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India, Pakistan, and the Himalayas

Colonialism in India

National flag of India

In the 1600s, the English set up the East India Company to trade in South Asia and East Asia. Trading outposts were established near the coast, but colonization efforts grew over time. Much of the Indian subcontinent had been colonized by the 1800s. At first, the East India Company ruled the region on behalf of the British Empire. After a major rebellion, the British government took direct control in 1858.

Under colonial rule, India exported natural resources for the British Empire. The British also set up trade practices to benefit themselves. Indian manufacturers were prevented from producing certain goods so the region would be forced to import British goods. This severely stunted the region’s economic growth.

During the twentieth century, there was a strong movement for Indian independence. Mohandas Gandhi led the campaign through non-violent civil disobedience. Gandhi led peaceful protests, urged boycotts, and refused to buy British goods. The movement succeeded, and India gained independence in 1947.

Partition of India

Partition of India 1947

In 1947, the British Parliament passed the India Independence Act. This separated British India into two countries: India and Pakistan. India was a majority Hindu nation, and Pakistan was a majority Muslim nation. At the time, Pakistan included West Pakistan and East Pakistan. West Pakistan is modern day Pakistan. East Pakistan is modern day Bangladesh.

The split led to the mass migration of millions of people. Some of these people were displaced, or forced to leave their homes. Hindus moved to India. Muslims moved to West Pakistan and East Pakistan. Violent riots and fighting broke out between Hindus and Muslims. More a million people died during this time, including Gandhi, who was assassinated in 1948.

After gaining independence, Pakistan and India fought over the region of Kashmir. This region is bordered by Pakistan in the southwest and India in the south. Kashmir is valuable because it is the source of several rivers, including the Indus River. These rivers provide water for irrigation and hydroelectric power. Today, Kashmir remains a disputed territory. Since 1948, there have been two more wars over the territory.

India, Pakistan, and the Himalayas

India, Pakistan, and the Himalayas Interactivity

South Asia is one of the most densely populated places in the world. People are mostly concentrated near the region’s oceans and rivers. The population is sparse in deserts and the mountainous areas in the north. In this interactivity, you will explore several countries in South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Click the player to begin.

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Cultural Influences of India, Pakistan, and the Himalayas

Cultural Influences of India, Pakistan, and the Himalayas Interactivity

More than 1.5 billion people live in South Asia. This large population is tremendously diverse. These people speak hundreds of languages, practice a variety of religions, and have different ethnic backgrounds. Unfortunately, these cultural differences have sometimes led to conflict in the region. In this interactivity, you will learn about South Asia’s cultural landscape. Click the player to begin.

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Green Revolution

Although India has a lot of arable farmland, its people have suffered many famines. During the 1950s and 1960s, India made some advancements in growing more food. In 1966, farmers started growing wheat with new seeds. This greatly increased crop yields. In fact, the amount of crops grown nearly doubled from 1960 to 1970. Production increases were seen in fruits, rice, sugarcane, and vegetables. This period of rapid growth in food production is known as the Green Revolution.

The Green Revolution helped wealthy farmers the most because new seeds required more fertilizers, irrigation, and pesticides. It also harmed the environment, as rain washed fertilizers and pesticides into rivers. Today, South Asian farmers are using more sustainable methods to grow food. New technologies and natural fertilizers do less harm to the environment.

Economic Characteristics of India, Pakistan, and the Himalayas

Skyscrapers in downtown Mumbai, India

Most South Asian nations are developing. India is often described as having an emerging market. This is because India has experienced rapid economic growth. It is also increasingly involved in global trade. Several factors have influenced India’s economic growth. Due to British colonialism, many Indians speak English. English functions as an international business language. India also has both a stable democratic government and improved infrastructure, which attracts foreign investment.

Rice in a sack made from jute fiber

In contrast, Bangladesh has high levels of poverty and a low per capita GDP of $1500. Economists believe poverty in Bangladesh is caused by overpopulation, natural disasters, and poor access to education. Despite this, Bangladesh is making progress. Since 1991, the country has maintained a stable democratic government. It has developed new industries that produce textiles, clothing, cement, steel, and jute. Jute is a strong fiber used to make items like paper, carpets, and ropes. Bangladesh uses most of its rice, wheat, and other food crops to feed its population.

Pollution and Environmental Degradation

Children playing near polluted water in India

Many regions of South Asia suffer from water pollution. India’s rivers are badly polluted. Pakistan has little safe drinking water and lacks appropriate sanitation. Bangladesh has water that is poisoned with arsenic. Unsafe water is linked to certain types of cancer, as well as other fatal and non-fatal diseases. Severe droughts and overpopulation also contribute to water scarcity in South Asia.

In Nepal, deforestation is a major problem. Large areas of forest have been cleared for agricultural use and for timber. It is estimated that less than 30% of Nepal’s forests remain. This has increased soil erosion, particularly during the wet monsoon season.

Some citizens and governments in South Asia are taking strides to improve their environment. Citizens are working to clean rivers and lakes. They are also pushing governments to make changes and calling on companies to stop polluting. In 1986, the Indian government passed laws to stop companies from polluting.

India, Pakistan, and the Himalayas Review

India, Pakistan, and the Himalayas Review Interactivity

Now that you have learned about the major regions, cultural influences, and economic characteristics of India, Pakistan, and the Himalayas, review your knowledge in this interactivity. Click the player to get started.