India, in terms of the size of its territory and population, already in the distant past, as well as now, belonged to the number of the most major countries Asia. The sharp edges created by nature itself cut it off from outside world and made it difficult to communicate with other countries and peoples. In the south, southwest and southeast, it is washed by the vast waters of the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. In the north, it is closed by the greatest and highest mountain range in the world - the Himalayas. Mountain barriers, although not so insurmountable, but powerful enough, separate India in the west from Iran and in the east from Indochina.
India was largely provided with natural resources necessary for human life, and relatively little in need of imported products. The flora and fauna of the country were exceptionally rich and varied. In addition to wheat and barley, rice began to be grown here in ancient times, which first came from India to Western Asia, Africa and Europe. Of the other cultivated plants, the acquaintance of which the more western countries owe to India, are sugar-cane and cotton, not to mention spices.
India possessed inexhaustible sources of all kinds of valuable raw materials (stone, metallurgical ores, timber). All this made it possible for economic development, largely independent, which excluded the penetration of other tribes and nationalities, as well as foreign trade(mainly through Iran and Central Asia).
The most ancient agricultural zones of India were the basins of two great rivers: the Indus with its five tributaries (Pyatirechye - Punjab), which gave the country its name, and the Ganges, which also receives a number of tributaries. Later developed Agriculture in the southern part of the country, on the Dekhan peninsula.
Irrigated agriculture flourished early in the Indus and upper Ganges valleys. In other places, farmers depended on precipitation. Of particular importance for the country are the summer monsoons, which bring large amounts of moisture from the southwest.
Population
Ancient Indian literary monuments, as well as the testimonies of ancient authors, preserved memories of the exceptionally dense population of ancient India. This country surpassed in the number of inhabitants Egypt and Asia Minor, and only China could compete with it in this respect.
The ethnic composition of the inhabitants of India in ancient times was extremely colorful. The south was dominated by dark-skinned tribes belonging to the Australo-Negroid race. The most ancient inhabitants of the country spoke Dravidian, and partly even earlier, pre-Dravidian languages (Munda language, etc.), which are currently spoken only in some areas. In the II millennium BC. in India, tribes speaking the languages of the Indo-European family of peoples begin to spread. Based on these languages, literary language- Sanskrit (which means "purified"). Unlike him spoken languages were called Prakrits.
These later ethnic groups, who were immigrants from the northwest, called themselves the Aryans. This ethnic name later acquired the meaning of "noble", as the conquerors looked down on the conquered local population and claimed superiority. However, there is no need to talk about the advantages of one group or another. Everything depended on the conditions of development at a particular historical moment.
One of the most popular Asian countries for tourists is India. It attracts people with its original culture, the grandeur of the ancient architectural structures and lush beauty nature. But the most important reason why many people go there on vacation is the climate of India. It is so varied different parts countries, which allows you to choose entertainment to your taste at any time of the year: sunbathe on a sunny beach or go skiing in a mountain resort.
If tourists go to India to see the sights, then it is advisable to choose a time so that the heat or rains do not interfere. Peculiarities geographical location countries influence its climate. You can choose a resting place depending on what temperature you prefer. Heat, sunny beaches and cool mountain air, and rains, hurricanes - this is all India.
Geographical position
The climate of this country is so diverse due to the peculiarities of its location. India stretches from north to south for 3000 kilometers, and from west to east - for 2000. The elevation difference is about 9000 meters. The country occupies almost the entire vast peninsula of Hindustan, washed by the warm waters of the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
The climate of India is very diverse. Four types of it can be distinguished: dry tropical, humid tropical, subequatorial monsoon and alpine. And at a time when the beach season begins in the south, real winter sets in in the mountains, and the temperature drops below zero. There are areas where almost all year round it rains, while in others the plants suffer from drought.
Nature and climate of India
The country is located in the subequatorial zone, but it is much warmer there than in other parts of this strip. How can this be explained? In the north, the country is fenced off from the cold Asian winds by the Himalayas, and in the northwest large area occupies the Thar Desert, which attracts warm, humid monsoons. They determine the peculiarities of the Indian climate. Monsoons bring rain and heat to the country. On the territory of India is located - Cherrapunji, where more than 12,000 millimeters of precipitation falls annually. And in the north-west of the country, in about 10 months there is not a drop of rain. Some eastern states also suffer from drought. And if it is very hot in the south of the country - the temperature rises to 40 degrees, then in the mountains there are places of eternal glaciation: the Zaskar and Karakorum ridges. And for the climate coastal zones affect warm waters Indian Ocean.
Seasons in India
In most of the country, three seasons can be conditionally distinguished: winter, which lasts from November to February, summer, which lasts from March to June, and the rainy season. This division is conditional, because the monsoons have little effect on the eastern coast of India, and there is also no rain in the Thar Desert. Winter in the usual sense of the word comes only in the north of the country, in mountainous areas. The temperature there sometimes drops to minus 3 degrees. And on south coast at this time - the beach season, and they fly here from northern countries migratory birds.
Rain season
This is the most interesting feature which the climate of India possesses. Monsoons coming from the Arabian Sea bring heavy rains to most of the country. Around 80% falls during this time. annual rate precipitation. First, the rains begin in the west of the country. Already in May, Goa and Bombay are affected by the monsoons. Gradually, the rainy area moves to the east, and by the month of July, the peak of the season is observed in most of the country. Hurricanes can happen on the coast, but they are not as destructive as in other countries located near India. Slightly less precipitation falls on east coast, and the rainiest place is - - there the rainy season continues until November. In most parts of India, dry weather is already established in September-October.
The rainy season brings relief from the heat to most parts of the country. And, despite the fact that there are often floods at this time, and the sky is overcast, farmers are looking forward to this season. Thanks to the rains, lush Indian vegetation grows rapidly, resulting in good harvests, and all the dust and dirt is washed off in the cities. But monsoons do not bring rain to all parts of the country. In the foothills of the Himalayas, the climate of India resembles that of Europe: and frosty winters. And in the northern state of Punjab, there is almost no rain, so droughts are frequent there.
What is the winter like in India?
Since October, the weather is dry and clear in most of the country. After the rains, it becomes relatively cool, although in some areas, for example, on the coast, it is hot - + 30-35 °, and the sea at this time warms up to + 27 °. The climate of India in winter is not very diverse: dry, warm and clear. Only in some areas it rains until December. Therefore, at this time there is a large influx of tourists.
In addition to sunny beaches and warm sea water, they are attracted by the beauty of the lush vegetation in national parks India and the unusualness of the holidays, which in in large numbers take place here from November to March. This is the harvest, and the festival of colors, and the festival of lights, and even seeing off winter at the end of January. Christians celebrate the Nativity of Jesus Christ, and Hindus celebrate the birth of their deity - Ganesh Chaturthi. In addition, the season opens in the mountain resorts of the Himalayas in winter, and lovers of winter sports can relax there.
Indian heat
Most of the country is warm all year round. If we consider the climate of India by months, we can understand that this is one of the hottest countries in the world. Summer there begins in March, and in most states a month later there is unbearable heat. April-May is at its peak high temperature, in some places it rises to +45°. And since it is also very dry at this time, such weather is very exhausting. It is especially difficult for people in major cities where dust is added to the heat. Therefore, for a long time, wealthy Indians at this time left for the northern mountainous regions, where the temperature is always comfortable and rarely rises to + 30 ° in the hottest time.
When is the best time to visit India
This country is beautiful at any time of the year, and every tourist can find a place that he likes with its weather. Depending on what interests you: relaxing on the beach, visiting sights or observing nature, you need to choose the place and time of the trip. General recommendations for everyone is not to visit Central and South India from April to July, as it is very hot at this time.
If you want to sunbathe and don't like to get wet, don't come during the rainy season, the worst months are June and July when the rainfall is the highest. The Himalayas should not be visited in winter - from November to March, because many areas are difficult to access due to snow on the passes. best time For holidays in India, the period from September to March is considered. In almost all parts of the country at this time, a comfortable temperature - + 20-25 ° - and clear weather. Therefore, when planning a trip to these parts, it is advisable to get acquainted with the peculiarities of the weather in different areas and find out what the climate is like in India by months.
Temperature in different parts of the country
- The largest temperature differences occur in the mountainous regions of India. In winter, the thermometer there can show minus 1-3 °, and high in the mountains - up to minus 20 °. From June to August - the warmest time in the mountains, and the temperature is from +14 to +30°. Usually +20-25°.
- AT northern states the coldest time is in January, when the thermometer shows +15°. In summer, the heat is about + 30 ° and above.
- The temperature difference is least felt in Central and South India, where it is always warm. In winter, in the coldest time, there is a comfortable temperature: + 20-25 °. From March to June it is very hot - + 35-45 °, sometimes the thermometer shows up to + 48 °. In the rainy season it is a little cooler - + 25-30 °.
India has always attracted tourists from all over the world. This is due not only to the beautiful nature, the variety of ancient buildings and the unique culture of the people. The most important thing that tourists like is the advantageous location of the country and its pleasant climate throughout the year. India in any month can provide travelers with the opportunity to relax the way they want.
This name "India" was acquired and already established from the name of the largest river, which was located in the north-west of this country. At that time, the Indians referred to it as "Sindhu", among the Persians it was referred to as "Hindu", and the ancient Greeks called it as "Indos". And later in Europe, it received the name "India", which has survived to this day. Among the Indians, this name of the country was not generally accepted. If we talk about the location of the country, then India is located in South Asia, more precisely on the Deccan Peninsula, where it is adjacent to it from the northern part of the mainland. And already in the north it is limited by the Himalayas - a unique mountain range in the world, which has the most high system mountain ranges. In the east, the mountain peak decreases, but at the same time there are impenetrable mountains that separate India itself from the countries regarding the Indo-Chinese Peninsula, and in the west there are spurs of the Himalayas and other mountain ranges. Meanwhile, the Deccan Peninsula, which flows into Indian Ocean, and forms the Arabian Sea in the western part, and the Bay of Bengal in the eastern part. But at the same time, the geographical isolation that had in India prevented peoples from communicating with everything. external environment. It also took place obstructing the formation of navigation. But it all didn't seem Indian people an obstacle, even in these circumstances they tried not to protect themselves from communication and communication with their neighbors. If we consider in terms of geography, then India consisted of two main parts on them: It was southern part, which was peninsular, and the northern part was mainland. However, on their borders are rocks, which in turn consist of extensive ranges, the largest of them is considered to be Mount Vindhya, which has an elevation of 1100 m, and has total area, which reaches 1000 km, and follows from west to east. Most of Mount Vindhya is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The area of this mountain was the main barrier regarding the connection between the southern and northern parts. Herself South India characterizes a peninsula, which is similar in shape to an irregular triangle, while the apex is directed to the south. The main part of this peninsula is occupied by the Deccan Plateau. At the same time, the Deccan Plateau itself has a small slope that leads from west to east, this is the main factor why all large-scale rivers of South India mainly flow to the east. But nonetheless main part this peninsula is relatively arid. At the same time, the rivers of South India have an individual water order.Northern India is divided by deserts which have the name "Thar".
In the western part North India there is Punjab - this is the valley of the Indus River and five large-scale rivers that merge into the river flow into the Indus.
In the eastern part of North India there is a valley of the Ganges River. AT given time this part of India has practically no forests, but, nevertheless, in ancient times it was covered with saturated forests. The Ganges has a very humid climate, which in turn is reflected in rice, jute and sugar cane, which cannot be grown here without the use of artificial drainage. But if we move forward a little western part, then there atmospheric precipitation is less abundant and, accordingly, artificial drainage is extremely necessary here.
The oldest civilization of the Indus Valley (the so-called "Civilization of Harappa / Mohenjo-Daro").
The most rooted and ancient Eneolithic settlements have been found so far in the only place, which is located on western outskirts the Indus valley. At least if we compare the climate in Northwestern India, which took place in the IV-III millennium BC. uh, compared to now, it was more important.In the middle of the III millennium BC. e, agriculture was widespread in these places, which later became their main activity, but at the same time, cattle breeding also played important role in their life. For farming, they preferred river valleys which are intermittently flooded by rain. The creation and improvement of new tools of labor gradually opened the way to these valleys. The very first of the mastered was the Indus Valley. In the Indus, over time, centers began to appear in relation to their formed agricultural civilization, and the formation of a productive force here seemed more convenient. AT new environment property appeared, and consequently already inequality between society, which became the reason for the disbandment primitive communal system and then raising it to a state.
Numerous excavations that took place in the Indus Valley testified that in the III-II millennium BC. e, there was a light and standard civilization.
In the 20s of the twentieth century. settlements in the form of an urban type were found, which in turn had many descending features.
These settlements had their own culture, which was called "Harappa". Excavations were also made in Mohenjo-Daro, it was considered the province of Sindh, which gave excellent results.
The development of the Harappan culture must be attributed to end III millennium BC. e. The past stages of development of this culture are unknown.
India is a huge peninsula, almost a mainland, separated from the outside world by two oceans and the greatest mountain range on earth - the Himalayas. Few mountain passes, gorges and river valleys, such as the valley of Kabul, connect India with neighboring countries.
The central part of India, the so-called Deccan, is considered the most ancient part of the peninsula. Geologists believe that there was southern mainland that stretched from Australia to South Africa and covered a number of countries, the remnants of which are now Ceylon and the Malay Peninsula. The plateau of the Deccan includes mountainous and steppe regions, jungles and savannahs, in some places poorly adapted for human life, especially in areas with a dry climate.
The most favorable and convenient for the resettlement of people and for early development culture turned out to be vast areas of northern India, the large alluvial plains of the Indus and the Ganges and their tributaries. However, the distribution of precipitation here is very uneven and sometimes insufficient for the development of agriculture. In Northern India, rainfall increases towards the east, and towards the west in the Deccan. In those areas where there was little rain, the population already in antiquity resorted to artificial irrigation, especially in North India, where large and large flows flow. deep rivers Indus, Ganges and their tributaries.
Fertile soil and mild climate contributed to the emergence of agriculture in some areas of North India, as well as in a number of other areas. coastline India is comparatively little indented. The Indus Delta is silty and inconvenient for navigation. sea shores India in many places are too high and steep, or, conversely, too gentle and low.
The southwestern Malabar coast, well protected by mountains, with its rich tropical vegetation and wonderful climate, was, as it were, created by nature itself for human life. On the west coast there are lagoons suitable for navigation. Here in ancient times the first trading settlements arose, the first sea routes leading to the distant western world.
For many centuries it was subjected to raids by different tribes. Naturally, they all left their mark on genetic diversity. It is thanks to the mixing different races, the inhabitants of India have a distinctive appearance and culture. The Aryan tribes came here first. They mixed with the Tibeto-Burmese peoples who penetrated into the territory of modern India from behind the Himalayas.
Such different people of India
What helped the Indians to maintain ethnic diversity? The answer is simple. It's all about the caste system. That is why on the Indian streets you can meet the most different people, even European type. That is, the inhabitants of India are ethnically heterogeneous. For example, representatives of the Aryan type are distinguished by a coffee shade of skin. It is noteworthy that in the higher castes, skin color is usually lighter.
India is usually distinguished by a beautiful oval face, straight hair (less thick than that of representatives of the northern and central Europe) and a slightly curved nose. Their height, as a rule, does not exceed 185 cm. Using the example of the Dards, it is best to draw a conclusion about the physical data of the Aryan tribes. This is a simple-hearted, open race with brown eyes and straight black hair.
How is a native Indian different?
Like any nation, the Indians are not without their own charm. The people of India have a peculiar mentality. Perhaps this is due to the ancient traditions that are still strong in India, or perhaps due to the fact that this territory has been subjected to raids by various conquerors for many centuries. The inhabitants of India are emotional, but skillfully hide their feelings, they are sometimes overly polite, unreliable. Strengths of this race - industriousness, openness, cleanliness, moderation, respect for the sciences, goodwill. Indians always know how to create an atmosphere of relaxed communication, they can show the interlocutor what is interesting with him.
Like the inhabitants, modern Indians live according to the ancient scriptures - the Vedas. According to these texts, a person should express his love and devotion to God through his daily activities and not just through rituals. Even cleaning can be a means of serving one of the gods, which in India great amount. Worship to them can be expressed in creativity, and in everyday affairs, and in raising children, and in communicating with other people. All classes should be a stage of self-improvement.
Don't call Indians Indians!
Equally important is the question of how the inhabitants of India are called. Contrary to popular belief, they should be called Indians, not Hindus. Hindus are followers of Hinduism, the dominant religion in India. Don't confuse Indians with Indians.
Indigenous people North America by mistake, Columbus called the Indians, because he thought that he had sailed to a distant and mysterious India.
Civil rights movement in India
Indians are a very active nation. Processes are now taking place in society aimed at the abolition of caste system and the improvement of the status of women. All this is closely related to the reforms in social sphere. They are mainly concerned with the advancement of women. Indians are in favor of legalizing civil marriage and raising the marriageable age for both girls and boys. Not less than important question- expanding educational opportunities for women, as well as improving the situation of Indian widows.
As a result of these processes, several changes were introduced. Thus, the marriageable age for girls was set at 14 years old, for boys - 18 years old. If one of the spouses has not reached the age of 21, written parental consent is required. They also banned consanguineous marriages and polygamy. But the advantages of this law, unfortunately, did not become public. Only a small part could use its benefits. The fact is that even now the practice is widespread when a girl formally marries at the age of 10 years. Of course, the actual ceremony is postponed until the bride is more mature - up to 12-14 years old at most. Such early marriages have a bad effect not only on the mental and physical health women, but also on the welfare of the Indian race as a whole.
The position of widows in India
The point is also that if a married girl-woman becomes a widow, she will no longer be able to marry. Moreover, in the family of her husband, she will be doomed to do the hardest work until the end of her days, she will not have to wear a new nice clothes. Also, the unfortunate widow not only receives the worst food from the table, but also must observe a multi-day fast. In order to somehow improve the position of widows in society (including many children), it is necessary to ensure that remarriage is not considered something shameful and shameful. At present, a widow's remarriage is possible only if she belongs to a lower caste. To top it all off, a woman whose husband has died cannot, in Indian society, earn her livelihood on her own.
Indian education
Separately, it is worth noting the Indian education system, as it is considered one of the largest in the world. Interestingly, in order to enter a university, you do not need to pass any exams. In addition to regular universities, India also has educational establishments with some specifics, for example women's institute in Bombay. Despite the fact that the leaders in the field of education are considered technical specialties, number of graduates humanitarian universities is about 40%. In fact, technical professions play a very important role in the development of human resources, and related to the education system is also the question of how many people there are in India. According to the latest data, about 1 million
Indian occupations
The main occupations of the inhabitants of India are traditionally agriculture and cattle breeding. Many are involved in the field of light and which is currently developing dynamically. Despite this, most of the Indian population lives almost below the poverty line. The fact is that until relatively recently this country was therefore the colonial past cannot but affect the life of the Indians.
Religion: "Shiva without Shakti is Shava"
More than 80% of the population professes Hinduism - the most massive and ancient religion in Asia. Therefore, it is not surprising that culture is closely related to it. The basic provisions of Hinduism were established in 6 Art. BC. After that, the whole culture began to line up around this system.
Hinduism is a mythological religion. It is noteworthy that the pantheon consists of a great variety of gods. But the most revered is the trinmurti - Vishnu-Brahma-Shiva. And if Vishnu is the keeper of the world, Brahma is the creator, then Shiva is the destroyer. But he is not just a destroyer, he is also the beginning of all things. The gods have several hands as a symbol of their divine functions and are necessarily depicted with their attributes. For example, Vishnu - with a disk, Shiva - with a trident, Brahma - with the Vedas. In addition, Shiva is always depicted with three eyes as symbols of his wisdom. In parallel with the Trinmurti, goddesses - "Shakti" are also revered. These are not just female deities. They harmoniously complement the spouses, making up one whole with them. There is even such an expression: "Shiva without Shakti is a shava (corpse)." The oldest in India, in parallel with the veneration of the Trinmurti, is the cult of animals. For example, for a Hindu, neither killing a cow nor eating beef is unthinkable. Many animals in India are sacred.
