South Asia

subcontinent

large landmass that is smaller than a continent

himalayan mountains

world’s highest mountain range

• created by the drifting Indian subcontinent’s collision with the Asian continent

Mt. Everest

world’s tallest peak- 29,035 ft above sea level

Alluvial Plains

land that is rich farmland, that has been deposited by running water containing silt and rich soil

The Maldives

over 1200 low-lying islands, none over 6ft high

archipelago

island group

atoll

islands are low lying tops of submerged volcanoes surrounded by coral reefs and shallow lagoons

monsoons

seasonal winds (offshore flow in winter, onshore flow in summer)

most important resource in Bangladesh

humans

cyclone

violent storm with fierce and heavy winds (similar to hurricane)

storm surges

high water level brought by a cyclone that swamps low-lying areas

serious problem in South Asia

deforestation

Ganges River

most well known river in South Asia, sacred for Hindus

Estuary

opened end of a river where the currents meet an oceans tides

constitutional monarchy

kingdom in which the rulers powers are limited in a constitution (Nepal and Bhutan)

mandalas

geometric designs that are symbols of the universe and aid in meditation (Buddhists in Bhutan use them)

Siddhartha Gautama

born on the borders of Nepal and India in the 6th century- founder of Buddhism

Sherpa

people of Nepal of Tibetan ancestry- renowned mountain climbers and pack carriers

Raj

Time period when Great Britain controlled all of India (lasted for 90 years)

Hinduism

3rd largest religion in the world- view the entire universe as God’s and everything in the universe as Gods. Believe in reincarnation

Land reform

more balanced distribution of land among farmers

nonviolent resistance

protest movement that does not use violence to achieve its goals

Caste system

fixed social group into which an individual is from within a particular system of social stratification

entrepreneur

people who start and build a business

Kashmir

small territory in Northern India that both Pakistan and India claim as their own

Ramadan

month long period of fasting from sunrise to sunset

Indus valley civilization

largest of the world’s first civilizations- started in 2500 B.C.

microcredit

very small loans that are made available to entrepreneurs- helps poor workers out of poverty