Background of Indian Culture

Cultural background of Indian culture:

India is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Indian culture is the heritage of social
norms and technologies that originated in or are associated with the ethno-linguistically diverse
India, pertaining to the Indian subcontinent until 1947 and the Republic of India post-1947 . The
culture of India is among the world’s oldest, with a civilization that can be traced back as far as 4,500
years ago . Indian culture is unique in several ways. It has an uninterrupted history of evolution
dating back in the past to nearly five thousand years. During all this period, it has enriched itself by
assimilating diverse kinds of influences and impacts. This has given Indian culture certain vibrancies
and has saved it from a monotonous uniformity . Indian culture is known for its religious culture,
philosophy, family structure and marriage, festivals, greetings, animals, cuisine, clothing, languages
and literature, performing arts, visual arts, sports and martial arts, and popular media .

Linguistic background of Indian culture:

India has a linguistically rich history, reflecting its diverse and multicultural society. The
roots of Indian languages can be traced back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, where
the people likely communicated in early forms of Dravidian languages. The arrival of the
Aryans around 1500 BCE introduced Indo-Aryan languages, laying the foundation for
Sanskrit, the classical language of ancient Indian literature.
Over centuries, regional languages evolved, forming language families such as the Dravidian
family in the South and the Indo-Aryan family dominating the North. Sanskrit's influence
persisted, shaping many modern languages.
The medieval period saw the emergence of regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada,
Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, and others. Persian and Arabic left their imprint on Indian
languages, particularly in the context of trade and administration during the Mughal era.
Colonization further impacted linguistic diversity. English gained prominence during British
rule, becoming a significant language for administration and education. Post-independence,
India adopted a multilingual policy, recognizing Hindi and English as official languages at the
national level, while each state could designate its own official languages.
Today, India is a linguistic kaleidoscope, boasting 22 officially recognized languages and a
plethora of dialects. The linguistic landscape mirrors the country's cultural mosaic, fostering a
deep connection between language, identity, and heritage.

Meaning of unity in diversity:

The term unity in diversity relates to the state of togetherness or integrity despite the presence of infinite diversity. Unity
in diversity is based on the concept where the individual has variations in physical qualities, skin colour, castes, creed,
cultural and religious traditions, etc. are not seen as a dispute. Rather, these differences are viewed upon as varieties that
improve the society and the nation as a whole.

Introduction:
India is a plural society both in letter and spirit. It is rightly characterized by its unity and diversity. A grand synthesis
of cultures, religions and languages of the people belonging to different castes and communities has upheld its unity and
cohesiveness despite multiple foreign invasions. National unity and integrity have been maintained even through sharp
economic and social inequalities have obstructed the emergence of egalitarian social relations. It is this synthesis which
has made India a unique mosque of cultures. Thus, India present seemingly multicultural situation within in the
framework of a single integrated cultural whole. The term ‘diversity’ emphasizes differences rather than inequalities. It
means collective differences, that is, differences which mark off one group of people from another. These differences may
be of any sort: biological, religious, linguistic etc. Thus, diversity means variety of races, of religions, of languages, of
castes and of cultures. Unity means integration. It is a social psychological condition. It connotes a sense of one-ness, a
sense of we-ness. It stands for the bonds, which hold the members of a society together. Unity in diversity essentially
means “unity without uniformity” and “diversity without fragmentation”. It is based on the notion that diversity
enriches human interaction. When we say that India is a nation of great cultural diversity, we mean that there are many
different types of social groups and communities living here. These are communities defined by cultural markers such as
language, religion, sect, race or caste.
Various forms of diversity in India:
Religious diversity: India is a land of multiple religions. Apart from the tribal societies, many of whom still live in the
pre-religious state of animism and magic, the Indian population consists of the Hindus (82.41%), Muslims (11.6%),
Christians (2.32%), Sikhs (1.99%), Buddhists (0.77%) and Jains (0.41%). The Hindus themselves are divided into several
sects such as Vaishnavas, Shaivates, Shaktas, Smartas etc. Similarly, the Muslims are divided into sects such as Shias,
Sunnis, Ahmadiyas etc.

Linguistic diversity: Languages spoken in India belong to several language families, the major ones being the Indo-
Aryan languages spoken by 75% of Indians and the Dravidian languages spoken by 20% of Indians. Other languages
belong to the Austroasiatic, Sino- Tibetan, Tai-Kadai, and a few other minor language families and isolates. India has
the world’s second highest number of languages, after Papua New Guinea.

Racial diversity: 1931 census classified India’s racial diversity in the following groups- The Negrito, The Proto-
Australoid, The Mongoloid, The Mediterranean, The Western Brachycephals and the Nordic. Representatives of all the
three major races of the world, namely Caucasoid, Mongoloid, and Negroid, are found in the country.

Caste diversity: India is a country of castes. The term caste has been used to refer to both varna as well as jati. Varna is
the four-fold division of society according to functional differentiation. Thus, the four varnas include Brahmins,
Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras and an outcaste group. Whereas Jati refers to a hereditary endogamous status group
practicing a specific traditional occupation.. There are more than 3000 jatis and there is no one all India system of
ranking them in order and status. The jati system is not static and there is mobility in the system, through which jatis
have changed their position over years.

Cultural diversity: Cultural patterns reflect regional variations. Because of population diversity, there is immense
variety in Indian culture as it is a blend of various cultures. Different religion, castes, regions follow their own tradition
and culture. Thus, there is variation in art, architecture, dance forms, theatre forms, music etc.
Geographical diversity: Spanning across an area of 3.28 million square kilometre, India is a vast country with great
diversity of physical features like dry deserts, evergreen forests, lofty mountains, perennial and non-perennial river
systems, long coasts and fertile plains.

In addition to the above described major forms of diversity, India also has diversity of many other types like that of
settlement patterns – tribal, rural, urban; marriage and kinship patterns along religious and regional lines and so on.
Indian Culture and Tradition:
Indian culture and tradition are a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of ancient history, diverse religions, and
regional practices. Rooted in the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, India's cultural heritage has evolved over millennia,
influenced by the amalgamation of various civilizations, dynasties, and cultural exchanges. The country's religious
diversity is a defining aspect, with Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Jainism coexisting and
contributing unique elements to the cultural landscape.

Family and social structure play a crucial role in Indian culture, with the joint family system traditionally prevailing,
emphasizing strong familial bonds and respect for elders. Festivals and celebrations are integral, offering a kaleidoscope
of colors, rituals, and communal festivities. Diwali, the festival of lights, Holi, the festival of colors, and Eid are
celebrated with enthusiasm, fostering a sense of unity and shared joy.

Cuisine, another hallmark of Indian culture, is a flavorful journey reflecting regional diversity. Aromatic spices, varied
cooking techniques, and diverse ingredients create a rich and diverse culinary experience. Traditional clothing, arts,
literature, and architecture further showcase the depth and diversity of Indian cultural expression. With a legacy of
classical dance forms, classical music, and ancient texts, India's cultural richness continues to evolve, embracing modern
influences while staying rooted in its deep traditions. Overall, Indian culture and tradition are dynamic, reflecting the
essence of unity in diversity that defines the nation.

Harappan Civilisation
The Harappan Civilisation was an ancient civilisation that flourished in the Indus Valley region of South Asia from
around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE . It was one of the earliest urban civilisations in the world, and its people were skilled in
metallurgy, pottery, and bead-making . The Harappan Civilisation was named after the site of Harappa, which is located
in present-day Pakistan . The civilisation extended over a large area, from Gujarat in the south to Punjab and Haryana
in the north . The Harappan people had a writing system that has not yet been fully deciphered . The Harappan
Civilisation declined around 1900 BCE, possibly due to climate change and/or natural disasters
Harappan Civilization – Urban Planning
In the Harappan cities, urban planning was highly developed.

• The houses in the cities were well planned.

• The materials used for building purposes were sun-dried bricks and burnt bricks.

• Houses had separate bathing areas.

• The houses were one or two-storeyed.

• The houses in Harappan Civilization had wells.

• Each house had a proper drainage system which was connected to the drainage system of the streets.

• In the Harappan Civilization, the drainage system was well-structured.

 • The streets of the Harappan Civilization were well-planned.

• The streets of the Harappan Civilization had a proper system of waste disposal, lighting, drainage, and water
supply.

Who discovered the Harappan civilization?

Sir Alexander Cunningham discovered the Harappan civilization in 1872-73. Rai Bahadur Daya Ram Sahni carried out
the first extensive excavations at Harappa in 1920.

Features of the Indus Valley Civilization Society:

o The people were scholars, artisans, traders, warriors, and businessmen.

o IVC Society is considered to be matriarchal in nature as a large number of terracotta (fire-baked earthen
clay) female figurines have been found from various sites which represent the worship of the Great Mother
Goddess.

o The dressing style of both men & women of the Indus Valley Civilization is also indicated in the terracotta &
stone sculptures.

o Men are mostly shown wearing a dress wrapped around the lower half of the body with one end worn over the
left shoulder & under the right arm.

Economic Life
Economic Aspects of the Civilization:
o Trade held a very important place in the life of IVC people which is witnessed by the presence of numerous seals,
uniform script & regulated weights & measures.

o We shall discuss the various economic aspects of the Indus Valley Civilization in detail:
Agriculture
o Agriculture flourished in IVC due to timely rains & fertile land.

o IVC inhabitants sowed many crops like rice, wheat, cotton, barley, dates, melon, pea, lentils, mustard, linseed,
sesamum, ragi, bajra, jowar, etc.

o Rainfed crops were pre-dominant as irrigation was based upon rainwater.

o In Harappa, 3 main varieties of wheat & barley were sown.

o Wooden plough found in Kalibangan (Rajasthan), Granary found in Mohenjodaro (Pakistan) & evidence of
growing Barley found in Banawali (Rajasthan) all indicate the presence of agriculture.

o The Indus people were the earliest people to produce cotton.

o They used bulls & oxen for ploughing.

o Traces of canals have been found at the Harappan site of Shortughai in Afghanistan, but not in Punjab or
Sindh.
 Trade and Foreign Links
o Harappans carried on substantial trade in the form of stone, metal, shells, etc.

o Trade in Indus Valley Civilization was both inter-regional & intra-regional.

o Metal money was not used instead, trade was carried by a barter system.

o IVC inhabitants practised navigation on the coast of the Arabian Sea & had set up a trading colony in
northern Afghanistan which helped them to trade with Central Asia

o IVC people also had economic relations with the regions of Tigris, and the Euphrates & also with
Mesopotamian and Persian Civilizations.

Social Life:
The Harappan Civilization, which thrived in the Indus Valley region of South Asia from around 2600 BCE to 1900
BCE, was one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world 1. The social structure of the Harappan people was based on
equality and equal rights, where there is no record of slaves, armies, or prisons 1. The social system of the Harappan
civilization has no evidence of the negative characteristics that are conventionally related to early civilizations 1. The
Harappan people were skilled in metallurgy, pottery, and bead-making 1. The Harappan Civilization declined around
1900 BCE, possibly due to climate change and/or natural disasters 1.

The Harappan people were attracted to natural beauty and worshiped nature and animals as their almighty 1. The social
structure of the Harappan civilization represents the Bronze Age culture, which has been recognized in the world due to
its urbanism 1. The social structure of Harappan civilization represents that the norms over there are considered fair and
equal for both men and women 2. Women in the Harappan society seemed to enjoy high respect 2. The social life of the
Harappan people was simple and contented, and social rules and norms were well regulated 2.

The Harappan civilization comprised mainly three social classes, including the rich, merchants, and priests, which
demonstrate the overall social community structure 2. The social structures of Harappan were formed of mortared and
fired brick, where some incorporated the superstructures of wooden and sun-dried mud-brick 1. The social structure of
the Harappan civilization of Indus valley civilization contains more than 1000 settlements and cities where the well-
structured drainage system, trash collection system, and public granaries and baths are presented 1. The social life of the
Harappan people bore touches of an urban influence, and their civic life was highly disciplined and quite scientific 3. The
inhabitants preferred to live in a proper hygienic atmosphere, as is proved by their town-planning systems 3.

The Harappan civilization did not have emperors, violent wars, or mummies 4. The social life of the Harappan people was
highly developed, peaceful, fun-loving, and comfortable 2. The civilization itself was a glorious conglomeration of people
of various origins 3. The social life of the Harappan people was well disciplined, and their mode of living was well
regulated 2. The social structure of the Harappan civilization represents that the norms over there are considered fair
and equal for both men and women

Describe the social life of the people of the early Vedic period.
Social Life of people of the early vedic period : It has already been stated
that the foundation of the political and social structure in the Rig- Vedic age was the family.
The members of a family lived in the same house. Houses in this age were presumably built of
wood or reed. In every house there was a fireplace (agnisala), besides a sitting-room and
apartments for the ladies. The master of the house was called grihapati or dampati. He was
usually kind and affectionate, but occasional acts of cruelty are recorded. Thus we have the
story of a father who blinded his son for his extravagance.
The favourite amusements of the more virile classes were racing, hunting and the war-dance.
Themesopotamia dancer chariot-race was extremely popular and formed an important
element of the sacrifice celebrated in later times as the Vajapeya. No less popular was hunting.
The animals hunted were the lion, the elephant, the wild boar, the buffalo, and deer. Birds also
were hunted. Another favorite pastime was dicing, which frequently entailed considerable loss
to the gamester. Among other amusements, mention may be made of boxing, dancing and
music. Women in particular loved to display their skill in dancing and singing to the
accompaniment of lutes and cymbals. Lute-players played an important part in the
development of the epic in later ages.
Religious Life of people of the early vedic period.
The Vedic period, roughly spanning from 1500 BCE to 500 BCE in ancient India, is
characterized by the composition of the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. During
this time, religious life was deeply intertwined with the spiritual and social fabric of the
society.
1. Vedic Literature and Rituals:
• The Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda, collectively known as the
Vedas, form the foundation of religious life during the Vedic period. These texts contain
hymns, prayers, and rituals dedicated to various deities, emphasizing the importance of
sacrificial ceremonies (yajnas) to maintain cosmic order.
2. Deities and Sacrifices:
• The Vedic pantheon includes deities such as Agni (fire god), Indra (thunder god),
Varuna (god of cosmic order), and many others. Sacrificial rituals, often performed by
priests known as Brahmins, were central to Vedic religious practices. The offerings
made during these ceremonies were believed to establish a connection between humans
and the divine forces.
3. Concept of Dharma:
• The Vedic period introduced the concept of dharma, encompassing moral and social
duties. The texts, particularly the later portions of the Vedas and the Brahmanas,
 provided guidelines for righteous living and ethical conduct, influencing both
individual behavior and societal norms.
4. Transition to Brahmanas and Upanishads:
• As the Vedic period progressed, the focus shifted from external rituals to philosophical
inquiries about the nature of existence and the ultimate reality (Brahman). This
transition is marked by the emergence of Brahmanas, texts elaborating on ritualistic
details, and later the Upanishads, which explore metaphysical and spiritual concepts.
5. Social Organization and Priestly Class:
• Society during the Vedic period was organized into four varnas (classes): Brahmins
(priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and
farmers), and Shudras (laborers and service providers). The Brahmins played a central
role in religious activities, performing rituals and preserving the sacred knowledge.
The religious life of the Vedic period laid the foundation for classical Hinduism, influencing the
subsequent development of philosophical schools and diverse religious practices in India. The
transition from ritualistic ceremonies to philosophical inquiries marked a critical phase in the
evolution of Indian thought, shaping the spiritual landscape for centuries to come.