Name Date Mrs. Brannen Global I Water and Climate in India /35 Objective: working with the information from previous lessons, we will understand how the Geography and Climate of Maurya and Gupta Empires helped expand their empires. Review: What is a subcontinent? Mention at least 2 reasons why groups and individuals fight of water. How does Cultural Diffusion work? The strength of the Mauryan Empire is credited to the government. What features or characteristics of the government helped strengthen the Mauryan Empire? Taxes, Factories and Shipyards; what do these say about Mauryan economics? Water and Climate in India pg. 1
Impact [of the Ganges] on India and Hinduism Ganges River is most sacred of all rivers to Hindus, and treated as Mother Ganges and goddess. Many important cities that are sacred in Hinduism are situated on its bank... Ganges water is sacred to every Indian and they use it for praying, drinking. Ganges water is believed to wash away sins and purify soul, ashes of dead bodies are dissolved here and it is very important ritual. Pilgrims while returning carry Ganges water that can be used for future prayer. It is believed day bathing in Ganges can wash away all the sins committed by man. On festival of Makar Sankranti millions of people bathe in holy water of Ganges due to this belief. Indian people especially people of Ganges basin are totally dependent on irrigation, transportation, fishing, drinking and carrying out their livelihood... Large dams has been constructed across river to harness hydro energy famous dams include Farakka, Tehri and Bansagar dam. But the main role is played in terms of boosting agriculture. If there is insufficient water in Ganges then that could lead to crop failure and rise in price of agricultural commodities, as in India majority of rainfall is due to Monsoon winds which is seasonal. (source: http://knowledgeofindia.com/ganges-river/ edited) Define: Pilgrims Define: Commodities How/Where did you get these definitions? Reading Passage Questions 1. Identify a characteristic of the Ganges that is similar to other civilizations we have studied. 2. Explain how this characteristic of a river valley civilization is important to the people who live there. 3. We have not yet discussed the religion of this region but a. From the passage above interpret the importance of the Ganges to the people of India? b. What does Mother Ganges mean? c. Name another religion that has water as a part of their religious practices. 4. What is the relationship between the people and the Ganges River? Use 2 examples to support your answer. 5. From the reading find something that proves this statement: The Ganges is key to the economy of India. Climate and Water in India pg. 2
http://www.indianetzone.com/24/cycle_seasons_india.htm (adapted and modified) 1. What months are considered the rainy months? 2. What is the weather like in the winter months? 3. When would you suggest that farmers start planting crops? Why did you pick that month? 4. Why is it important to note that these are average temperature and not actual? a. What does that say about what the actual high and low temperatures are? 5. Why do you think someone began keeping track of rainy seasons and keeping a calendar? Climate and Water in India pg. 3
Excerpt from: In India, Reducing the Dependency on Monsoon Precipitation BY MARGO WEISS MAY 28, 2014 India, a primarily agrarian country, is dependent on rain for 60 percent of its net sown agricultural area. The southwest monsoon (June-September) provides about 80 percent of the area s precipitation. As can be expected, a good monsoon season with sufficient rainfall results in enhanced agricultural production, whereas a bad monsoon season with low precipitation negatively impacts the economy through lower production. The table shows the impact of a normal versus below normal southwest monsoon season on the production of two major food grains rice and wheat across the past decade. (source: http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2014/05/28/in-india-reducing-thedependency-on-monsoon-precipitation/) Climate and Water in India pg. 4
1. What would be a better title for this excerpt? 2. Why does the Indian subcontinent need the monsoons? 3. Name 2 ways food can help an economy. 4. Fill in the chart below with information from the reading and chart above Normal Monsoon Range of Rice Production (in tons) Range of Wheat Production (in tons) Drought Year 5. What problems could result in a drought year? (think about your answers to #2) 6. What suggestion would you make to India during Normal Monsoon years? 7. What suggestion would you make to India to help India during a drought year? a. Explain the benefit of your suggestion. Climate and Water in India pg. 5
paragraph India Climate and Water in India pg. 6