTH). Bay of Bengal (EAST). Arabian Sea (WEST).
Physical Features
- The Himalayas (NORTH): The highest mountains in the world. 'The Roof of the World.'
- The Northern Plains: Flat, fertile. The Ganga River flows here. 'India's food bowl.'
- The Thar Desert (WEST — Rajasthan): Dry, sandy. Camels.
- The Deccan Plateau (SOUTH): Old, rocky land between Western and Eastern Ghats.
- Coastal Plains: Beaches. Fishing. Ports.
States and Union Territories
India has 28 STATES and 8 UNION TERRITORIES. Each state has its own CAPITAL. 'India is a UNION OF STATES.'
Part 2 — History: Ancient India
The Indus Valley Civilisation (~4,500 years ago!)
- Cities: HARAPPA and MOHENJODARO.
- AMAZING city planning — straight roads. Houses with bathrooms! DRAINS in every street.
- The GREAT BATH — a large water tank, probably for religious washing.
The Vedic Period
- The VEDAS — India's oldest books. Written in SANSKRIT.
- Society: Brahmins (teachers). Kshatriyas (warriors). Vaishyas (traders). Shudras (servants).
The Mauryan Empire — King Ashoka
- Ashoka was the GREATEST Mauryan king (~2300 years ago).
- After a terrible WAR (Kalinga), he was HORRIFIED and became a BUDDHIST. He spread PEACE and kindness (DHAMMA).
- He carved messages on ROCKS and PILLARS. 'The Sarnath Lion Capital is our NATIONAL EMBLEM. The Ashoka Chakra is on our FLAG.'
The Guptas — The Golden Age
- Kalidasa (poet). Aryabhata (mathematician — said the Earth is ROUND and SPINS!).
- ZERO and the decimal system were developed.
Part 3 — Civics: How India Is Governed
India — The World's Largest Democracy
- In a DEMOCRACY, the PEOPLE choose their leaders through ELECTIONS.
- Every adult (18+) can VOTE. 'One person. One vote. Every vote COUNTS.'
The Three Levels of Government
| Level | Head |
|---|---|
| Central (New Delhi) | PRIME MINISTER |
| State (State Capital) | CHIEF MINISTER |
| Local (Your village/city) | Sarpanch / Mayor |
Local Self-Government — The Panchayati Raj
- Gram Panchayat: Governs a village or group of villages. Head = Sarpanch.
- Takes care of: WATER. ROADS. STREETLIGHTS. SCHOOLS. HEALTH.
- ONE-THIRD of seats are for WOMEN. 'Women are elected leaders in thousands of villages!'
Our Fundamental Rights
Every Indian has the RIGHT to: EQUALITY (no discrimination). FREEDOM (speech, assembly). FOLLOW any religion. EDUCATION.
Our Duties
Respect the flag and Constitution. Protect public property. PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT. 'Rights and duties go HAND IN HAND.'
