Indian culture

Indian culture is the heritage of social norms, ethical values, traditional customs, belief systems, political systems, artifacts, and technologies that originated in or are associated with the Indian subcontinent. The term also applies beyond India to countries and cultures whose histories are strongly connected to India by immigration, colonization, or influence, particularly in South Asia and the expatriate Indian communities in other countries.

Etymology

The word "India" is derived from the River Indus, which was historically important to the Indian subcontinent. The Indian culture, often labeled as an amalgamation of several cultures, spans across the Indian subcontinent and has been influenced by a history that is several millennia old.

History

Indian culture has been shaped by its long history, unique geography, and diverse demography. India's significant wave of urbanization began 4,500 years ago with the Indus Valley Civilization, which provided significant contributions to human culture, particularly in the fields of writing, architecture, and social organization.

Religion and Philosophy

Indian culture is profoundly influenced by religion. Major religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, originated in India. These religions are deeply interwoven with Indian philosophy and literature. The Indian way of life has been significantly influenced by the scriptures and philosophical texts of these religions.

Languages and Literature

India is home to several classical languages including Sanskrit, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu. Indian literature spans across several languages and has a rich tradition in both oral and written forms. Prominent texts such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata play a crucial role in shaping the thought process of the Indian civilization.

Performing Arts

The performing arts range from traditional classical forms to folk arts. Classical dance forms include Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, and Odissi, each with its own distinct style and origin. Music also varies significantly across the country, with classical traditions such as Carnatic music and Hindustani music being popular.

Visual Arts

Indian visual arts include a wide variety of styles and techniques in its architecture, sculpture, and painting. The architecture of India is rooted in its history, religion, and culture. Architectural styles have evolved under the influence of countless dynasties as well as the colonial period. Iconic architectural examples include the Taj Mahal and the temples of Khajuraho.

Cuisine

Indian cuisine is characterized by its sophisticated and subtle use of many spices and vegetables. Each region has its own unique cuisine with distinctive spices and ingredients. Common staples include rice, wheat, and a variety of pulses. Traditional dishes include biryani, dosa, and roti.

Festivals

India is known for its wide spectrum of festivals and celebrations related to various religions and ethnic groups. Major Indian festivals include Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Christmas. These festivals are an integral part of Indian culture and offer a glimpse into the life and beliefs of the people.

Clothing

Traditional Indian clothing varies widely in style according to gender, region, and community. Common traditional garments include the sari for women and the dhoti or kurta for men. In urban areas, the Indian fashion scene is diverse, with contemporary and traditional clothes being worn depending on the occasion.

Impact and Global Influence

Indian culture has a profound impact on other cultures across the world. In the age of globalization, elements of Indian culture can be seen in other cultures, with yoga, Bollywood films, and Indian cuisine gaining popularity worldwide.

See Also

• Culture of Asia
• History of India
• Languages of India
• Religion in India