Encyclopaedia of South Asia (India)

'South Asia' possesses significant place in the annals of human history. Bounded by Middle Asia and mighty Himalayan range in the north, gulf countries and Arabian Sea in the west, vast Indian Ocean in south and Bay of Bengal and Myanmar in the east, South Asia is strategically located on the world map. Many ancient civilizations and great world religions originated and flourished in South Asia. Ancient civilizations like Harappa and Indus Valley, and great religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism are to account among these. The region is also unique- demographically, racially, religiously, economically, socio- , culturally and politically. A large segment of world population inhabits in South Asia. Though grouped under 'developing countries' manifested by many problems-poverty, hunger, overpopulation, unemployment, political instability, insurgency and social turmoil, health hazards, etc. - rich biodiversity, climatic variations, exotic fauna and flora, mineral and marine resources, abode of many autochthones, and a hot bed of world politics and economy are some of the salient features of the region.