Transcript Account for the development of cultural differences in a continental

Account for the
development of cultural
differences in a continental
/sub continental region of
your choice that you have
studied.
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Aspect of culture named: 2m
Two differences named and implied: 2m + 2m
Naming the region: 2m
Discussion: 11 SRPs @ 2m each
Kashmir is a distinctive cultural region based on religious
difference. In 1947, the Indian sub continental became
independent from British colonial administration. The sub
continent began to divide into different countries such as India
and Pakistan, which was done due to religious differences. The
region of Kashmir lies on the border of India and Pakistan. This
region began to develop cultural tensions based on religious
differences between the two main religious groups, the Hindu
and Islamic population. 75% of the population is made up of
the Islamic population who sought the support of Pakistan. The
remainder of the population, made up of Hindus, wanted to
seek the support of India. The conflict that developed over time
developed led to a civil conflict within the region. A ceasefire
had to be put in place in the area as the UN was forced to
intervene. A line of control was developed in which two
different zones of administration was put into place, the south
being controlled by India and the North being controlled by
Pakistan.
The conflict that existed had a negative impact on the people living
in the region. The cultural divisions, that exist based on the
religious divide has increased over time and as a result the
country is divided under strict religious lines. In the north, as
mentioned above, the majority of the population is Muslim and
in the south the majority are Hindus. Tensions between both
groups has historically been high but with the introduction of
the new boundary this has been exaggerated to new levels by the
struggle for control by both administrating groups. The area is
viewed as an area of political and economic importance by both
Pakistan and India. Pakistan in particular is extremely worried
about India’s control of the River Indus. This is due to the fact
that water is a key resource in this area. This region remains a
highly volatile area especially with the development of both
India and Pakistan nuclear capacity.
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Describe and explain the importance of
culture in defining regions in a continental/
sub continental region you have studied.
Aspect of culture: 2m
Region named: 2m
Examination: 13 SRPs @ 2m each
India is a sub continental region with a population of over one
billion and an annual population growth of 1.3%. It is the
seventh largest country in the world but the second largest in
relation to population, with a density of 386 persons per square
kilometre. It has been an independent state since 1947, the main
cultural diversity being related to the migration by IndoEuropean settlers, the spread of Islam through the trading routes
and migration and British colonialism.
India has 18 official languages and up to 1,600 minor languages and
dialects. The official language is Hindi and is spoken by over
41% of the population. English is the most important language
for commercial, political and business purposes. It is also spoken
by the educated and business class within the region. Since its
independence in 1947 the language divisions in the country have
led to conflict and disunity as language is considered a strong
cultural expression.
The dominant religion in India is Hinduism which was brought to India from
migrants from South East Asia and South and West Africa. It is based on a
multi layered social structure (caste system), in which the top layer includes
priests and professionals while the bottom layer comprises of the ‘unclean’
and ‘untouchables’. Layers are hereditary so movement is impossible. Minority
religions in India also include Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism and Christianity.
Buddhism is mainly practised in the south and the North East of India.
During the tenth century Islam was introduced and there are an estimated 200
million Muslims in India, the greatest concentration of these are located in
the Northern states. The spread of Islam is associated with the establishment
of trade routes and migration from the Arabian region. There is no caste
system, with all members being equal. Sikhism is a mix between Hinduism
and Islam and is popular in the Punjab region in the North West. Christianity
was introduced during colonial times; it is a small number and has no specific
geographical distribution.
After independence in 1947, the Indian sub continent began to spilt on religious
grounds and two states were created: India (Hindu) and Pakistan (Islamic).
Drwing up of the boundaries was difficult and many minorities were left in
each country. This led to dreadful violence and the emigration of up to
15million people.