Geographical Features of India

Geographically India is divided into four physical divisions:

i. The great Mountain Walls.

ii. The great Indo-Gangetic plain.

iii. The great Deccan Plateau and

iv. The Coastal Ghats.

1. The Great Mountain Walls or the Mountain Ranges of the Himalayas:

In the north the mighty Himalayas with its lofty mountain ranges and majestic peaks stretching
from East to West is protecting the country from external aggression like a gigantic sentinel. The
great mountain wall is about 2500 km. long and its width varies from 240 km. to 320 km. Mount
Everest is the highest peak known to be the highest in the world with a height of 29,142 feet.

The ranges of Himalayas can be divided into two groups. The high mountain portions are
covered with snow round the year. The holy rivers like the Gangas, the Jamuna and the
Brahmaputra have originated from the Snow Mountains. The Western off shoots of the
Himalayas consists of Hindu Kush, the safed Koh, the Sulaiman Koh, and the ‘Kirthar ranges’.

The height of the mountain in these regions are corporately low, the area is dry with scanty
rainfall. In this belt there are several famous passes named the khyber, the Kuuram, the Tochi,
the Gomal and the Bolan passes. Most of these passes are situated in low lying ground and
thereby has made the country accessible to the foreign invaders.

The Eastern off shoots include the Khasi, the Lushai, the Jaintia, and the Naga Hills and are
extended up to the Bay of Bengal. The hilly area and around are covered with beautiful dance
forest with abundant rainfall. Its fertile area, rich forest and forest products have made the area
highly attractive. The protective character of the Himalayas has considerably guided the course
of the Indian history. The insurmountable height of the Himalayas well fortified by thick snow
and impossibility to establish any land route has made the Himalayas a formidable barrier. Such
a natural obstruction automatically, forbidding the invaders to cross the colossal mountain and
embark upon on expedition.

Simultaneously it is protecting India from cold winds and adversities of the Siberian desert.
Similarly in the Eastern side dense forest, in-congenial climate and continuous rainfall is equally
preventing the outsiders from crossing the boundary. This natural frontier of India thus is giving
security but not immunity from invasion separating India from the rest of Asia by well marked
boundary lines.

The low lying mountain situated in the North-West with several convenient passes has provoked
the rapacious invaders and mercenaries from the Central Asia to cross the border and invade
India. Through these routes, the Greeks, the Persians, the Kushanas, the Hunas and the Mughals
came and indulged in bloody warfare and invasions. With the result a fusion with the existing
culture of the land and the alien culture have further, enriched the Indian Culture.

The Himalayas is the source of many useful and holy rivers like the Indus, the Gangas, the
Jamuna, the Brahmaputra, and their tributaries. The snow of the mountain and heavy rainfall are
responsible to ensure flow of sufficient water throughout the year through these rivers. The rivers
irrigate plains, make land fertile that ultimately add to the richness in agriculture and abundant
food supply.

The monsoon rising from the Indian ocean moving towards north-east, checked by eastern
offshoots of the Himalayas causes heavy rainfall around Assam Hills and being checked by
eastern hills thereby gives sufficient rainfall on the Indo-Gangetic plain. Thus it cannot be denied
that the fertility of the northern plain of India is mainly due to the impact of the Himalayan
region on the monsoon.

2. The great Indo-Gangetic Plain or Northern Plain:

It embraces the valleys of the Indus and the tributaries, the sandy deserts of Sind and Rajputana
as well as the fertile region watered by the Ganges, the Jamuna and the Brahmaputra. It has
always been the core of the Indian Continent. The plain formed by the deposit of rich soil
washed down during countless centuries from the vast Himalayan ranges on the north and from
the hills and uplands of the Deccan of the South.

The river system of Northern India namely the Indus and its tributaries—(the Sutlej, the Ravi,
the Beas, the Chenab and the Jhelum), the Ganges and its affluent (the Jamuna, the Chambal, the
Gomti, the Ghagra and the Sone) and the Brahmaputra and its feeders irrigate this wide plain.

These rivers played an important part in the evolution of Indian culture. It was in the valley of
the river Indus that the earliest civilization of India flourished (Mohanjodaro and Harappa). The
rivers of the Punjab and the Ganges determined also the nature and the course of the Aryan
settlements in India.

The vast natural resources of this plain explain the fertility and thereby the density of the
population of this region. The richness and fertility of land here also account for the multiplicity
of big urban centres and the centres of trade and the capitals of ancient Kingdoms. All these
factors have made this plain the lure of one invader after another.
This extensive northern plain is divided into three component parts by wedges projecting
northward from Rajasthan towards the west and the Santhal Parganas farther east. The Santhal
Paraganas separate the region of Bengal from the main Gangetic plain. In the south of Delhi lies
the waterless tract that creates a narrow corridor known in ancient India as Kurukshetra running
between the desert of Rajasthan and the Himalayas.

Due to the fertility of the region the inhabitants could get sufficient crops by minimum labour
and spending minimum amount. As a matter of fact the people were confident of their
comfortable livelihood. Thus they, had ample of time and opportunity to devote to art, literature,
and other kinds of progressive activities.

It is worth mentioning here that right from the Vedic age the people of this region patronized
creative and progressive art, and literature. Here famous poets, dramatists, philosophers like
Kalidas, Barahamihira, Vanabhata took birth and left marks of their talents in literary fields. It is
in this plain region many wars at Panipat and Kurukshetra were fought and the fate of India often
has been decided.

Rajputana worked as a torch bearer of the Indian freedom by the Rajput kings when they carved
out their independent states and fought back their foreign invaders with consummate Vigour.
Thus the Indo-Gangetic plain contributed a maximum share in the process of cultural awakening
of India.

3. The great Deccan Plateau:

The Deccan Plateau lies in the south of Indo-Gangetic plain. On its north the Vindhya and the
Satpura ranges separates it from Indo-Gangetic plain and slope-down to the Cape Comerin. In
the east it starts from the Bay of Bengal and spreads right up to Arabian Sea in the West. Rivers
like the Godavari, the Krishna, the Kaveri, the Tungabhadra have swept the land and made the
plateau highly covetous.

The sharp geographical feature has made the region distinctly different and considerably
influenced the course of our history. Geographical condition has created several natural barriers
which denied easy and smooth access from north to south. The Vindhynchal and the Satpura
range, the dense forest around it have virtually prevented free- entry into the plateau.

Seas on three sides acted as strong hurdle forbidding uninterrupted intercourse from outside.
Thus the plateau practically remained isolated from the north and countries. However it enjoyed
a special significance and proved useful in many ways in building Indian history.
At a time when the onslaught of the repeated foreign invasions, rise of Jainism and Buddhism in
one stage had cornered the Hinduism and brought it down, the South came forward as a Savior
and extended all possible patronage. In fact in-spite of numerous odds the Hindu religion and
culture remained intact in this region and flourished tremendously. Incidentally both Jainism and
Buddhism failed to get desired response from the South and evidently the impervious Deccan
firmly held the blessings of Hindu religion and culture and overshadowed the religious
imperialism of the Jainism and Buddhism.

On the arrival of the Aryans in the northern plain the existing population was compelled to
migrate towards the Deccan plateau. Without surrendering or embracing the new culture the
migrants maintained their cultural identity. Even though the Aryan civilization appeared
vulnerable yet the Dravidians maintained their own cultural heritage and survived undisturbed.

Deccan is full of hills, mountains and forests that provided opportunity to build many hilly un-
accessible forts and hide-outs and roused patriotic spirit of the people to defend the motherland.
It has made the inhabitants hardy brave and expert in jungle warfare and strong enough to outwit
the invaders by the tactics of Guerrilla Warfare. Indeed the geographical conditions largely
influenced the people to take up arms against the invaders and fight for liberty and territorial
integrity.

The natural outlet of seas on three sides has given scope to explore sea routes with other
countries and developed social economic and cultural ties with them. The Portuguese, the Dutch,
the Persians, the Arabians all utilised the seaports and hastened to the land for trade and
commerce.

Simultaneously the sea outlets gave away incentives to the people to sail across the sea and
establish prosperous colonies in Java, Sumatra, Burma and Cambodia etc. The geographical
demarcation between the North and the South was also responsible partly for generating two
distinctly separate and independent types of civilizations.

In fact when crisis prevailed in the north the Hinduism and its culture were under suppression the
south extended her generous arms and embraced the discomfited Hinduism and its culture and
saved them from sure ruin. Thus the south played a vital role in preserving India’s originality and
religious fervour of Hinduism.

4. Coastal Ghats:

The Coastal Ghats broadly forms the coast-belts of East and West of the Deccan Plateau. On the
eastern side of the plateau the hill range running from the north to the South almost parallel to
the coast line is known as the Eastern Ghats. On the West the mountain range running parallel to
the Arabian sea is known as the Western Ghats.
The length is about 1120 km. and 3000 to 8000 feet above sea level. The lofty cliff has given
positive advantages to build up a strong and formidable defence. This natural gift of nature has
virtually helped the Marathas to defy the fierce Mughals and assert their superiority. The narrow
strip of land sometimes not more than 32 km. in width stretching between coast and foot of the
Ghats is known as Konkan and Malabar.

It has a rich soil and is evergreen with rice plants and coconut trees. It is highly productive and
thickly populated. In the absence of modern communication facilities it remained isolated for a
long time from the rest of the Deccan. Even now some of them practise customs found nowhere
else in India.

On the other hand in the far north on the Western Coast the Narmada and the Tapti have broken
through the Western scrap and cut wide valleys across them, making easy paths leading to the
north. It is in this region that great kingdoms and civilized people have lived from early ages.

On the eastern side, the Coastal land which lies below the Eastern Ghats is much broader. The
eastern scrap itself is of low elevation much less steep and it is broken in many places by the
valley of the Deccan Rivers flowing eastwards. This made the communication of the east coast
with the uplands of the Deccan easy. This resulted in building many cities, flourishing
civilizations and powerful kingdoms to exhibit the courage and gallantry of the Indian
Community.
Religious Factors:

History

The predominant religion in ancient India was Hinduism. The roots of Hindu religion can be
traced back to the Vedic period. Hinduism is believed to be the oldest of major religions and
originated in northern India. Early Aryan, or Vedic, culture was the early Hinduism whose
interaction with non-Aryan cultures resulted in what we call Classical Hinduism. It is interesting
to note that much of ancient, classical and modern Indian culture has been greatly shaped by
Hindu thought.

The Mahabharata and Ramayana, both sacred Hindu texts, served as India's main motivating
base for a great deal of literary, artistic and musical creations in subsequent millennia. The Epic
Period was a golden era in Indian philosophical thought because of the tolerance of different
opinions and teachings. The most popular form of Indian medicine, Ayurveda, was developed by
Vedic saints and Jyotish, Hindu astrology, is the most popular form of astrology in India today.
Yoga, an internationally-famous system of meditation, is one of six systems of Hindu thought.

Besides Hinduism, other main religions during ancient India were Buddhism, and Jainism.
Buddhism originated in northern India in what is today the state of Bihar. It rapidly gained
adherents during the Buddha's lifetime. Up to the 9th century, Indian followers numbered in the
hundreds of millions. Buddhism, known in ancient India as Buddha Dharma, originated in
northern India in what is today the state of Bihar. It rapidly gained adherents during the Buddha's
lifetime. Up to the 9th century, Indian followers numbered in the hundreds of millions.

There also developed many heterodox religious sects in ancient India. One such sect was
Ajivika, founded by Mahavira's rival Goshala Maskariputra. Ajivikas did not believe in karma
and thought that the destiny was predetermined and could not be changed. There were also
several other religious contemporaries to Buddha and Mahavira during the 6th century B.C.
Another preacher of the same period was Pakuda Katyayana, who also taught that the soul was
superior to good and evil, thus unchanged or untouched by it. He classified everything into seven
categories, i.e. earth, water, fire, air, pleasure, pain and soul, which were eternal. Ajita
Kesakambalin, another contemporary of Buddha taught complete materialism. He did not believe
in the afterlife and considered death as the final phase of all souls
Present

Religion has historically influenced Indian society on a political, cultural and economic level.
There is a sense of pride associated with the country’s rich religious history as the traditions of
Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism all emerged out of India. Moreover, while a majority
of people in India identify as Hindu (79.8%), the medley of religions that exist within the country
continually impact contemporary society.

Religion is more publicly visible than it is in most English-speaking Western countries. This
becomes evident when considering the numerous spaces that are thought to be sacred and holy.
Examples include ‘ashrams’ (monasteries or congregation sites) consisting of large communities
of scholars or monastics, temples (mandir), shrines and specific landscapes such as the Ganges
river. There is a rich religious history visible in architecture, and it is not uncommon to find
various places of worship, such as a Hindu temple, Muslim mosque and Christian church, all
next to each other.

The 2011 Indian census indicated that 79.8% of Indians identified as Hindu, 14.2% identified as
Muslim and 2.3% identified as Christian. A further 1.7% of the population identified as Sikh,
0.7% identified as Buddhist and 0.37% identified as Jain. Due to the massive population size of
India, religious minorities still represent a significant number of people. For example, although
only 0.37% of India may identify with Jainism, that still equates to over 4 million people. While
not all religions in India can be discussed in detail, the following provides an overview of the
major religions in the country as well as sizable religions that originated in India.

Hinduism

Hinduism – the most widely followed religion in India – can be interpreted diversely.
Pinpointing what constitutes Hinduism is difficult, with some suggesting that it is an umbrella
term that encompasses various religions and traditions within it. Nonetheless, Hinduism in all its
forms has been particularly influential in Indian society.

Daily Life

Hinduism continues to thrive in modern-day India. The religion affects everyday life and social
interactions among people through the many Hindu-inspired festivities, artistic works and
temples. There is also a continuing revival of the classical ‘epic' narratives of the Ramayana
(Rama’s Journey) and the Mahabharata (The Great Epic of the Bharata Dynasty) through the
medium of film and television. The Krishna Lila (The Playful Activities of Krishna) is another
popular tale among many villages.
It is common to find images of gods and goddesses in public and private spaces at all times of
the year. The elephant-headed god, known as Ganesh, is particularly popular due to his believed
ability to remove obstacles. Natural landscapes are also venerated, such as particular trees or
rivers. The Hindu pantheon of deities extends into the hundreds of thousands due to the localised
and regional incarnations of gods and goddesses. There are also many festivals celebrated
throughout the country dedicated to the many Hindu narratives and deities.

Social Structure

One influential component of Hinduism impacting India is the large-scale caste system, known
as the ‘varna’ system. The varna caste system represented the Hindu ideal of how society ought
to be structured. This form of organisation classified society into four ideal categories: Brahmin
(priestly caste), Kshatriya (warrior, royalty or nobility caste), Vaishya (commoner or merchant
caste) and Shudra (artisan or labourer caste).

It is a hereditary system in that people are believed to be born into a family of a specific caste.
Each caste has specific duties (sometimes known as ‘dharma’) they are expected to uphold as
part of their social standing. For instance, a member of the Brahmin caste may be expected to
attend to religious affairs (such as learning religious texts and performing rituals) while avoiding
duties outside of their caste, such as cleaning. In contemporary times, Brahmin men who have
been trained as priests often tend to temples and perform ritual activities on behalf of other
members of Hindu society.

Islam

Islam is the second most followed religion in India, influencing the country's society, culture,
architecture and artistry. The partition of the subcontinent in 1947 led to mass emigration of
roughly 10 million Muslims to Pakistan and nearly as many Hindus and Sikhs from Pakistan into
India. This event changed the demographics of both countries significantly and is continually felt
throughout India.

Nonetheless, the Islamic community in India continues to play a considerable role in the
development of the country. For example, the Muslim community in India has contributed to
theological research and the establishment of religious facilities, institutes and universities. The
mystical strain of Islam (Sufism) is also popular, with people gathering to watch Sufi dance
performances. The majority of Muslims are Sunni, but there are also influential Shi'ite minorities
in Gujarat. Most Sunnis reside in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Kerala
as well as major cities.
Sikhism

Originating in India, Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that promotes devotion to a formless

God. The religion is centred on a tenet of service, humility and equality, encouraging its
followers to seek to help those less fortunate or in need. For example, it is common for Sikhs to
offer food to those visiting a Gurdwara (the primary place of worship for Sikhs). One of the most
recognised symbols of the Sikh community is a Sikh turban (known as a ‘Dastar’ or a ‘Dumalla’)
worn by many men and some women. Since the partition of India and Pakistan, most Sikhs in
India have resided in the Punjab region.

Buddhism

Buddhism originated as a countermovement to early Hinduism by presenting a universal ethic

rather than basing ethical codes on an individual’s caste. The core doctrine of Buddhism, known
as the ‘Four Noble Truths’, teaches that one can be liberated from the suffering that underpins
the cycle of death and rebirth by practising the ‘Noble Eightfold Path’. Buddhism has become
more widely practised in India over the last 30 years. This is partially due to the increased
migration of exiled Buddhist monks from Tibet. However, its popularity has also increased as
many from the Untouchables caste view it as a viable alternative to Hinduism in contemporary
Indian society. Many Buddhists reside in the states of Maharashtra, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh,
Jammu and Kashmir.

Jainism

Jainism also originated as a countermovement that opposed some of the teachings and doctrines
of early Hinduism. In modern-day India, layperson Jains usually uphold the ethical principle of
‘ahimsa’ (nonviolence). As such, Jains tend to promote vegetarianism and animal welfare.
Another common practice in the Jain lay community is dhyana or samayika, a meditative ritual
intended to strengthen one's spiritual discipline. Samayika is often practised in a religious setting,
such as a temple, before a monk, or in one's home. Most Jains reside in Maharashtra, Gujarat and
Rajasthan.

Christianity

Christianity is the third most followed religion in India, mostly concentrated in the far south and
Mumbai. The most prominent denomination of Christianity in India is Roman Catholicism, but
there are also localised Christian churches (such as the Church of North India and the Church of
South India). Converts to Christianity have come mainly from traditionally disadvantaged
minorities such as lower castes and tribal groups.
Caste and Castesim:

Caste

Travelers to India have commented on caste for more than two thousand years. In Indian society
the group comes first, unlike our own society that gives so much importance to the individual
personality. After a person’s family, the caste commands an individual’s major loyalty. Indians
still often identify themselves by the community they belong to and caste is still a factor in
marriage selection. In addition, caste has allowed countless groups that have migrated into India
to find a place and to play an important role.

The caste system, as it actually works in India is called jati. The term jati appears in almost all
Indian languages and is related to the idea of lineage or kinship group. There are perhaps more
than 3000 jatis in India and there is no one all-Indian system of ranking them in order of status.
Yet in each local area jati ranking exists and is very much related to purity and pollution. Each
jati has some unique job, but not everyone in the jati performs it. Thus there are barbers who do
not shave, carpenters who do not build, and Brahmins who do not act as priests. A jati is
identified in a local setting by whom its members will accept food and water from and to which
jatis its members will give food and water. People will try to marry their sons and daughters to
members of their same jati and will give their major loyalty to their jati. A jati will usually be
organized into a biradari (a brotherhood), and this organization carries out the business and
oversees the working of the jati and has the power to exclude an offender from the jati.

The jati system is not static in which all groups stay in the same position. There is mobility in the
system and jatis have changed their position over the centuries of Indian history. However, the
jati moves up the social scale as a group and not as individuals. A jati can improve its position in
the class system by advancing economically and emulating social groups with money and power.
At the same time, a jati can also move up in the caste hierarchy. Mobility in the caste system has
been termed “Sanskritization” by the scholar M.N. Srinivas. To gain position in this process, a
lower jati copies the habits and behavior patterns of the dominant jati in the area. This may mean
a lower jati will change its name to one of a higher jati, adopt vegetarianism, observe more
orthodox religious practices, build a temple, and treat its women in a more conservative way.
The type of emulation will depend on the habits of the dominant jati being copied. If the jati can
gain acceptance for its new name, new history, and new status, it will then marry its daughters to
members of the jati in which it is seeking to gain membership. In due time the new position on
the social scale will be solidified and accepted by other jatis. This practice is not totally unlike
that of immigrant groups coming to America and copying the habits of the WASPs who were in
control. In your own community you could probably identify the most prestigious group of
people and observe other members of the community copying their behavior in ways such as
sending their children to dancing classes and summer camps, and putting braces on their teeth.
The Indian Constitution has outlawed the practice of Untouchability and the Indian Government
has established special quotas in schools and Parliament to aid the lowest jatis. Caste
discrimination is not permitted in gaining employment and access to educational and other
opportunities. But this does not mean that caste is illegal or has faded away. Caste groups as
political pressure groups work very well in a democratic system. Caste may provide
psychological support that people seem to need. Economists and political scientists are finding
that caste is no real barrier to economic development or political democracy.

Castesim

In India, the caste system developed and is prevalent since ancient times and it remains as a great
thorn and mystery in the flesh of Mother India.It is believed to have been adopted by the
Brahmins to express their superiority and to maintain it. Then the Aryan races swept into India
from the North and they wanted them to be superior to the insiders and so they maintained the
prevalent caste systems. Gradually the caste system became formalized into four major groups,
each with its own rules and regulations and code of conduct.

The caste system finds its origin in functional groupings, called varnas, which have their origins
in the Aryan society. In their creation myth, four varnas are said to have emanated from the
Primeval Being. "According to the Rig Veda hymn, the different classes sprang from the four
limbs of the Creator. The Creator’s mouth became the Brahman priests, his two arms formed the
Rajanya (Khastriyas), the warriors and kings, his two thighs formed the Vaishya landowners and
merchants, and from his feet were born the Shudra (

Untouchables) artisans and servants. It was meant to show that the four classes stood in relation
to the social organization in the same relation as the different organs of the Primordial Man to his
body. Together they had to function to give vitality to the body politic.”

"A person’s worth is determined by his knowledge and capacity and the inherent qualities which
mark his conduct in life.” The four fold division of castes’ says the Creator in the Bhagavad Gita,
“was created by me according to the apportionment of qualities and duties.” “Not birth, not
sacrament, not learning, make one dvija (twice-born), but righteous conduct alone causes it.” “Be
he a Sudra or a member of any other class, says the Lord in the same epic, “he that serves as a
raft on a raftless current , or helps to ford the unfordable, deserves respect in everyway.”

This caste system became fixed and hereditary with the emergence of Hinduism and its beliefs of
pollution and rebirth. The Laws of Manu (Manusmitri), refer to the impurity and servility of the
outcastes, while affirming the dominance and total impunity of Brahmins. Those from the
“lowest” castes are told that their place in the caste hierarchy is due to their sins in a past life.
Vivid punishments of torture and death are assigned for crimes such as gaining literacy or
insulting a member of a dominant caste. Among the writings of Hindu religious texts, the
Manusmitri is undoubtedly the most authoritative one, legitimizing social exclusion and
introducing absolute inequality as the guiding principle of social relations.
How did caste system affect:

The religious leaders of Hinduism created the oppressive caste system as an essential component
of the religion.

It does not allow for upward mobility in society. If a person's family comes from the lower
economic strata, in a society based on a caste system, that person would need to remain within
that restricted level.

However so long as a caste system is designed on he basis that people placed in a given caste
have the appropriate skills and disposition for their a caste it improves efficiency as over time
people in a given caste will become more specialized at fulfilling the duties of their caste. This
however is often not the case and castes are more often based solely on social and economic
power, not the actual suitability of the given people's abilities to their caste.

In my opinion, the caste system affects the society by making the people more exposed to
prejudice, stereotyping and other things. These differences in rankings often cause disputes
within the society. However, how it affects the society depends on how you see it.

Caste system is filled with inequality and injustice. There is no point in calling casteism as a
system or a process, rather it is an evil. Indian society is cast ridden. The people of one caste
don’t like to mix with others. This division of society into so many religions, castes and sub-
castes comes in the way of the unity and integrity of the Indian nation. People vote on the basis
of caste and religion and do not take the merits of the candidate into consideration. Democracy
itself has become a mockery owing to this evil.

The caste system can not be eradicated without changing the mindset of the people. The caste
system is a great social evil. From time to time social reformers and thinkers have tried to
eradicate this evil, but to no avail. Even Gandhiji could not do much for the eradication of
Untouchability. It is a deep-rooted problem which has defied all solutions so far. The problem
has persisted largely because of the illiteracy and ignorance of the people. Their ignorance makes
the people conservative and superstitious. Hence they do not accept any social change. They
want things to continue as they are. Every measure of social reform is strongly opposed and is
considered to be an attack on their religion by the religious fanatics.

Therefore, if the evil of caste system is to be eradicated every possible effort should be made to
educate the people and thus create a strong public opinion against the evil. School text books
should be carefully revised. Lessons should be included to teach the students that the caste
system is manmade. It was a system for the division of labor devised by our wise forefathers.
Originally, man was not born into any cast: his caste was determined by his learning or by the
nature of work he did in life. Basically, all human beings are equal; they have the same kind of
blood in their veins. The differences of upper and lower are wrong, and entirely the creation of
vested interests. The similarities between the different castes should be stressed rather than the
differences. In this way would be created awareness against the caste system and its hold upon
society would be gradually loosened.

In short, the key to this problem lies in the creation of a strong public opinion against it.
Teachers, professional Gurus, scholars, thinkers, and writers should all unite in the nations fight
against this chronic and widespread social evil. A responsible press can do a lot in this direction.
The caste system persists even after 62 years of independence. Every effort should be made to
change the psychology of the people, and strict action taken against offenders.

Caste System in India: A Open Drainage!

India a nation of diverse culture not only that holds good but also a land of diverse problems.
Caste is the most confused knot of all social problems. Religion is just a belief change anytime of
the life, but caste is a constant which don't change even occupation and social status changes.
Caste is like Iomega value simply a mere constant don't change in any situation. We can't change
caste but we can eradicate caste from our society .we can't expect politician to talk about
casteless society because they want people to be divided.

Every party in India is strongly backed by a caste. So they don't allow people to get united in
casteless society because it difficult for minor caste party to remain in the politics. There dalit
parties in India from north to south which project them self as voice of SC's and ST's. Since
independence no changes as came to this section of people. Top leaders and politicians play caste
politics to sustain in power and earn wealth. No equality in the society both economically and
socially.

Any Educated youth had concern to know the impact Of Caste?

·Denies Change of Occupation caste system most probably opposes the change of work. A SC
and ST cant start doing a business, agriculture etc run successfully. Even today other than
Brahmins can’t enter temple goddess premises.

Untouchability mos- t sinful act still in practice of the 21st century. Even today you cant find
deprived part of the society cant enter temple premises and many maintain distance from the
lower caste don't allow inside there house.

No unity caste system only increases the hate, anger but never create brotherliness. Still many
people of different caste have different style of living.

Lack in Social Progress since caste is an age old system which are followed traditionally. So
people find it difficult to accept the new ideal and scientific principles.
 Democracy Failure India is the worlds largest democracy but everyday democracy fails. Even
today you cant find a dalit candidate contesting in the non-dalit reserved constitution.

·Women Slavery Caste system encourages child marriage and oppose remarriage. Women are
treated only as sex machine. Caste system is like a Hitler fascism principle. No caste in India
respect women rights and there feelings.

Communal Violence Caste system keeps on suppressing a section of people. It forces lower
caste people to take weapons in there hand. Naxalite, maoist etc movements are just a aggression
of lower caste people on economic inequality.

Reservation As brought some changes in the society?

· Social Change to some extend people walk freely, study in same class, move same bus etc.
Even though we cant find this change in interior part of the world.

· Economic raise about a major portion there is raise in the economic status of the lower and
middle caste.

Still we need to walk-through long path to eradicate Caste?

· Improve Education Only education can increase the think of the people and unite people. Caste
system exist only because of ignorance within the people. Education can bring next generation
new bloods without caste.

· Promote Inter-caste Marriage Society must provide special offers for people who does inter
caste marriage. Inter caste marriage will change the next generation people without knowing
caste.

· Eliminate Caste Word Government must pass a law like untouchability to make caste a
criminal word. No form or government policy must have caste oriented approach.

·Economic Stability we need government economic policy to focus on overall development of all
section of the people.

·Nationalize We need to take tough decision by bring every temple, water, road's etc under
nationalized policy; which makes people accessible to all resources.
Unity in Diversity:

“Unity in Diversity” is a phrase implying unity among people with diverse cultural, religious and
other demographic differences. The origin of phrase dates back to ancient times and has since
been used by various political and social groups to demonstrate unity among different
individuals or community. People of varying cultures, religious beliefs and social status, living
together in peace and harmony is a perfect example of “Unity in Diversity”.

Unity in diversity is a famous concept which best fits on India. Essay on Unity in Diversity is the
most common topic which students may be assigned to debate during discussion and write an
essay during exams or essay writing competition in their school. Variety of Unity in Diversity
essay under various words limit are given below especially for the students.

The phrase “Unity in Diversity” implies unity among dissimilar people. It is an ancient phrase
which was first used by some societies in North America and China, sometimes around 500 B.C.
The most obvious example providing credence to the phrase is that of a democratic nation.

A democratic nation has people having different religion, cultures, beliefs, sects, languages and
other demarcations, but they all live in unity and harmony, following a uniform law. India as a
nation is the best example of “Unity in Diversity” with people of different religions and culture
living together following the rule of land as per the parameters laid by the Constitution of India.

The meaning of unity in diversity is the existence of oneness even after various differences. India
is a best example for this concept of unity in diversity. We can see very clearly here that people
of different religions, creeds, castes, languages, cultures, lifestyle, dressing sense, faith in God,
rituals of worship, etc live together with harmony under one roof means on one land of India.

People living in India are the children of one mother whom we call Mother India. India is a vast
and most populated country of the world where people of different religions Hinduism,
Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, Christianity and Parsees live together but everyone believes
in one theory of Dharma and Karma. People here are god fearing in nature and believe in
purification of soul, rebirth, salvation, luxury of heaven and punishments of hell. People here
celebrate their festivals (Holi, Diwali, Id, Christmas, Good Friday, Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha
Jayanti, etc) very peacefully without harming other religious people.

India is a well known country of oldest civilization in the world where people of many ethnic
groups live together for years. India is a country of diverse civilization where people used of
using almost 1650 spoken languages and dialects according to their religion and choice. In spite
of being related from different cultures, traditions, religions and languages; people here respect
each other and live together with lots of love and feeling of brotherhood.
People living here and there all over the Indian land are joined together by one faith of
brotherhood. Unity in Diversity has been one of the great characteristic of our nation which has
bind people of all religions together in one bond of humanity.

We can never forget the freedom movements run by the people of all religions of India to make
India an independent country. The struggle for freedom is the great example of unity in diversity
in India.

Unity in diversity concept in India gives everyone a strong message that nothing is without unity.
Living together with love and harmony provides the real essence of life. Unity in diversity in
India shows us that we all are born, cared and nourished by one Supreme God.

Unity in diversity is the oneness in differences. India is a country which proves better the
concept of unity in diversity. India is a highly populated country and famous all over the world
because of the characteristic of unity in diversity. Unity in diversity is the strength and power of
India which has now been the most important feature identifying India.

Unity in diversity has given rise to the great national integration characteristic to the country
which has become the foundation of strong and prosperous India even after lots of corruption,
extremism and terrorism. People living in various states are generally differ in their speaking
language, culture, traditions, clothes, festivals, look, etc (known to be like Bengalis,
Maharastrians, Punjabis, Tamilians, etc); however they tell themselves Indian which shows their
unity.

Humanity and likelihood of people help them to maintain unity in diversity here. People in India
give high importance to the spirituality, Karma and Sanskar instead of their material wealth
which bring them more closer. People here have religion tolerance power as their unique feature
which helps them to feel no difficulty on the occurrence of different religions.

Majority of people in India are related to the Hinduism who has more capacity to welcome and
absorb all other good cultures in their land. All such features in the Indian people help making
India famous for concept unity in diversity.

India is a country proving the fact of unity in diversity. People of various religions and castes
have managed to live together for many years without any problem. India is decorated by the
high mountains, valleys, oceans, famous rivers, streams, forests, deserts, ancient culture and
tradition, and most importantly unity in diversity. People here belong to their own race, religion
and language however they all have similar characteristic of humanity which makes them able to
live together. Following are the importance of unity in diversity:
Importance of Unity in Diversity:

1. Unity in diversity boosts morale of people at workplace, organization, and community.

2. It helps in enhancing esprit de corps, relationships, teamwork among people thus improve
performance, quality of work, productivity and lifestyle.
3. It makes communication effective even in bad situation.
4. Keeps people away from social problems and help to manage conflicts easily.
5. Improves healthy human relations and protects equal human rights for all.
6. Unity in diversity in India provides source of tourism. People of diverse cultures,
traditions, cuisines, religions and clothing attract more visitors and tourists from all
across the world.
7. It gives rise the habit of national integration among people of the country even after being
diverse in various ways.
8. It gives value to the rich heritages of country as well as strengthens and enriches the
cultural heritage of India.
9. It helps to be rich in agricultural area through different crops and thus economy growth.
10. Source of skilled and advance professionals in various areas to the country.

There may be some disadvantages too which are mentioned below:

1. It may give rise to the various social tensions among people of different states and
linguistic origin.
2. It gives rise to the growth of corruption and illiteracy in many areas of the country.
3. It may be the reason of poor lifestyle in various rural regions because of underdeveloped
infrastructures, lack of electricity, roads, etc.

India is a country of various cultures, races, languages and religions. It is a land of unity in
diversity where people of different lifestyles and manners live together. They belong to different
religions, beliefs and faiths in God. In spite of all these diversity, they live together with the bond
of humanity and brotherhood. Unity in diversity is the distinct feature of India which makes it
famous all around the world.

Generally, people in India are following the great old Indian culture of being tolerant and
absorbing which make them assimilating in nature. Unity in diversity in almost all aspects of the
society has become source of strength and wealth all through the country. People of all religions
do worship in different ways by following their own rituals and beliefs which represents the
existence of underlying uniformity. Unity in diversity promotes spirit of harmony and
brotherhood among people beyond their considerations of various diversities.

India is famous for its rich cultural heritages which are because of people of various religions.
People belong to various cultures give rise to the various lifestyles on the basis of their interest
and belief. It again give rise to the growth in various professional areas like music, fine arts,
drama, dance (classical, folk, etc), theater sculpture, etc. Spiritual tradition of the people makes
them more piety to each other. All the religious Indian scriptures are the great source of spiritual
wisdom to the people. There are rishis, maharishis, yogis, priests, father, etc in almost all the
religions following their own spiritual traditions according to their religious scriptures.

Hindi is a mother language in India however many other dialects and languages are spoken by
the people of different religions and regions (such as English, Urdu, Sanskrit, Bhojpuri, Bihari,
Punjabi, Marathi, Bengali, Udiya, Gujarati, Kashmiri, etc); however everyone feels proud to be
the citizen of great India.

Unity in diversity of India is especially for which it is well known all over the world. It attracts
tourism in India to a great level. As being an Indian, we all should understand our responsibility
and try to retain its unique feature at any cost. Unity in diversity here is the real prosperity and
the way to progress in the present and future.

Tribes in India:

A tribe is a social division in a traditional society consisting of families linked by social,

economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect. A tribe possesses certain
qualities and characteristics that make it a unique cultural, social, and political entity. This post is
about the major tribes in India. They are also known by the name ‘Adivasis’ in India.

Tribes in India

The nature of what constitutes an Indian tribe and the very nature of tribes have changed
considerably over the course of centuries. Constitution of India has recognized tribal
communities in India under ‘Schedule 5’ of the constitution. Hence the tribes recognized by the
Constitution are known as ‘ Scheduled Tribes’. There are around 645 distinct tribes in India.

Major Tribes in India: Arranged State-wise

Andhra Pradesh: Andh, Sadhu Andh, Bhagata, Bhil, Chenchus (Chenchawar), Gadabas,
Gond, Goundu, Jatapus, Kammara, Kattunayakan, Kolawar, Kolam, Konda, Manna Dhora,
Pardhan, Rona, Savaras, Dabba Yerukula, Nakkala, Dhulia, Thoti, Sugalis.

Arunachal Pradesh: Apatanis, Abor, Dafla, Galong, Momba, Sherdukpen, Singpho.

Assam: Chakma, Chutiya, Dimasa, Hajong, Garos, Khasis, Gangte.

Bihar: Asur, Baiga, Birhor, Birjia, Chero, Gond, Parhaiya, Santhals, Savar.

Chhattisgarh: Agariya, Bhaina, Bhattra, Biar, Khond, Mawasi, Nagasia.

Goa: Dhodia, Dubia, Naikda, Siddi,Varli.

Gujarat: Barda, Bamcha, Bhil, Charan, Dhodia, Gamta, Paradhi, Patelia.

Himachal Pradesh: Gaddis, Gujjars, Khas, Lamba, Lahaulas, Pangwala, Swangla.

Jammu and Kashmir: Bakarwal, Balti, Beda, Gaddi, Garra, Mon, Purigpa, Sippi.

Jharkhand: Birhors, Bhumij, Gonds, Kharia, Mundas, Santhals, Savar.

Karnataka: Adiyan, Barda, Gond, Bhil, Iruliga, Koraga, Patelia, Yerava.

Kerala: Adiyan, Arandan, Eravallan, Kurumbas, Malai arayan, Moplahs, Uralis.

Madhya Pradesh: Baigas, Bhils, Bharia, Birhors, Gonds,Katkari, kharia, Khond, Kol, Murias.

Maharashtra: Bhaina, Bhunjia, Dhodia, Katkari, Khond, Rathawa, Warlis.

Manipur: Aimol, Angami, Chiru, Kuki, Maram, Monsang, Paite, Purum, Thadou.

Meghalaya: Chakma, Garos, Hajong, Jaintias Khasis, Lakher, Pawai, Raba.

Mizoram: Chakma, Dimasa, Khasi, Kuki, Lakher, Pawai, Raba, Synteng.

Nagaland: Angami, Garo, Kachari, Kuki, Mikir, Nagas, Sema.

Odisha: Gadaba, Ghara, Kharia, Khond, Matya, Oraons, Rajuar, Santhals.

Rajasthan: Bhils, Damaria, Dhanka, Meenas(Minas), Patelia, Sahariya.

Sikkim: Bhutia, Khas, Lepchas.

Tamil Nadu: Adiyan, Aranadan, Eravallan, Irular, Kadar, Kanikar, Kotas, Todas.

Telangana: Chenchus.

Tripura: Bhil, Bhutia, Chaimal, Chakma, Halam, Khasia, Lushai, Mizel, Namte.

Uttarakhand: Bhotias, Buksa, Jannsari, Khas, Raji, Tharu.

Uttar Pradesh: Bhotia, Buksa, Jaunsari, Kol, Raji, Tharu.

West Bengal: Asur, Khond, Hajong, Ho, Parhaiya, Rabha, Santhals, Savar.

Andaman and Nicobar: Oraons, Onges, Sentinelese, Shompens.

Little Andaman: Jarawa.

North-East: Abhors, Chang, Galaong, Mishimi, Singpho, Wancho.

Points to remember

Total population of Scheduled Tribes is 84,326,240 as per the Census 2001 which accounts for
8.2% of the total population of country. The share of the Scheduled Tribe population in urban
areas is a meager 2.4%.

Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra, Orissa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Andhra

Pradesh, West Bengal, and Karnataka are the State having larger number of Scheduled Tribes
These states account for 83.2% of the total Scheduled Tribe population of the country. Assam,
Meghalaya, Nagaland, Jammu & Kashmir, Tripura, Mizoram, Bihar, Manipur, Arunachal
Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, account for another 15.3% of the total Scheduled Tribe population.
The share of the remaining states / Uts is negligible.

The scheduled Tribes in India form the largest proportion of the total population in
Lakshadweep and Mizoram followed by Nagaland and Meghalaya.

Madhya Pradesh has the largest number of scheduled Tribes followed by Bihar.

Bastar district of Madhya Pradesh consists of largest number of Scheduled Tribes.

There are no Scheduled Tribes in Punjab, Delhi, Chandigarh, Pondicherry, Haryana.

In Lok Sabha there is reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes. Here also census figures are
taken into account. Allocation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha are made on the
basis of proportion of Scheduled Tribes in the State concerned to that of the total population,
vide provision contained in Article 330 of the Constitution of India read with Section 3 of the R.
P. Act, 1950.

For Scheduled Tribes, 47 seats are reserved in Lok Sabha. The 1st schedule to R. P. Act, 1950
as amended vide Representation of People (Amendment) Act , 2008 gives the Statewise break up

Scheduled Tribes

Article 366 (25) defined scheduled tribes as “such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or
groups within such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342 to be Scheduled
Tribes for the purposes of this constitution”.

Article 342 in the Constitution Of India 1949

Scheduled Tribes

1) The President may with respect to any State or Union territory, and where it is a State,
after consultation with the Governor thereof, by public notification, specify the tribes or
tribal communities or parts of or groups within tribes or tribal communities which shall
 for the purposes of this Constitution be deemed to be Scheduled Tribes in relation to that
State or Union territory, as the case may be
2) Parliament may by law include in or exclude from the list of Scheduled Tribes specified
in a notification issued under clause (1) any tribe or tribal community or part of or group
within any tribe or tribal community, but save as aforesaid a notification issued under the
said clause shall not be varied by any subsequent notification PART XVII OFFICIAL
LANGUAGE CHAPTER I LANGUAGE OF THE UNION.

Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Ministry of Tribal Affairs is responsible for the over all development of the scheduled tribes in
India. This Ministry was set up in 1999 after the bifurcation of Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment with the objective of providing more focused approach on the integrated socio-
economic development of the Scheduled Tribes (STs), the most underprivileged of the Indian
Society, in a coordinated and planned manner.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs shall be the nodal Ministry for overall policy, planning and
coordination of programmes of development for the Scheduled Tribes. In regard to sectoral
programmes and schemes of development of these communities policy, planning, monitoring,
evaluation etc. as also their coordination will be the responsibility of the concerned Central
Ministries/ Departments, State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. Each Central
Ministry/Department will be the nodal Ministry or Department concerning its sector.

Before the formation of the Ministry, tribal affairs were handled by different Ministries as
follows:

As a Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs named as ‘Tribal Division’ since independence
up to September, 1985.

Ministry of Welfare: From September 1985 to May 1998.

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment from May 1998 to September 1999.

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was established by amending Article
338 and inserting a new Article 338A in the Constitution through the Constitution (89th
Amendment) Act, 2003. By this amendment, the erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes was replaced by two separate Commissions namely- (i) the
National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), and (ii) the National Commission for
Scheduled Tribes (NCST) w.e.f. 19 February, 2004.
The Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) strategy

The Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) strategy is a Government of India initative aimed for the rapid socio-
economic development of tribal people. The funds provided under the Tribal Sub Plan of the
State have to be at least equal in proportion to the ST population of each State or UTs. Similarly
Central Ministries/Departments are also required to earmark funds out of their budget for the
Tribal Sub-Plan. As per guidelines issued by the Planning Commission, the Tribal Sub Plan
funds are to be non-divertible and non-lapsable. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
is vested with the duty to participate and advise in the planning process of socio-economic
development of STs, and to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union and any
State.