India

• India is officially known as Republic of India.
• It is the 7th largest country and 2nd most populous country and the largest democracy in the world.
• It is the world's 10 largest economy.
• It was first gradually ruled by the British east India company. From mid 19th century, it was ruled directly by UK.
• It gained independence on 15 august 1947.
• British Raj was separated into India and Pakistan.
• India currently has 28 states and 7 Union Territories.
• Islam came to India in the 10th century.
• India's population is forecasted to overtake china's population to become the most populous country.
• It has 2 major languages, Indo-Aryan and Dravidian.
• India has no national language(not mentioned in the constitution). Hindi and English are the official languages
• Hinduism is followed by 81% of the population.
• Islam is 2nd largest religion both in India and the world.
• India is known for its religious diversity with all religions living unitedly. It is a secular country and anyone can follow any religion.
• The earliest text were epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana written in Sanskrit. Following this, Tamil texts were found dated 1st century BC. Out of Indian languages, Tamil in the most non-sanskritised language. So, if you know both Tamil and Sanskrit, you can understand most of the Indian languages.
• The staple food is Rice(South and East), Wheat(North) and lentils.
• India has 3 national days - Republic day, Independence day and Gandhi Jayanthi declared by the Indian government.
• It also has other religious holidays declared by the state government.
• India was the richest country before European invasion.
• India was the only source of Diamonds for 5000 years. It was discovered in Brazil in 700, but only Indian diamond was known to the rest of the world until 18th century.
• The traditional dress varies with region, but the primary cloth is Saree for women and Dhoti for men.
• Martial arts went to China through Buddhist monks.
• Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism originated in India.
• The national emblem is Ashoka Emblem, which has 4 lions in different directions.

1. National Animal - Tiger
2. National Bird - Peacock
3. National Dance - Bharata Natyam
4. National Flower - Lotus
5. National Fruit - Mango
6. National Tree - Banyan
7. National Song - Vande Mataram
8. National Game - Hockey

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