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Table of Contents
There are eight nations in South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The term “South Asia” was coined within the previous 50 to 60 years. It took the place of the name “Indian Subcontinent,” which was used to refer to Asia’s southernmost region.
See the fact file below for more information on South Asia, or you can download our 26-page South Asia worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
BACKGROUND HISTORY
- A strong core of South Asian tradition can be found beneath the layers of diversity. Traditions have persisted for over 5,000 years, dating back to the earliest known Indian civilization.
- The Indus Valley civilization existed around 3000 BCE, and the archaeological evidence from this period shows that many facets of South Asian culture have withstood the test of time.
- Ancient bathhouse ruins and well-developed sanitation systems attest to the long history of South Asian culture, which has long admired purity and cleanliness and detested all forms of pollution. Ancient monuments of the god Shiva serve as evidence that South Asia’s current religious practices have a long history.
EIGHT COUNTRIES IN SOUTH ASIA
- Afghanistan. For more than a thousand years, Afghans have used poetry to tell their tales.
- Bangladesh. Over 700 rivers bind Bangladesh together as a true river nation.
- Bhutan is the first nation in the world to include specific environmental protection requirements in its constitution. One of its conditions is that at least 60% of the country must always be covered in forests.
- India is the largest country in South Asia and ranks seventh in terms of the total area in the world. India boasts the second-highest population in the world.
- The Maldives, a stunning group of islands, is the world’s flattest country. Its highest point, Villingili Island, is only 2.3 meters above sea level.
- Nepal is the largest country in the Himalayas. It is renowned for having the widest variety of elevations in the world. Nepal is known as the “water tower” of South Asia because it contains over 6,000 rivers that are either supplied by snowfall or rain.
- Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world. It also has the second-largest Muslim population, with Islam as its official religion.
- Sri Lanka is known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, most likely because of its exceptional biodiversity, breathtaking natural beauty, and priceless diamonds.
SOUTH ASIAN RELIGIONS
- Hinduism has no creator, in contrast to many other world faiths, and instead developed over time. It is a collection of connected beliefs rather than just one religion. Hinduism has many various ways of understanding god, yet many people think that they are just one of many representations. The various representations of the gods and goddesses are all ways of perceiving. Most Hindu sects have some things in common.
- Buddhism. The man known as “the Buddha,” Siddhartha Gautama, was born in what is now Nepal. He was known as “Buddha, the enlightened one,” and is regarded as the founder of the Buddhist religion, which is practiced all over the world.
- Jainism. The philosophy of “ahimsa,” or non-harm, is one of the main contributions. Jains avoid murdering living things, especially monks, in accordance with this philosophy. Mahatma Gandhi used this concept of non-violence in the fight for Indian independence, which meant that his supporters would not retaliate despite frequently being beaten and struck as a result of their protests.
- Sikhism. The 16th century saw the establishment of Sikhism in Punjab, an area now a part of both Pakistan and India. A person who follows this religion is known as a “Sikh,” which derives from the Sanskrit term sishya, which means “disciple.”
- Islam. What is now Saudi Arabia is where Islam first emerged. Its meaning is “submission to God.” In Islam, Muhammad is regarded as the prophet of Allah, who is the sole deity recognized.
- Judaism. After the demolition of the Cochin Synagogue Temple in Jerusalem, it is believed that one of the Israelite tribes traveled to South India, where they were given territory to settle and allowed to practice their religion by the local king.
SOUTH ASIAN CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
- Family. In India, a joint family is one in which all members—which may occasionally include parents, wives, kids, and distant relatives—reside together. A “Karta” serves as the head and is a senior male or female who makes financial and social choices on the family’s behalf. Other relationships may be equal, based on respect or taunting. Income goes into a shared pool, which benefits all members.
- Etiquette. In Nepal, societal and religious practices have a strong influence on the importance of cleanliness. Certain activities, things, and body parts are particularly deemed pure or impure. For instance, it is generally accepted that the feet are the dirtiest and the head is the purest part of the body. Food or items that have been ritually excluded or contaminated are referred to as “jutho” (impurity) and are consequently unfit for consumption.
- Marriage. Traditionally, the relatives of the couple arrange marriages. The bride and groom are required to share the same socioeconomic class, ethnicity, and caste status, regardless of who proposes the marriage. The husband is also expected to be slightly older, taller, and more qualified in terms of education and employment than the bride.
- Gender Roles. A woman’s status in society has historically been subordinate to a man’s, and she has been limited to taking care of household duties and playing the devoted wife and mother. Women run the household by maintaining order in all financial, familial, and social matters. Men are often the primary caregivers and supervisors of tasks that include interacting with members of the community. Being the main point of interaction with society, this kind of behavior implies that men play a dominant and authoritative position.
TRADITIONAL CLOTHING
- The sari is a traditional outfit worn in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. It can be a practical item used every day, or a family heirloom passed down through the years. It has influenced fashion designers all over the world and can be seen on the runway and in the streets.
- Traditionally the color of the sari is significant. A Hindu widow, for instance, wears a white sari to signify her state of grief. Red is a color that is worn during weddings and is also associated with fertility. Yellow saris are used for ascetic activities as well as postpartum. You’d note that black is not frequently used in saris because it is thought to symbolize grief.
- Hindu males in southern Asia typically wear a long loincloth known as a dhoti. When draped around the hips and thighs with one end placed between the legs and tucked into the waistband, the dhoti resembles loose, knee-length pants. After being wrapped around the legs and waist, the entire length is tied in either a front or rear knot.
Fashioned from a rectangular piece of cloth around 15 feet long, it is typically left unstitched. The lightweight cotton fabric used to make the garment is typically white and frequently has brightly colored stripes bordering it. It was once referred to as a “paridhan.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
- Taj Mahal. On the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra, there lies a mausoleum made of ivory-white marble called the Taj Mahal. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan ordered its construction in 1632 to contain the grave of Mumtaz Mahal, his favorite wife. The tomb is the focal point of a 17-hectare complex that also contains a mosque and a guest house. The complex is located amid formal gardens bounded on three sides by a crenelated wall.
- Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple. This cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries, is Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple complex and has been a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries. In particular, the 157 statues and the 2,100 m2 of Buddhist mural murals are significant.
- Nepal Himalaya. With eight peaks rising above 8,000 meters, including the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest, the 800 km section of the Himalayas, is the largest in the world. The Nepal Himalaya has developed into a major center for mountaineering activity since the nation opened its peaks to climbers in 1994. The drama of success and failure has inspired thousands of men and women to take on the most difficult challenges.
- The Maldives’ Beaches. The Maldives is well-known for its crystal-clear green waters, stunning beaches that stretch for miles and overwater bungalows. Visitors can snorkel, scuba dive, swim, and take in some amazing sunsets.
South Asia Worksheets
This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about South Asia across 26 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about South Asia. There are eight nations in South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Complete List of Included Worksheets
Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.
- South Asia Facts
- Hidden in the South
- South Asian Truth
- Bangladesh Twist
- Caste Away
- A Family Affair
- This is South Asia
- Destination: South Asia
- Mandala
- There’s “I” in Family
- Cool-ture
Frequently Asked Questions
What countries are part of South Asia?
South Asia includes eight countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
What are some of the major religions practiced in South Asia?
The major religions practiced in South Asia include Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism. Hinduism is the dominant religion in India and Nepal, while Islam is the dominant religion in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.
What are some of the key economic sectors in South Asia?
The key economic sectors in South Asia include agriculture, manufacturing, services, and tourism. Agriculture is a major contributor to the economies of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. The manufacturing sector is also significant, particularly in India and Bangladesh, where textile and garment production are major industries. The service sector, including IT services and outsourcing, is growing in importance in India and other countries in the region.
What are some of the major environmental challenges facing South Asia?
South Asia faces several environmental challenges, including air pollution, water scarcity, deforestation, and climate change. The region has some of the most polluted cities in the world, with high levels of particulate matter in the air. Water scarcity is also a major issue in many parts of the region, particularly in areas with high population density. Deforestation and land degradation are contributing to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. Climate change is exacerbating many of these environmental problems, with rising temperatures and changing weather patterns affecting agriculture and water resources.
What are some of the cultural highlights of South Asia?
South Asia is home to a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with a wealth of art, music, dance, literature, and architecture. The region has produced some of the world’s most iconic cultural works, such as the Taj Mahal in India, the ancient Buddhist monuments in Sri Lanka, and the poetry of Rumi in Afghanistan. South Asian music includes classical traditions such as Hindustani and Carnatic music, as well as popular genres such as Bollywood film music. Dance forms such as Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Bhangra are also popular in the region. South Asian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and spices, with dishes such as biryani, curry, and samosas enjoyed around the world.
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