June 2010

Chinese dance costume in China

Duration : 1 min 24 sec

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Indian culture is amalgamation of different cultures, traditions of its neighbors and also its own ancient heritage, which were formed during the Indus Valley Civilization further evolved during the Vedic age, rise and decline of Buddhism, Golden age, Muslim conquests and European colonization. In all Indian culture exhibits a great blend of various cultures which are very unique and has a value of its own. India’s exhibits diversity of cultural practices, languages, customs, traditions and religious systems such as Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. The unique blend of various rich cultures has influenced the various other parts of world to a great extend.

A number of languages spoken in India have added to its diverse culture. At present, there are 415 living languages in India, but The Indian Constitution has declared the usage of Hindi and English to be the two official languages of communication for the Union Government. Internal communications of Individual state’s are done in their own state’s language. There are two major linguistic families in India are those of the Indo-Aryan which is confined to northern, western, central and eastern India and the Dravidian languages confined to southern India.

Coming to Indian architecture, one’s mind navigates from the great temple cities of the South — Chidambaram, Rameswaram, Kanchipuram, Madurai, and numerous others — to the architectural magnificence of the Vijaynagar Empire and the erotic sculptures of Khajuraho to the Mughal architecture of Delhi, Agra, and Fatehpur Sikri or the havelis of Jaisalmer with their immaculate lattice work. There is so much to see and discover.

Indians have cultural values and good manners that are acknowledged by all. Indians respect their elders and not only their elders they respect their guests too. We believe and are taught atithi devo bhava this means guest is god and therefore anyone who comes to Indian is treated well and cared.

Culture is not only about music, dance, art, and cinema, for marriage customs, death rites, patterns of pilgrimage, modes of raising children, treatment to elders, and there are innumerable other aspects stitch into meaning of culture.

Indian religions, beliefs, festivals, rituals, artifacts, monuments, costumes, music, dance, language and literature are the hallmark of Indian culture and collectively make it so rich. It is not only believed but has been acknowledged and recognized by people all over the world.

Sonal Arya
http://www.articlesbase.com/culture-articles/indian-culture-beautiful-and-rich-heritage-722699.html

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