Welcome to SSEGU, the ultimate resource for people looking for inspiration and education about the world. Hello, everyone, and yet welcome back to another fascinating article. Today, we're diving into incredible facts you probably didn't know about the second-largest country in the world, India. With a population of over a billion people, India is one of the most influential and powerful countries globally. Its cultural history spans 4,500 years of predominantly Hindu philosophy and theology. Modern India, however, has evolved significantly with its colossal film industry, diverse population, and astonishingly large workforce. Here at SSEGU, we're dedicated to bringing you the most interesting facts about countries and destinations worldwide. So, let's jump right into 15 things you didn't know about India.
1. Bollywood's Highest-Grossing Film Made 27 Times More Than Hollywood's
Bollywood, India's film industry, is incredibly prolific, producing about 1,000 films annually compared to Hollywood's 600. The highest-grossing Bollywood film, "3 Idiots," earned a staggering 76.81 billion dollars, far surpassing Hollywood's top earner, "Avatar," which made 2.8 billion dollars.
2. Shampoo Was Invented in India
The concept of shampooing originated in India in the 16th century, deriving from the Sanskrit word "champoo," meaning massage. Indians used herbs and natural ingredients like gooseberry and fruit pulp for hair cleansing long before modern shampoos were developed.
3. Diamonds Were First Mined in India
India was the world's most productive diamond mining country until diamonds were discovered in Brazil in the 18th century. The famous Kohinoor diamond, found in the 13th century, is a 793-carat stone that eventually became part of the British Crown Jewels.
4. Elephants in Kerala Enjoy Spa Days
The Punnathoor Cotta Elephant Yard Rejuvenation Center in Kerala provides elephants with baths, massages, and soothing pamper sessions. This spa caters to 59 elephants, reflecting the sacred status of these animals in Indian culture.
5. The Largest Religious Gathering Can Be Seen From Space
The Kumbh Mela, a Hindu pilgrimage, takes place every 12 years and attracts up to 75 million people to the banks of the Ganges. This massive event involves ritualistic bathing, devotional singing, and feeding the poor, making it the largest pilgrimage on Earth.
6. Ancient Indian Civilization is the Oldest in the World
Indian civilization dates back to 2400 BC, with ancient texts on science, medicine, and astronomy. The concept of zero in mathematics also originated in India. Human remains dating back 30,000 years have been found in South Asia.
7. India is Home to Every Major World Religion
India accommodates Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Islam, and Sikhism, among other religions. Hinduism and Islam are the most prominent, covering 80% and 14% of the population, respectively. India also boasts 1,652 dialects, highlighting its linguistic diversity.
8. A Polling Station is Set Up for One Voter
During elections, a polling station is set up in Gir Forest for just one voter, Mahant Bharatdas Darshandas, the only resident of the forest. He has been voting since 2004 and never misses an election, ensuring his solitary vote counts.
9. The Indian Government Hid the Taj Mahal During Wartime
To protect the Taj Mahal from airstrikes during World War II and the India-Pakistan Wars, scaffolding was erected around the domes to camouflage them. Rising Yamuna River levels now pose a threat to the monument, with concerns about potential structural collapse.
10. India Invented Navigation, Yoga, and the World's Cheapest Car
India can take credit for numerous inventions, including navigation over 6,000 years ago and yoga 5,000 years ago. The Tata Nano, costing around $1,400, is the world's cheapest car. India also leads in thorium-based nuclear power development.
11. Stay in Royal Palaces for $88,000 a Night
India is home to some of the most stunning palaces, once residences of the Maharajahs. The Kumarakom Lake Resort, where Prince Charles celebrated his 65th birthday, and the 450-year-old Samode Palace are examples of luxurious accommodations.
12. A Rolls-Royce for Rubbish
King Jai Singh of Alwar, insulted by a Rolls-Royce salesman in London, bought a fleet of Rolls-Royce cars and used them for garbage collection in his city. This act showcased his pride and sense of humor.
13. One Million Indians Are Millionaires
India has a significant wealth gap, with 35% of the population living below the poverty line. However, the richest Indian, Mukesh Ambani, has a net worth of $53 billion, thanks to his ventures in the oil and gas industry.
14. The First Plastic Surgery Account
The Sushruta Samhita, an ancient Sanskrit text from the 6th century CE, contains one of the earliest accounts of plastic surgery, detailing procedures like skin grafts and nose reconstructions.
15. Extravagant Indian Weddings
In 2016, an Indian businessman’s daughter’s wedding lasted five days and cost $74 million. This lavish event, featuring a $2.5 million wedding sari and Bollywood celebrities, sparked controversy due to the stark contrast with the country's widespread poverty.
India is a land of incredible diversity, rich history, and remarkable achievements. Whether exploring its ancient civilizations, vibrant cultures, or modern advancements, there’s always something new to discover. If you could visit India, would you prefer the luxury of a Maharaja’s palace or the bustling energy of modern Mumbai?
Bonus Fact: India’s Vegetarian Population
Approximately 40% of Indians are vegetarian, the largest vegetarian population in the world. This dietary choice is often rooted in spiritual and religious beliefs. Major fast-food chains like KFC, McDonald’s, and Pizza Hut have introduced vegetarian menus in India to cater to this significant demographic.
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