History of Indian Culture
The culture of India has been shaped by the long history of India, its unique geography and the absorption of customs, traditions and ideas from both immigrants and invaders, while preserving its ancient heritage from the Indus Valley Civilization.
The great numbers of languages in India have historically created diverse cultures and traditions at both regional and national levels. 216 languages are spoken by a group of more than 10,000 people; however there are many others which are spoken by fewer than 10,000 people. (Daniel. A, 2005) If these languages were to be included, there are 415 living languages in India. The Constitution of India has stipulated the usage of Hindi and English to be the two official languages of communication for the Union Government. Individual states' own internal communications are usually in the state's language or English.
India has strong traditions of poetry, as well as prose writing. This is often closely related to musical traditions, and most poetry can be attributed to religious movements. Writers and philosophers were often also skilled poets. In modern times, poetry has served as an important non-violent tool of nationalism during the Indian freedom movement. A famous modern example of this tradition can be found in such figures as Rabindranath Tagore and K. S. Narasimhaswamy in modern times and poets. Two examples of poetry from Tagore's Gitanjali serve as the national anthems of both India and Bangladesh
The first sculptures in India date back to the Indus Valley civilization, where stone and bronze carvings have been discovered. This is one of the earliest instances of sculpture in the world. Later, as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism developed further, India produced some of the most intricate bronzes in the world, as well as unrivalled temple carvings. Some huge shrines, such as the one at Ellora were not actually constructed using blocks, but instead carved out of solid rock, making them perhaps the largest and most intricate sculptures in the world
Clothing in India Saris are popular in the southern half of India and certain parts of the northern half as well. Alternatively, women can wear salwar kamis or lehngas. For men it consists of the Dhoti or Lungi and currently the kurta top is very popular. Cuisine of India The multiple families of Indian cuisine are characterized by their sophisticated and subtle use of many spices and herbs. Each family of this cuisine is characterized by a wide assortment of dishes and cooking techniques. Though a significant portion of Indian food is vegetarian, many traditional Indian dishes also include chicken, goat, lamb, fish, and other meats. Food is an important part of Indian culture, playing a role in everyday life as well as in festivals.
In many families, everyday meals usually consisting of two to three main course dishes, varied accompaniments such as chutneys and pickles, carbohydrates such as rice and roti (bread), as well as desserts. India is one of the most religiously diverse nations in the world, with many religious societies and cultures. Religion plays a central role in the life of the country and most of its people. The religion of more than 80.4% of the people is Hinduism, considered the world's oldest religious and philosophical system. Islam is practiced by around 13.4% of all Indians. Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism are systems that are strong and influential not only in India but across the world (The Hindu, Business line).
Modern India has produced some of the world's most influential philosophers of modern times, who have written both in their native languages, and often English. During the time when British occupied India, various thinkers, both secular and religious, achieved a new level of recognition across the world as both ancient Indian texts, and the work of contemporary Indian philosophers was translated into English, German and other languages. Swami Vivekananda travelled to America and participated in the 1893 World Parliament of Religions, impressing delegates with his speech that for the first time gave access to eastern, Indian, Hindu and dharma philosophy to western intellectuals. As well as various religious thinkers Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore and other members of the Indian freedom movement, generated political philosophy, and formed the basis of modern Indian democracy, secularism and liberalism. Today, economists such as Amartya Sen, who won Asia's first Nobel Prize in economics, continue to give India a reputation as an important contributor to world thought.
References:
Culture of India, (2007). Visual art, Retrieved on November 25, 2007. From website http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_India
Daniel. A, (2005), information on India-religions in india, Retrieved on November 25, 2007. From website http://adaniel.tripod.com/religions.htm