Importance of Culture in a Continental/Sub-Continental Region (India)

Describe and explain the importance of culture in defining regions in a continental/sub-continental region you have studied. (30 marks)

India:

India is a subcontinental region with a population of 1.3 Billion.
The country gained independence from Britain in 1947.
India possesses a cultural diversity due to the migration of Indo-European people, British colonialism and the spread of Islam through trading routes.

Languages:

18 official languages (up to 1650 minor languages).
Official language = Hindi and 41% of pop. speak this.
English is largely spoken by the educated.
Language is considered a strong expression of culture, so India’s diversity when it comes to languages has caused cultural conflict.

Religion:

Most popular religion = Hinduism (introduces by migrants from Africa/Asia).
Hinduism is based on a caste system (this is a layered society whereby the wealthy are placed at the top layer and poor are placed on the bottom layer. One cannot move between social layers).
Some other religions include Buddhism (est. 6th Century and most live in South and North-East regions), Islam (est. 10th Century and most live in Northern regions) and Christianity (est. during British colonialism has few members).
In 1947, post independence, the Indian sub-content split on religious grounds.
Two separate states were established: India (Hindu) and Pakistan (Islamic).
A political boundary (like the one in Ireland) was difficult to establish.
Many people attached to minority religions were left in both countries.
This political/religious split led to violence and ultimately influenced the migration of up to 14 million people.

When has the Culture of a Region Last Come Up in the Leaving Cert?

*As always, don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have via the Lee Tutorials Instagram page.