ERIC Identifier: ED304397
Publication Date: 1989-02-00
Author: Morrow, S. Rex
Source: ERIC Clearinghouse for
Social Studies/Social Science Education Bloomington IN.
Teaching about India. ERIC Digest.
"East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet" was a
nineteenth-century statement by Rudyard Kipling, a British writer and soldier in
India. In today's world of highly complex technological interdependence, India
still appears to most Americans as an incomprehensible culture. Although world
history and global studies programs in American public schools have expanded in
recent years--especially the study of East Asia--the treatment of India and
South Asia have remained insufficient, laden with cultural misunderstandings and
stereotypes. This deplorable situation must be remedied. India, as a focus of
study, provides students with the opportunity to examine an ancient
civilization, the marvels of technology and advancement during later eras, and
the continued struggle for improved conditions of human existence in a
developing nation in the twentieth century. This ERIC Digest examines (1) the
importance of teaching about India, (2) the place of India in the school
curriculum, and (3) strategies for teaching about India.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO TEACH ABOUT INDIA?
significant area of Asia in the past, is a very important part of today's world.
Therefore, the peoples and places of India should be emphasized in the social
studies curriculum. Consider the following statements, which justify a prominent
place for India in the social studies education of young Americans.
1. India is the second most populated nation in the world. With over 700
million people, one out of five persons on this planet is from South Asia.
2. India's geographic position places the country strategically in control of
the Indian Ocean basin. India is bordered by the Arabian Sea on the west, the
Bay of Bengal on the east, the Indian Ocean on the south, and the Himalayan
Mountains on the north.
3. More than 4,000 years ago, civilization flourished in the Indus River
Valley at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. Later, Indo-European invaders established
their own civilization, which contributed greatly to human knowledge in several
fields of learning. Of note is the concept of zero, which Indians passed on to
the Arabs, from whom Europeans learned it.
4. India is the source of several religions. Hinduism is a world religion
practiced by more than 700 million believers and dates back more than 3,000
years. Although most Hindus can be found in South Asia, the practice of Hinduism
is worldwide. Also dating back to the ancient period was the formation of
Buddhism, a religion that eventually spread throughout Asia. Other religions
that developed in India include Jainism and Sikhism.
5. People of India have contributed significantly to various forms of art.
Great works of world literature, from the ancient BHAGAVAD-GITA to the writings
of Mahatma Gandhi have become internationally appreciated. Many Indian art
forms--sculpture, music, and dance--have a global audience.
6. India has become the principal leader of the world-wide "Non-Alignment
Movement." This movement includes nations that seek to remain neutral in
conflicts between superpowers such as the Soviet Union and the United States.
India's voice in this movement has been resonate in demanding broader
participation by developing countries in world affairs.
WHERE DOES INDIA BELONG IN THE CURRICULUM?
India should begin in the elementary school and continue systematically through
the secondary school. However, high-quality materials about India, whether in
the ancient or modern periods, are very scarce. Although India is the second
most populated nation in the world, few students in the United States can
identify the capital (New Delhi) or locate the nation on a map.
India is rarely introduced into the social studies curriculum prior to the
sixth or seventh grades, and then only in reference to the ancient civilizations
of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, the invasions by Indo-Europeans, and early British
colonial rule of India. Little is mentioned about the society, the various
cultures of this large area, and the many contributions made to humanity.
Four recommendations can be made about the proper place of India in the
elementary school curriculum. First, highlight and showcase contributions the
peoples of India have made in the arts and sciences.
Second, teach the geography of India in concert with its history. India is
the largest country of the South Asian subcontinent. Its terrain, climate, and
natural resources have greatly influenced conditions of life and development of
cultures in the vast expanse of India.
Third, teach about India as a multicultural, multiethnic nation. India is a
nation with a multitude of cultural differences. Many Indians are descendants of
Indo-European or Aryan peoples; some are descendants of Dravidians, others are
descended from peoples of central Asian or southeast Asian backgrounds. In
addition, a small number of modern European settlers call India their home.
Linguistically, there are more than 120 Indian dialects. Although Hindi is the
state-adopted language, many Indian states challenge this selection and continue
to teach the regionally prevalent language. The English language is taught in
schools throughout India; and among educated people, English is the unofficial
language of the sub-continent. Religion is also a vital part of India's
multicultural profile. India is predominantly Hindu, about 80 percent of the
nation. But there are large minorities of Sikhs and Muslims. Smaller minorities
of Christians (Catholics and Protestants), Jains, and Buddhists also are found
Fourth, teach about India as an emerging nation in a complex, interdependent
world community. Since the 1960s, India has been a member of the atomic
community. Now, India must choose directions for technological growth that will
provide security and progress for the world's second most populated nation, and
the world's largest republic.
WHAT TEACHING STRATEGIES MIGHT BE USED TO IMPROVE INSTRUCTION
Emphasize chronology in teaching the history of India to show how
institutions and traditions developed and how ancient practices persist today.
For example, caste has its roots in India's ancient history; yet today although
it is officially outlawed, many villages still engage in an active lifestyle
governed by the caste system.
Teach geography and geographical relationships. India has many geographically
distinctive regions; how mankind exists under these conditions provides for
unique and vivid glimpses of life in India. For example, the monsoon season is
more than just the advent of frequent rain, it is a season of rejuvenation and
rebirth, and many customs in India relate to the coming of the monsoon.
Today, India is a world leader in the Non-Alignment Movement. Take advantage
of India's predominance in this area by examining the Non-Alignment policy in
current world affairs and, when possible, India's role in international
organizations. Major national newspapers, including the CHRISTIAN SCIENCE
MONITOR, should provide current information on India's role in the movement.
What are the policies and primary goals of this global movement? What are
India's objectives in relations with the West European nations, the United
States, and the Soviet Union?
Include biographical profiles of Indians who have recognized international
status. Examine early important historical, even legendary, figures like
Siddartha Gautama (called Buddha), Tamerlane, and Akbar. And study contemporary
twentieth-century figures, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Indira
and Rajiv Gandhi.
Indeed, many educators may help their students to understand the major role
India has played in world civilization by exploring India as the birthplace of
great religions. Today, more than 700 million followers of Hinduism worship
predominantly in South Asia, while Buddhism, which was born in India, has more
than one billion followers throughout much of Asia, although a small minority
within India itself. Other religions born in India include Sikhism and Jainism.
Comparing and contrasting these religions and their principles can be beneficial
in introducing varied cultural perspectives. Indeed the use of excerpts from the
Hindu MAHABHARATA or the BHAGAVAD-GITA or the Buddhist FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS can be
valuable resources in learning the cultural and intellectual spirit of India.
Students should be encouraged to use many of the primary sources of literature
available on the people, history, and cultures of India.
History of India - Offers a good overview of the history of India.
REFERENCES AND ERIC RESOURCES
The following list of
resources includes references used to prepare the Digest. The items followed by
an ED number are in the ERIC system and are available in microfiche and/or paper
copies from the ERIC Document Reproduction Service (EDRS). For information about
prices, write EDRS, 3900 Wheeler Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22304; telephone
numbers are 703-823-0500 and 800-227-3742. Entries followed by an EJ number are
annotated monthly in CIJE (CURRENT INDEX TO JOURNALS IN EDUCATION), which is
available in most libraries. EJ documents are not available through EDRS;
however, they can be located in the journal section of most libraries by using
the bibliographic information provided below.
Adams, George, et al. THE PEOPLE
OF SOUTH ASIA (Grades K-12). Detroit: Burton International School, 1981. ED 242 649.
Benade, Judith A.
FREEDOM FIGHTERS OF SOUTH ASIA. Madison: South Asian Language and Area Center of the University of Wisconsin, 1985. ED 261 940.
Fishlock, Trevor. GANDHI'S CHILDREN. New York:
Universe Books, 1983.
Hantula, James. BASIC SKILLS IN ASIAN STUDIES: INDIA. 1986. ED 273 512.
Hardgrave, Robert L., 4th ed. INDIA: GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS IN A DEVELOPING NATION. New York: Harcourt, Brace and Jovanovich, 1986.
Nawrath, Alfred. ETERNAL INDIA. New York: Crown Publishers, 1956.
Pandey, B. N. A BOOK OF INDIA. London: William Collins, 1982.
Richard O. INDIA: A LAND OF CONTRAST. Plaistow, NH: Global Horizons, The Center for Applied Eco-social Studies, 1982. ED 222 413.
Prabhu, Vas. "Shiva Natavaja, King of Dancers." ART
EDUCATION 40 (September 1987): 39-40. EJ 357 421.
Raghovan, G.N.S. INTRODUCING INDIA.
Delhi: Indian Council for Cultural Relations, 1983.
Roach, James R., ed. INDIA 2000. Riverdale, MD:
Riverdale Co., 1986.
Semaan, Leslie and Kathleen Lightman. INDIA. Victoria, British Columbia: Victoria International Development Education Association, 1984. ED 284 793.
Talbot, Phillips. INDIA IN THE 1980s. New
York: Foreign Policy Association, 1983.