India 3,287,590 sq km 1.2 billion people 4 times the population of US and 2000 times that of ND 22 lang

1. India 3,287,590 sq km 1.2 billion people 4 times the population of US and 2000 times that of ND 22 languages, 1650 dialects 8 major religions, other beliefs One Nation

2. Chronology of Indian History • North – western Indian was the home of the Indus valley civilization from 2600 – 1900 BC • This marked the beginning of urban civilization in the sub continent • Next 1000 years is referred to as the Vedic age or the start of the Iron age • Vedas – bedrock of the majority of Indians religious belief. • Rig Veda – Amongst the world oldest religious text in continued use

3. Ancient India • Many smaller kingdoms were ruling the sub continent • Birth of Buddhism and Jainism • Later 4th and early 5th century AD was referred to as the golden rule under the Guptas • Southern India had its own share of smaller kingdoms

4. The Classical Age • Southern India saw its renaissance in art and architecture • Art, religion and literature reached new heights of excellence • Many marvelous temples were constructed during this period

5. Islamic Sultanates and Mughal Era • Arabs- turks invaded northern India in the 12th century • A period of Indian cultural renaissance • Indo-Muslim fusion left lasting monuments in architecture, music, literature, and religion

6. Mughals succeeded Sultanates as the next rulers of India • Indian economy boomed under the Mughals • Main mughal contribution to the south Asia was their unique architecture

7. Colonial Era and the Independence movement • Portuguese, Dutch, British and French all arrived for trading purposes. • Britishers ruled India from 1858 until 1947 • The freedom struggle was by non violent means lead by Mahatma Gandhi • On 15th August 1947, India became an independent nation • India still is the worlds largest democracy.

8. British Monuments

9. Where are we now? • 60 years of independent India • Population has grown three folds • Literacy rate has grown from 12 % in 1947 to 62 % today • Third largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity • Second fastest growing major economy in the world

10. Second largest standing army in the world, 4th largest air force • ISRO is planning on an unmanned lunar mission in April 2008 • Excellent facilities at affordable health care prices for critical surgeries • One of the worlds fastest growing aviation markets • Technology has grown leaps and bounds in a lot of industries

11. What have we given? • Zero • 4 Nobel Laureates • Yoga • World’s biggest movie industry • Great food and music • Smart engineers, doctors and scientists • 17% of worlds population

12. When you plan to visit India • Best time of the year would be during September – March • Everyone will find something that suits their interest be it the culture, sun, beaches, art, architecture, food etc. • Make sure you visit Pondicherry – beautiful beach, still existing french culture and less expensive beer • Make sure you at least watch one bollywood movie – that will give you instant karma