The Asian neighbors of China and India are both similar and different in various aspects. In terms of similarities, both India and China have a very huge population, which together constitutes over one-third of the world population. Both the countries have abundant resources and a large land mass, which help the countries expand their internal markets. In terms of differences, when compared to India, the industrialization of China took place at a rapid rate, which is evident from the Chinese cities. Within a span of dew years, the semi-urban areas of China have transformed into cities with world-class infrastructure, such as New York with subways, financial districts, over ground trains at a lightning fast speed and many others . The wealthiest cities of India, such as Delhi and Mumbai are far behind the cities of China.
In terms of culture, the communism of China played a major role in outlawing various cultural practices over fifty years ago. On the other hand, India needs to abandon various oppressions happening in the country. The authoritarianism of China has enabled the country in managing the breaches of economic equality, which the Indian democracy could not address over the past years. The population of India follows various religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Sikhism. In China, the famous religions followed by the Chinese population are Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and Faism . Other religions, such as Islam and Christianity are also prevalent in China. The Chinese government faces various economic challenges, such as low domestic consumption, increasing rural migrants, low per capita income and many others. The economic challenges of India include corruption, violence, oppression towards women and poverty.
In terms of architecture, the spread of Buddhism in China has also spread its architecture, which includes the famous ‘Stupa’. Most of the Indian architecture, which constitutes the temples, is an adoption of the Buddhist architecture. Various similarities in terms of Chinese and Indian philosophies include the worship of various deities, reincarnation and karma . Both the countries believe in luck and employ several alternatives to test their luck. The Chinese and Indian societies value family as a significant unit. They have a great respect and honor for their families. On the contrary, there are certain differences in the artistic and literary traditions of both the countries. In terms of technological accomplishments, China is far ahead of India for its cheaper prices and quality products regarding technology products and services. On the other hand, India has surpassed China in space technology, defense and nuclear technology .
In terms of women, Chinese women have a great participation in the politics and the corporate sector unlike the Indian women. The Indian women still face oppression and the number of crimes related to women is increasing at an alarming rate . Although Chinese women faced discrimination in the past, now the situation is entirely different in the country. In terms of food, India and China have diverse varieties of food items. However, Chinese food is available in most of the restaurants in China for its superior taste and the use of various kinds of spices. On the other hand, the Indian food is also significant in China, especially southern China. The way the people eat also differs in both the countries. While the Chinese eat with the help of chopsticks, the Indians use their hands or spoons to consume food . Thus, the Asian countries of China and India are both similar and different in various aspects, such as government, religions, societies, architecture, philosophies, women, culture, technological accomplishments, food and many others.
Works Cited
Kieschnick, J., & Shahar, M. (2013). India in the Chinese Imagination: Myth, Religion, and Thought. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.
V.S.Ramamurthy. (2013, Feb 20). Science and Technology in China: Implications and Lessons for India: An Overview. Retrieved Apr 19, 2015, from Chennai Centre for China Studies: http://www.c3sindia.org/india/3444
Wirth, M. (2013, Aug 31). Cultural Pride: The difference between India and China. Retrieved Apr 19, 2015, from Bharata Bharati: https://bharatabharati.wordpress.com/2013/08/31/cultural-pride-the-difference-between-india-and-china-maria-wirth/
