INDIA : 5 AMAZING FACTS ABOUT INDIA
"INDIA IS A COUNTRY IN WHICH EVERY GREAT RELIGION FINDS A HOME." - ANNIE BESANT
Known as the land of spices, India is the most populous democracy in the world. With over 1.3 Billion people residing in this beautiful cultural country, India stands 2nd, after China, in terms of population. India shares boundaries with six countries and has the three oceans connected to it namely the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal. It is believed that the first modern human footprint fell on the Indian Subcontinent no later than 55,000 years ago. With over one billion people of different religions and ethnicities, India has got some mind-blowing facts that are definitely gonna amaze or shock you! Let's dive right in! Ready. Set. Go.
AN INDIAN INTRODUCED MARTIAL ARTS TO THE WORLD
"INDIA IS A COUNTRY IN WHICH EVERY GREAT RELIGION FINDS A HOME." - ANNIE BESANT
Known as the land of spices, India is the most populous democracy in the world. With over 1.3 Billion people residing in this beautiful cultural country, India stands 2nd, after China, in terms of population. India shares boundaries with six countries and has the three oceans connected to it namely the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal. It is believed that the first modern human footprint fell on the Indian Subcontinent no later than 55,000 years ago. With over one billion people of different religions and ethnicities, India has got some mind-blowing facts that are definitely gonna amaze or shock you! Let's dive right in! Ready. Set. Go.
AN INDIAN INTRODUCED MARTIAL ARTS TO THE WORLD
Today, if we talk about martial arts, the first country that comes to your mind is China. But very few people know that the Chinese martial arts Kung fu was introduced by an Indian named Bodhidharma. Popularly known as Damu in China, Bodhidharma was the one who started the training of physical defense at Shaolin monastery which was soon given the name of Shaolin Kung fu. Bodhidharma is believed to be the third son of a great Brahmin king of South India and is also credited as the transmitter of Chan Buddhism in China. He was not only a master of martial arts but also a Guru of 'Chikitsa Vidya' which is a study of medicines. It is believed that he could find a cure for any disease from the ayurvedic remedies that are readily available in nature. Throughout the Chinese cultures and art Bodhidharma can be seen as an ill-tempered, bearded, and wide-Blue eyed non-Chinese person. It was because of this complexion that he was also referred to as 'The Blue-eyed Barbarian'. In a historical Chinese work Daoxuan, it is said that Bodhidharma died at the banks of Luo river and that he was interred by one of his disciples, Dazu Huike, most possible in a cave nearby. Well this is not the end. As per the Anthology of Patriarchal hall, Bodhidharma is believed to have died at the age of 150 but after 3 years, an official of one of the later Wei Kingdoms encountered Bodhidharma in the Pamir Mountains who claims to be returning to India with just a single sandal in his hand.
The shocking encounter made the Chinese dig up the tomb of Bodhidharma. When opened, they found nothing but a single sandal. Bodhidharma is said to have relocated to Mount Song near Shaolin Monastery where he faced a wall for nine years without speaking anything for the entire time. His date of death is believed to be no earlier than 536.
Wanna know more about Our great Bodhidharma? Check it out right here!
INDIA WAS AN ISLAND 140 MILLION YEARS AGO
Wanna know more about Our great Bodhidharma? Check it out right here!
INDIA WAS AN ISLAND 140 MILLION YEARS AGO
Around 140 million years ago, India was not a part of the Asian continent but a part of a supercontinent of the world Gondwana where it was surrounded by water on all the sides. The Indian, African, Australian, Antarctica, and South American plates together formed the supercontinent Gondwana.
Source: www.zmescience.com
Gondwana began breaking up when these different countries started moving in different directions at different velocities. The Indian plate started moving in the northern direction towards Asia and is believed have collided with the continent around 55 million years ago. This great collision between the continents led to the formation of the largest peak in the world, Mount Everest. The Indian plate not only comprises of India but also constituted other countries Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. All these countries together form the Indian subcontinent in history but now due to some geographical positions or other factors they decided on separating and are now categorized as different countries. The Indian plate is also called a subcontinent as the temperature weather and the geographical conditions of these seven countries are separate from that of the other Asian countries.
81 FESTIVALS ARE CELEBRATED IN INDIA
Around 140 million years ago, India was not a part of the Asian continent but a part of a supercontinent of the world Gondwana where it was surrounded by water on all the sides. The Indian, African, Australian, Antarctica, and South American plates together formed the supercontinent Gondwana.
Gondwana began breaking up when these different countries started moving in different directions at different velocities. The Indian plate started moving in the northern direction towards Asia and is believed have collided with the continent around 55 million years ago. This great collision between the continents led to the formation of the largest peak in the world, Mount Everest. The Indian plate not only comprises of India but also constituted other countries Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. All these countries together form the Indian subcontinent in history but now due to some geographical positions or other factors they decided on separating and are now categorized as different countries. The Indian plate is also called a subcontinent as the temperature weather and the geographical conditions of these seven countries are separate from that of the other Asian countries.
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| Source: www.zmescience.com |
81 FESTIVALS ARE CELEBRATED IN INDIA
Yes, you read that right. There's a reason why India is called a country of culture! You must have heard about Holi, the festival of colors, which is now not only celebrated in India but in many other countries as well. 
Likewise, they have Diwali, Dusshera, Kumbh Mela that are quite famous. But hey, if you think that's all India got, you are mistaken. Even few Indians reading this article will be shocked to know that they have 88 festivals being celebrated in their country, were you? Post a comment if you were shocked! Here are a few festivals that are most popular. For the full list, you just need to click here! - BHAI-DOOJ: Celebrated on 2nd lunar day of Shukla Paksha. On this day sisters pray for a long and prosperous life for their brothers. Brothers and sisters give gifts to each other on this day.
- BUDDHA PURNIMA: Celebrating the birth of Gautam Buddha this day usually falls in April or May depending upon the Asian Luni-Solar Calendars.
- CHHATH PUJA: Marked as the most auspicious celebration amongst the Bihari Hindus and some parts of Nepal, this is a celebrated as thanks-giving to Sun and Shashti Devi for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.
- DIWALI : The festival of lights usually lasting 5 days to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
- DURGA PUJA(NAVRATRI): Celebrated for 9 days at a stretch, Hindu Goddess Durga is worshiped in this festival and is believed that on this day, she earned a victory over an evil which can be clearly seen in every statue showcased on this day in different 'Pandels'.
- DUSSEHRA: Celebrated at the end of Navratri, this day marks as the victory of Hindu God Ram over the evil superpower Ravan.
- GANESH CHATURTHI: This Hindu festival celebrates the arrival of God Ganesha and his Mother Goddess Parvati on Earth.
- HOLI: The festival of Colours celebrated with lots of love in India.
- INDEPENDENCE DAY: Celebrated on the 15th of August every year, this day commemorates India's Independence from the British Rule on 15th August, 1947.
- KARTIK PURNIMA: Also known as Deva-Diwali, this day celebrated the festival of lights of the Gods.
- KARWA CHAUTH: A day-long fasting and worshiping of God, observed by the Women, for a long life of their husbands.
- KUMBH MELA: A major pilgrimage and big Hindu festival celebrated every 12 years at four river-bak pilgrimage sites: The Allahabad, Haridwar(Ganges), Nashik(Godavari), and Ujjain(Shipra). Every time Kumbh Mela attracts millions of people all over the globe.
- LOHRI: A popular Punjabi winter festival. Many people believe that this day marks the passing of winter solstice and a welcome of Sun's journey to the Northern Hemisphere.
- PONGAL: A Hindu harvest festival mainly celebrated in southern India, and is dedicated to the Hindu God Surya.
- RAKSHA BANDHAN: Considered as one of the most beautiful festivals of India, on this day, sisters tie a Rakhi(Talisman) around the wrist of their brother, in return of which, the brother promises her sister to protect her from all odds and stand alongside her every time,
- RAMADAN: A Muslim festival celebrated in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, as a month o fasting, prayer, reflection, and Community.
- SARASWATI POOJA: This day marks the arrival of spring in the Indian subcontinent and worship of Goddess Saraswati who is believed to be the Goddess of knowledge, language, music, and all arts.
- TULSI VIVAH: Tulsi Vivah is celebrated as a ceremony in which the Hindu Goddess Tulsi is married to God Vishnu.
- VAN MAHOTSAV: A traditional tree-planting festival celebrated over a week in India.
- VASANT PANCHAMI: This day celebrates the arrival of Spring in the Indian SUbcontinent.
- VISHWAKARMA POOJA: On this day, the Hindu God Vishwakarma, known ad the divine architect, is worshiped. Kids and people of all ages celebrate this day flying kites and eating sweets.
This isn't all!! There are other festivals too that India celebrates with pride. The complete list is right here!
THE UNMATCHED INDIAN DISCOVERIES
Yes, you read that right. There's a reason why India is called a country of culture! You must have heard about Holi, the festival of colors, which is now not only celebrated in India but in many other countries as well.
Likewise, they have Diwali, Dusshera, Kumbh Mela that are quite famous. But hey, if you think that's all India got, you are mistaken. Even few Indians reading this article will be shocked to know that they have 88 festivals being celebrated in their country, were you? Post a comment if you were shocked! Here are a few festivals that are most popular. For the full list, you just need to click here!
- BHAI-DOOJ: Celebrated on 2nd lunar day of Shukla Paksha. On this day sisters pray for a long and prosperous life for their brothers. Brothers and sisters give gifts to each other on this day.
- BUDDHA PURNIMA: Celebrating the birth of Gautam Buddha this day usually falls in April or May depending upon the Asian Luni-Solar Calendars.
- CHHATH PUJA: Marked as the most auspicious celebration amongst the Bihari Hindus and some parts of Nepal, this is a celebrated as thanks-giving to Sun and Shashti Devi for bestowing the bounties of life on earth.
- DIWALI : The festival of lights usually lasting 5 days to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
- DURGA PUJA(NAVRATRI): Celebrated for 9 days at a stretch, Hindu Goddess Durga is worshiped in this festival and is believed that on this day, she earned a victory over an evil which can be clearly seen in every statue showcased on this day in different 'Pandels'.
- DUSSEHRA: Celebrated at the end of Navratri, this day marks as the victory of Hindu God Ram over the evil superpower Ravan.
- GANESH CHATURTHI: This Hindu festival celebrates the arrival of God Ganesha and his Mother Goddess Parvati on Earth.
- HOLI: The festival of Colours celebrated with lots of love in India.
- INDEPENDENCE DAY: Celebrated on the 15th of August every year, this day commemorates India's Independence from the British Rule on 15th August, 1947.
- KARTIK PURNIMA: Also known as Deva-Diwali, this day celebrated the festival of lights of the Gods.
- KARWA CHAUTH: A day-long fasting and worshiping of God, observed by the Women, for a long life of their husbands.
- KUMBH MELA: A major pilgrimage and big Hindu festival celebrated every 12 years at four river-bak pilgrimage sites: The Allahabad, Haridwar(Ganges), Nashik(Godavari), and Ujjain(Shipra). Every time Kumbh Mela attracts millions of people all over the globe.
- LOHRI: A popular Punjabi winter festival. Many people believe that this day marks the passing of winter solstice and a welcome of Sun's journey to the Northern Hemisphere.
- PONGAL: A Hindu harvest festival mainly celebrated in southern India, and is dedicated to the Hindu God Surya.
- RAKSHA BANDHAN: Considered as one of the most beautiful festivals of India, on this day, sisters tie a Rakhi(Talisman) around the wrist of their brother, in return of which, the brother promises her sister to protect her from all odds and stand alongside her every time,
- RAMADAN: A Muslim festival celebrated in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, as a month o fasting, prayer, reflection, and Community.
- SARASWATI POOJA: This day marks the arrival of spring in the Indian subcontinent and worship of Goddess Saraswati who is believed to be the Goddess of knowledge, language, music, and all arts.
- TULSI VIVAH: Tulsi Vivah is celebrated as a ceremony in which the Hindu Goddess Tulsi is married to God Vishnu.
- VAN MAHOTSAV: A traditional tree-planting festival celebrated over a week in India.
- VASANT PANCHAMI: This day celebrates the arrival of Spring in the Indian SUbcontinent.
- VISHWAKARMA POOJA: On this day, the Hindu God Vishwakarma, known ad the divine architect, is worshiped. Kids and people of all ages celebrate this day flying kites and eating sweets.
This isn't all!! There are other festivals too that India celebrates with pride. The complete list is right here!
THE UNMATCHED INDIAN DISCOVERIES
"WE OWE A LOT TO THE INDIANS, WHO TAUGHT US HOW TO COUNT WITHOUT WHICH NO WORTHWHILE SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY COULD HAVE BEEN MADE" - ALBERT EINSTEIN
Do you know who discovered the number '0'? Do you know where is the first University in the World built?Do you know about the earliest school of medicine known to mankind? Well, if you don't, we've some great facts for you! ;)
- If the world had Einstein, Newton, and many more, India had Aryabhatta. Wondering who is he? Aryabhatta is the man who is known for his great discoveries and contributions to the world. Aryabhatta is the one who discovered the number '0', place value system, the value of π correct to 4 decimal places, solution of a single-variable quadratic equation.
Source: www.eurekamoment.co
He doesn't stop here! He was the one who explained Solar and Lunar eclipse, the rotation of Earth on its axis, reflection of light by the moon, calculated the diameter of the Earth. Again in the field of mathematics, he introduced the world to Trigonometry, Algebra, and Indeterminate Equations. But, the question is, when did he do all these? Let me answer it. He did all this between 476 to 550 CE. Shocked? Well, this isn't the end there's many more! Just click here and find out the rest! Another scientist of India, Bhaskaracharya, rightly calculated the time taken by earth to orbit the Sun, hundreds of years ago before the astronomer Smart. According to his calculation, the time taken was 365. 258756484 days. - The earliest school of medicine known to mankind is Ayurveda which was also studied in India. Charaka, known as the Father of Medicine, consolidated Ayurveda around 2500 years ago.
The first surgeon in the world was an Indian Hindu Sage Sushruta Samhita, who is believed to have performed the first plastic surgery in 600 B.C. Sushruta and his team also performed some complicated surgeries like cataract, artificial limbs, fractures, brain surgery, etc. - The first University in the world was in the Taxila of Undivided India, in around 700 B.C. Over 10,000 students studied over 60 subjects in this university. The University of Nalanda was also one of the greatest achievements of India in the 4th century.
- India was one of the richest countries in the world before the British Raj and contributed to around 24% of the world's GDP, which came down to 4% in 1950 when the British left.
- As per the Gemological Institute of America, India was the only source of diamonds until 1896.
- 25% of the world population follows religions born in India i.e. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism.
- The concept of shampoo comes from India, where herbs were used to massage our hair before taking a bath. This was originally called 'Champu'.
NOW LET'S TALK ABOUT PLACES
"WE OWE A LOT TO THE INDIANS, WHO TAUGHT US HOW TO COUNT WITHOUT WHICH NO WORTHWHILE SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY COULD HAVE BEEN MADE" - ALBERT EINSTEIN
Do you know who discovered the number '0'? Do you know where is the first University in the World built?
Do you know about the earliest school of medicine known to mankind? Well, if you don't, we've some great facts for you! ;)
- If the world had Einstein, Newton, and many more, India had Aryabhatta. Wondering who is he? Aryabhatta is the man who is known for his great discoveries and contributions to the world. Aryabhatta is the one who discovered the number '0', place value system, the value of π correct to 4 decimal places, solution of a single-variable quadratic equation.
He doesn't stop here! He was the one who explained Solar and Lunar eclipse, the rotation of Earth on its axis, reflection of light by the moon, calculated the diameter of the Earth. Again in the field of mathematics, he introduced the world to Trigonometry, Algebra, and Indeterminate Equations. But, the question is, when did he do all these? Let me answer it. He did all this between 476 to 550 CE. Shocked? Well, this isn't the end there's many more! Just click here and find out the rest! Another scientist of India, Bhaskaracharya, rightly calculated the time taken by earth to orbit the Sun, hundreds of years ago before the astronomer Smart. According to his calculation, the time taken was 365. 258756484 days.Source: www.eurekamoment.co - The earliest school of medicine known to mankind is Ayurveda which was also studied in India. Charaka, known as the Father of Medicine, consolidated Ayurveda around 2500 years ago.The first surgeon in the world was an Indian Hindu Sage Sushruta Samhita, who is believed to have performed the first plastic surgery in 600 B.C. Sushruta and his team also performed some complicated surgeries like cataract, artificial limbs, fractures, brain surgery, etc.
- The first University in the world was in the Taxila of Undivided India, in around 700 B.C. Over 10,000 students studied over 60 subjects in this university. The University of Nalanda was also one of the greatest achievements of India in the 4th century.
- India was one of the richest countries in the world before the British Raj and contributed to around 24% of the world's GDP, which came down to 4% in 1950 when the British left.
- As per the Gemological Institute of America, India was the only source of diamonds until 1896.
- 25% of the world population follows religions born in India i.e. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism.
- The concept of shampoo comes from India, where herbs were used to massage our hair before taking a bath. This was originally called 'Champu'.
- India has one of the most ancient inhabited places in the world, Varanasi, which is around 5000 years old.
- A meteor strike, somewhat around 52000 years ago, formed a lake in Maharashtra, India which is popularly known as Lonar Lake.
- Two cities in the UNESCO World Heritage list is from India.
Source: www.pinterest.com
- Indian Business Tycoon Mukesh Ambani owns the world's second largest private residential tower, Antilia in Mumbai, after Buckingham Palace. It is said to have a net worth of $1 Billion.
- The richest city and the financial capital of India, Mumbai, is actually an island, connected to India with just 3 Bridges.
- Mawsynram, a place in Meghalaya, India, receives the largest rainfall in the world which is around 11,873 millimeters.
- The highest cricket ground in the world, 2144 meters above sea level, as well as the largest cricket stadium in the world, the Motera Stadium is in India.
- The Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai, India has steel wires equal to the circumference of the earth. Not just this! It took 2,57,00,000 man-hours to complete the construction and its weight is equal to 50,000 African elephants.
That is all for this blog. Share this with your friends and family so that they too can know these amazing things. Do comment about a thing that really amazed you. Keep sharing. Keep visiting. Don't forget to check out our other blogs!
- India has one of the most ancient inhabited places in the world, Varanasi, which is around 5000 years old.
- A meteor strike, somewhat around 52000 years ago, formed a lake in Maharashtra, India which is popularly known as Lonar Lake.
- Two cities in the UNESCO World Heritage list is from India.
Source: www.pinterest.com - Indian Business Tycoon Mukesh Ambani owns the world's second largest private residential tower, Antilia in Mumbai, after Buckingham Palace. It is said to have a net worth of $1 Billion.
- The richest city and the financial capital of India, Mumbai, is actually an island, connected to India with just 3 Bridges.
- Mawsynram, a place in Meghalaya, India, receives the largest rainfall in the world which is around 11,873 millimeters.
- The highest cricket ground in the world, 2144 meters above sea level, as well as the largest cricket stadium in the world, the Motera Stadium is in India.
- The Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai, India has steel wires equal to the circumference of the earth. Not just this! It took 2,57,00,000 man-hours to complete the construction and its weight is equal to 50,000 African elephants.
That is all for this blog. Share this with your friends and family so that they too can know these amazing things. Do comment about a thing that really amazed you. Keep sharing. Keep visiting. Don't forget to check out our other blogs!
Nice article summarizing everything
ReplyDeleteTried summarizing as much as I could. Many more facts coming up soon!😄
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