India Interactive Power Point

India: An Overview : 

India: An Overview

Author: Kevin Squire : 

Author: Kevin Squire My name is Kevin Squire. I currently attend Grand Valley State University and am majoring in Mathematics. I am very excited to start a career in teaching. It has always been a passion of mine to help people. I believe that an education is one of the best ways to help individuals better themselves and there loved ones. Send Me an E-Mail EXIT

India : 

Government History Religion Hinduism Islam Taj Mahal Lotus Temple Mahatma Gandhi Mother Teresa Resources Author India EXIT

History : 

India has, arguably, the longest and richest history of any country in the world. India is home to some of the oldest known civilizations to have ever existed. The Indus Civilization is one of the oldest known civilizations uncovered thus far. Speculations of when the Indus Civilization was constructed range from about 4500 BCE to about 2500 BCE. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro are two of the major cities of the Indus Civilization. Throughout India’s history, there have been many rulers and conquerors. India was built on religion, war and conquest. History Video on Indus Civilization EXIT

Government : 

India is a “Sovereign Socialist Democratic Republic with a parliamentary system of government” Similar to the United States, India has a President, and two houses: The Council of States (Rajya Sabna) and The House of the People (Lok Sabna) In addition to these entities, there is a Council of Ministers, with the Prime Minister being it’s leader. The Council of Ministers directly advises the President. Government Click to View India’s Constitution EXIT

Religion : 

Religion is a huge part of the past, present and future of India. India’s culture is deeply rooted in Religion. The entire social structure, government and even many careers are directly related to region. For most Indians, religion IS their life. The two most widely practiced religions are 1. Hinduism and 2. Islam. Both of these religions have greatly impacted India. Other religions that have influenced India are Buddhism and Jainism. Religion EXIT

Hinduism : 

Hinduism is the most widely practiced, and oldest, religion in India. As of 1991, 687.6 million people designated themselves as Hindu in India (1991 Census). The sacred texts of Hinduism are the Vedas. The Vedas are a series of books that consist of Hymns, Incantations and Rituals from ancient India. Hinduism is, for the most part, seen as a Polytheistic religion i.e. many gods are worshipped. The supreme god is Brahman. Hinduism holds the belief of reincarnation, this means that ones soul is transferred to another body following death. Ones Karma, actions in a previous, decides the class of a persons new body. Therefore, lower, middle and upper classes are a direct result of ones previous life. Hinduism EXIT

Islam : 

The largest minority religion in India is Islam, with about 101.5 million people according to the 1991 Census. Islam was first introduced in India at around the year 712. Islamic conquerors fought with the Hindus for control of India often. Many instances of Islamic art and infrastructure occur all around India. Islam was revealed by the prophet Muhammad and preserved in the Holy Quran. Unlike Hinduism, Islam is a monotheistic religion, i.e. Muslims only worship on God, Allah. Muslims follow the Five Pillars of Islam. These are 5 acts of worship that one must complete in order to be granted into the afterlife. Islam EXIT

Mahatma Gandhi : 

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi), is one of the most famous people to emerge from India. Gandhi strived equality in India and the abolishment of the Caste System. Gandhi pledged non-violent protest, and completed many successful food fasts. Gandhi was so admired for his beliefs and actions, that in 1921 he was given complete executive control over the Indian National Congress, a group that started the move towards nationhood. After a successful fast, Gandhi was shot and killed by a Hindu fanatic. Mahatma Gandhi EXIT

Mother Teresa : 

Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu (Mother Teresa) was a missionary nun, whom did most of her work in India. She made it her mission to help the poor, the sick and the unwanted. For 17 years, Mother Teresa worked at St. Mary’s High School in Calcutta, a large city in India. After observing the immense poverty and struggle surrounding the school, she was given permission to leave in order to help those in need. Mother Teresa stared a school for impoverished children with no funds. Mother Teresa was awarded numerous prizes for her humanitarian work. Mother Teresa EXIT

Taj Mahal : 

The Taj Mahal is one of the most renowned ancient infrastructures in the world. The story of why the Taj Mahal was built is one of love lost. While giving birth to a child in 1629, queen Mumtaz Muhal died. In honor of his late wife, Emperor Shah Jahan had the Taj Mahal Constructed. The construction took 22 years to complete and about 20,000 laborers. The Taj Mahal is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh and sits on the banks of the great Yamuna river. Taj Mahal EXIT

Lotus Temple : 

The Lotus Temple is a modern structure located in Delhi. The Lotus Temple was completed in 1987 and has one numerous architectural awards. It is an extremely popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. The Lotus Temple is a Bahá'í House of Worship. The Bahá'í faith promotes religious tolerance. The Lotus Temple, along with all Bahá'í Houses of Worship, are open to all religions. There are no clergy nor sermons in the Lotus Temple. Visitors can pray and meditate on their own, or listen to the Bahá'í text readings which consist of texts from many religions. Lotus Temple EXIT

Resources : 

Kulke, Hermann and Rothermund, Dietmar. A History of India: Fourth Ed. Routledge, 2004. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ar3yuptIOo&feature=related http://www.indiasite.com/monuments/ http://www.famous-india.com/people-in-india/ http://www.islam.com/introislam.htm http://india.gov.in/default.php http://www.indianchild.com/india_religion.htm http://www.religioustolerance.org/hinduism2.htm Resources EXIT