India is the seventh-largest country in the world by area. Borders Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Coastline measures 7,517 kilometres, with 43% sandy beaches. Climate influenced by Himalayas and Thar Desert. Temperature has risen 0.7°C between 1901 and 2018
Saffron is a shade of yellow or orange from saffron crocus thread. Name derives from Middle Iranian ja'far-, used in Middle English since 1200. Deep saffron approximates India saffron (bhagwa or kesari)
Avatar means 'descent' in Sanskrit, referring to divine embodiment on Earth. Term appears in post-Vedic literature after 6th century CE. Avatars are divine manifestations of nirguna Brahman or Atman
Caste system originated in ancient India and transformed by British colonial rule. System consists of varna (classes) and jati (birth-based groups). Varna includes Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Jati system emerged during Gupta Empire and is more flexible than varna
Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world, with four major traditions. Trimurti consists of Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Preserver), and Shiva (Destroyer). Brahma's consort is Saraswati, Vishnu's is Lakshmi, Shiva's is Parvati
Kali Yuga is the fourth and shortest of four world ages in Hinduism. It means "age of darkness" or "age of vice". Each yuga decreases in length by one-fourth (25%). Kali Yuga lasts 432,000 years (1,200 divine years)