Notes: Our Country and the World | GK Olympiad for Class 3 PDF Download

Introduction to Indian States

India is like a big, colorful book with each state telling its own unique story. There are 28 states and 8 Union Territories in India, each with its own special traditions, foods, dances, and festivals. Imagine a huge puzzle where every piece is different but fits perfectly together to make the whole picture of India. 

Here are some Indian States, their Capitals, and the things they are Famous for: 

Union Territories (UTs) in India 

India has 8 Union Territories (UTs), which are special administrative regions. Each Union Territory is unique and has its own charm. Here’s a table to help you learn more about them:

Indian Dance

Imagine a world where stories come to life with colorful clothes, happy music, and graceful movements. That's the magic of Indian dance! In India, dance is not just moving your body; it’s a way to show feelings, tell stories, and celebrate special moments. Every state in India has its own special dance, each with its own style and beauty. Let’s explore some of these amazing dances!

Indian Dance Forms, States, and Famous Dancers

A Journey Through Dance

In India, dance is woven into the fabric of everyday life. Whether it’s a grand celebration or a humble village festival, dance brings joy and unity. Here’s a closer look at some of the enchanting dance forms:

1. Bharatanatyam

   • State: Tamil Nadu
   • Description: Bharatanatyam is known for its beautiful hand movements and expressive face. Dancers wear colorful silk costumes and lots of jewelry, making each dance look like a festival.

2. Kathak

   • State: Uttar Pradesh
   • Description: Kathak dancers spin and move their feet very fast. They wear ankle bells that jingle with every step. It’s like telling a story with dance and music.

3. Kathakali

   • State: Kerala
   • Description: Kathakali is a dance-drama with big, bright costumes and makeup. Dancers perform stories from old Indian myths. It’s like watching a live cartoon!

4. Odissi

   • State: Odisha
   • Description: Odissi dancers move gracefully and make beautiful poses. It looks like they are statues coming to life, telling stories with their eyes and hands.

5. Bhangra

   • State: Punjab
   • Description: Bhangra is a high-energy dance full of jumping and clapping. Dancers wear bright clothes and dance to lively drum beats. It’s a favorite during festivals and celebrations.

Music and Musicians 

Imagine a world without music – no songs to sing along to, no tunes to dance to, and no melodies to make us feel happy, calm, or excited. Music is like magic that brings joy to our hearts. It's everywhere: in your favorite cartoons, during birthday parties, and even when you’re playing games. Let’s dive into the amazing world of music and discover its wonders!

Types of Music

Music comes in many different styles, just like there are many flavors of ice cream! Here are some fun types of music:

1. Classical Music

   • This is the kind of music you might hear in a concert hall with instruments like violins and pianos. It’s very beautiful and often tells a story without words.

2. Pop Music

   • Pop music is the kind you hear on the radio and love to dance to. It’s fun, catchy, and makes you want to sing along!

3. Folk Music

   • Folk music is traditional music from different regions and cultures. It’s like a musical storybook, sharing tales and traditions from the past.

4. Rock Music

   • Rock music is loud and energetic, perfect for getting you pumped up. It often features electric guitars and drums.

5. Jazz Music

   • Jazz is a smooth and sometimes upbeat type of music that’s great for dancing. It often includes instruments like saxophones and trumpets.

Famous Musical Instruments

Just like how artists use brushes and colors, musicians use instruments to create beautiful sounds. Here are some famous ones:

1. Piano: A big instrument with black and white keys that you press to make beautiful melodies.

2. Guitar: A string instrument that you strum or pluck. It’s perfect for playing rock, pop, and many other types of music.

3. Violin: A small string instrument that you play with a bow. It’s often used in classical music.

4. Drums: A percussion instrument that you hit with sticks or your hands to keep the rhythm and beat.

5. Flute: A wind instrument that you play by blowing air across a hole. It makes sweet, high-pitched sounds.

6. Trumpet: A brass instrument that you play by blowing air and pressing valves. It makes bright, loud sounds and is used in jazz and classical music.

7. Sitar: A traditional Indian string instrument with a long neck and many strings. It’s used in classical Indian music.

8. Tabla: A pair of small drums from India that you play with your hands. It’s used in classical and folk music.

9. Saxophone: A brass instrument with a curved shape that you blow into. It’s used in jazz and pop music.

10. Harmonica: A small, hand-held instrument that you play by blowing and drawing air through reeds. It makes a unique, lively sound.

Famous Musicians

Many talented musicians have created wonderful music that we love to listen to. Here are a few famous ones:

1. Lata Mangeshkar

   • A legendary singer from India, known for her beautiful voice in Bollywood songs.

2. Elvis Presley

   • Known as the "King of Rock and Roll," Elvis made rock music very popular.

3. Ludwig van Beethoven

   • A classical music composer who created amazing symphonies and piano music.

4. Michael Jackson

   • Known as the "King of Pop," Michael Jackson was famous for his incredible singing and dancing.

5. A. R. Rahman

   • A famous Indian music composer who has created beautiful music for movies and won many awards.

Flags of Countries

Let's go on a fun journey to learn about the flags of different countries. Flags are like the unique signature of each country. Here we have the flag of our India with a few facts related with it: 

Fun Facts About the Flag of India 

1. Colors and Meanings: The Indian flag has saffron at the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom.
2. Saffron: Saffron color stands for courage and sacrifice.
3. White: White color represents peace and truth.
4. Green: Green color symbolizes faith and chivalry.
5. Ashoka Chakra: The blue wheel in the center of the white band is called the Ashoka Chakra.
6. Spokes: The Ashoka Chakra has 24 spokes.
7. Designer: The flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya.
8. Adoption Date: The flag was adopted on July 22, 1947.
9. Independence: India became independent on August 15, 1947.
10. Khadi: The flag is traditionally made of khadi cloth.
11. National Holidays: The flag is displayed on Independence Day (August 15) and Republic Day (January 26).
12. Flying the Flag: It should be hoisted in the morning and lowered in the evening.
13. Respect: The flag must always be flown higher than any other flag.
14. Dimensions: The flag's ratio is 2:3, meaning it is 2 units wide and 3 units long.
15. Flag Code: There are rules called the Flag Code of India that explain how to display and use the flag properly.

Flags have different colors and designs, and each one tells a special story about the country it represents. Here are some interesting flags from around the world:

India's Neighbours

India is a big country with several neighboring countries. Let’s learn about them and their flags!

1. Pakistan

   • Capital: Islamabad
   • Flag: Green and white with a crescent moon and a star.
   • Interesting Fact: Pakistan was part of India before becoming an independent country in 1947.

2. China

   • Capital: Beijing
   • Flag: Red with five yellow stars.
   • Interesting Fact: China is the most populous country in the world.

3. Nepal

   • Capital: Kathmandu
   • Flag: Unique with two triangular shapes, red with blue borders and a white moon and sun.
   • Interesting Fact: Nepal is home to Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world.

4. Bhutan

   • Capital: Thimphu
   • Flag: Diagonally divided yellow and orange with a white dragon.
   • Interesting Fact: Bhutan is known as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon."

5. Bangladesh

   • Capital: Dhaka
   • Flag: Green with a red circle.
   • Interesting Fact: Bangladesh has the world's largest river delta, the Sundarbans, home to Bengal tigers.

6. Myanmar (Burma)

   • Capital: Naypyidaw
   • Flag: Yellow, green, and red stripes with a white star.
   • Interesting Fact: Myanmar is famous for its beautiful pagodas and temples.

7. Sri Lanka

   • Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
   • Flag: Gold with a lion holding a sword and four bo leaves.
   • Interesting Fact: Sri Lanka is an island nation known for its tea and beautiful beaches.

8. Afghanistan

   • Capital: Kabul
   • Flag: Black, red, and green stripes with a white emblem.
   • Interesting Fact: Afghanistan is known for its rich history and cultural heritage.

The Wonderful World of Festivals

Festivals are special days filled with fun, celebration, and joy. They bring people together and make us feel happy and united. Let's learn about some of the amazing festivals celebrated in our country!

National Festivals

These are festivals celebrated by the whole country. They remind us of important events in our nation's history.

1. Independence Day

• When: August 15th
• Why: To celebrate the day India got its freedom from British rule in 1947.
• How: The Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi, and we remember the heroes who fought for our freedom with parades and cultural programs.

2. Republic Day

• When: January 26th
• Why: To celebrate the day India became a republic in 1950.
• How: A grand parade is held in New Delhi, showcasing our military strength and cultural diversity. Floats from different states display their unique traditions.

3. Gandhi Jayanti

• When: October 2nd
• Why: To honor the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.
• How: People participate in prayer meetings and remember Gandhi's teachings of non-violence and peace.

Religious Festivals

These festivals are celebrated by people of different religions and bring out the rich cultural diversity of India.

1. Diwali

• Also Known As: The Festival of Lights
• When: October or November
• Why: To celebrate the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.
• How: People light lamps, decorate their homes, burst fireworks, and exchange sweets.

2. Holi

• Also Known As: The Festival of Colors
• When: March
• Why: To celebrate the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring.
• How: People throw colored powders at each other, sing, dance, and enjoy delicious sweets like gujiya.

3. Eid-ul-Fitr

• When: At the end of Ramadan
• Why: To mark the end of a month of fasting.
• How: People wear new clothes, offer prayers at mosques, and share meals with family and friends.

4. Christmas

• When: December 25th
• Why: To celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
• How: People decorate Christmas trees, exchange gifts, and enjoy special meals. Santa Claus brings gifts for children.

5. Gurpurab

• When: Different dates for different Sikh Gurus
• Why: To celebrate the birthdays of the Sikh Gurus.
• How: People visit Gurdwaras, participate in processions, and share food and sweets.

Harvest Festivals

These festivals celebrate the harvest season and thank nature for its bounty.

1. Pongal

• When: January
• Where: Tamil Nadu
• How: People cook a special dish called Pongal, worship the sun, and decorate their homes with rangoli.

2. Onam

• When: August or September
• Where: Kerala
• How: People create flower arrangements called pookalam, participate in boat races, and enjoy a grand feast called Onam Sadhya.

3. Baisakhi

• When: April
• Where: Punjab
• How: Farmers thank God for the good harvest, people perform Bhangra and Gidda dances, and visit Gurdwaras.

Traditional Dishes and Traditional Costumes 

Let's go on a delicious and colorful journey to learn about the traditional dishes and costumes of different states in India. Imagine tasting yummy food and wearing beautiful clothes from all over the country. Here’s everything you need to know!

Traditional Dishes

1. Punjab

   • Dish: Butter Chicken
   • Description: A rich and creamy chicken dish cooked in butter and tomato sauce, often eaten with naan.

2. Maharashtra

   • Dish: Pav Bhaji
   • Description: Spicy vegetable mash served with buttered bread rolls, a favorite street food.

3. West Bengal

   • Dish: Rosogolla
   • Description: Soft, spongy balls made of chhena soaked in sweet syrup, a delicious dessert.

4. Gujarat

   • Dish: Dhokla
   • Description: A savory cake made from fermented rice and chickpea batter, light and fluffy, enjoyed with chutney.

5. Tamil Nadu

   • Dish: Dosa
   • Description: A thin, crispy pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter, served with coconut chutney and sambar.

6. Kerala

   • Dish: Appam with Stew
   • Description: Soft, fluffy pancakes with crispy edges, served with a mild coconut milk-based stew with vegetables or meat.

7. Rajasthan

   • Dish: Dal Baati Churma
   • Description: Combination of Dal (lentil curry), Baati (baked wheat balls), and Churma (sweet crumbled wheat).

8. Bihar

   • Dish: Litti Chokha
   • Description: Baked dough balls filled with roasted gram flour, served with mashed vegetables like eggplant or potato.

9. Assam

   • Dish: Assam Laksa
   • Description: A tangy fish noodle soup with lots of fresh herbs and spices.

10. Karnataka

    • Dish: Mysore Pak
    • Description: A rich, buttery sweet made from gram flour, ghee, and sugar.

11. Uttar Pradesh

    • Dish: Tunday Kababi
    • Description: Delicious minced meat kebabs that melt in your mouth.

12. Andhra Pradesh

    • Dish: Hyderabadi Biryani
    • Description: A fragrant and flavorful rice dish cooked with marinated meat and aromatic spices.

13. Odisha

    • Dish: Pakhala Bhata
    • Description: Fermented rice served with water and various accompaniments like fried fish and vegetables.

14. Madhya Pradesh

    • Dish: Bhutte Ka Kees
    • Description: A spicy grated corn snack made with milk and seasoned with mustard seeds and green chilies.

15. Goa

    • Dish: Goan Fish Curry
    • Description: A tangy and spicy fish curry made with coconut milk, tamarind, and a mix of Goan spices.

Traditional Costumes

1. Punjab

   • Costume: Salwar Kameez with Phulkari Dupatta
   • Description: Women wear a long tunic (kameez) with loose trousers (salwar) and a colorful embroidered scarf (phulkari dupatta). Men often wear a kurta with a turban.

2. Maharashtra

   • Costume: Nauvari Saree
   • Description: Women wear a nine-yard saree draped in a special way, while men wear a dhoti and kurta.

3. West Bengal

   • Costume: Saree and Dhoti
   • Description: Women wear elegant sarees, especially the white saree with red border during festivals. Men wear dhotis and kurtas.

4. Gujarat

   • Costume: Chaniya Choli and Kediyu
   • Description: Women wear a colorful skirt (chaniya) with a blouse (choli) and a dupatta. Men wear a long shirt (kediyu) with dhotis or trousers.

5. Tamil Nadu

   • Costume: Kanjeevaram Saree and Veshti
   • Description: Women wear silk sarees called Kanjeevaram with gold borders. Men wear a white dhoti (veshti) with a shirt.

6. Kerala

   • Costume: Kasavu Saree and Mundu
   • Description: Women wear a white saree with a golden border called Kasavu. Men wear a similar white and gold dhoti called Mundu.

7. Rajasthan

   • Costume: Ghagra Choli and Dhoti with Angrakha
   • Description: Women wear long skirts (ghagra) with blouses (choli) and a veil (odhani). Men wear a dhoti with a long shirt (angrakha) and a colorful turban.

8. Bihar

   • Costume: Tussar Silk Saree and Lungi
   • Description: Women often wear sarees made of Tussar silk, and men wear lungis or dhotis with kurtas.

9. Assam

   • Costume: Mekhela Chador
   • Description: Women wear a traditional outfit called Mekhela Chador, which is similar to a saree but draped differently. Men wear dhotis and kurtas.

10. Karnataka

    • Costume: Ilkal Saree and Panche
    • Description: Women wear traditional Ilkal sarees, and men wear a dhoti called Panche with a shirt.

11. Uttar Pradesh

    • Costume: Banarasi Saree and Sherwani
    • Description: Women wear exquisite Banarasi sarees known for their intricate designs, while men often wear sherwanis for special occasions.

12. Andhra Pradesh

    • Costume: Pochampally Saree and Dhoti
    • Description: Women wear colorful Pochampally sarees, known for their unique patterns, and men wear dhotis and kurtas.

13. Odisha

    • Costume: Sambalpuri Saree and Dhoti
    • Description: Women wear traditional Sambalpuri sarees, known for their beautiful handwoven designs, and men wear dhotis and kurtas.

14. Madhya Pradesh

    • Costume: Chanderi Saree and Angarkha
    • Description: Women wear elegant Chanderi sarees, known for their light and glossy fabric, while men wear Angarkha, a traditional upper garment.

15. Goa

    • Costume: Kunbi Saree and Kashti
    • Description: Women wear the traditional Kunbi saree, draped in a unique style, and men wear a loincloth called Kashti with a vest.

Currencies

 Let’s go on a fun adventure to learn about the different currencies used in various countries. Just like you need money to buy toys or snacks, each country has its own special type of money called "currency." Let’s start with our own country, India, and then explore the currencies of other countries.

Currency of India

1. Indian Rupee (₹)
   • Description: The currency used in India is called the Indian Rupee. You might have seen the symbol ₹ on coins and notes. It's what we use to buy things like sweets, toys, and clothes.

Currencies of Other Countries

2. United States - Dollar ($)

   • Description: In the United States, people use the Dollar. The symbol for the Dollar is $. You might have heard people talking about dollars in movies or TV shows.

3. United Kingdom - Pound (£)

   • Description: In the United Kingdom, they use the Pound. The symbol for the Pound is £. It’s like the Rupee but for people living in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

4. Japan - Yen (¥)

   • Description: In Japan, the currency is the Yen. The symbol for the Yen is ¥. It’s the money used in Japan to buy things like sushi and toys.

5. European Union - Euro (€)

   • Description: Many countries in Europe use the Euro. The symbol for the Euro is €. It’s a common currency for countries like France, Germany, and Italy.

6. China - Yuan (¥ or CNY)

   • Description: In China, the currency is called the Yuan. It’s also sometimes shown as ¥. It’s the money used to buy things in Chinese markets.

7. Australia - Australian Dollar (A$)

   • Description: In Australia, they use the Australian Dollar. The symbol is A$. It’s the money kangaroos might use if they could shop!

8. Canada - Canadian Dollar (C$)

   • Description: In Canada, they use the Canadian Dollar. The symbol is C$. It’s used in the country known for maple syrup and friendly people.

9. Russia - Ruble (₽)

   • Description: In Russia, the currency is the Ruble. The symbol for the Ruble is ₽. It’s the money used in the largest country in the world.

10. Switzerland - Swiss Franc (CHF)

    • Description: In Switzerland, they use the Swiss Franc. The symbol is CHF. It’s used in a country famous for its chocolates and beautiful mountains.

11. South Africa - Rand (R)

    • Description: In South Africa, the currency is the Rand. The symbol for the Rand is R. It’s the money used in the land of safaris and amazing wildlife.

12. Brazil - Real (R$)

    • Description: In Brazil, they use the Real. The symbol is R$. It’s used in the country known for its carnivals and football.

13. Mexico - Peso (MX$)

    • Description: In Mexico, the currency is the Peso. The symbol is MX$. It’s the money used to buy delicious tacos and souvenirs.

14. South Korea - Won (₩)

    • Description: In South Korea, they use the Won. The symbol for the Won is ₩. It’s the money used in the land of K-pop and kimchi.

15. Saudi Arabia - Riyal (SAR)

    • Description: In Saudi Arabia, the currency is the Riyal. The symbol is SAR. It’s used in a country known for its deserts and rich culture.