India

by Srinivasan, Radhika; Srinivasan, Tadhika; Jermyn, Leslie

• ISBN13: 9780761413547
• ISBN10: 0761413545
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-09-01
• Publisher: Benchmark Books

Summary

Diversity is the spice of life, and the highly regarded Cultures of the World series celebrates just that in fully updated, and expanded editions. As has always been true of these outstanding titles, an abundance of vibrant photographs -- including those new to this edition -- stimulate the imaginations of young readers as they travel the globe. A new chapter on the environment focuses on politics and economics as well as on endangered species and the effects of industrialization. Additional authentic recipes add general interest while new maps offer further, easy-to-find facts in "About the Geography, " "About the Culture" and "About the Economy" sections.

Table of Contents

Introduction	5	(2)
Geography	7	(8)
Mountains and rivers
Seasons and climate
Natural resources
Wildlife
Population
History	15	(12)
Birth of religions
The Greek gift and King Asoka
Golden age of the Guptas
Southern India
Medieval India
Mughal splendor
Arrival of the Europeans
British India
Modern India
Government	27	(6)
The federal system of government
The Constitution
Political leaders
Economy	33	(4)
Infrastructure, money, and trade
Energy
Agriculture
Mining and manufacturing
Environment	37	(8)
India's natural diversity
Endangered mammals
Environmental threats
Environmental protection
Indians	45	(10)
People of the Kashmir Valley
Punjabis and Rajasthanis
People of India's heartland
Eastern Indians
People of Bengal, Sikkim, and Orissa
Southern Indians
Western Indians
Lifestyle	55	(18)
The patriarchal system
The caste system
The changing faces of women
Childhood
Traditional marriage
Modern marriage
Old age
The Hindu view of life and death
Karma
Superstitions
Rituals and sacrifices
Village life
City life
Religion	73	(14)
Hinduism
Buddhism
Jainism
Sikhism
Islam
Christianity
Zoroastrianism
Tantrikas
Language	87	(8)
Scripts
Tamil Tradition
Southern languages
Northern languages
Sanskrit literature
Hindi
Gestures and expressions
Arts	95	(12)
Folk art
Poetry
Music
Musical instruments
Classical dance
Theater
Architecture
Leisure	107	(8)
Storytelling
Traditional pastimes
Games from the past
Kabaddi and yoga
Modern sports
Festivals	115	(10)
Common festivals
Family festivals
Festival myths and legends
Deepavali and Holi
Gods' and saints' birthdays
Village fairs
Tests of faith
Food	125	(7)
Food varieties
Habits and paractices
Taboos and preferences
Chicken Akbar
Ponggal
Map of India	132	(2)
About the Economy	134	(2)
About the Culture	136	(2)
Timeline	138	(2)
Glossary	140	(1)
Further Information	141	(1)
Bibliography	142	(1)
Index	143