Course Contents

I Natural setting of South Asia i. Physiography: The Four Subregions of South Asia (Rowntree_chapter 12: page 7-8) ii. Climate (Rowntree_chapter 12: page 9-12) II South Asia in Historical perspective iii. Geopolitical Framework(Rowntree_chapter 12: page 32-35) iv. Origins of South AsianCivilizations (Rowntree_chapter 12: page 22-24) v. Invasions and empires (Chapter.24: pg no. 7-10) vi. Modern south asia (Chapter.24: pg no. 10-12) III Natural and Human resources of South Asia i. Agriculture ii. Minerals iii. Trade iv. Industry IV Cultures and life styles i. Languages(Chapter.24: pg no. 15-16) or (Rowntree_chapter 12: page 28-30) ii. Major Religions (Chapter.24: pg no. 16-17) or (Rowntree_chapter 12: page 24-27) iii. The caste system(Rowntree_chapter 12: page 24) iv. Quality of life(Chapter.24: pg no. 19-20) V International Relations i. SAARC: formation, objectives, challenges and future prospects ii. Foreign policies VI Population and Settlement (Chapter.24: pg no. 2-6) i. Population pattern ii. Population distribution and density iii. Rural and urban life VII Environmental issues in South Asia

Course Synopsis

This course is intended to introduce students to the highly diverse Indian sub-continent or South Asia, which includes the countries of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan,Sri Lanka.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, the student will: • have a foundation in understanding the dynamics of this crucial region • give the opportunity to concentrate on a part of the world whose importance in international affairs is increasingly recognized by the policy and corporate community. • provides an insight into the central dilemmas of modern politics, economic development and social change present in the region.