India – Notes

 


India – Notes

1. Introduction to India

  • Location: India is located in South Asia. It lies entirely in the Northern Hemisphere.
  • Coordinates: From 8°4′N to 37°6′N latitude and 68°7′E to 97°25′E longitude.
  • Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (IST) is UTC +5:30.
  • Borders: Shares land borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Maritime borders with Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia.

2. Physical Geography of India

A. Major Physiographic Divisions

  1. The Northern Mountains

    • Includes the Himalayas (Greater, Lesser, and Shiwalik ranges).
    • Important peaks: Mount Everest (Nepal), Kanchenjunga (India).
    • Passes: Nathu La, Shipki La, Rohtang, Zoji La.

  2. The Northern Plains

    • Formed by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers.
    • Extremely fertile alluvial soil.
    • Divided into Punjab Plains, Ganga Plains, and Brahmaputra Valley.

  3. The Peninsular Plateau

    • Oldest landmass; includes Deccan and Central Highlands.
    • Rivers: Narmada, Godavari, Krishna.
    • Rich in mineral resources.

  4. The Indian Desert (Thar Desert)

    • Lies in Rajasthan.
    • Arid climate, sandy soil, sparse vegetation.

  5. The Coastal Plains

    • Eastern and Western Coastal Plains.
    • Important for agriculture, trade, and ports.

  6. The Islands

    • Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Bay of Bengal).
    • Lakshadweep Islands (Arabian Sea).

3. Historical Overview

A. Ancient India

  • Indus Valley Civilization: Harappa and Mohenjo-daro; urban planning, drainage system.
  • Vedic Period: Aryans, Vedas, Varna system, rituals.
  • Mauryan Empire: Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka the Great – Buddhism.
  • Gupta Empire: Golden Age of India – science, mathematics, art.

B. Medieval India

  • Delhi Sultanate: Muslim rule, architectural contributions.
  • Mughal Empire: Babur to Aurangzeb; Taj Mahal; cultural synthesis.

C. Modern India

  • British Colonialism: East India Company → British Raj.
  • Revolt of 1857: First War of Independence.
  • Indian National Movement: INC, Gandhiji’s leadership, Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience.
  • Partition & Independence: 1947 – creation of India and Pakistan.

4. Indian Political System

  • Type: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic.
  • Constitution: Came into effect on 26 January 1950.
  • Parliamentary Democracy: President (nominal head), Prime Minister (real head).
  • Federal Structure: Division of powers between Centre and States.
  • Key Institutions: Legislature, Executive, Judiciary.
  • Fundamental Rights & Duties: Part III & Part IVA of the Constitution.
  • Directive Principles: Socio-economic goals for the state.

5. Economy of India

A. Economic Overview

  • Mixed Economy: Coexistence of public and private sectors.
  • Agriculture: Backbone of rural India; Green Revolution.
  • Industry: Heavy industries, MSMEs, Make in India.
  • Services Sector: IT, telecommunications, finance – major GDP contributor.

B. Economic Planning

  • Planning Commission (now replaced by NITI Aayog).
  • Five-Year Plans: Strategy for development (1951–2017).
  • Reforms: Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization (1991).

C. Major Economic Challenges

  • Poverty, unemployment, inflation, fiscal deficit, rural-urban divide.

6. Indian Society and Culture

A. Society

  • Diverse Society: Multilingual, multi-religious, multi-ethnic.
  • Caste System: Historical structure, now legally abolished.
  • Social Reforms: Movements against untouchability, women’s rights.

B. Religion and Philosophy

  • Birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism.
  • Coexistence of Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Judaism.

C. Languages

  • 22 official languages (Eighth Schedule of the Constitution).
  • Hindi – Official language; English – associate official language.

D. Festivals and Art

  • Festivals: Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Holi, Bihu, Onam.
  • Classical Arts: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Carnatic and Hindustani music.
  • Architecture: Rock-cut caves (Ajanta), Temples (Khajuraho), Islamic domes (Taj Mahal), Colonial architecture (Victoria Memorial).

7. Science and Technology

  • ISRO: India’s space program – Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan.
  • DRDO: Defence research and development.
  • Pharmaceuticals: India – “Pharmacy of the World”.
  • Information Technology: India is a global IT hub.

8. Environment and Biodiversity

  • Biological Diversity: Himalayas, Western Ghats, Sundarbans.
  • Protected Areas: 104 national parks, 551 wildlife sanctuaries.
  • Threats: Pollution, deforestation, climate change.
  • Initiatives: Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Clean India Mission.

9. India in the World

  • Foreign Policy: Non-alignment, Strategic Autonomy.
  • International Organizations: UN, BRICS, SCO, G20, WHO, IMF.
  • Neighbourhood Relations: SAARC, BIMSTEC.
  • Defence: Indian Army, Navy, Air Force; Nuclear Power.

10. Modern Challenges and Vision for the Future

  • Population Growth: Over 1.4 billion; second most populous country.
  • Urbanization: Rapid growth of cities, smart cities.
  • Education & Health: Right to Education, Ayushman Bharat.
  • Digital India: Governance, e-learning, digital infrastructure.
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): India’s commitment.


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