India is a vast and diverse country located in South Asia. It’s the second-most populous nation in the world, home to over 1.4 billion people. From its rich cultural history to its economic power, India continues to captivate the world. While many people know some of the obvious facts about India, there are countless lesser-known aspects of this fascinating nation. Here are 25 surprising facts that only a few may be aware of:
1. India Doesn’t Have an Official National Game
Contrary to popular belief, India does not have an official national game. Although many associate hockey with India, it is not designated as the national sport. Despite its historical connection to the country, the government has yet to declare any sport as the national game.
2. The English-Speaking Population in India
India has the second-largest English-speaking population in the world, just behind the United States. Around 11.38% of the Indian population speaks English, which is a remarkable achievement considering the country’s size and diversity.
3. The Surprising Origin of Rajma (Kidney Beans)
Despite being a staple of Indian cuisine, Rajma (kidney beans) originally came to India from Mexico. Over time, it became so ingrained in Indian food culture that most people consider it to be native to the region.
4. The World’s Largest School Is in India
The City Montessori School, located in Lucknow, holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest school in terms of the total number of students. It’s a testament to the country’s commitment to education and the growing student population.
5. The Origin of Samosas
Samosas, a beloved Indian snack, were not invented in India. This famous dish actually originated in Central Asia before making its way to India, where it was adapted and became a popular treat across the country.
6. India’s Contribution to Mathematics
India is the birthplace of several mathematical concepts, including the origins of calculus and trigonometry. These fundamental fields of mathematics, though often overlooked in the modern world, trace their roots back to ancient Indian scholars.
7. India’s First Rocket Was Carried by Bicycle
India’s first rocket was transported on a bicycle in 1963, and its first satellite was carried on a bullock cart. This unconventional method reflects the country’s innovative spirit, especially in the early stages of its space program.
8. Bollywood: The World’s Largest Film Industry
India leads the world in movie production, thanks to the combined efforts of Bollywood, Tollywood, and other regional film industries. Together, these industries produce more films each year than any other country.
9. Dolphins Are Treated as Non-Human Persons
Dolphins are considered “non-human persons” in India, a recognition of their intelligence and emotional complexity. As such, it is illegal to keep dolphins in captivity for entertainment purposes in the country.
10. Indian Railways: The Largest Employer in the World
Indian Railways is the second-largest employer in the world, with over 1.4 million employees. The country’s vast railway network is not only one of the largest in the world but also a reliable mode of transport during extreme weather conditions.
11. India’s Space Program: Among the Top Five
Despite budget constraints, India’s space program is considered one of the top five in the world. The country has made significant achievements, including sending missions to Mars and the Moon, and continues to innovate in space exploration.
12. The Invention of Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery, as we know it today, was largely pioneered by an Indian surgeon named Sushruta. He made groundbreaking contributions to surgical techniques, particularly in plastic and cataract surgery, as far back as the 6th century.
13. The Invention of the USB
The USB (Universal Serial Bus), a ubiquitous tool in our daily lives, was invented by an Indian-American computer architect, Ajay V. Bhatt. His invention revolutionized the way we connect and transfer data across devices.
14. The Largest Gathering in the World: Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela, held in India, is so massive that it can be seen from space. This religious festival, which draws millions of participants, is recognized as the largest human gathering on Earth.
15. The Legacy of Buttons
India is credited with introducing one of the most essential items in fashion and daily life: buttons. These small fasteners, which are taken for granted today, were first used in ancient India.
16. India’s Diamond Legacy
India was the world’s sole source of diamonds until 1896. The Golconda mines, located near modern-day Hyderabad, were famous for producing some of the most renowned diamonds in history, such as the Koh-i-Noor.
17. The Fastest-Growing Cities
Among the world’s fastest-growing cities are Ghaziabad, Surat, and Faridabad, all of which are located in India. These cities have seen rapid urban development and population growth between 2006 and 2020.
18. India’s First Rocket on a Bicycle
In 1963, India launched its first rocket, but instead of a traditional method of transport, it was carried on a bicycle to its destination. This illustrates India’s creativity and resourcefulness in its early days of space exploration.
19. A Man’s Unique Journey After Marriage
In many parts of India, after a wedding, the bride traditionally moves to the groom’s house. However, in regions like Meghalaya, the groom moves into the bride’s home, as part of the matrilineal customs followed by the Khasi people.
20. The Fascinating History of Trigonometry
Many people dread subjects like calculus and trigonometry, but they have their roots in India. These mathematical fields, which were developed centuries ago, have been vital to the progress of science and technology worldwide.
21. The Truth About India’s Flag Colors
The colors on India’s national flag each carry significant meaning: saffron symbolizes courage and sacrifice, white represents truth and peace, green stands for fertility and faith, and the navy blue wheel, known as the Dharma Chakra, symbolizes law and order.
22. The Legacy of the Pentium Chip
Vinod Dham, an Indian-American engineer, is known as the “Father of the Pentium Chip.” His invention played a major role in the development of personal computing, making him a key figure in the world of technology.
23. The Most Expensive Coin Production
The production cost of India’s currency coins is surprisingly high. For instance, the production cost of a 1 Rupee coin is Rs 1.11, while the cost of a 10 Rupee coin is Rs 5.54, reflecting the expense involved in minting coins.
24. The Mystery Behind Kites
Despite their association with India, kites were not invented here. They were originally created in China, and it was through trade and cultural exchange that kites eventually found their way to India.
25. India’s Rich Cinematic Diversity
India’s film industry isn’t just Bollywood. The country boasts numerous regional film industries, including Tollywood and Kollywood, which together produce more films than any other nation, solidifying India’s status as a global powerhouse in cinema.
These facts only scratch the surface of India’s vast and fascinating history. From its groundbreaking contributions to science and technology to its rich cultural heritage, there’s so much more to explore about this incredible nation.
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