India Facts

• Capitol City: New Delhi
• English, Hindi and 21 other official languages.
• Population of 1.1 billion, World's 2nd Largest country
• Independent since 1947 (declared from British)
• India is the world's largest democracy.
• World's 3rd largest military and a nuclear power.
• One of the world's fastest growing economies. (9.6% in 2006)

Mahatma Ghandi

Mohandas Ghandi is one of the most revered figuires in the history of the world. Ghandi is affectionatly known as the "Father of the Nation" for his unrelenting pursuit for independence from the British. He is not only revered in his home region of India, but also in the United States and around the world. His use of civil disobedience, inspired by American author Henry David Thoreau, was revolutionary. The massive demonstrations of non-violent disobedience was one of the main factors in the liberation of India. The great civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. listed Ghandi as his main influence. Ghandi was also the largest figuire in support of women's rights and the fight against poverty.



Ghandi stood for 6 basic principles in his life which he urged his followers to also undertake. The first of these principles was Truth, which Ghandi said he achieved by allways learning from his mistakes and seeking the truth. The second was his most famous, nonviolence. Ghandi saw nonviolence as a way to combat the ruthless tyrants in India and around the world, but warned people to not use this as a "cover for their cowardice." Ghandi's third principle was a strict adherence to vegetarianism, which sometimes included complete fasting. His 4th principle was one of Brahmacharya which translates to spiritual and practical purity. Ghandi's 5th principle is that of simplicity which was most recognized by his use of the spinning wheel to make his own clothes. He believed that Indians who made their own clothes rather than buying it from British owned companies would help to further the movement. And the last principle of Ghandi's life was faith. He had incredible faith. He believed that at the core of every relgion was the same rules of truth and love. His practices of non violence and fasting required alot of fortitude and faith. It is these principles that many remember Mahatma Ghandi for, but it is his actions which truley changed the world.

Bollywood and Music

The cultural phenomena known as Bollywood has swept across not only India but also much of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. This term does not refer to all of Indian cinema but rather mainly to Hindi and Urdu films. Many of these films include catchy song and dance scenes which are interlaced into the regular parts of the movie. The film's soundtrack is often released before the movie to increase interest in the movie and build an audience. Bollywood flims are often labeled as melodramatic, with plots often focussing on star-crossed lovers or love triangles. These love stories are mixed in with comedy, and musical scenes to create a 3 hour long extraveganza. For a while film kisses were banned, but now Bollywood is becoming more similar to its western "hollywood" counterparts. The Bollywood films continue to be very popular in India and around the world.

Indian Cuisine

Indian food is a favorite cuisine amongst people from many different walks of life. Indian food draws most of its flavor and uniquness from the wide array of spices and herbs. Indian food has been greatly influenced from the various religious, regional and ethnic groups in India. Hindu groups have had a great influence on the overwhelming numbers of vegitarian dishes.

Popular dishes include the staples of rice and naan (unlevened bread.) Curry is another indian dish that has become popular and famous around the world. Kababs, samosas and various tandoors are also popular dishes in India and abroad. There is a large number of Indian resturants around the world, especially in Britain and the United States. If you have never tried Indian food, you are sure missing out!