Chapter 24 Homework

Chapter 24, Section 1

1. How is India’s large population distributed?

About 869 people in a square mile.  The density depends on where you are, more people in close space in more urbanized areas and fertile areas, and less people in the desert.

2. What two major world religions helped to shape India’s history and culture?

Hinduism and Buddhism

Creative Writing: Pretend you are an Indian person who has moved from a rural farm community to one of India’s largest cities. Write a paragraph to a relative that describes what it is like to live in the city.

Dear Aunt,

Mumbai is nothing like we thought it would be.  There are so many big buildings here, everyone rushes around.  There are lots of jobs open, and I make more than my parents now.  However, I live in a bad neighborhood, and it's very crowded here.  The bathrooms and sanitation are awful, as are the hospitals.  I see sick people and starving children wherever I go.  There are many beggars, many children.  I try to give all I can, but really it would be cheaper to just adopt all of them than it would be to pay all of them.  Besides that, life is good here.  Unlike home, this place has movie star people.  They are all beautiful, and almost everyone here knows every movie and is an avid fan.  I have seen movies here too, and people are always making new ones.  I will write again soon, when I have time.

 

Chapter 24, Section 2

1. Why are increasing populations and urbanization a problem in both Pakistan and

Bangladesh?

Too many people are there, straining resources such as housing and jobs.  pollution created by the inhabitants is also a major problem.

2. What contributions to the arts have Pakistan and Bangladesh made?

Mostly visual arts such as plays and poetry from Kazi Narzul Islam.  Qawwali, a type of singing, is also a contribution to the world from Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Creative Writing: Write a paragraph that summarizes the history of the Indian and

Pakistani claims on the Kashmir region, and why the conflict over

the Kashmir region is dangerous to both the region and the world.

Under the prince's rule, Kashmir was stolen by the land of Pakistan.  The prince then signed the deed giving Kashmir to India.    Pakistan thinks that Kashmir will be better for Muslims, but India thinks that the land is rightfully theirs.  Pakistan has begun nuclear weapon tests, threatening India.  If these tests go wrong, or get into the wrong hands, the whole world is in danger.

Chapter 24, Section 3

1. What contributions to the arts have the countries in the region made?

They have contributed their religious and historic dances.  A writer from Sri Lanka also published the English Patient, a book that won England's prestigious Booker Prize, and became an academy award winning film

2. What are the major religions in the region?

Most people in Nepal are Hindu, and few people in Bhutan and Sri Lanka practice Hinduism.  Buddhism is more dominant in Bhutan and Sri Lanka, but is also practiced sporadically throughout Nepal.

Creative Writing: Several countries in the region currently face challenges with both health care and low literacy rates. The United States is considering providing foreign aid to help one of the countries address only one of these challenges. Which of these two challenges do you think is the most important to address? Write a paragraph that is designed to persuade a U.S. government official of your opinion.
Health care and schooling are two huge issues in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bhutan.  Literacy and schooling percentages are extremely low.  Many countries, especially Maldives, have been relying on traditional medicines instead of antibiotics which can protect and fight against water-borne diseases, diseases that result in huge amount of death.  If there is more school and literacy, those children who are educated will grow into adults fighting for resources from other countries, creating jobs, setting up health care, educating others.  Just a generation that is fully educated can lead into thousands of jobs for the country.  Health care and new medicines will be majorly helpful.  It will save many people, many children, many parents who, if they die, will not be able to care for their children and keep them alive.  Please send aid and education to these countries, save the people of this region.