India is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world.
The official languages are Hindu and English.
Four religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism—originated here, whereas Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Islam arrived in the 1st millennium CE and also helped shape the region's diverse culture. Gradually annexed by and brought under the administration of the British East India Company from the early 18th century and administered directly by the United Kingdom after Indian Rebellion of 1857, India became an independent nation in 1947 after a struggle for independence that was marked by non-violent resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi.
The Capital is New Delhi, the largest city is Mumbai. The President is Pratibha Patil. She retired on 7/25/12; she was the first woman to hold the office. She was succeeded as President by Pranab Mukherjeer . His term ended 7.25.17. He was succeeded by Ram Nath Kovind . The presidential palace, Rashtrapati Bhavan, is the official residence of the president of India.
The Prime Minister is Manmohan Singh (5.22.04 to 5.26.14). On 5/26/14 Narendra Modi became Prime Minister.
The Country profile , and the CIA Factbook.
Caste system distinctions remain strong. The low-caste Indians are called Dalits.
