South Asia Culture Presentation

SOUTH asia

Explore the culture of South Asia

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south asia

South Asia, a region rich in diversity and history, encompasses a tapestry of cultures shaped by millennia of migration, trade, and conquest. The dominant religions—Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Sikhism—not only shape the spiritual life of the inhabitants but also influence the festivals, architecture, music, and dance that are integral to each culture. South Asian cuisine, known for its bold spices and varied flavors, is a reflection of the agricultural products unique to each area and the historical influences of neighboring regions. The countries that make up South Asia are: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives.

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where is south asia?

Location

• Asian continent

Borders

• North: China

• East: Thailand, Laos
• South: Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal
• West: Afghanistan, Iran

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South Asia's Ethnic Cultures

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Languages

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Religion

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Click play to listen to the national anthem of the Maldives

Culture

Art - Bollywood

Sport

Cricket is not just a sport but a unifying cultural phenomenon in South Asia, passionately followed by millions across the region. Introduced during the British colonial era, it has grown to become the most popular sport in countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. These countries are powerhouses in international cricket, often dominating global tournaments and fostering intense rivalries, especially between India and Pakistan.

Bollywood is the informal term popularly used for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, India. Known for its colorful, melodramatic films that often feature elaborate dance sequences, music, and romance, Bollywood is one of the largest centers of film production in the world.

Games

Literature

Pachisi is a traditional board game originating from ancient India. The name "Pachisi" derives from the Hindi word "pachis," meaning twenty-five, which is the highest score that can be thrown with the cowrie shells used as dice in the game.The game was a precursor to modern games like Ludo and Parcheesi. The game is played on a cross-shaped board. Players use four pawns each and move them around the board based on the throws of the dice.

South Asia has a rich literary heritage across various languages and genres. The Ramayana and The Majabharata are ancient Sanskrit epics which are foundational to the cultural and spiritual landscape of India.Premchand is considered the father of modern Hindi and Urdu literature. His writings focused on the everday lives of the lower and middle classes.

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The Taj Mahal

Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Monestary)

The Maldives

Sigiriya

Sri Lanka

Maldives

India

Bhutan

Comprising over 1,000 coral islands, the Maldives is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and luxurious overwater bungalows. It's a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and enjoying the serene beauty of the Indian Ocean.

Also known as Lion Rock, Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress and palace ruin situated in the central Matale District near the town of Dambulla. Known for its massive column of rock nearly 200 meters high, frescoes, and extensive network of gardens and reservoirs,

This sacred Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist site is perched on the side of the cliff 3,120 meters above sea level in the Paro Valley. It is one of Bhutan's most revered monuments and a highlight for many tourists, offering not only deep spiritual significance but also breathtaking views.

The Taj Mayal is a stunning ivory-white marble mausoleum in India. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts millions of visitors each year.

Religion in South Asia

South Asia is a region of profound religious diversity and significance, being the birthplace of several major world religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Hinduism predominates in India and Nepal, while Buddhism has a strong presence in Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Islam is the majority religion in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. Additionally, there are significant populations of Christians and followers of other indigenous and global religions throughout the region. This religious diversity deeply influences the culture, politics, and social structures of South Asian countries.

Languages

Major languages in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka include Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Punjabi, and SInhala.The predominant languages in southern India and parts of northeastern Sri Lanka include Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. The Tibeto-Burman languages like Meitei and Bodo are spoken in the Himalayan regions of northeastern India, Bhutan and Nepal. English is an official language in India alongside Hindi. In Pakistan, English is a co-official language with Urdu. Dhivehi is the official language in the Maldives and English is used widely in commerce and the tourism sector.

Punjabi: Spoken in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan by over 125 million people.

East Asian Countries and Ethnic Cultures

The cultures in different parts of South Asia are influenced by history and geographical features. Click on each number on the map to the right to learn more about the cultures of East Asia.

The Ramayana and The Mahabharata

The Ramayana and The Mahabharata are two epic poems that form the cornerstone of Hindu literature and culture, deeply influencing the arts, morality, and daily life in South Asia. The Ramayana, attributed to the sage Valmiki, narrates the life of Prince Rama of Ayodhya. It is a tale of duty, righteousness, and dharma, The epic explores themes of loyalty, the ideal rulership, and the triumph of good over evil, depicted through various trials and adventures of Rama, Sita, and his loyal companion Hanuman. The Mahabharata, composed by Vyasa, is one of the longest epics in world literature. It recounts the story of the bitter dynastic struggle between the Pandava and Kaurava princes for the throne of Hastinapura, leading to the catastrophic Kurukshetra War. The Gita addresses the moral and philosophical dilemmas faced by Arjuna about duty, righteousness, and the paths to spiritual realization.

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Mumbai, India

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is a bustling metropolis and the financial capital of India, located on the west coast along the Arabian Sea. Its history stretches back to ancient times when it was a collection of seven islands inhabited by fishing communities. Over centuries, these islands were merged through land reclamation projects. The city's modern history began with the Portuguese, who obtained the islands in the 16th century. In 1661, they were ceded to the British as part of a dowry when Charles II married the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza. Under British rule, Mumbai rapidly transformed into a major trading port, benefiting from the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, which boosted maritime trade routes to Europe.

Today, Mumbai is known for its diverse culture and is the heart of India’s Bollywood film industry. It is a melting pot of traditions and communities, characterized by its iconic Gateway of India, bustling local trains, vibrant street food, and a dynamic mix of modernity and traditional Indian life.