Mysterious and amazing India… One of the oldest civilizations existed in its vastness, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and Hinduism were born. In this article we will talk about the structure of this country. Consider the national-territorial division of India, as well as tell about the main attractions and holidays.
Republic of India. Government type
India fought for its independence for a long time, being a British colony. In this regard, the question often arises: "India - a monarchy or a republic?". Conquered in the 18th century, the country gained independence only in 1947. Since then, the state has taken a course towards democratic development and the active development of the country as a whole.
India is a republic, a federal state, which is defined by the constitution as a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic. The president is at the head of the state. India is a parliamentary republic with two chambers, represented by the Council of States (upper house) andHouse of the People (lower house).
The states and territories represent the national-territorial division of the Republic of India. So, in the state there are 29 states that have their own executive and legislative authorities. The national-territorial division of India also implies the existence of territories. In total, there are 7 territories in the country, which are actually represented by six territories and one metropolitan area of Delhi. They are run by the central government of India.
Population and language of India
The Republic of India, with a population of one sixth of the world's population, is one of the most multinational countries. The country is home to about 1.30 billion people, and researchers predict that it will soon overtake China in terms of population.
Hindi is the state language and the most widely spoken, it is spoken by more than 40% of the population. Other popular languages are English, Punjabi, Urdu, Gunjarti, Bengali, Telugu, Kannadi, etc. Indian states have their own official languages.
The majority of the population professes Hinduism (almost 80%), followed by Islam, followed by the Christian religion, Sikhism and Buddhism.
India has a high unemployment rate. With more than a billion inhabitants, there are only 500 million economically active people About 70% are in agriculture and forestry, and almost half of the people living in cities are employed in the service sector.
Ancient states and society
Protostates formed onthe territory of India as early as the 1st millennium BC, eventually transforming into more confident state formations with a monarchical system of government. However, along with the monarchy, various sources often mention the parallel existence of Indian republics.
The republics of ancient India are sometimes called kshatriya or oligarchic republics. They often fought with monarchies for the supremacy of power. Power in the republics was not hereditary, and elected rulers could be removed in case of dissatisfaction with their work.
Even then in the republics there was a social division of society into castes, leaving a deep mark on the history of the state of India (caste division is still preserved in the villages). Representatives of the oligarchy, who bore the title of "raja", had the greatest privileges in society. To obtain the title, it was necessary to go through a special sacred rite.
Interestingly, the highest caste was originally considered the Brahmins - the clergy. In monarchies, this custom was preserved. Kshatriyas are warriors, guards, and in all cultures they usually took second, if not third place, after high-ranking persons. In the ancient Indian republics, the kshatriyas fought the brahmins for their supremacy, and sometimes forced the brahmins to obey them.
Indian castes
Modern Indian society still honors old traditions. The social division that developed in ancient times is still in effect today. The inhabitants of India are subject to conditional laws that are prescribed separately for each caste, now they are called varnas.
BThere are four main varnas in India. The highest rung, as in the ancient monarchies, is occupied by the Brahmins. Previously, they were clergymen, and at present, they teach in temples, devote themselves to spiritual development and educate the population. They are not allowed to work and eat food prepared by people belonging to another caste.
Kshatriyas are one step lower. Usually they occupy administrative posts or associate themselves with military affairs. Women from this caste are forbidden to marry a man who is lower in rank. This prohibition does not apply to men.
Vaishyas have long been farmers and merchants. In modern Indian society, they have changed their occupation too much. Now vaishyas can hold positions related to finances.
The most dirty work has always been for the Shudras. As a rule, these were peasants and slaves. They now represent the poorest segment of the population living in the slums.
Another caste is called "untouchables", which includes all outcasts. They, on the social level, are even lower than the Shudras. The untouchables, already within the caste, are divided into separate groups. For example, there is a group that includes gays, bisexuals, hermaphrodites. Such people often entertain members of other castes at various festivals.
The only people who do not belong to any caste and are truly considered outcasts are pariahs - those who are born from people from different castes. They are not allowed to appear in stores, on public transport.
Republic of India attractions
Most famousthe place, of course, is the Taj Mahal - a marble mausoleum, which, according to legend, an Indian ruler built in memory of his beloved wife. Snow-white domes, intricate patterns, walls decorated with precious stones and murals, a park with an amazing gallery column.
However, this is not all that the Republic of India can boast of. The sights of this country include both various architectural structures and natural beauties. For example, the Dudhsagar waterfall, which is considered the largest in India. It is located in the foothills of the Western Ghats and is surrounded by unique landscapes.
Indian cities also open up many interesting objects. In Delhi, there is a fortification Red Fort, built in a special style and laid the foundation for Mughal architecture.
In Mumbai, you can wander around the pavilions of Bollywood - the main platform of the Indian film industry. You can walk along the streets of the "pink city" in Jaipur. The Maharaja's palace and the Amber Fort are also located here.
In the city of Kolkata, in addition to the famous Kali temple, there is the largest zoo in India and the Indian Museum.
Traces of antiquity
Many objects originated long before the advent of the modern Republic of India. The world's first stupa is located in Madhya Pradesh. The Sanchi Stupa was built in the 3rd century BC, and the rest of the stupas were built in its image. The stupa is a monument of early Buddhist architecture, every detail of it is symbolic. The foundation means the earth and people, and the hemisphere means the gods.
Among the ancientsattractions are cave temples in Maharashtra. They were carved over several centuries by Buddhist monks, starting from the 2nd century BC. There are about 30 stone caves in Ellora.
The Hampi temple on the site of the ancient city of Vijayanagara, is mentioned in the Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic. This place is often called the Forsaken City. The temple is still active today. It is located among high hills, consisting of huge boulders. According to legend, the monkey god Hanuman threw stones here.
The old town of Gokarna consists of only one street, on which almost all the houses are wooden. Hindus believe that in this city, the god Shiva rose from the bowels of the earth after the exile, so it is sacred.
The largest Buddhist community is located in the so-called Little Tibet. There are three Buddhist temples and two monasteries here. Any traveler has access to the entrance, so you can see the service with your own eyes. In Little Tibet, there is a Tibetan market and a crafts center where you can join the making of carpets.
Temples and tombs
One of the most interesting sights of the Republic of India are tombs and temples. Humayun's tomb is not decorated with precious stones, unlike the above-mentioned mausoleum, but it is its prototype. It is located in Delhi and is an example of Mughal architecture.
The tomb of Itemad-ud-Daula is also striking in its beauty. This is a quadrangular building, which is located on a small pedestal. Everyonethe corner is decorated with minarets up to 13 meters high. Various images are laid out on the marble walls with the help of semi-precious stones.
The Temple of Harmandir Sahib is also not to be overlooked. It was built back in the 16th century, and is now a place of worship for the Sikhs. A narrow path leads directly to the center of the artificial lake, where the Golden Temple is located. A dozen buildings surround the lake, forming together with the temple a rather large architectural complex.
The Virupaksha temple in southern India dates from around the 7th century. It is not a single building, but a large temple complex. The tower of the main temple has 9 levels and rises 50 meters up. Nearby is a sanctuary and a platform with columns. Pilgrims and curious travelers constantly come to this place. It is especially interesting here during various festivals, for example, the wedding festival of Virupaksha and Pampa.
Urban slums
Having been to the Taj Mahal, it is absolutely impossible to say that he was in India, because this is all just one side of the life of this country. The other side is hidden in the slums of the big cities of the Republic of India. These areas are designed for the life of the poor and live here for several million people.
The Dharavi slum in Bombay was once considered the largest in the world. Here are hospitals, schools and living quarters up to 10 square meters. m., where up to 20 people live. The poorest residents live in tents. Hindus are not very clean - they throw garbage right on the street, next toplace of residence. Some, however, try to take care of themselves by bathing regularly and even cleaning their homes.
The general appearance of the slums is still metal multi-storey plywood houses, canvas rags hung in an attempt to create a semblance of housing, and garbage. All activities, from cooking to washing, in the slums are done outside. Houses are meant for sleeping. Waste is poured into specially equipped ditches with water.
Lovers of extraordinary recreation find such areas quite picturesque and colorful. However, recently, construction work has been actively carried out in slum areas, and this zest may soon disappear from India.
Holidays and festivals
Due to the multinational nature of the country, many religious holidays are celebrated here, in addition to them, there are holidays of national significance: Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi's Birthday. Republic Day of India (see photo below) marks the adoption of the Constitution of the country on January 26, 1950, which indicates the final liberation from Britain.
Every year in India they celebrate a holiday dedicated to the Ganges River - Gang Mahotsava. In November, the city of Varanasi comes alive, people gather on the banks of the sacred river to swim in it. The locals sing folk songs and dance. The main event is the launch of luminous lanterns along the river. Before that, you need to make a wish, and if the flashlight burns for a long time, then the gods will surelyfulfill the wish.
Diwali is another holiday of the Republic of India. Cities at this time are filled with light, which, according to legend, should defeat evil and failure. Fires, garlands, candles are lit everywhere, accompanied by noisy songs and festivities.
The real holiday of spring - Holi - is celebrated at the beginning of March, and lasts five days. At this time, the effigy of Holiki is burned, and on the second day they sprinkle colored powder and spices on each other, pour colored water, wishing happiness.
Interesting facts
- Any manipulation of the import and export of local currency is prohibited by law.
- For all its population, India ranks first in the world in the number of abortions.
- This country is the ancestor of chess, algebra and geometry. The name "chess" previously sounded like "chaturanga" and was translated as four ranks of troops.
- There are more post offices here than anywhere else in the world. It's amazing, because the slum dwellers don't even have addresses.
- Appearing about 3 thousand years ago, Ayurveda is considered the first medical school in the history of mankind.
- Navigation appeared in India more than 6 thousand years ago.
- In India, "they meet by clothes" and see off too. Since she talks about the social stratum to which a person belongs. Fabric, style and even color are important. A woman's hairstyle also matters.
- There are about 1500 dialects of various languages in the country.
- Until about 1960, marijuana was legal in India.
- Once Indian light fabrics conquered the Roman emperors. They evencompared to the wind. These were the first cotton fabrics in the world.
- Freddie Mercury had Indian roots.
- Before submitting to Britain and becoming its colony, India was one of the richest countries in the world. That is why sailors dreamed of finding sea routes to her.
- If a Hindu shakes his head in different directions, as if rebuking you, do not worry, because this is a gesture of consent.
- Most Indian cafes or restaurants do not have a menu, and visitors often order dishes they have long known.
- If there are no seats on the train, people climb onto the luggage racks.
- Eating on the floor is customary in many states, not because of poverty, just tradition.
- Kumbh Mela is a religious holiday celebrated in India only once every 12 years.
- Pronouncing your husband's name in public is considered not entirely decent, so various indirect forms "see", "look", etc. are used.
Conclusion
India is a federal republic divided into states and territories. This is in many ways an interesting and incomprehensible country. Tourists visit the richest temples and mausoleums, and the poorest people live in slums, in makeshift plywood houses. A rich history is displayed in fairly well-preserved temples dedicated to different religions. Thousands of pilgrims come here to see ancient shrines, travelers hope to touch the past. Every year, cheerful and bright holidays and festivals are held here, full of lights, dances and folk music,naturally, backing them up with legends and myths.
