India
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| India | |
|---|---|
 Government of India · Public domain · source | |
| Conventional long name | Republic of India |
| Capital | New Delhi |
| Largest city | Mumbai |
| Official languages | Hindi, English |
| Government type | Federal parliamentary republic |
| Leader title1 | President |
| Leader name1 | Droupadi Murmu |
| Leader title2 | Prime Minister |
| Leader name2 | Narendra Modi |
| Legislature | Parliament |
| Upper house | Rajya Sabha |
| Lower house | Lok Sabha |
| Judiciary | Supreme Court of India |
India. Officially the Republic of India, it is a vast and diverse nation in South Asia, renowned for its ancient civilizations and modern dynamism. Bounded by the Himalayas in the north and the Indian Ocean to the south, it shares significant borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. As the world's most populous democracy, its political life is centered in New Delhi, while its economic powerhouse is the financial capital of Mumbai.
History
The subcontinent is one of the world's oldest inhabited regions, with early urban centers like those of the Indus Valley Civilization at Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. Subsequent millennia saw the rise of major empires, including the Maurya Empire under Ashoka and the Gupta Empire, a golden age of Sanskrit literature and science. The Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire, founded by Babur, established powerful Islamic rule, leaving architectural legacies like the Taj Mahal. European trade, led by the British East India Company after the Battle of Plassey, evolved into colonial rule under the British Raj. The independence movement, spearheaded by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, culminated in independence and partition in 1947. Post-independence history has been shaped by events like the Indo-Pakistani wars, the Green Revolution, and economic liberalization in 1991.
Geography
Encompassing a wide variety of ecosystems, the country's northern frontier is dominated by the high peaks of the Himalayas, including Kanchenjunga. The fertile Indo-Gangetic Plain, watered by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Yamuna rivers, is its agricultural heartland. To the southwest lies the arid Thar Desert, while the peninsular south is defined by the Deccan Plateau, flanked by the coastal ranges of the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. Major coastlines include the Arabian Sea in the west and the Bay of Bengal in the east, with island territories such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Key urban centers beyond the capital include Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
Government and politics
It operates as a federal parliamentary democratic republic, with a constitution that is one of the world's longest. The head of state is the President, while executive power is vested in the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. The bicameral Parliament consists of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People). The Supreme Court of India heads an independent judiciary. The political landscape has long been dominated by the Indian National Congress and, in recent decades, the Bharatiya Janata Party. The structure includes 28 states, such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Kerala, and 8 union territories, including Delhi and Puducherry.
Economy
With a rapidly growing mixed economy, it is among the world's largest by nominal GDP. Major sectors include information technology, with hubs in Bangalore and Hyderabad, telecommunications led by companies like Reliance Industries, and a massive agricultural sector producing rice, wheat, and cotton. The Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India are key financial institutions. Significant industrial and manufacturing corridors are developing, such as the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project. The service sector is a major contributor, encompassing software exports, banking, and tourism. Key public sector undertakings include Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and Steel Authority of India Limited.
Demographics
It is the second-most populous country, with immense linguistic, ethnic, and religious diversity. Hindi is the most widely spoken language, but the constitution recognizes 22 official languages, including Bengali, Telugu, and Tamil. Major religious groups include Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The population is distributed across vast metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, as well as numerous villages. Social structure has been historically influenced by the caste system, with ongoing reforms and affirmative action policies. Education and research are spearheaded by institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology and the University of Calcutta.
Culture
The cultural heritage is profoundly ancient and diverse, with roots in Sanskrit texts like the Vedas and epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Classical dance forms include Bharatanatyam and Kathak, while music traditions encompass Hindustani classical music and Carnatic music. The film industry, centered on Bollywood in Mumbai, is globally influential. Architectural marvels span from the rock-cut temples of Ellora Caves to the colonial buildings of Victoria Memorial. Cuisine varies dramatically by region, with famous dishes originating from Punjab, Kerala, and West Bengal. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Eid al-Fitr are celebrated nationwide. Modern cultural figures include author Arundhati Roy and filmmaker Satyajit Ray.