India is a vast and diverse nation with a rich history and a myriad of cultural, geographical, and scientific contributions. Here are ten “OMG” facts about India:
Omg Facts About India
- Ancient Civilization: The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s oldest urban cultures, existed around 2500 BCE. Sites like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa showcase advanced city planning and architecture.
- Mathematical Pioneers: The concept of ‘zero’ as a number and its notation was developed by ancient Indian mathematicians. The famous mathematician Aryabhata also introduced the concept of pi (π).
- Diverse Languages: India is home to more than 1,500 languages, though 22 of them are officially recognized in the Indian Constitution. Hindi, in the Devanagari script, is the most widely spoken language.
- Land of Spices: India produces about 70% of the world’s spices, earning its title as the “Home of Spices”. Black pepper from Kerala was a prized commodity in ancient times, often referred to as “black gold”.
- Largest Gathering: The Kumbh Mela, a religious pilgrimage, witnesses the largest gathering of humans on Earth. In 2019, approximately 50 million people attended on the busiest single day.
- Golden Temple’s Generosity: The Harmandir Sahib, commonly known as the Golden Temple in Amritsar, serves up to 100,000 meals every day, regardless of race, religion, or class, making it the world’s largest community kitchen.
- World’s Second Largest English Speaking Country: While India has a multitude of languages, it is the second-largest English-speaking country in the world, after the United States, with around 125 million people proficient in English.
- First to Discover Water on the Moon: India’s lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, was the first to discover water/hydroxyl on the moon in 2009.
- Ayurveda: One of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems, Ayurveda, has its roots in India. Originating more than 3,000 years ago, it emphasizes balance in the body’s doshas.
- Railway Underbelly: The Indian Railways, one of the world’s largest railway networks, employs over a million people. Surprisingly, there’s an ‘underwater’ train service in India. The train between Kolkata and its neighboring town runs for a short stretch under the Hooghly River!
India’s vast history, culture, and diversity ensure that there are many more such fascinating facts awaiting discovery.
