Deck 14: Asian Indians and Pakistanis

Question 1

List the countries that comprise South Asia. List and briefly describe at least four religions practiced in this region. What are the similarities and differences in regards to religion between Pakistan and India?

Answer 1

The countries of south Asia are Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and India. The four religions practiced in these regions are Hindu, Islam, Christianity and Buddhism. For example, in India 85% of people are following Hindu religion.
The major religion of Pakistan is Islam and Indian is Hindu. According to Islam it is originated at Mecca and Arabian Peninsula and Hindu religion is originated in Indian Subcontinent. The place worship of Muslim is called Mosque, whereas for Hindus is Temple. Muslims do not worship prophets or images of gods, whreas Hindus do.

Question 2

Describe the vegetarian diet of Hindus. Which animal foods are allowed and which are not consumed? What are the staples of the diet? How would the Hindu diet differ from that of the Sikhs and Muslims? What would make a food pure or polluted? Are there regional differences in staples used in India and Pakistan? Describe at least three types of bread consumed in India.

Answer 2

The vegetarian diet of Hindus contains rice, dhal, papad, fermented pickles, Ghee, vegetable curries, etc. The allowed animal Foods are goat, sheep, chicken, but Hindus do not consume ham, pork and cow meat (Beef). The staples of Hindus diet are wheat and rice.
The Sikhs and Muslims mostly consume whet to make flat bread and they consume Beef. The Food which is touch with non-vegetarian Food is commonly termed as polluted. The staple Foods of Pakistan and Indian are common, but wheat is mostly consumed in Pakistan. The three types of breads' consumed in India are Chapati, Paratha and Puran Poli, etc.

Question 3

What are masalas, and when are they used in South Asian cooking? Describe regional variations in South Asian cuisine. What is curry?

Answer 3

A group spies, like bay leaf, turmeric, coriander seeds, red chilies are grinded into a fine power, which is commonly used in the south Indian Food is called masala. They are used for preparation of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries.
For example, the taste and aroma of masala varies between the south Indian states, but Tamil nadu is famous for making and using masala. The boiled vegetable with masala is called a vegetarian curry.

Question 4

Briefly explain Ayurvedic medicine. How does food fit into the Ayurvedic system?

Question 5

What is metabolic syndrome? How does it affect Asian Indians, and how may their diet contribute to its development?