India is the seventh largest country and the second most populous country in the world. This land is all about contrasts - whether we are talking about its inhabitants, languages, customs, religions or landscapes. India is a country of massive mountain ranges crowned with eternal ice and snow, crossed by wide rivers, vast plains, arid deserts, dense tropical forests and palm-fringed beaches.
Location:
India is a state in southern Asia, which stretches from the peaks of the Karakoram in the north to Cape Kumari in the south, from the deserts of Rajasthan in the west to Bengal in the east. In the south, east and west, the country is washed by the Arabian, Laccadive and Bengal seas and the Bay of Bengal of the Indian Ocean. India borders on Pakistan in the west and northwest, in the north the Himalayas separate the state from China and Bhutan, in the northeast from Nepal and in the east from Bangladesh.
Story:
At the beginning III millennium BC In the Indus basin, one of the oldest civilizations on Earth arose - the Harappan culture, Mohenjo Daro, which existed until the middle of the 2nd millennium BC. In the VII-VI centuries. BC in the Ganges valley the states of Magadha, Kashi, Koshala and others arose. mass movement Aryan peoples from Western Asia to the Indo-Gangetic basin. Experts note the closeness of the ancient Aryan and Slavic cultures. This is evidenced by huge amount convergences in Sanskrit and Slavic languages. The villages were located along the banks of the rivers of the Indo-Gangetic basin and in the deltas of Kaveri, Krishna and Godavari, Mahanadi, and the Brahmaputra valley - places most favorable for agriculture. Moreover, between Dravidian South India and the zone of distribution of the Indo-European peoples of the Indo-Gangetic basin stretched the territory of Central India, inaccessible for agricultural development, which long time played the role of an “isolating space”. By the 13th century. In Hindustan, Muslim dynasties achieved political dominance, sometimes extending their influence as far as Madura in the extreme South. In the 16th century The Muslim dynasty of the Great Mongols (descendants of Timur) settled in Delhi, extending its power over the entire Hindu subcontinent. The Mongol Empire reached its greatest size under Aurangzeb (1658-1707), when it extended from Kabul to Kaveri. However, torn apart by internecine struggle, the huge state of the Mongols collapsed at the beginning of the 18th century. into separate warring principalities. With the discovery of Vasco da Gama, the sea route to India (1498), widespread penetration of Europeans began there. From the second half of the 18th century. direct colonial conquests of Europeans began. The British gained a foothold on the east coast in strategically important areas, where Calcutta and Madras later grew, and on west bank- Bombay. The English colonial conquest of India lasted about a century and ended in the middle of the 19th century. annexation of Punjab lands. It is characteristic that these areas, which fell under colonial rule later than others, retained the greatest prosperity. The powerful rise of the national liberation movement after the Second World War, which was led by outstanding political figures - Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and others, forced the British to part with their largest colony. In 1947, India achieved the declaration of complete political independence from Great Britain. The declaration of India as a republic and the adoption of the constitution on January 26, 1950 marked the complete liberation of the country. However, according to religious principles, the country was divided into two states: the Indian Union, inhabited mainly by adherents of Hinduism (Hindus), and Muslim Pakistan. Bengali national resistance led to the formation of the People's Republic of Bangladesh in 1971 in the east. India has tense relations with its western neighbor, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. In 1950 and 1971 There were armed conflicts between them. One of the main reasons for tension in relations between the two countries is the lack of agreement on the status of Kashmir. Relations between India and China are complicated by Chinese claims to the border areas of the state of Arunachal Pradesh in the far northeast of India. In 1959, the Dalai Lama, the Buddhist spiritual and secular leader of Tibet, and his many followers immigrated to India, which also left its mark on Indo-China relations.
Culture:
Indian civilization has been developing for more than 4500 years. These millennia were filled with struggle, ups and downs, which manifested themselves in the rise and fall of dynasties, in the spread, prosperity and decline of religious teachings; More and more new schools emerged in philosophy, architecture, sculpture, music and dance.
- The name “India” comes from the Indus River, which sheltered the very first settlements around it. The Aryans called the Indus River "Shindu".
- The Persians invaded the territory of India, after which the name “Hindustan” appeared, which comes from “Shindu” and “Indu”, and is one of the names of the lands of India.
- Interesting fact about medicine: Ayur Veda is the first school of medicine in human history. Ayur Veda appeared about 2500 years ago in India. Knowledge of anesthesia (pain relief) was available to doctors of ancient India.
- In ancient scriptures, evidence was found of the knowledge of the ancient civilization of India in anatomy, digestion, metabolism, physiology, etiology, genetics and the immune system.
- More than 5,000 years ago, the teaching of yoga originated in India.
- India has more post offices than any other country.
When is the best time to go:
The tourist season lasts from October to March, and the best months to travel around India are November and December.
Attractions:
In Delhi - Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, Jantar Mantar, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Qutab Minar, Indian Gate, Secretariat building, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, National Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art, J. Nehru Museum, Museum of National Crafts, zoo, Safdarjung's tomb, Great Mosque, Mughal Public Reception Hall, Rang Mahal Palace, Pearl Mosque, 12th century tower. Qutub Minare, a metal column that has not rusted for centuries, is one of the wonders of the world. In Bombay - St. John's Church, Prince of Wales Museum, St. Thomas Cathedral, Taraporeva La Aquarium, Museum of Western India, Victoria Gardens Park with a zoo, Kanheri Caves with bas-reliefs of the 2nd-9th centuries, several temples of the 7th century. The Malabar Hills are home to the picturesque Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park, Mahalaxmi Temple, Haji Ali Shrine and Mosque, Nehru Planetarium, Elephanta Islands, Krishnagiri Upavan National Park, Manori Beach, Monplaisir, Jogesh-vari Caves and a swimming pool.
The report on India 3rd class is summarized in this article. From it you will learn about a country with an ancient culture, rooted far into the abyss of millennia.
Message about India
India is one of the developed third world countries. India is located in the southern part of Eurasia on the Hindustan Peninsula. The country is washed by the Indian Ocean. It borders on the following countries: Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
When talking about India as the richest country, we do not mean the standard of living of the population, but rather its wealth of various natural resources. It is no coincidence that in colonial times India was called the “jewel in the crown of the British Empire.”
Capital of India- New Delhi.
This unique country ranks second in terms of population (1.326 million people), and seventh in area (3165.6 thousand km).
Climate of India predominantly subequatorial, monsoon. During the summer monsoon, 70-90% of precipitation falls, winter is dry and cool.
The nature of India is amazing. In just a few hours, you can move from the snows of the Himalayas to the tropics and numerous beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Relief of India quite diverse - from flat areas in the south of the country, to glaciers in the north, from the desert lands of the West to eastern tropical forests.
India is rich in mineral resources, the main part of which is located in the northeast of the state. Among them are iron ore, manganese ore, coal, bauxite, brown coal, magnesite, chromite, graphite, diamonds, mica, gold, ferrous metals, monocyte sands, uranium ores.
Rivers and lakes of India
The largest rivers are the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Koshi, Yamuna, Mahanadi, Godavari, Kaveri, Krishna, Tapti, Narmada. But there are few lakes in India, but they still exist - Lake Sambhar is the largest of them.
Population of India
The bulk of India's population lives in rural areas, with the urban population accounting for only 26%. The country's 12 million-plus cities are home to 25% of urban residents. Major cities-Millionaires of India– these are Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad. 13 million people live in Mumbai.
Industry of India
Industry India is concentrated in large cities and their suburbs. It represents an interweaving of old traditional industries: the production of metal, fabrics, processing of precious metals and stones - and the manufacture of new products: electronics, aviation equipment
Most of the country's population is employed in agriculture. Here grow rice, wheat, cotton, vegetables, peanuts, pepper and jute– a fibrous crop used to produce durable fabrics.
India is one of the world leaders in tea production, the main growing area of which is the humid regions in the west of the country. Due to religious traditions, animal husbandry has not received much development.
Flora and fauna of India
Hindustan Peninsula- this is an entire continent, the geographical and climatic uniqueness of which contributes to the prosperity of the animal and plant world. There are about 45 thousand plant species in India, and 15 thousand are found only there. Forests in India occupy almost 20% of the country's total area. Animal and plant life India is extremely diverse. There are 75 national parks and more than 420 nature reserves in the country.
Wild elephants and rhinoceroses can still be found in the forests of Arissa and Assam, and lions live in the Gir forests. In the jungle you can meet tigers, panthers, and monkeys. India is the only country where you can find almost all types of snakes, and some of them live not only in nature reserves, but also near people. The number of bird species found in India is huge, more than 1600 species. The richness of river and marine fauna is also great.
Sights of India
A short report about India can be completed with places worth visiting. These are the Taj Mahal, Hampi village, Avralem waterfall, Little Tibet, the city of Delhi, the Qutub Minar, the Mongolian tomb - Humayun's tomb, the Gandhi Smirti Museum, the national museum, the Crafts Museum, the Indira Gandhi Museum, the national gallery of modern art.
We hope that the report on the topic “India” helped you in preparing for classes, and you learned a lot of useful things about this country. And you can leave your message about India through the comment form.
India is a country of rich culture and history. While traveling around India, you can be transported to a completely different world of the East. And the excellent beaches with high level service and the beautiful sea provide an excellent opportunity to relax. India is a huge museum under open air, where everyone can touch thousand-year-old antiquity, see the world's masterpieces of architecture and in a few hours descend from the snow-capped Himalayas to the hot tropics, flying over those places where dozens of dynasties succeeded each other over thousands of years, each of which left its material mark on the giant triangle , falling down to the sea.
Come to India and you will see that this is a country of endless variety of fragrant aromas and colors that have no name yet, ancient traditions and refined forms, an endless variety of customs and languages. India, simple and great, will not leave anyone indifferent.
Geography
India is located in southern Asia on the Hindustan Peninsula between the headwaters of the Indus river system in Punjab in the west and the Ganges river system in the East. In the north, the country borders with China, Bhutan and Nepal, in the northwest with Pakistan, in the east with Myanmar and the People's Republic of Bangladesh. In the east, India is washed by the Bay of Bengal, in the west - Arabian Sea, in the south - the Indian Ocean. The length of India from north to south is about 3220 km, and from east to west - 2930 km. Land border India is 15,200 km, and sea is 6,083 km. Its area is 3287.3 thousand sq. km.
The natural conditions of India are very diverse. In general, 3 areas can be distinguished on its territory:
1) The Himalayas, located in northern India. Translated, the name Himalayas means “abode of snow.” The highest peak in the world is located here - Mount Qomolungma (Everest), which rises 8848 m above sea level. But its neighbors are not inferior to its older sister; a height of 5 - 6 thousand m is quite common in these areas. The Himalayas stretch from east to west (from the Brahmaputra River to the Indus River) for 2500 km with a width of 150 to 400 km. The Himalayas consist of three main mountain ranges: the Siwalik Mountains in the south (altitudes 800-1200 m), then the Lesser Himalayas (2500-3000 m) and the Greater Himalayas (5500-6000 m).
2) The Deccan Plateau on the Hindustan Peninsula with the adjacent coastal lowlands. The average height is 300 - 900 m. The Deccan is an arid hilly plateau, bounded on the west and east by the Western (higher) and Eastern Ghats mountains. The Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers flow through the Deccan plateau in the direction from West to East, which become very shallow in winter. It is interesting that, according to modern ideas, the Deccan Plateau was formed tens of millions of years ago as a result of “swelling” earth's surface from an asteroid impact from the opposite side of the globe in the Gulf of Mexico (it was this catastrophe that was likely the cause of the extinction of the dinosaurs).
3) The Indo-Gangetic Plain, which occupies the central and eastern part of India, its area is 319 thousand sq. km. Up to 250 million people live on the territory of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. This vast area extends parallel to the Himalayan ranges.
The main rivers in India are the Ganges (2510 km), Brahmaputra (2900 km), Indus (2879 km). They have a lot of water and are used for navigation. A characteristic phenomenon for northern territories countries are subject to floods during the melting of glaciers.
Time
In summer in India it is 1 hour 30 minutes more than in Moscow, and in winter it is 2 hours 30 minutes more.
Climate
India has a monsoon climate. 3 seasons: dry cold - from October to March (considered the best time to visit), dry hot - from April to June and humid hot - from July to September. The best time to travel in India depends on where you are going. The climate is accordingly very diverse. When the beach season just opens in Goa (on the Indian Ocean coast) (November), there is already snow in the Himalayas. On the other hand, July - August, when southern India is very hot and humid, is the best time to travel to Ladakh (a region lying on the Tibetan plateau behind the great Himalayan Range). In mountainous areas, air temperature and weather are highly dependent on altitude. To South and Central India, it is recommended to go in season from July to September (rainy, humid, warm + 25-30 * C) and from October to March (dry, cool + 20-25 * C), bad season from March to June (very hot, dry + 35-45*C).
Language
More than 200 dialects are spoken by the population of India. State languages are Hindi and English.
Religion
Almost all people living in India are deeply religious. Religion for Indians is a way of life, an everyday, special way of life. Hinduism is considered to be the main religious and ethical system of India. In terms of number of followers, Hinduism ranks leading place in Asia. This religion, which does not have any one founder and one fundamental text (there are many of them: the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and many others), originated so long ago that it is impossible to even determine its age, and spread throughout India and throughout many countries of Southeast Asia, and now, thanks to immigrants from India, who have settled everywhere - all over the world. Hinduism is professed by 83% of the total population of India, i.e. about 850 million people. Muslims in India are 11%.
One of the oldest religions in the world, Buddhism, originated in India in the fifth century BC. Buddhists believe that enlightenment, that is, liberation from suffering in the endless cycle of rebirth, can be achieved by every living being and especially by humans, since, according to Buddhism, everyone initially has the nature of Buddha. Unlike Hindus, Buddhists do not recognize castes. If you meet a person on the streets of India in a colorful turban with a thick, thick beard, you should know that he is a Sikh, that is, a follower of Sikhism, a faith that has absorbed and united Hinduism and Islam.
So, 80% of the population are Hindus, Muslims constitute a significant religious minority - 12%. The number of Christians reaches only 18 million. They are mainly Catholics and Protestants. There are also Orthodox parishes. Of the faiths born on Indian soil, Sikhism stands out, the number of followers of which exceeds 17 million. A small (about 200 thousand) but influential community of Parsi fire-worshippers is concentrated in Mumbai (formerly Bombay). In the coastal cities of Kerala you can meet followers of Judaism (about 6 thousand). About 26 thousand representatives of aboriginal tribes profess various pagan beliefs.
Population
As of 1999, India's population reached 1 billion. Average annual population growth decreased from 2.2% in the 1950-1980s to 1.7% in 1990-1998, but absolute indicators indicate an annual increase of approximately 20 million people. The average population density is 354 people per 1 sq. km, and the maximum is more than 750 people per 1 sq. km in West Bengal and Kerala. The most densely populated areas are the south-eastern and south-western coasts, the deltaic lowlands of the east and the Gangetic plain. The least populated areas are the highlands of Central India, the northeastern regions and the Himalayas. Approximately 65% of the country's population lives in 500 thousand villages. The intensification of migration processes has led over the past half century to the formation of such gigantic agglomerations as Mumbai (Bombay, 8 million people), Calcutta (5 million) and the union territory of Delhi, led by the capital of the same name (8 million people).
Electricity
The mains voltage in India is 220V.
Emergency numbers
Police - 100
Fire brigade - 101
Ambulance - 102
Connection
Mobile communications in India are expensive, we recommend purchasing a local SIM card and paying for calls using express payment cards (1 minute of conversation with Russia will cost about 1 dollar). The cost of a call from a hotel is three times more expensive than from a pay phone.
How to call Russia:
00+7 (Russian code)+city code (812 code of St. Petersburg) + phone number
How to call Goa:
8+10+91 (India code) +832 (Goa code)+ phone number.
Currency exchange
The Indian rupee is a fairly stable monetary unit. Its exchange rate is approximately 48 rupees per 1 US dollar. The import and export of Indian currency, as well as the exchange of currency by private individuals, is prohibited. You can exchange currency at the airport, at a bank or at certified exchange offices. Be sure to keep your currency exchange certificates. They will need to be handed in when checking in for your flight at the airport. Banks are open mainly on weekdays from 10.00 to 14.00, and on Saturdays from 10.00 to 12.00. In addition, there are a considerable number of exchange offices operating in shops, jewelry stores, and hotels. It is recommended to make the exchange exclusively in banks, since in all other cases there may be miscalculation, hidden commissions and other surprises. You should not exchange money where a taxi driver, a casual acquaintance, or a hotel administrator urgently invites you - in all the mentioned cases, he will claim a fee that the tourist will unwittingly pay, changing money at an inconvenient rate. In banks, all these things are excluded. You can exchange currency at the airport, at a bank (passport required) or at certified exchange offices. When exchanging, you must take a receipt that allows you to exchange money back when leaving the country (but not more than 25% of the officially exchanged amount). It is best to import dollars: the currencies of other countries are not exchanged in all banks and at a less favorable rate.
Visa
Citizens of Russia, just like citizens of most other countries in the world, require a visa to enter India. Since 2015, the so-called electronic visa to India has been introduced, which can be obtained via the Internet. In urgent cases, you can obtain a visa on arrival in Goa, but immigration services are very reluctant to make concessions, so it is better to obtain visas in advance from the Indian Embassy in Moscow or from the Indian Consulates General in St. Petersburg and Vladivostok.
The Tourist e-Visa is intended for persons whose purpose of visit is tourism or visiting friends or relatives who are Indian citizens. A visa is issued for one or more entries.
A transit visa is issued to persons whose purpose of travel is transit through Indian territory to third countries.
A business visa is intended for those who are going to visit India at the invitation of business partners.
Student visa is for persons enrolled in officially registered educational institutions in India. A visa can be issued only upon presentation of a written invitation from the university.
Visa for studying yoga, Vedic culture, Indian music theory, dance, etc. issued to citizens to take a course in yoga, Vedic culture, theory of Indian music, dance, etc. in officially recognized Indian educational institutions. Issued upon presentation of a letter of acceptance from a specific educational institution.
Customs regulations
The “Green Corridor” is intended for persons importing goods that are not subject to customs duties and taxes. “Red Corridor” - for persons importing goods in respect of which customs duties must be paid or in respect of which any prohibitions and restrictions apply.
However, all passengers fill out a declaration for their imported baggage; persons who have chosen the “green channel” must deposit with the customs officer the part of the passenger information card related to customs clearance before the person leaves the checkpoint. Written declaration of foreign means of payment is made in the following cases: the total amount of imported foreign currency exceeds 5,000 US dollars; the total amount of imported means of payment exceeds 10,000 US dollars.
In the event that a person moves goods through the “green corridor” in respect of which customs duties must be paid or for which any prohibitions and restrictions apply, liability measures will be applied to the person, including confiscation of the goods. The movement of narcotic and psychotropic substances is a serious crime and is punishable by imprisonment.
The import of foreign currency is not limited; cash amounts over $5 thousand and non-cash amounts over $10 thousand are declared. The export of foreign currency is permitted up to the amount declared in the entry declaration. The import and export of national currency is prohibited. Persons over the age of 17 years are allowed duty-free import of: cigarettes - up to 200 pieces or cigars - up to 50 pieces, or tobacco - up to 250 g, alcoholic beverages - up to 2 liters, up to 60 ml of perfume and up to 250 ml of eau de toilette. Household audio, photo and video equipment, musical instruments, medicines, sports equipment, jewelry, food, household items and items are imported duty-free only within the limits of personal needs. These rules apply only to persons whose stay in India is at least 24 hours and no more than 6 months, and they cross the country’s border no more than once a month.
Holidays and non-working days
There are a lot of holidays in India, both public and religious. Almost every day is some kind of holiday. The main public holidays in India are:
January 1 - New Year
January 26 - Republic Day (on this day the Constitution of India was adopted)
March 8, as in Russia, is Women's Day
August 15 - Independence Day (on this day in 1947, India gained independence from Great Britain)
August 20 - Rajiv Gandhi's birthday
October 2 is Gandhi Jayanti, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.
November 19 - Indira Gandhi's birthday
Among the religious holidays, the following can be identified as the main ones. 
In March - April, followers of Jainism celebrate the birthday of the founder of this religion, Mahavira. This festival is called Mahavir Jayanti.
In April - May (on the first day of the month of Baisak), followers of Sikhism celebrate their main holiday - Baisak.
Buddha Jayanti - Buddha's birthday is celebrated in the second half of April - the first half of May.
The main holiday of the Parsis (Indian fire worshipers) is Khordad Sal - the birthday of the prophet Zarathustra.
In February - March, Hindus celebrate the spring festival Holi.
In April - May, Id-ul-Azkha (Id-ul-Zukha, Bakr-id) is celebrated. This is the holiday of sacrifice - one of the two main holidays of Muslims.
August-September - Janmashtami - Krishna's birthday.
In September - October, Dashahra (Dussehra, Dussehra, Durga Puja), the day of worship of Devi, is celebrated. This is one of the most popular holidays.
Diwali (Deepavali, Bandi Khor Diwas) is celebrated in October - November. This is the Festival of Lights and the Goddess of Prosperity, Diwali, one of the most popular folk festivals and the last day of the year according to the Hindu calendar.
Transport
India has a well-developed network of international air transport carried out by Air India and other airlines. Indian Airlines provides flights on domestic routes and to nearby countries. In addition to air, there are sea and land routes of communication with countries. There are 4 largest airports in India: Chenai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bombay, of which two are international - Delhi and Bombay.
India's international rail network is the largest in Asia and the second largest in the world. It consists of 62,300 km of rails, more than 7,030 railway stations and more than 11,200 locomotives. The fare is relatively inexpensive. A large number of express trains connect major cities. Where the train service is interrupted, you can get from station to station by bus. Categories of travel are different, starting with the most expensive 1st class with air conditioning (the ticket price is comparable to the cost of travel of a similar class in other countries), and ending with the cheapest option - a general carriage with a ticket without a seat. There are also air-conditioned sleeping carriages with two-berth compartments, as well as air-conditioned seating carriages (both II class); There are II class carriages with fans.
Within India there is an extensive network of bus routes connecting all parts of the country. This is especially true for those areas where there is no railway connection, in particular for high mountain areas. Older buses run on most rural roads, but air-conditioned express buses are increasingly appearing on main roads. On many routes, even local ones, tickets can be booked in advance. The bulk of luggage is transported on the roof of the bus, so suitcases must be locked and checked during stops.
The main seaports are Mumbai (Bombay), Kolkata, Cochin, Chennai (Madras), Calicut, Panaji (Goa) and Rameswaram. Apart from river ferries, water transport in India is rather poorly developed. Steamship services exist between Port Blair (Andaman Islands) and with Calcutta and Madras (mostly operating only during the tourist season), as well as between Calcutta and Madras. Luxurious water communication established between Cochin and Lakshadweep. In Kerala, regular passenger ships operate along the coast, with several services linking Allappuja and Kovalam (formerly Alleppey and Quilon), including the popular paddle steamer service. There is a catamaran service between Bombay and Goa.
Tips
Tipping in hotels and restaurants is usually around 10%. In hotels, they are usually included in the bill, but usually an additional 2-3 rupees are left for the maids, and from 2 to 5 rupees for the porter and receptionist. Tipping in India is considered not only as gratitude for the service provided, but also as a soft transition from the sphere of buyer-seller relations to a more friendly attitude.
Stores
India is a shopping paradise. Prices here are low, and bargaining is common. Silver products, souvenirs made of sandalwood, bronze, Kashmiri carpets, silk shawls, and Indian tea are very popular. When purchasing jewelry, you must require a quality certificate; only with such a document can you return or exchange the purchased product. When purchasing souvenirs on the street or taking photographs with exotic animals, it is better to conduct all negotiations through a guide. So, at least you can count on a reasonable price. In Delhi, thousands of retail outlets and traditional oriental markets are located in the areas of Baba Kharak Singh, Chandni Chowk, Koniat Place, Hari Baoli, south of the University, near Lahore Gate, Urdu Bazaar, etc. Here you can buy almost everything, and the famous atmosphere of the oriental bazaar gives such purchases a special charm. When visiting Bombay, it's worth taking a stroll through the narrow, winding neighborhoods of Kalbadevi, north of Crawford Market, where the colorful markets of Zaveri Bazar, Mangaldas Market, Dabu and Khor Bazar ("thieves' market") follow each other.
National cuisine
The unforgettable aroma of India is not only the thick scent of jasmine and rose. It is also the subtle aroma of spices that occupy an important place in Indian dishes, especially curries. The name of this seasoning comes from the Indian word “kari” (sauce), but here it is not found in the form of powder familiar to residents of other countries. It is a subtle and delicate blend of spices such as turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and poppy. Like paints on an artist’s palette, the Indian cook keeps on hand about 25 spices, always freshly ground, from which he creates his unique flavor bouquet. Many spices also have medicinal properties. Each region has its own favorite spices and their combinations. Although not all Indians are vegetarians, you will eat more vegetable dishes here than at home. Vegetables in India are cheap, varied, abundant and always deliciously prepared.
The West Coast offers a wide selection of fish and seafood. Bombay duck (curried or fried bomnlo fish) and licorice fish (Indian salmon) are just two names on the extensive menu. Fish is also present in Bengali cuisine, such as dahi maach (fish curry in yogurt flavored with ginger) and mailai (prawn curry with coconut).
Meat dishes are more common in the north: rogan josh (lamb curry), gushtaba (spicy meatballs in yogurt) and delicious biriyani (chicken or lamb with rice and orange sauce). The taste of Mughlai dishes is rich and rich, they are generously seasoned with spices and sprinkled with nuts and saffron. The famous tandoori (chicken, meat or fish marinated with herbs and baked in a clay oven) and kebab come from the northern regions.
In the south, curries are mostly vegetable and quite spicy. Traditional recipes include bhujia (vegetable curry), dosa, idli and samba (rice cakes, pickle-filled dumplings and curried lentils) and raita (yogurt with grated cucumber and mint). The main ingredient of South Indian cuisine is coconut. In the south, rice is mandatory, while in the north it is often supplemented or replaced with a variety of unleavened flatbreads - puri, chappati, nan and others.
Common throughout India are dal (lentil soup with vegetables) and dhai (yogurt or yoghurt served with curry). In addition to the fact that this is a very tasty dish, in the heat it is more refreshing than drinks.
Sweets are mainly served with milk puddings, cookies and pancakes. Throughout India, kulfi (Indian ice cream), rasgulla (curd balls flavored with rose water), gulab jamun (flour, yogurt and grated almonds) and jalebi (fritters in syrup) are common. In addition to an excellent selection of sweets, you will always be offered fruits: mangoes, pomegranates, melons, apricots, apples and strawberries. Western groceries are sold in many cities. To improve digestion, it is customary to end the meal by chewing pan. Pan is betel leaves wrapped in anise and cardamom seeds. Another custom is to eat with your fingers, but (don’t forget!) only with your right hand.
Tourists with conservative tastes will always find dishes from almost any country in the world in cities. Tea is a favorite drink of Indians and many varieties are popular around the world. It is often served with sugar and milk, but you can also order “tea on a tray.” Coffee is growing in popularity. Nimbu pani (lemon drink), lassi (ice milk) and coconut milk straight from the nut are pleasantly refreshing. Sparkling water, often with syrup, and Western spirits are available everywhere. Indian beers and gins are as good as the world's best, and are also inexpensive. Remember that liquor permits are required in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
Attractions
Agra located 204 km from Delhi in the Ganges Valley on the western bank of the Yamuna River. Even Delhi, the thousand-year-old capital of numerous kings and emperors, cannot boast of such a generous architectural and cultural heritage that Agra inherited from the golden age of the great Mughals. Notable are the Tomb of Itemad-ud-Daula and Akbar's Tomb in Sikandra. The tomb of Itemad-ud-Daula stands in the center of the Persian Park, striking with the elegance of its lines and careful decoration. Norjahan, the brilliant wife of Jahangir, built it for her parents. The small tomb on the outskirts of the Taj Mahal remarkably reflects the taste and intelligence of the gifted empress. Warm tones of yellow marble contrast with white and black patterns, while openwork marble panels and rich mosaics of gems are feminine and delightful. Named after the Afghan ruler Sikander Lodi, Sikandra is better known as the final resting place of Akbar. The emperor began the construction of his own memorial - a red sandstone mausoleum in the middle of the chahar bagh, a park with a square layout - during his lifetime. The entrance, magnificently decorated with marble mosaics, leads to a spacious open structure topped by a tomb with carved panels at the fifth floor level. They were added to the appearance of the mausoleum by Shahjahan after the death of his father.
Capital city of India Delhi and surrounding areas occupy a total of about 1500 square meters. km and constitute the National Capital Territory of Delhi, administered by the territorial government as well as the City Hall of Old Delhi and the New Delhi Municipal Corporation. According to the country's Constitution, the capital of India is officially called New Delhi, although in everyday speech not only in India, but also in other countries, the abbreviated name is retained - Delhi. Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in the old city. Three large gates, four corner towers and two tall minarets made of red sandstone and white marble created a magnificent ensemble. The eastern gate was opened only for the emperor. Worshipers enter the mosque through the northern and southern gates. The mosque's courtyard can accommodate 25 thousand people. Qutab Minar is a complex of buildings that began to be built from the moment Muslims settled in India and to this day is a perfectly preserved example of early Afghan architecture. The Qutab Minar, which gives the entire complex its name, is a minaret erected after the Muslim victory over the Hindu kingdom in Delhi in 1193. Not far from the minaret, in the courtyard of the Quwwat al-Islam mosque, there is the so-called Iron Pillar - a column made of iron is very high purity, 7 meters high.
IN Panaji There are many places of interest. Like most cities in Goa, the center of Panaji is the square with the church. The beautiful staircase with a white balustrade in front of the Church of the Immaculate Conception seems to increase the proportions of the Baroque façade that dominates the square. The church was built in 1541, and initially served as a “lighthouse” for sailors arriving after long voyage from Lisbon. Other architectural monuments of Panaji include the Largo da Igreja architectural ensemble, the Chapel of St. Sebastian and the Secretariat building. Panaji is also famous for the statue of Abbot Faria, which has already become a symbol of the city. This famous hypnotist, made famous by Alexandre Dumas' novel The Count of Monte Cristo, was born in Candolim in 1756, emigrated to France in his youth, was a professor at the University of Marseille and ended his days at the Château d'If.
Modern Bombay has preserved numerous traces of the past, in particular its architecture is very diverse. Along with ancient Victorian-style mansions, buildings of the most modern trends and styles can be found here. The southern part of the city is built up with spectacular high-rise buildings- offices of the largest companies, luxury hotels, residential buildings. This part of the city is sometimes called "Indian Manhattan". On the Malabar Hill is the building of the former residence of British government offices - Raj Bhavan. The very top of the hill is a huge water reservoir, built to supply water to the entire southern Bombay. On the roof of this reservoir, the so-called “hanging gardens” are built on bulk soil, which are officially called “Gardens named after. Ferozshah Mehta" - one of the leaders of the national liberation movement. The bushes in these gardens are trimmed in the shape of various animals. Directly opposite the “hanging gardens” there is a very popular “culture and recreation park” in Bombay. Kamala Nehru. Next to the “hanging gardens”, being well covered by the dense foliage of numerous trees, there are the so-called “towers of silence”, belonging to the Parsis (immigrants from Persia) - followers of the Zoroastrianism religion. These “towers of silence” were built to perform the Parsi burial rite. At almost the very foot of the Malabar Hill on the side opposite Chowpatty, there is the famous Hindu temple of Mahalakshmi, dedicated to the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Bombay's attractions also include the Muslim Haji Ali Mosque, the Planetarium. Nehru Zoo, a museum telling the history of Bombay, the Prince of Wales Museum, Bombay University, topped by a clock tower vaguely reminiscent of Big Ben in London, the old City Hall - now home to the Asiatic Society with its extensive library, the old Mint building, Taraporewala Aquarium, Kanheri Caves in the National Park.
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, home to the Rajput group of warrior clans who controlled this part of India for more than 1,000 years. Jaipur owes its name to its founder, the great warrior and astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743). The city and the fort were built in accordance with the canons of ancient Indian architecture, which included the rectangular arrangement of the blocks. Jaipur is also called the “pink city” because of the color of most of the buildings in the old city. The fort-palace of Amber is located 11 km north of Jaipur. Behind the stern and austere facade lies a heavenly interior in which the Mughal and Hindu styles are combined in their highest embodiment.
Resorts
State Goa located in southeast India. This small piece of land consists almost entirely of beaches unspoiled by civilization. 40 beaches stretch for more than 100 km along the coast of the Arabian Sea. Not all are equipped for swimming. Goa is divided into North and South parts. Fort Aguada is considered the border. The southern beaches are sandy, clean, and designed (like hotels) for wealthy vacationers. The sea is warm and calm. Poor tourists - students, hippies, musicians - prefer to stay in the north. The beaches host 24-hour discos, a lot of shops, eateries, and noisy bazaars. All beaches are municipal, but those sections of the beach that are assigned to specific hotels are protected. Use of beaches and equipment is free. Tiracol- the northernmost beach of Goa and, most likely, the wildest and untouched by civilization. Anjuna- the most photographed beach in Goa. This means that you will not find privacy here. Exotic lovers come here from everywhere. Night raves are also held here during the full moon. You should be wary of petty thieves and drug dealers. A gorgeous sandy beach lying under the walls of an ancient Portuguese fort Aguada, opens a strip of beaches in South Goa. Luxury hotels and the Taj tourist village are available for vacationers. The beach is clean, well maintained and well equipped.
State Kerala might not be called the most popular, since there are a lot of swamps, but the entire 900-kilometer coast of the state consists of sandy beaches, rocky promenades and lush growth of coconut palms. So tourists, no matter what, come here again and again. Kerala is the most idyllic Indian state and is also called God's Personal Country. Mesmerizing waterfalls, dense tropical jungles, exotic animals, ancient monuments, festivals and national holidays - all this creates a special flavor. Kerala is also the most socially developed state, with the lowest infant mortality rate, the cleanest and the most peaceful.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a unique island state of India. There are not many resorts here, although the beaches surround the islands almost entirely. The wonderful climate, rich vegetation and privacy attract lovers of a quiet, “eco-friendly” holiday away from the crowds and city noise. In addition, this is a closed area, territory national reserves, to visit which you need to obtain a separate permit. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are actually an entire archipelago of 572 small islands with a total area of 8249 sq. km. Only 36 of them are inhabited. The islands separate the Bay of Bengal from the Andaman Sea. Climate - tropical, minimum temperature +23 C, maximum +31 C. humidity - 70-90%. The best time to visit is October-May. From May to mid-September, and from November to mid-December is the rainy season. At the end of summer, severe storms are common, causing serious damage.
Port Blair- state capital. Here is the main diving center, a water entertainment complex, a fishing club, snookering and trekking centers, the Anthropological Museum, the Forest Museum, the Maritime Museum and the historical Cellular Prison building, now converted into a National Memorial.
State Andhra Pradesh called Kohinoor of India. Some of the country's most picturesque beaches are located here. Coastline stretches for almost 1000 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal. The beaches are clean, sandy, and not too crowded.
The state of India is located in South Asia. It borders with Burma and Bangladesh in the east, with China, Nepal, Bhutan and Afghanistan in the north, with Pakistan in the west.
On the southern side it is washed by the Palk Strait and, on the eastern side by the Bay of Bengal, and on the western side by the Arabian Sea.
Today, India partly consists of 
territories of Kashmir and Jammu, which are disputed by Pakistan. The country's area is 3,165,596 square kilometers.
India can be roughly divided into 4 regions: the northern river valleys, the Himalayas, the Western and Eastern Ghats, and the Deccan plateau.
The Himalayas are the highest mountain system in the world with a width ranging from 160 to 320 kilometers, which stretches along the eastern and northern borders for 2400 km.
The highest mountain peaks that are entirely or partially located in India:
- 8598 m – Kanchendzhanga;
- 8126 m – Nanga Parabat;
- 7817 m – Nanda Devi;
- 7788 m – Rakaposhi;
- 7756 m – Kamet.
Parallel to the Himalayas in the south is the region of the northern river valleys - this region is a flat strip reaching a width of 400 km. This region took most of flat region through which the Brahmaputra, Ganges and Indus flow. Western and central India receives water from the Ganges and the Ganges Valley (its tributaries).
The Brahmaputra flows into Bangladesh and originates in the northern Himalayas– it is from this that the Assam region receives water. The Indus flows into Pakistan, originating in Tibet.
The region of the northern river valleys is the most populated region of the country, and this is due to its fertile lands and abundance of water. It was in this region that Indian civilization began.
The Deccan plateau, which has triangular shape, is located south of this region and occupies almost the entire area of the Indian Peninsula. The height of this plateau varies from 300 m to 900 m, but sometimes you can find chains with a height of up to 1200 m. The plateau is crossed in many places by rivers. From the west and east, the plateau is framed by the Western Ghats (rising to a height of up to 900 m) and the Eastern Ghats (rising to a height of up to 460 m).
As of 1998, India's population is estimated to be over 984 million, with an average population density per square kilometer of 311.
Ethnic groups:
If we talk about India as a whole, more than 1,600 languages and dialects are used in this country.
Religion:
- 80% are Hindus;
- 14 percent are Muslim;
- 2.4 percent are people of Christian religion;
- 2% are Sikhs;
- 0,7% — ;
- 0,5% .
The capital of India is New Delhi
The largest cities in the country with their population:
- About 10 million people - ;
- More than 7 million people - ;
- 4.4 million people - Kolkata ()
- 4.2 million people - Hyderabad;
- 4.1 million people - Bangalore;
- 3.8 million people - Madras;
- Another 12 cities have a population of more than 1 million people.
Indian government - federal republic . The monetary unit is the Indian rupee. The average life expectancy for both men and women is 60 years. The mortality rate per thousand people is 8.7, the birth rate per thousand people is 25.9.
India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Until the middle of the 3rd century BC, the Dravidian civilization successfully developed on the territory of India, which was not only not inferior, but even in some respects superior to the civilizations of Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt.
Between 2500 and 1500 BC, Indo-Aryan tribes conquered India, displacing the Dravidians.
Various kingdoms, predominantly with Hinduism at the head of the religious factor, developed on the territory of this country until the 8th century AD. Afterwards, Muslim conquerors brought Islam to the country. Muslim rule continued until 1398 in the largest part of India, until the arrival of Tamerlane's armies into the country. However, the Mongols did not stay in India for long and soon left the country, so that until the end of the first quarter of the 16th century, India was ruled by the Muslim dynasties of the Saids and Tughluks.
Babur, a descendant of Tamerlane, conquered almost all of India in 1526 and founded the Great Mongols Empire on its territory, which lasted until 1857.
The Portuguese established several trading posts on the coast in 1498-1503, and their example was immediately followed by the British and Dutch. In 1603, the British East India Company gained textile and spice trading rights from the Mongols, and as a result of sound trade policies, the British gained political influence in much of India.
In 1828-1935, the UK took over complete political leadership, and India became a British protectorate in 1857.
Gaining independence
India gained independence on August 15, 1847, but the country was divided into two - Pakistan (later Bangladesh separated from it) and modern India along religious lines.
There is still a conflict between India and Pakistan, which began back in 1947 (at first the conflict had an open form, now it is more hidden). The conflict concerns the issue of ownership of the territories of Kashmir and Jammu, which are separated by a state border and are located in both states (two thirds of the territory belongs to India, one third to Pakistan).
India is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations, UNESCO, the World Bank, the IMF, and the UN.
Climate of India
Due to the size of the country and regions differing in topography, the climate varies widely. India, with the exception of the mountainous regions, has a tropical climate with two seasons - dry and wet, lasting from June to September. At this time, the monsoons bring heavy rains (up to 10,800 mm per year in the Khasi Hills region). The hot season begins in March and reaches its peak in May. At this time, the thermometer can rise to 49 degrees Celsius.
In Kolkata, the air temperature in January ranges from 13 to 27 degrees, and in July rises to 32 degrees. In Madras, the thermometer in January shows from 19 to 29 degrees, and in July up to 36 degrees. In Bombay, January is 19-28 degrees, July is 26-36 degrees.
Flora
The arid regions that border Pakistan boast only fairly sparse vegetation. Palm and bamboo grow in some areas.
The Ganges Valley is rich in a wide variety of vegetation types, because it receives quite a significant amount of rainfall. The most vegetation is located in the southern part of the region, with many hardwood trees and mangroves.
In the northwest of the Himalayas there are dense coniferous forests, and in the east of the region there are subtropical forests. The slopes of the Western Ghats and the coastal region of southwest India are rich in dense tropical forests - teak, bamboo and other evergreen trees grow here.
The Deccan Plateau has sparse vegetation, but forests with deciduous trees, bamboo and palm trees can be found here.
Fauna of India
Representatives of felines: panther, tiger, snow leopard, leopard, clouded leopard, cheetah. Other large mammals include rhinoceros, Indian elephant, antelope, wolf, jackal, buffalo, black bear, deer and several species of monkeys.
There are quite a lot of mountain goats in mountainous areas. India is especially rich in poisonous snakes, such as the scalefish, cobra and others. Reptiles also include crocodiles and pythons. Among the many birds, especially noteworthy are the heron, peacock, kingfisher and parrots.
Museums and reserves
There are more than 460 different museums in India, among which the main ones are the Madras museums - the National Art Gallery and the Government Museum. In Varnassi - the Sarnath Museum, in New Delhi - the National Museum. In Bombay - the Museum of Western India, in Calcutta - the Birla Technological Museum, the Museum of India.
In addition to museums, India is rich in architectural and historical monuments. In Calcutta, in the Maidan Park there is a Victoria Memorial, in the same city there is a botanical garden and St. Paul's Cathedral. There are several Hindu temples in New Delhi, among which the main ones are Lakshminarasi and Balkesh. In Agra - Pearl Mosque, Marble Mausoleum Jahangri Mahal.
Varanasi has 1,500 temples, including the Golden Temple. In Bombay - Kanheri caves with rock bas-reliefs, Victoria Gardens Park (it houses a zoo). In Delhi - the Great Mosque, the Red Fort, the Rang Mahal Palace, the Public Reception Hall of the Great Mongols.
In Patna there are many Sikh temples and a mosque built in 1499. In Armitsar there is the Golden Temple, which is surrounded by a reservoir of immortality (Sikhs bathe in it to gain spiritual purification).
