Geographical Features, Ethics and Values in India

Explanation of Geography of India

The geography of India has been considered the most diverse one. The presence of
snow-capped mountain ranges along with the presence of the desert make the
geographical features more diverse in India. Most of the Indian subcontinent has
been situated on the Indian Plate and the northern portion of the Indo-Australian
Plate. In addition, the geographical location provides India with a coastline that is
nearly 7,000 kilometres. The locations of the Arabian Sea in the Southwest part of
India and the presence of the Bay of Bengal in the southeast have provided such a
unique and diverse geographical feature to the continents of India.
Origin of the Indian landscape:
As per the information, millions of years ago, India used to be a part of the oldest
landmass that is a part of Gondwana Land. Along with India, South America and
South Africa were other parts of the Gondwana land. Eventually, the shifting of the
landmass on that the country India is located has been broken in the invalidation
of Ocean current into multiple pieces. During the shifting of Indo-Australian
plates, a collision with the Eurasian Plate had taken place that gave birth to the
mountain range that is situated in the northern part of India and is recognised as
the Himalayan Mountain range.
Solution: The geographical features of our country are broadly divided into four
parts. They are as follows:
1. The Himalayan Mountains: These are the snow-capped mountain ranges
that stretch from northern Indian to the easternmost point of our country.
They acted as natural barriers to many foreign enemies invading our
country from the North and North-west.
2. The Indo-Gangetic Plains: The rivers flowing out of the mountains such as
The Indus and the Ganga ,together with their tributaries bring fertile
alluvial soil with them and deposit it in the plains. These plains are known as
 the Indo-Gangetic plains. The vast fertile stretch of lands have been
extensively used for agriculture since ages.
3. The Indian Plateau: River Narmada divides the Indian Plateau into two
major portions. The northern part is known as the Malwa Plateau or the
Central Highlands , while the region south to the river Narmada is called
the Deccan plateau. This region comprises high rocky lands which led to the
creation of great rock cut temples and architectures in the past.
4. The Indian Coastline: The Indian coastline is a vast stretch of 6100 kms of
sea coast along the western and the eastern as well as the southern boundary
of our country.On the east , it is known as Coromandel Coast, while on the
western side the coastline is referred to as Konkan and Malabar coast. Since
ancient ages , these coastlines have served as major spots of trade and
commerce with the outside world.
Main Physical Features of India:
The physical features of India can be divided into six broad categories according to
their physiographic forms:
Himalayan Mountains
The northernmost landscape of the country highlights the fold mountains of
the Himalayas. Though geologically young, the Himalayan Mountains are the
loftiest and the most rugged of the world. Since they stretch across 2500 KM from
Kashmir in the north, through Arunachal Pradesh in the North East, these
mountains form an arc. This helps keep the cold arctic winds from reaching the
tropical landmass.
One of the most significant of all the physical features of India, the Himalayas vary
in width between 400 Km to 150 KM. Furthermore, the entire mountain belt is
divided into three main sections-
• The Greater Himalayas or the Himadri, with average peaks reaching up to
6000 meters above the sea-level.
• The Lesser Himalayas with average peaks rising as high as 4000 meters
 • The Outer Himalayas or the Shiwalik Range
• The Eastern Hills or the Purvanchal covering North Bengal, and
northernmost parts of the North Eastern states.
Northern Plains
The three major river systems of India- Indus, Ganga and the Brahmaputra along
with their tributaries have fed the foothills of the Himalayas. Since these river
basins had a huge amount of alluvial deposits from these glacial rivers, these
regions grew fertile over hundreds of years and led to the Northern Plains.
Furthermore, the Northern Plains can again be divided into three significant
parts-
• The Punjab Plains- The Indus River and its tributaries lead to the
formation of these vast plains, a major part of which now lies in Pakistan
• The Ganga Plains- This spreads across the states of North India, Haryana,
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Delhi and West Bengal.
• The Brahmaputra Plains- This covers major parts of Assam and the other
North Eastern States
Peninsular Plateau
The oldest landmass of India, the Peninsular Plateau was the result of the tectonic
shifts of the Gondwana Land. This massive plateau area is further divided as-
• The Central Highlands – lying on the north of the Narmada River and
covering a large part of the Malwa Plateau.
• The Deccan Plateau- a triangular landmass lying on the south of the
Narmada River. The Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats border the
Deccan plateau on its eastern and western sides respectively. While the
Satpura mountain ranges stand on its northern part, the Western Ghats
have higher elevation with a maximum height of 1600 meters. On the other
hand, the Eastern Ghats reach to a maximum of 600 meters in height.
.
Indian Desert
The undulating sandy plains covered with sand dunes on the western fringes of the
Aravali Hills comprise the Indian Desert. With rainfall as low as 150 mm per
annum, this region is the aridest in the country and thus, low on greenery. The
states of Rajasthan and northwestern parts of Gujarat collectively form
the desert region.
Coastal Plains
Right on the outer edges of the Indian peninsula, lies the narrow strips of the
coastal plains. These sea fed regions cover the shores of the Bay of Bengal in the
East and the Arabian Sea on the West. The western coast along the Arabian Sea
can again be divided into three sections-
• The Konkan Coast- covering coastal Maharashtra and Goa
• The Kannada Plains- covering coasts of Karnataka
• The Malabar Coast- covering Kerala
On the other hand, the Eastern coast has two broad sections-
• The Northern Circar
• The Coromandel Coast
Islands
Two groups of islands lie on the two oceans surrounding the main landmass of the
subcontinent. These most likely complete the physical features of India. And, the
island region is divided by the mainland as well as the seas. Thus forming two
major island states-
• The Lakshadweep, which lies closer to the Malabar Coast. And, these consist
of clusters of coral islands collectively named Lakshadweep.
• The Andaman & Nicobar Islands which are off the Bay of Bengal and lie on
the Indian Ocean. These group of islands are larger in size than their
western counterparts and have rich biodiversity. Because the Andaman &
 Nicobar islands are closer to the equator, the region also experiences
equatorial climate.
Concept of value:
The word ‘Value’ is derived from a French The word ‘Value’ is derived from a
French word ‘valoir’ which means the word ‘valoir’ which means
theworth,merit,usefulness or importance of a worth ,merit, usefulness or
importance of a thing.
Features of values
1.Values are at the core of personality.
2.Values are a powerful force affecting behavior.
3.Value contains a judgmental element.
4.Value are not fixed, they change over time.
5. Many values are relatively stable and enduring.

Upanishad:
INTRODUCTION:
The word ethics literary means "moral principles that control or influence a
person's behavior or a system of moral principles or rules of behavior. Meaning can
be drawn from above given statements thereby that those normative principles
which affect a person's behavior in a positive sense may be termed aa ethics. These
principles have a great, definite and undoubtedly a great deal of direct influence on
a normal human behavior. In other words ethics can be defined as the mental
faculty which enables a man to probe distinguish and choose from the good and bad
in positive sense which comes to a person with inward concentration.
The Upanishads are a collection of late Vedic and post-Vedic Sanskrit texts
that document the transition from the archaic ritualism of the Veda into new
religious ideas and institutions . They are the most recent addition to the Vedas,
the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, and deal with meditation, philosophy,
consciousness, and ontological knowledge . The word “Upanishad” means “sitting
down near” and refers to the practice of pupils sitting close to their instructor and
paying close attention while he recites significant lessons . The central concern of
all Upanishads is to discover the relations between ritual, cosmic realities
(including gods), and the human body/person, postulating Ātman and Brahman as
the “summit of the hierarchically arranged and interconnected universe”
In summary, the Upanishads are a collection of ancient Hindu texts that deal with
meditation, philosophy, consciousness, and ontological knowledge. They are the
most recent addition to the Vedas and are considered to be the foundation of
subsequent Hindu philosophy. The Upanishads describe a vast range of “rites,
incarnations, and esoteric knowledge” that diverge from Vedic ritualism and are
interpreted in many ways in later commentarial traditions. They contain some of
the earliest discussions about key philosophical terms like Ātman, Brahman,
karma, and yoga, as well as saṃsāra, moksha, puruṣa, and prakṛti, all of which
would remain central to the philosophical vocabulary of later traditions .

Basic Values of Upanishad:

The Indian concept of Upanishad represents a profound and spiritual dimension
deeply embedded in the country's cultural and philosophical heritage. Rooted in the
Vedic tradition, the Upanishads are considered the culmination of the Vedas,
offering insights into the nature of reality, self-realization, and the ultimate truth.
1. Exploration of Ultimate Reality:
• The Upanishads delve into the concept of "Brahman," an all-encompassing,
formless, and eternal reality that underlies and pervades the entire universe.
Brahman is seen as the ultimate source and essence of everything.
2. Unity of Atman and Brahman:
 • Central to the Upanishadic teachings is the idea of "Atman," the individual
self or soul. The Upanishads assert that Atman and Brahman are
fundamentally one. Realizing this unity is considered the key to spiritual
liberation (moksha).
3. Philosophical Departure from Rituals:
• The Upanishads mark a departure from the ritualistic aspects of earlier
Vedic texts. They shift the focus from external rituals to internal
contemplation, meditation, and self-inquiry.
4. AUM and Symbolism:
• The Mandukya Upanishad introduces the sacred syllable "AUM" (or
"OM"), representing the cosmic sound that encompasses the past, present,
and future. AUM is a powerful symbol of the ultimate reality and is often
used in meditation and spiritual practices.
5. Transcendence and Immanence:
• The Upanishads reconcile the transcendent nature of Brahman with its
immanent presence in the world. While Brahman is beyond the physical
world, it is also intimately connected with every aspect of creation.
6. Inner Quest and Self-Realization:
• The Upanishads emphasize the importance of inner exploration, self-
realization, and the quest for knowledge beyond the material world.
Spiritual seekers are encouraged to look within and discover the eternal
truths that lie at the core of their being.
7. Non-Duality (Advaita):
• Advaita Vedanta, a philosophical school inspired by the Upanishads,
asserts the non-dual nature of reality. It teaches that the apparent diversity
in the world is an illusion, and the ultimate reality is a singular, undivided
consciousness.
8. Influence on Indian Culture:
 • The Upanishads have significantly influenced Indian culture, shaping
religious practices, ethical values, and the understanding of the self. They
provide a philosophical foundation for various schools of thought within
Hinduism.
The Indian concept of Upanishad encapsulates a holistic worldview that integrates
the material and spiritual dimensions of life. It continues to inspire seekers and
scholars alike, fostering a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all
existence and the quest for higher knowledge and wisdom.

Bhakti is a Sanskrit term that refers to the path of loving devotion to a particular
god or deity, which is believed to lead to salvation or nirvana . It is a movement in
Hinduism that emphasizes the mutual intense emotional attachment and love of a
devotee toward a personal god and of the god for the devotee . According to the
Bhagavadgita, a Hindu religious text, the path of bhakti, or bhakti-marga, is
superior to the two other religious approaches, the path of knowledge (jnana) and
the path of ritual and good works (karma) . Bhakti arose in South India in the 7th
to 10th centuries in poems that the Alvars and the Nayanars composed in Tamil to
the gods Vishnu and Shiva, respectively . Drawing on earlier Tamil secular
traditions of erotic poetry as well as royal traditions, bhakti poets applied to the
god what would usually be said of an absent lover or of a king . Bhakti soon spread
to North India, appearing most notably in the 10th-century Sanskrit text the
Bhagavata-purana .
In summary, Bhakti is a movement in Hinduism that emphasizes the mutual
intense emotional attachment and love of a devotee toward a personal god and of
the god for the devotee. It is considered to be superior to the two other religious
approaches, the path of knowledge and the path of ritual and good works. Bhakti
arose in South India in the 7th to 10th centuries in poems that the Alvars and the
Nayanars composed in Tamil to the gods Vishnu and Shiva, respectively. It soon
spread to North India, appearing most notably in the 10th-century Sanskrit text
the Bhagavata-purana
Basic values of Bhakti :
The Bhakti, which emerged in medieval India, particularly from the 7th to the 17th
century, emphasized intense devotion (bhakti) to a personal god as the path to
salvation. This movement cut across traditional social and caste boundaries,
encouraging a direct and personal connection with the divine. The values
associated with Bhakti include:
1. Devotion (Bhakti):
• Central to the Bhakti movement is the value of intense and
unwavering devotion to a personal deity. This devotion is considered
the most effective means to attain spiritual realization and union
with the divine.
2. Equality:
• Bhakti values promote the idea of spiritual equality. Devotees,
irrespective of their social status or caste, are seen as equal in the eyes
of the divine. The movement sought to break down societal
hierarchies and promote inclusivity.
3. Surrender (Prapatti):
• Surrendering oneself completely to the chosen deity is a key Bhakti
value. This surrender is not seen as an act of weakness but as a
powerful expression of faith and humility.
4. Love and Compassion:
• Bhakti encourages the cultivation of love and compassion, not only
towards the deity but also towards fellow beings. Practitioners are
encouraged to express divine love through their interactions with
others.
5. Detachment:
 • Bhakti values emphasize detachment from material possessions and
worldly desires. Devotees are encouraged to focus on their spiritual
connection rather than getting entangled in the transient nature of
material life.
6. Simran (Remembrance):
• Continuous remembrance of the divine through prayer, chanting, and
meditation is a key practice in Bhakti. This helps in maintaining a
constant connection with the chosen deity.
7. Tolerance and Respect:
• Bhakti values promote tolerance and respect for diverse paths to the
divine. The movement recognizes that different individuals may have
different approaches to spirituality, and all paths leading to genuine
devotion are valid.
8. Community and Satsang (Association with the Like-
minded):
• Bhakti often involves communal worship and congregational singing
(kirtan or bhajan). Coming together with like-minded individuals
fosters a supportive spiritual community.
9. Moral and Ethical Living:
• Bhakti values stress the importance of leading a moral and ethical
life. Devotees are encouraged to adhere to principles of righteousness
and integrity in their daily conduct.
10. Personal Experience (Anubhava):
• The Bhakti movement values personal experience of the divine.
Devotees are encouraged to seek direct experiences of the divine
presence through prayer, meditation, and inner contemplation.
These Bhakti values have had a profound and lasting impact on Indian culture and
spirituality. The movement has inspired a rich tradition of devotional poetry,
music, and art across various regions of India.

Need for Indian Value System:

India has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its value system. The Indian
value system is based on the principles of dharma, karma, and moksha. It
emphasizes the importance of family, respect for elders, and the pursuit of
knowledge and wisdom. The Indian value system also places great importance on
spirituality and the attainment of inner peace and harmony.
In today’s world, Indian companies need to introspect about their value-system
and ensure that they are aligned with the changing times. Companies need to
reinforce values such as respect, integrity, loyalty, diversity, inclusiveness,
leadership, responsibility, and customer centricity.
It is also important to note that India’s economy is built on the concept of paisa
vasool, which roughly translates to “value for money” . This concept reflects the
local lifestyle of finding value in everything we have and making the most of every
interaction.
In conclusion, the Indian value system is an integral part of the country’s cultural
heritage and reflects its rich history and traditions. It is important for Indian
companies to introspect about their value-system and ensure that they are aligned
with the changing times. By doing so, they can create a positive impact on society
and contribute to the country’s growth and development.