Page 114 - Social Studies 4

followed by fertile valleys. The central part has a plateau called the Deccan
plateau. The western and the eastern flanks are the coastal areas which
are flat. The western part of India has a desert and some of her important
rivers are Namada, Kaveri, Gange, Indus, Bramhaputra, etc.

Climate

In the northern mountains the climate is cold throughout the year. The
climate becomes warmer as one travels south. The coastal regions have
almost similar climate throughout the year. This country receives monsoon
rain in summer.

History
Indian civilization is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Many
rulers ruled over different parts of India in the past. Some great Indian
rulers include Ashoka the Great and Harshavardhan, Akbar the Great and

Shah Jahan. India was also occupied by the British till 1947 AD. India got
independence from the British rule on the 15th of August 1947 AD.

Political system

India is a democratic country. It is divided into 27 states and six Union
Territories. Its capital is New Delhi. Some other cities of India are Chennai,
Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore. Each state has an elected government.
There is also an elected central government working from New Delhi.
India does not have a king. It is a republic and has an elected president.
The President is the head of the state.

Social life

India is a secular country. There are Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Sikhs,
Jains, Christians and many other religious groups. They perform their rites
and rituals similar to ours.

People eat rice or chapati along with dal, vegetables and meat. They drink
tea, coffee and milk. They celebrate different festivals such as Durga Puja,
Depawali, Holi, Eid, Lhosar, etc.

110 Megha's Integrated Social Studies - 4