Question.
Gifts ( Things) That Travel Between India and the World
(Class 5 EVS, Chapter 10: Earth — Our Shared Home)
Answer.
Since ancient times, people have travelled from one place to another for trade, exploration, education, and cultural exchange. Along with people, many ideas, crops, animals, foods, and traditions also travelled across countries and continents. This exchange has enriched the lives of people all over the world.
Gifts from India to the World
1. Yoga:
Yoga originated in India more than 3,000 years ago and is one of India's greatest gifts to the world.
It promotes physical fitness, mental peace, and a healthy lifestyle.
Recognising its global importance, the United Nations declared 21 June as the International Day of Yoga in 2014.
Today, millions of people in different countries practise yoga regularly.
2. Sugar and Sugarcane
In ancient times, people around the world mainly used honey for sweetness.
India was the first place where people learned how to make jaggery (gur) from sugarcane juice and later refined it into sugar.
Through trade routes, this knowledge spread to many parts of Asia, Europe, and the rest of the world.
Today, sugar is used in almost every country.
3. Rice, Mangoes, and Bananas
India is one of the oldest centres of cultivation of rice, mangoes, and bananas.
These crops gradually spread to other countries through traders and travellers.
Today:
- Rice is a staple food for billions of people.
- Mango is known as the "King of Fruits" in many countries.
- Bananas are among the most widely consumed fruits in the world.
4. Indian Cow
Several Indian cattle breeds became famous around the world because of their strength, disease resistance, and milk production.
Portuguese traders took Indian cattle breeds such as:
- Gir
- Kankrej
- Ongole
to Brazil.
These breeds adapted well to the local climate and played an important role in Brazil's dairy industry. Even today, they contribute nearly 65% to milk production there.
5. Indian Spices:
India has long been known as the "Land of Spices."
Spices such as:
- Black pepper
- Cardamom
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
were exported to many countries.
These spices influenced cooking traditions across the world and attracted traders from Europe, Arabia, and Asia.
Things/Gifts that Came to India from Other Parts of the World
1. Chilli:
Chilli originally grew in South America.
About 400–500 years ago, Portuguese traders brought chilli to India.
Before its arrival, black pepper was the main spice used to add spice to food.
Today, chilli has become an essential ingredient in Indian cuisine.
2. Marigold
The marigold flower originally came from Mexico.
It travelled across continents and became popular in India because of its bright colours and attractive appearance.
Today, marigolds are widely used in:
- Temples
- Homes
- Weddings
- Festivals such as Diwali and Dussehra
3. Potato
Potato is another crop that originated in South America and was introduced to India by European traders.
Today it is one of the most widely used vegetables in Indian cooking.
4. Tomato
Tomato also came from South America.
It is now used in curries, salads, sauces, and many Indian dishes.
It has become an important part of everyday cooking.
5. Maize (Corn)
Maize originated in Central America and later spread to India.
Today it is grown in many states and is used as food for both humans and animals.
The movement of crops, animals, flowers, foods, and ideas between India and other countries shows that the world is deeply connected. Such exchanges help people learn from one another and improve their lives.
This is a good example of the idea "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (The World is One Family) and shows that our Earth is a shared home for all.
You may also like:
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon