South Asia is a land of great mountains, many rivers, and elephant polo!

Comprising the nations of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, South Asia encompasses a variety of geographical features. These mountains, deserts, and tropical climes have influenced both the history of the region and the lives of its people.

From Mountains to Monsoons

The flat plains of the THAR DESERT cover the western portions of India and are barren with the exception of oases, which house cultural and trade centers.

Torrential monsoons drench South Asia every summer, bringing life to the region along with potentially disastrous floods.

The Soul of South Asia

One of South Asia's main religious traditions, Hinduism inspires colorful and elaborate art.

Each of these faiths has added religious landmarks to the South Indian landscape. From the Sikh's GOLDEN TEMPLE to the magnificent monuments to Buddha in the CAVES OF AJANTA AND ELLORA, the influence of the various religions on the art and architecture of the region is immeasurable.

Religion is more than just a set of beliefs in South Asia — it is a way of life. Each of the major religions has guidelines for the lives of its followers, including regulations for diet, behavior, and dress.

India features some of the world's most elaborate temples, including the Sri Kailasanatha Temple.

One of the most powerful and influential of these regulations is the Hindu caste system. The caste system, though largely shaped by foreigners from central Asia known as Aryans, became deeply incorporated into Hindu tradition and created an enduring framework of ascribed social status. Although some Hindus consider the system antiquated, caste still permeates the South Asian landscape.

The British Invasion

The colorful chariot festival Ratha Yatra is a favorite celebration in India, deeply rooted in the Hindu tradition.

India, known as the "JEWEL IN THE CROWN" of Great Britain's empire, provided raw materials to imperialists who conquered the country with both economic strategy and brute force. The impact of the British on Indian culture was great, as members of the East India Company and other colonists tried to impose their own values on India's people.

South Asians rebelled against their colonial oppressors a number of times, but were defeated at each turn. When physical revolts failed, a young Indian lawyer named MOHANDAS K. GANDHI proposed a new plan. Gandhi's nonviolent resistance movement led the Indian people to self-sufficiency, convinced the British to leave India, and inspired civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr.

South Asian Strife

South Asia comprises India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bengal, Bhutan, and Nepal. This map depicts South Asia and neighboring regions.

Today, India and Pakistan have become engaged in their own cold war, and each has become capable of detonating nuclear weapons.

Hindus and Muslims are not the only South Asian religious groups whose conflicts end in violence. Sikh fundamentalists in India assassinated Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. The Tamil Tigers, a separatist group in Sri Lanka, are noted for their acts of terrorism. In recent years, however, many groups in South Asia have become dedicated to maintaining peace.

Variety: The Spice of Life

Calcutta was home to Miss Universe 2000, Lara Dutta. As U.N. Goodwill Ambassador, Miss Dutta helped to educate Indian villagers about family planning and reproductive health issues.

Sari-clad women in the streets of Calcutta walk next to men in suits. The local McDonald's serves the "Maharaja Mac" because Hindus don't eat beef. Children listen to Urdu rap music and watch movies out of BOLLYWOOD, the center of India's film industry. A web of cultures, languages, and beliefs, South Asia moves forward while retaining its rich heritage.