South Asia Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the geographical, cultural, and environmental aspects of South Asia.

Population Density

India is the second most populous country with a population of 1.4 billion.

Monsoon

A seasonal wind pattern that causes heavy rains in South Asia, derived from the Arabic word 'Mausin', meaning 'the season of the winds'.

Bangladesh Flooding 1998

A catastrophic event where two-thirds of Bangladesh was flooded, rendering 22 million people homeless.

Green Revolution

A period in the 1960s aimed at increasing agricultural production through modern technologies; India doubled its grain production between 1970 and 1995.

Caste System

A complex social hierarchy in India that has been fundamentally influenced by Hindu beliefs and traditions.

Environmental Challenges

Natural disasters like flooding, deforestation, and desertification are prevalent in South Asia, exacerbated by human activities and urbanization.

Urbanization Issues

Rapid migration from rural areas to cities leads to problems like homelessness, poverty, and overcrowding in urban environments.

Hinduism

One of the oldest religions in the world, originating in the Indus River valley, characterized by polytheism and the belief in the caste system.

Buddhism

A religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), emphasizing the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-fold Path as a way to achieve liberation from suffering.

Sri Lankan Civil War

A conflict between Hindu Tamils and Buddhist Sinhalese that lasted from 1983 to 2009, resulting in over 100,000 deaths.

Kashmir Conflict

A territorial dispute between India and Pakistan that began in 1947, primarily centered around the region of Kashmir.

Glacial Melting

A significant environmental issue in South Asia, impacting water supply and agriculture due to climate change.

Cultural Diversity

South Asia's rich cultural heritage comprises numerous languages and religions, contributing to both social vibrancy and political tension.

Economic Growth

Despite being one of the poorest regions, South Asia has seen substantial economic expansion, largely driven by globalization and opening markets.

Environmental Geography

Study of varied landscapes in South Asia, including tropical islands and high mountain ranges, influencing cultural and economic activity.

Selective Abortion in South Asia

A practice still occurring despite being illegal, influencing the demographic landscape in countries like India and Pakistan.