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Here’s a list of facts about India that may make you go: “Wow! Didn’t know that!”

Indian history, mythology, culture, geography – are you an expert? Here are some lesser know facts about the country that may blow even the most knowledgeable minds away.

1. India and Bangladesh are connected in more ways than you think. Look at this map!

There is a third enclave border which leads to a certain part of India being in Bangladesh, which is also a part of India, which is a part of Bangladesh. Mind-boggling, isn’t it?

2. As per records released by The Guinness Book Of World Records, India is third in terms of number of records claimed every year in the world. The first two are USA and UK.

Source: Paavans / Wikipedia

For instance, one of the most interesting records belongs to Udaipur resident Vinay Bhanawat from Udaipur for having the most number of currency notes ending with 786.

3. The residents of some Indian villages rely solely on Sanskrit to communicate with each other.

Source: Kevin Lawver / Flickr

These include the villages of Mathur in Karnataka, Jhiri in Madhya Pradesh and Khada in Rajasthan.

4. India was exceptional when it came to hockey in the 1920s. The British were forced to withdraw from the Olympics in 1920 to avoid a probable defeat by their colony.

In the 1928 Olympics, India managed to secure an impressive number of goals (102), conceding only 3.

5. This is interesting trivia for the ladies – our cholis and pallus got their names from Tamil dynasties.

The dynasties in question are Cholas and Pallavas respectively. Who knew?

6. The biggest family in the world is from – you guessed it, India.

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Source: YouTube

Ziona Chana from Mizoram has 39 wives, 94 children, and 33 grandchildren, who live together as one big happy family in the same house!

7. India has one of the largest postal networks on the globe and what’s more, there’s a floating post office too!

Source: Mullookkaaran / Wikipedia

Srinagar’s Dal lake has a floating post office, which was opened in 2011. Tempted to go there yet? India also has the highest post office in the world, located in Hikkim, Himachal Pradesh, at a height of 15,500 ft.

8. Here’s another reason to be in awe of A.P.J Abdul Kalam.

Source: Yahoo

When he was the President of India, he actually posted a question on terrorism on Yahoo answers, trying to figure out what people think about possible solutions to the widespread issue! What’s more, he got answers from the likes of Dr. Kiran Bedi, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Leander Paes.

9. Dr. Shrikant Jichkar was the most qualified person in the country ever.

From having been an IAS, IPS, lawyer, doctor, photographer, radio operator to securing the highest degree in a university for Sanskrit and being an MLA at 25, he had an astonishing range of qualifications. He passed away in 2004.

10. Samosas, the much-loved Indian snack, are banned in Somalia.

Source: Sharyn Morrow / Flickr

Somalians believe that the shape of the samosa looks like the Christian Holy Trinity.

11. The Nobel Peace Prize was withdrawn in 1948. It was supposed to go to Mahatma Gandhi but his assassination resulted in the title being left unassigned as a tribute to the leader.

Source: Trent / Flickr

12. Spiderman had its own desi version in 2004.

Peter Parker was christened Pavitr Prabhakar, Mary Jane was Meera Jain, Aunt May was Auntie Maya and finally, Uncle Ben was Uncle Bhim. Amazed yet?

Featured Image Source: Flickr – 1 & 2

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