Top 10 Interesting Facts About India
India, a nation with a rich history, a diversified population, and a rich legacy, never fails to astound the globe. Millions of tourists travel to India each year, drawn by its distinct charm, which includes its breathtaking monuments and colorful festivals. Here, we explore some of this amazing country’s most remarkable facts.
“India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great-grandmother of tradition”, as the renowned American writer Mark Twain once stated.
With over 1.4 billion people living there, 22 official languages, breathtaking natural scenery, top-notch food, and much more, India is the most populous country in the world. It is therefore not surprising that India has grown in popularity as a travel destination in recent years. We’re going to share ten interesting facts about India today with Civitatis that you most likely didn’t know. We’ll also recommend some of the most thrilling approaches to explore this intriguing nation in South Asia!
Here’s Top 10 Interesting Facts about India
1. India Is the Most Vegetarian Country
2. The Taj Mahal is Not a Palace…
3. India is the Tiger Capital of the World
4. Hinduism is the Oldest Religion on the Planet
5. Cows have sacred status
6. India is Home to Some of the World’s Oldest Continuously Inhabited Cities
7. ‘Snakes and Ladders’ comes from India
8. Staggering linguistic diversity
9. India is the largest spice producer globally
10. India is the Largest Producer of Films in the World
1. India Is the Most Vegetarian Country
A recent study found that 38% of Indians identify as vegetarians, making it the nation with the largest percentage of vegetarians. Numerous factors contribute to the nation’s high vegetarianism rate and the fact that a sizable portion of the population—roughly 80%—limits their meat intake. The fact that the three most popular religions in India all have customs and dietary restrictions is an important consideration.
Therefore, it makes sense that vegetarians would find India to be a great place to travel. Naturally, there are a ton of vegetarian-friendly eateries and street food options there! Making reservations for a traditional cooking class in Dehli is a great way to get involved with the local cuisine—perfect for vegetarians!
2. The Taj Mahal is Not a Palace…
Often mistaken for a palace, the Taj Mahal—one of the world’s new seven wonders—is actually a mausoleum. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan had the Taj Mahal built between 1632 and 1653 as a memorial to his beloved wife.
The architectural marvel was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is well known for its excellent craftsmanship and symmetrical beauty. Visit our Taj Mahal activities to learn about this symbol of love.
3. India is the Tiger Capital of the World
India is the world’s tiger capital, and it says it with pride. Amazingly, the nation is home to 75% of the world’s tiger population. These magnificent animals travel over several terrains in India, ranging from grasslands to deep woods. The 1970s saw an all-time low for the tiger population, which prompted further efforts to protect it. Today, the number of tigers is increasing by about 6% a year due to the creation of reserves, anti-poaching efforts, and awareness campaigns.
4. Hinduism is the Oldest Religion on the Planet
Many people believe that India’s major religion, which is followed by around 80% of the country’s population, is the oldest in the world. The religion is quite old, with traditions and origins going back over 4,000 years! Hinduism is actually a general phrase that covers a large spectrum of ideologies, customs, and traditions. This makes this truth about India a little contentious among academics!
There are several alternatives available to you if you’re in India and wish to connect with your spiritual side. Visit Rishikesh, the Beatles’ first introduction to yoga and meditation. You can visit the now-closed Ashram of Chaurasi Kutia, popularly known as the Beatles Ashram, while on your Ashram Tour of Rishikesh. Numerous well-known songs by Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr were written in this location. Another choice is this Spiritual Tour of Delhi, which takes you through mysterious gardens and temples to help you find your inner self.
5. Cows have sacred status
In connection with the vegetarianism category, a lot of people know that cows are considered sacred in India. This relates to the significance of the cow in a few of the major religions practiced in the country, including Buddhism and Jainism in addition to Hinduism.
The cow is referred to as “Kamdhenu,” or the “divine cow,” in ancient Hindu texts. It is thought to be the earthly manifestation of the heavenly and nurturing Mother Goddess, a symbol of abundance and fertility.
6. India is Home to Some of the World’s Oldest Continuously Inhabited Cities
The spiritual center of India, Varanasi, is situated along the banks of the holy Ganges River and is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the country. This city in North India has an astounding 3000+ year history that dates back to at least 1200 BCE.
The city is currently referred to as India’s cultural capital. Visiting this city is highly recommended due to its numerous attractions such as lively markets, old temples, and winding streets. There are many wonderful ways to explore this city of spirituality. Take a private tour to explore Varanasi’s temples.
7. ‘Snakes and Ladders’ comes from India
Little is known about this ubiquitous game, which is among the most played of all time, but it originated in India and dates back to the second century BC. Its history dates much farther back, to the 13th century BC, according to certain historians! The game was utilized The snakes stood for vices like lust, rage, murder, and theft, while the ladders stood for virtues like humility, charity, and faith.
8. Staggering linguistic diversity
10% of India’s 125 million inhabitants speak English fluently, making it the country’s second most populous country behind the United States. Approximately 30% of the population can communicate in English to some extent.
The fact that English is one of the 23 officially recognized languages spoken in the nation makes it even more fascinating. With over 19,500 languages and dialects listed as mother tongues in the 2018 census, there are really much more languages spoken in the nation than there are speakers of English.
9. India is the largest spice producer globally
What’s even more astounding about India is its share of the global spice trade. India is home to more than 70% of the world’s spice crops, including the widely used cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, turmeric, nutmeg, vanilla, and cloves. In addition, India is the world’s biggest user of spices.
It makes sense that Indian kitchens are stocked to the brim with adaptable spices that are employed without fail in regular cooking. The Vedas, a significant source of Indian culture, also describe the use of spices as a remedy for numerous illnesses. Visit Khari Baoli in Delhi if you’ve ever wanted to lose yourself in the smells and intricate maze of spice alleyways. Presumably the biggest spice market in Asia, it is breathtakingly gorgeous and a sensory overload. Nevertheless, if this is your first time, do bring a guide.
10. India is the Largest Producer of Films in the World
It’s a little-known fact that India has the second-oldest film business in the world and is the largest film producer in the world. Indian film has a huge and global impact, with a sizable home fan base in addition to a sizable worldwide audience. Bollywood in Mumbai is at the forefront of this cinematic environment; it is a vital and significant part of Indian cinema.
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