Notes: India and World | GK Olympiad for Class 5 PDF Download

Introduction

• The name India is derived from the River Indus, which was surrounded by valleys that hosted some of the earliest inhabitants of the region.
• The Aryan people referred to this river as Sindhu.
• However, when Persian invaders arrived in the area, they changed the name Sindhu to Hindu.
• The term Hindustan is a blend of Sindhu and Hindu, essentially signifying the land of the Hindus.

India

• India is a big country with a lot of people.
• It's known for being the largest democracy in the world.
• India has a very old history.
• In the past, it was one of the richest countries.
• Many important things, like religions and practices, started here.

A Land of Diversity and Rich Heritage

• India is a vast and diverse country, known for being the largest democracy in the world and having a rich and ancient history. 
•  It is the seventh-largest country by land area and is home to one of the oldest civilizations. 
•  Throughout history, India has been a land of immense wealth and cultural richness. 
•  In fact, during ancient times, it was one of the richest countries in the world. 
•  This wealth was so notable that it attracted explorers like Christopher Columbus, who, in his quest to find a sea route to India, accidentally discovered America. 

India's Influence on the World

• India is the birthplace of four major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
• Together, these religions are followed by about 25% of the world's population.
• Jainism and Buddhism were founded in India around 600 BCE and 500 BCE, respectively.
• Islam is the second largest religion in India and the world.
• The Jewish community has been in India since around 200 BCE, and Christians have been present since around 52 CE.
• Sikhism originated in India, with its holy city, Amritsar, founded in 1577 CE.
• Amritsar is famous for the Golden Temple, a significant religious site.
• Varanasi, also known as Benaras, is another important city in India.
• It is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, with a history dating back to around 500 BCE when Lord Buddha visited it.

India's Global Contributions

• India has made significant contributions to global culture and practices.
• Martial arts were first developed in India and later spread to other parts of Asia through Buddhist missionaries.
• Yoga, which has its origins in India, has been practiced for over 5,000 years and is now popular worldwide.
• The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, runs his government in exile from Dharmashala in northern India, further highlighting India's role as a center of cultural and spiritual significance.

Types of Government

• Democracy: In a democracy, the people have the power to make decisions about how their country is run. They do this by voting in elections to choose their leaders. India is the largest democracy in the world, where citizens elect their representatives to make laws and govern on their behalf. 
• Autocracy: In an autocracy, one person has all the power to make decisions for the country. This leader does not have to listen to what the people want. Countries like North Korea are examples of autocracies. 
• Aristocracy: In an aristocracy, a small group of people, usually from wealthy or noble families, hold the power. They make decisions for the country, often believing that their social status gives them the right to rule. 
• Republic: A republic is similar to a democracy, but it often has a president as the head of state instead of a king or queen. In a republic, the leaders are elected by the people, and there are usually laws in place to protect individual rights and freedoms. 

States and Union Territories in India

Important Dance forms of India

There have been many famous dancers in each Indian classical dance forms. Some of them are:

Kathakali

Bharatanatyam

Religions

• Religion is a way of life that involves a deep faith in God and is followed by many people around the world.
• Different religions have their own special places for worship, holy books, and festivals.
• Let's learn about some of the main religions practiced globally.

Hinduism

• Worship Places: Hindus pray in temples.
• Practices: They sing devotional songs called bhajans.
• Holy Books: Their important texts are the Ramayana, written by Valmiki, and the Bhagavad Gita.
• Festivals: Hindus celebrate festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Navratri with great joy.

Islam

• Worship Places: Muslims pray in mosques.
• Practices: They offer prayers, known as namaz, five times a day. Muslim women often pray at home.
• Holy Book: The Quran is their sacred text.
• Festivals: Muslims celebrate important occasions like Eid, Ramadan, and Moharram.

Sikhism

• Worship Places: Sikhs gather in gurudwaras to pray.
• Practices: They participate in kirtans, singing hymns from their holy book.
• Holy Book: The Guru Granth Sahib, which contains the teachings of the Gurus, is their sacred text.
• Festivals: Sikhs celebrate Gurupurab, Lohri, and Baisakhi with enthusiasm.

Christianity

• Worship Places: Christians worship in churches.
• Practices: Their prayers are called services.
• Holy Book: The Bible is their important scripture.
• Festivals: Christians celebrate Christmas, Easter, and Good Friday with special traditions.

Buddhism

• Followers: People who follow Buddhism are called Bhikshu (monks) and Bhiksuni (nuns).
• Practices: Their prayers are known as suttas.
• Holy Book: The Tripitaka, containing the teachings of Buddha, is their sacred text.
• Festivals: Buddhists celebrate Buddha Jayanti, honoring the birth of Buddha.

Jainism

• Worship Places: Jains pray in Jain temples.
• Holy Book: The Agamas, containing the teachings of their spiritual leaders called Tirthankars, is their holy text.
• Festivals: Jains celebrate Mahavir Jayanti, commemorating the birth of Lord Mahavir.

Famous Personalities

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam is also called the 'Missile Man of India.'
• He was the 11th President of India.
• He worked with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• He played an important role in India’s Pokhran-II nuclear tests.
• He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, which is the highest civilian award in India.
• People lovingly called him the 'People's President.'

Swami Vivekananda

• Swami Vivekananda was a disciple of sage Ramakrishna.
• He was a social reformer and played a significant role in spreading Indian philosophies of yoga and Vedas worldwide.
• His birthday, January 12, is celebrated as National Youth Day.
• He is the founder of the Ramakrishna Mission.

Mother Teresa

• Mother Teresa was a Roman Catholic nun known as 'Saint Teresa of Calcutta.'
• She received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1962 and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
• She founded the Missionaries of Charity, an organization dedicated to helping the economically and socially disadvantaged.

Nelson Mandela

• Nelson Mandela was a South African political leader and the first black president of South Africa.
• He spent 27 years in prison due to the apartheid policy.
• He received the Bharat Ratna in 1990, the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, and the International Gandhi Peace Prize in 2001.

Rani Lakshmibai

• Rani Lakshmibai was the queen of Jhansi, originally named Manikarnika.
• After her husband’s death, she became the sole ruler of Jhansi and was known as 'Jhansi ki Rani'.
• She was a key leader in the 1857 revolt and led the army of Bundelkhand, which includes present-day Jhansi.

Akbar

• Akbar, regarded as the greatest Mughal king, became Emperor of India at the age of 13.
• He was the third ruler of the Mughal dynasty, succeeding his father Humayun.
• He introduced the concept of Sulh-i-Kul, promoting equality among all religions under his rule.
• He reformed many laws and conquered most of North India.

King Tutankhamun

• King Tutankhamun became the king of Egypt at a very young age, around 8 or 9 years old.
• He ruled for about nine years.
• His burial site is the only intact tomb found in Egypt, providing a glimpse into ancient Egyptian traditions through the artefacts discovered there.
• He was a famous Egyptian king, also known as a Pharaoh, who improved relations with neighboring kingdoms, although he did not contribute much to the development of Egypt.

Alexander the Great

• Alexander the Great, or Alexander III, was a ruler of the ancient Greek kingdom whose empire stretched from Gibraltar to Punjab in India.
• He also controlled the mighty kingdom of Persia.
• He revolutionized ancient warfare by introducing the phalanx formation, changing the way battles were fought.

Hari Singh Nalwa

• Hari Singh Nalwa was a renowned military leader known for his unique skills in martial arts.
• He trained men in various forms of martial arts to make them professional warriors.
• Later, he became the Commander-in-Chief of the Khalsa Army, also known as the Army of the Sikh Empire.
• He played a significant role in the conquests of Kashmir, Kasur, Attock, and Multan.

Maharana Pratap

• Maharana Pratap, also known as Pratap Singh, was a renowned king of Mewar, a region in present-day Rajasthan, India.
• He earned the title of 'Mewari Rana' due to his exceptional courage and bravery.
• Two significant battles he fought against the Mughal Empire were the 'Battle of Haldighati' and the 'Battle of Dewair.'
• Maharana Pratap is celebrated as a key figure in Rajasthani history and culture.

Bhagat Singh

• Bhagat Singh was a renowned Indian freedom fighter.
• He earned the title of 'Shaheed-e-Azam,' meaning 'Martyr of the Nation.'
• Along with his fellow fighters Rajguru and Sukhdev, he was executed for his involvement in a bombing incident at the National Assembly.
• Bhagat Singh's primary aim was to achieve 'complete freedom' for India.

Shivaji

• Shivaji was a prominent ruler of the Maratha Dynasty in India.
• After his coronation, he became known as 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.'
• He engaged in numerous battles against the Mughal Empire and various European powers.
• His conflict with the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb is considered a pivotal moment in Maratha history.

Mahatma Gandhi

• Mahatma Gandhi, whose full name was 'Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi,' was a prominent figure in India's struggle for independence.
• He is often referred to as 'The Father of the Nation.'
• Gandhi's famous non-violent protests included the 'Dandi March' and the 'Chauri Chaura' incidents.
• He also authored a book titled 'Pathway of God.'

Subhash Chandra Bose

• Popularly known as 'Netaji,' Subhash Chandra Bose was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement.
• He served as the President of the Indian National Congress and played a crucial role in the fight against British rule during World War II.
• Bose is famous for his powerful slogans like 'Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azadi doonga' (Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom)' and 'Dilli Chalo' (March to Delhi).
• The phrase 'Jai Hind,' which he popularized, was later adopted by the Government of India and the Indian Armed Forces to honor India's sovereignty.

Adolf Hitler

• Adolf Hitler was the Chancellor of Germany and played a significant role in World War II.
• During his regime, he was responsible for the persecution of Jews, sending many to concentration camps.
• Hitler also authored a book called 'Mein Kampf.'

Napoleon Bonaparte

• Napoleon Bonaparte was a French emperor known for his military leadership.
• Under his command, the French army achieved numerous victories.
• He gained fame for his military expedition to Egypt and the battle of Austerlitz.

Abraham Lincoln

• Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States and a prominent lawyer.
• He played a crucial role during the American Civil War and was the first U.S. president to be assassinated while in office.

Vasco da Gama

• Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer known for discovering the sea route to India.
• His discovery facilitated the establishment of a Portuguese colonial empire in Asia.

Famous Places in India

Famous Places in the World

Firsts in India

Continents and Oceans

Continents

• There are seven continents on Earth. They are:
• Asia
• Africa
• North America
• South America
• Antarctica
• Europe
• Australia
• Asia is the largest continent.
• Australia is the smallest continent.

Oceans

• There are five oceans on Earth. They are:
• Pacific Ocean
• Atlantic Ocean
• Indian Ocean
• Southern Ocean
• Arctic Ocean
• Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean.
• Arctic Ocean is the smallest ocean.
• The Indian Ocean is unique because it is the only ocean named after a country.

Christmas Island

• Located in the Indian Ocean, Christmas Island is famous for its:
• Red crabs
• Seabirds
• Coral reefs

Highest Peaks in the World

Mountains are not just big hills; they are some of the tallest and most magnificent parts of our planet. Let's take a look at the highest mountains in the world, where you can feel on top of the world!

1. Mount Everest: Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, reaching an incredible height of 8,848 meters. It is located in the Himalaya mountain range, which is known for its towering peaks and breathtaking beauty.

• Height: 8848 meters
• Range: Himalaya

2. K2: K2 is the second-highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,611 meters tall. It is part of the Karakoram range, which is famous for its rugged terrain and stunning landscapes.

• Height: 8611 meters
• Range: Karakoram

3. Kanchenjunga: Kanchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world, with a height of 8,586 meters. Like Mount Everest, it is also part of the Himalaya range and is known for its majestic presence.

• Height: 8586 meters
• Range: Himalaya

4. Lhotse: Lhotse is the fourth-highest mountain, reaching 8,516 meters. It is located near Mount Everest in the Himalaya range and is often climbed by those who also attempt to reach Everest's summit.

• Height: 8516 meters
• Range: Himalaya

5. Makalu: Makalu stands at 8,485 meters, making it the fifth-highest mountain in the world. It is also part of the Himalaya range and is known for its pyramid-like shape.

• Height: 8485 meters
• Range: Himalaya

6. Cho Oyu: Cho Oyu, at 8,188 meters, is the sixth-highest mountain. It is located in the Himalaya range and is considered one of the easier 8,000-meter peaks to climb due to its relatively gentle slopes.

• Height: 8188 meters
• Range: Himalaya

7. Dhaulagiri I: Dhaulagiri I, reaching 8,167 meters, is the seventh-highest mountain in the world. It is part of the Himalaya range and is known for its impressive height and challenging climbing routes.

• Height: 8167 meters
• Range: Himalaya

8. Manaslu: Manaslu stands at 8,163 meters, making it the eighth-highest mountain. It is also located in the Himalaya range and is known for its stunning views and challenging climbs.

• Height: 8163 meters
• Range: Himalaya

9. Nanga Parbat: Nanga Parbat, at 8,126 meters, is the ninth-highest mountain. It is part of the Himalaya range and is famous for its dramatic rise and beautiful scenery.

• Height: 8126 meters
• Range: Himalaya

10. Annapurna I: Annapurna I is the tenth-highest mountain in the world, reaching a height of 8,091 meters. Like many others on this list, it is part of the Himalaya range and is known for its challenging climbing conditions.
These mountains are not just tall; they represent some of the most beautiful and challenging environments on Earth. Climbing them is a dream for many adventurers, and they continue to inspire awe and wonder in people all around the world.

• Height: 8091 meters
• Range: Himalaya

Longest Rivers in the World

1. Nile River: The Nile is the longest river in the world and flows through northeastern Africa, supporting many countries, especially Egypt and Sudan.

• Length: 6650 km
• Continent: Africa

2. Amazon River: The Amazon is the largest river by volume and flows through the Amazon Rainforest, which is known for its rich biodiversity.

• Length: 6400 km
• Continent: South America

3. Yangtze River: The Yangtze is the longest river in Asia and flows through China, providing water for agriculture and cities.

• Length: 6300 km
• Continent: Asia

4. Mississippi-Missouri River: This river system flows across the United States, helping transport goods and providing water to many cities and farms.

• Length: 6275 km
• Continent: North America

5. Yenisei River: The Yenisei River flows through Siberia in Russia, and is known for its long journey through cold, remote regions.

• Length: 5539 km
• Continent: Asia

6. Yellow River (Huang He): Known as the Mother River of China, the Yellow River is important for farming but is also known for its frequent floods.

• Length: 5464 km
• Continent: Asia

7. Ob-Irtysh River: Flowing through Russia and Kazakhstan, this river is an important source of water in western Siberia.

• Length: 5410 km
• Continent: Asia

8. Rio de la Plata River System: This river system flows through Argentina and Uruguay, emptying into the Atlantic Ocean and supporting cities like Buenos Aires.

• Length: 4880 km
• Continent: South America

9. Congo River: The Congo River flows through central Africa and is famous for its deep waters and the rainforest it nourishes.

• Length: 4700 km
• Continent: Africa

10. Amur River: The Amur River forms a border between Russia and China, and flows through forests and plains rich with wildlife.

• Length: 4444 km
• Continent: Asia

Famous Dams in India

Here are some interesting and amazing facts

• Ancient Civilizations: Over 5,000 years ago, while people in many parts of the world were living as forest tribes, India had already developed an advanced culture called the Harappan Civilization in the Indus Valley (now in present-day Sindh).
• Chess Originated in India: The game of chess, which is now popular worldwide, was first created in India.
• Mathematics Pioneers: India was the birthplace of Algebra, Trigonometry, and Calculus, which are important branches of math used around the world.
• Place Value and Decimal Systems: India developed both the place value system and the decimal system, which we now use in numbers, as early as 100 B.C.
• Highest Cricket Ground: The world’s highest cricket field is located in Chail, Himachal Pradesh, at a height of 2,444 meters above sea level. It was built on a flattened hilltop in 1893.
• Largest Network of Post Offices: India has the most post offices of any country, making it easy for people to send letters and packages across the country.
• Ayurveda: The Oldest School of Medicine: Ayurveda, the oldest known system of medicine, was consolidated by Charaka around 2,500 years ago. Charaka is considered one of the earliest pioneers in medicine.
• Ancient Astronomy: Bhaskaracharya, an Indian mathematician and astronomer, calculated the time it takes for Earth to go around the Sun hundreds of years before astronomers in other parts of the world. His calculation was very close to modern figures at 365.258756484 days.
• Father of Surgery: Sushruta, who lived over 2,600 years ago, is called the "Father of Surgery." He and his team performed advanced surgeries, including cataract removal, setting fractures, and even brain surgeries.
• Largest Religious Building: The world’s largest religious structure is Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple in Cambodia, built in the late 11th century.
• Tracking Religious Festivals: Every year, the Indian Meteorological Department publishes lists of religious holidays, important for the Indian calendar.
• Popular Calendars and Foods: The Gregorian calendar, also known as the English calendar, is the most used calendar in the world. While pizza is famous as a food from Italy, the burger is well-known from the USA.
• Busiest Airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the USA was the world’s busiest airport from 1998 to 2019, with over 300,000 passengers passing through it each day.