India is a land of diversity, seen in its variety of languages, religions, cultures, ethnic groups, beliefs and lifestyles. The seventh largest country in the world, it is second in population to China. Yet beneath all the visible differences, there lies a spirit of unity that is essentially Indian in nature. The ethnic groups show marked differences in language, facial features and customs. Hindi is the national language but English language is also widely used in India, where it remains as a legacy of the British rule.
India’s cultural history dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization that existed 5000 years ago and was sophisticated and urban. Later, around 1500 B.C., India was subject to Aryan Invasion resulting in the evolution of a distinctive Indian culture. India is considered as the birthplace of four religions- Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.There are sacred spaces belonging to all religions in different parts of India. You will find in India ancient temples, tombs and forts that are centuries old characterized by the architecture of the olden times. It is a land of bustling crowded cities and markets, pristine forests and its tasty cuisines.
Most of Indian art is inspired by motifs from religion and nature such as the Buddhist murals of Ajanta, the carvings on the palaces of the Mughal emperors and Rajput kings, the sculpted deities in the Hindu temples and paintings that illustrate scenes from the two great Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. You will find millions of handmade household articles such as quilts, shawls, pots, clay waterjars, lamps and agricultural tools made by artisans who belong to a family of handicraft-makers.
One special feature of the Indian climate is the monsoons that are seasonal moisture-laden winds. In India, the monsoon season is awaited with eagerness and is considered as symbols of renewal and hope. Its influence is clearly visible in the classical music and literature of this country.
India’s cultural history dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization that existed 5000 years ago and was sophisticated and urban. Later, around 1500 B.C., India was subject to Aryan Invasion resulting in the evolution of a distinctive Indian culture. India is considered as the birthplace of four religions- Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.There are sacred spaces belonging to all religions in different parts of India. You will find in India ancient temples, tombs and forts that are centuries old characterized by the architecture of the olden times. It is a land of bustling crowded cities and markets, pristine forests and its tasty cuisines.
Most of Indian art is inspired by motifs from religion and nature such as the Buddhist murals of Ajanta, the carvings on the palaces of the Mughal emperors and Rajput kings, the sculpted deities in the Hindu temples and paintings that illustrate scenes from the two great Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. You will find millions of handmade household articles such as quilts, shawls, pots, clay waterjars, lamps and agricultural tools made by artisans who belong to a family of handicraft-makers.
One special feature of the Indian climate is the monsoons that are seasonal moisture-laden winds. In India, the monsoon season is awaited with eagerness and is considered as symbols of renewal and hope. Its influence is clearly visible in the classical music and literature of this country.
