India
| Republic of India | |
|---|---|
| Flag | Horizontal tricolour of deep saffron, white, and green with a blue Ashoka Chakra at the center |
| Motto | "Satyameva Jayate" (Truth Alone Triumphs) |
| Anthem | Jana Gana Mana |
| Official Languages | Hindi, English |
| Capital | New Delhi |
| Largest city | Mumbai |
| Government Type | Federal parliamentary constitutional republic |
| President | Droupadi Murmu |
| Prime Minister | Narendra Modi |
| Legislature | Parliament of India |
| Area | 3,287,263 km² |
| Population | 1,428,627,663 (2023) |
| GDP (Nominal) | $3.7 trillion (2023) |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (₹) |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+05:30) |
| Drives on | left |
| Calling code | +91 |
| Internet TLD | .in |
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country located in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by land area, the most populous nation in the world, and the largest democracy. India shares land borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, and maritime borders with Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
India is renowned for its deep cultural heritage, spiritual philosophies, and contributions to science, mathematics, arts, and literature. It is the birthplace of major world religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
🪷 Etymology
The word "India" is derived from the River Indus. In ancient times, it was referred to as 'Bharat', which remains the country’s native name.
Historical Overview
India’s history spans over 5,000 years — from the Indus Valley Civilization to the Vedic age, Maurya and Gupta Empires, Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, and finally British colonial rule. India gained independence on 15 August 1947 under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and several national heroes.
Government and Politics
India is a federal parliamentary republic, governed by the Constitution of India. The President is the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister leads the government. The Parliament consists of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
Geography
India’s geography includes the Himalayas in the north, the Indo-Gangetic plains, the Thar Desert in the west, the tropical coastline in the south, and dense forests in the northeast. The country has a wide variety of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Economy
India’s economy ranks among the top 5 globally by nominal GDP. It is diverse, with major contributions from:
- Information Technology (IT)
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Space and Atomic research
Culture
India’s cultural legacy is seen in its food, festivals, languages, music, clothing, and cinema. It is home to Bollywood, one of the world’s largest film industries. Every region has its own folk traditions, crafts, and customs.
Religion and Society
India is a secular nation with a pluralistic society. Major religions include Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and cultural expression.
See Also
- Geography of India
- History of India
- Indian Economy
- Indian Freedom Struggle
- States and Union Territories of India