India's cultural diversity can be seen in its languages, festivals, cuisines, music, architecture, crafts and performing arts. Its traditions have developed through geography, migration, trade and centuries of interaction. Many cultures within one countryIndia's cultural landscape differs greatly from region to region. Geography, historical migration, trade, religion, local communities and political history have all contributed to distinctive traditions as well as shared cult

India's physical geography ranges from high mountains and fertile plains to plateaus, deserts, coasts and islands. Geography helps explain differences in climate, agriculture, settlement and economic activity across the country. A geographically diverse countryIndia contains mountains, plains, plateaus, deserts, coastal regions, islands, forests and river systems. These landscapes influence where people live, what crops are grown, how transport networks develop and which econ

Rivers shape India's agriculture, settlements, ecosystems and history. This guide explains the broad differences between Himalayan and Peninsular river systems and why conservation is essential. Why rivers matterRivers provide water for households, agriculture and industry, support ecosystems and influence settlement. River valleys have also been important corridors for trade, farming and cultural development. Himalayan riversMajor Himalayan rivers are fed by combinations of