1. India is massive!
India is the seventh biggest country in the world and the second most populous – 1.417 billion people call India home (2022). China has the worlds largest, with a population of 1.412 billion (2022).
2. It’s a country filled with temples.
Varanasi has temples of all sizes from different eras and is a major attraction for visitors from all over the world.
3. Cows are sacred here.
Killing cows is a criminal offence in India. They are free to roam wherever they choose, too. Traffic slows for them, and most people in India are vegetarian.
Some people eat fish, but animals who live on the land are seldom eaten.
4. Monsoons last for ages in India!
Monsoons last for approximately six months per year in India. Up to 11,873 millimetres of rainfall has been recorded per year in the wettest spots – no wonder umbrellas are popular!
5. Driving up on high!
The highest road in the world navigable by motor vehicles is located in India. The famous ‘Ladakh’ is found at a height of 19,300 feet!
6. Diamonds are big in India.
India was once the only source of diamonds! They were first discovered here at the delta of the River Krishna, recorded from the 4th century. Subsequently, diamonds were found in Brazil and South Africa in the 18th century.
7. They changed board game history.
The ever popular children’s game ‘Snakes and Ladders’ originated in India. It is nowadays enjoyed by children of all ages across the planet.
It was developed by elders to teach children about karma – the game shows children that there are ‘ups and downs’ in life, and how we respond to them is important – often with unforeseen outcomes!
8. Hindiusm is an ancient religion based in India.
Hinduism is recognised to be the oldest religion in the world. It dates back to 5,500 years BC.
9. What are the cornerstones of Hinduism?
Hindus believe that there are three Gods. Shira is a destructive God, who it’s felt destroys so that things may be rebuilt. Vishnu is the ‘Preserver of the Universe’, and Brahma is the central deity.
10. India is a multilingual society.
An astonishing 22 known languages are spoken in India! One, which is described as the ’mother of languages’, is Sanskrit. It is considered to be the oldest language in the world.
11. Do people speak English in India?
The most prominent official languages spoken these days are Hindi and English. The largest number of English speakers reside in America but India comes second globally for most English speakers.
12. What’s the meaning behind 108?
The number 108 has a sacred meaning for Hindus and it’s easy to understand why!
Mathematically it is the ratio of the Moon’s distance from Earth to the Moon’s diametre. It is also, the ratio of the Sun’s distance from Earth to the Sun’s diametre!
13. What’s special about Shani Shingnapur?
One of the safest places to live on Earth appears to be the village of Shani Shingnapur, where none of the houses have doors with locks! For 400 years – to date – there has not been one crime recorded there.
14. That’s one way to tell the time!
The largest sundial in the world, standing 90 feet tall, is located in Jaipur, India. UNESCO have named this a world heritage site, too.
15. Indians often use soda to help with gardening!
Gardeners may be interested in how Coke and Pepsi are sometimes used in India! Pesticides are very expensive there. Both Pepsi and Coke are cheaper to buy than either, and can attract ants – which eat the larvae of insects that can kill crops.
16. What is the Amritsar Golden Temple?
A wonderful example of generosity and kindness is demonstrated daily at the famous Amritsar Golden Temple.
The Sikh temple welcomes up to 100,000 people of different religions, per day and they serve up to 50,000 per day with a free vegetarian meal. Astoundingly all ingredients used are from donations!
FAQs about India
Is the population of India expected to increase or decrease?
Currently India is home to 37 billion people. It is anticipated that by 2050 it will overtake China which currently holds first place for being the most populated country in the world.
Is India a violent country?
Unfortunately, India has a growing reputation for violence against women. Therefore, it is always recommended you take every precaution.
How old is India?
India is truly ancient - people are said to have started settling here more than 250,000 years ago.
Do you know any fun facts about India? Share them in the comments below!
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