Indian Heritage.

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1. GSD Priyanka, B.Tech (2nd Year) - Indian Heritage

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Deep devotion to truth and ingrained honesty. This had been possible solely because the ancient and the medieval Hindus of India never forgot that drama (ethical values) and adhyatmavidya (spirituality) were the centre of gravity of their life. INTRODUCTION 3.

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Modern saints like Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, Aurobindo and Ramana Maharsi. Their life and teachings have shown us the moderns, not only the need for and utility of a higher degree of civilization but also its limitations and dangers, thereby showing where to draw the borderline. o While they have taught us to be rightfully proud of our past history and culture, they have also reminded us very forcefully that we should take only the best from other nations and integrate it with out basic culture. 4. o All the dreadful vices of theirs like consumerism, alcoholism, addiction to drugs and profligate promiscuity are fast catching us. o If we do not wake up immediately to these dangers and try vigorously to tread the path blazed by our religiospiritual heritage, the future generations if at all they come into existence can never forgive us! 5. o Product of Europe o influenced by Bishop UssherFredrick Max Muller o World was created at 3 p.m. on October 26 th 4004 B.C. o Last Ice Age ended c 10,000 B.C. o Continental drift ended c 8000 B.C. o Great Indus Valley civilization C7000-3000 B.C. HISTORY OF INDIAN CULTURE INDOLOGY : science of the study of ancient India --- mid nineteenth century 6.

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The ancient race of the Indus Valley was indigenous to India No Aryan Invasion and no separate Dravidian Race Vedas come from this civilization and not from central Asia Deciphering of the seals and tablets and the Vedic Mantras.

Indus Valley civilization flourished along the banks of the river Saraswathi of Rg-Veda 7.

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Division of labour in the Society Brahmana Custodian of Scriptures Kshatriya Protector of the country Vaisya Trade and Commerce Sudra Service [Based not on Birth but on Gunas and Karmas]

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A block of stone is prakrti , the basic raw material. When it is sculptured into a beautiful image, it becomes samskrti . A lump of gold is prakriti . An elegant ornament made out of it is samskrti . Raw food articles like rice and sugar are prakrti , whereas a delicious pudding prepared out of them is samskrti . SAMSKRUTI OR CULTURE 9.

Training in the gurukulas (forest academies) the masses were educated by the wise elders of the society through such popular devices as harikathas (musical discourses with ethico-religious themes), devotional music, folklore, folk-songs and folk-drams, recitation of mythological works and so on. Training in culture

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Has been the primary basis of Hindu culture, all other aspects of life here and now, that contribute to the attainment of peace and joy, have also been given their due place. For instance: social values; political institutions including the judiciary; economic ideas; educational system; physical, chemical, biological and health sciences; engineering sciences, arts like music, dance, drama, drawing, painting and sculpture and so on. Religion and philosophy 11.

Adhyatmavidya or the science of the Self within.

RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY The two aspects the Darsanas and the Yogas

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This adhyatmavidya has two aspects: theory and practice. Theoretical speculations have lead to the evolution of several schools of philosophy. The practical application of their findings has led to formation of several systems of sadhanas or spiritual exercises called yogas. 12. o The well-known schools of Hindu philosophy are six. Hence the name sad-darsanas (sad six; darsana philosophy). o They are: Nyaya of Gautama, Vaisesika of Kanada, Sankhya of Kapila, Yoga of Patanjali, Mimamsa of Jaimini and Vedanta of Badarayana. o The Nyaya system of Gautama and the Vaisesika system of Kanada envisage creation by Paramatman (God) out of anus (atmos) which are eternal. 13. o The shape of things is directly related to the adrsta (unseen deserts) of the jivas (individual souls) left over unredeemed, from the previous cycle of creation. o Combination of these atoms causes creation and their disintegration results in the dissolution of this universe. o The jiva has got into the bondage of transmigration due to ignorance of its real nature as an eternal entity different from the body, the senses and the mind. 14. o He attains moksa or liberation (a state of absolute negation of all pain and suffering) through tattvajnana (knowledge of the realities) by listening (sravana) to the truths mentioned in the scriptures, by reflecting on the same (manana) and by meditation on his true nature (nididhyasana). o The Sankhya system of Kapila and the Yoga system of Patanjali are complementary to each other. o They advance the theory that prakrti (the fundamental matrix of matter) evolves into this universe in the presence of the purusas (the individual souls) who act as catalytic agents. 15. o In fact, the whole process of creation is for the benefit of the purusas, for their spiritual upliftment, resulting finally in their emancipation. o The pancabhutas (the five elements like earth, water, and fire) are evolutes of this prakrti. o The universe is permutation and combination of purusa involves himself in bondage by getting attached to it and its products. This leads to repeated transmigration. o Detachment from it through vivekakhyati (discrimination and wisdom) aided by the eight steps of yoga leads him finally to emancipation. 16. o The Mimamsa system of Jaimini advocates the theory that prakrti or insentient nature evolves by itself into this universe, impelled by the prarabdha karma (actions done by the individual souls in the previous lives and about to be fructified) of the jivas. o Their liberation (described as total cessation of pain and suffering) is achieved by strictly following all the directions given in the Mimamsa works with regard to karmas (Vedic rituals and other actions). 17. o According to the Vedanta system of Badarayana (also known as Vyasa), Brahman the Absolute, projects this universe out of itself, sustains it and withdraws it into itself in each cycle of creation. o It is something akin to a web coming out of the spiders mouth or sparks emitted out of fire. o Hence, everything that exists is really Brahman and there is nothing that is not Brahman. o The jiva gets liberated through jnana (knowledge of his real naure) and bhakti (devotion to Brahman) regaining his original state of infinite bliss. 18. o Coming to Yoga, the practical aspect, there are four of them: Karma yoga , Bhakti yoga, Jnana yoga and Raja yoga. o All these yogas cleanse the mind and make it so pure that the atman within (Self or God) is automatically revealed. o If Karma yoga advocates the performance of all ordained actions with a desireless and selfless attitude, Bhakti yoga teaches devotion to God and attaining him through his grace.

Jnana yoga advises constant reflection and meditation of the true nature of oneself as the atman, ultimately resulting in its experience. 19. o Raja yoga (based mainly on Patanjali Yoga system) prescribes an eightfold path leading finally to samadhi or super-conscious experience of the Self within. o Basic scriptures of Hinduism, viz., the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Bhagavadgita and allied works. 20. o Artha (wealth) and kama (instinctive desires of the flesh). o These can be earned and enjoyed only they are in conformity with dharma (righteousness) and do not transgress it. o What dharma is and what it is not, can be known only through the holy books and the holy persons. Of course, moksa as the final goal of life is never omitted from such lists. o These four together dharma, artha, kama and moksa are called purusarthas (the four ends of life desired by all human beings). Samanya Dharmas or basic moral values The four purusarthas 21.

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Never ignored the social aspects of life even while constantly stressing the ultimate spiritual

22. NYAYA LOGIC Gautama VAISESIKA ATOMISM Kanada SAMKHYA Kapila YOGA Patanjali PURVA MIMAMSA Jaimini UTTARA MIMAMSA Badarayana SIX SYSTEMS OF PHILOSOPHY Buddha Buddhism 7 or 6 century bc Emperor Ashoka 3 century bc Islam 7 century bc Adi Shankara 7 century bc Ramanuja 11 century ad (1017-1137) Madhwa 13 century ad (1238-1317) Vallabha, Nimbarka, Chaitanya 23. o The purusartha principle, the varna system and the asrama scheme of life are the three legs of the tripod that gave stability and vigor. HINDU SOCIETY

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Performing Vedic sacrifices was an integral part of the brahmanas professional life Evidence is not wanting to show that many brahmanas went to foreign countries such as Egypt, Greece, Rome, Mexico as also the South-East Asian countries to preach religion, philosophy and various aspects of Hindu culture. The Varna System 24.

As for the ksattriyas, many of them were not only good kings but also experts in the field of Vedic lore and saintly in their personal life. o Indian ksattriya soldiers are said to have participated in the Marothon and Plataea battles (in Greece) in 490 BC. o The vaisyas were generally divided into two groups; the grhapatis and the sresthis. o The former lived by agriculture and dairy-farming. o The latter were devoted to trade and commerce. 25. o They have successfully built huge corporations and had also established trade links with foreign countries such as China and Java in the east, and Egypt, Greece and Rome in the West. o The sudras were divided into two classes; the sacchudras (the good) and the asacchudras (the not-so-good). o The former who led a good life honoring the general moral principles had been permitted even to undergo the upanayana ceremony and perform certain kinds of yajnas or sacrifices. 26. o They could learn and teach religious truths except the Vedas. o They could adopt various professions such as fighting, agriculture, mat-making, fishing, laundry, haircutting, and so on. o The life of an individual was divided into four asramas or stages of life. o They are; brahmacarya (studenthood), garhasthya (married state), vanaprastha (the state of forest recluse) and sannyasa (monkhood). The Asrama Scheme 27.

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We can dilate a little, on the status and condition of women in India. During the Vedic age they were given a high place in the society. The mention of women sages like Vac, Ambhrni, Romasa and Gargi in the Vedic lore corroborates this view. o Women could undergo the upanayana sacrament and pursue Vedic studies. o Those who chose this path were called brahmavadinis. Status of Women 28.

The other who did not pursue this path but chose to enter into the married life straight-away, were called sadyovadhus. o Co-education seems to have existed in the earlier period. o Ksattriya ladies got training in the use of arms and other martial arts. o Both kanyavivaha (marriage of pre-puberty girl arranged by her parents) and praudhavivaha (marriage after attaining puberty) were prevalent. o Under certain circumstances, the girl had the freedom to choose her husband. 29. o The wife know as grhini was considered as half of the husband and constituted the real graha or home. o She was called samrajni (the queen or the mistress of the home) and had an equal share in the performance of religious rites. o a girl or a woman married to the God in aThe devadasi-system (devadasi temple and expected to spend her lief as his servant-maid) seems to be a later development. 30. o Pakasastra (the culinary art) was well-developed, Nala and Bhima being the legendary experts in this field. o Several attractive styles of dressing hair and wearing of ornaments (by both men and women) existed, reflecting the zest for life. o Wrestling, polo, playing of cards had their origin in India and were quite popular. o Life is not a curse but a great gift of God. It must be lived well. Some More Aspects of Social Life 31.

All fields of vidya or knowledge were divided into two broad streams; the paravidya (the higher knowledge, the spiritual wisdom) and the aparavidya (the lower knowledge, the secular sciences). o The latter is needed to live a comfortable life here. The former helps one to be fully prepared for the hereafter. o Hence a balanced combination of both, is advocated so that both civilization and culture are imparted. HINDU EDUCATION SYSTEM 32.

It is very interesting to note that even an ancient Upanisad the Chandogya Upanisad assigned to the period 4000 BC to 2500 BC, mentions as many as fifteen branches of knowledge apart from the four Vedas! o Some of them are; Vyakarana (grammer), Pitrya (science of obsequial rites), Ganita (mathematics), Daiva (knowledge of the portents), Tarka (logic), Ekayana (ethics), Bhutavidya (science of the spirits), Dhanurveda (martial arts and sciences), Jyautisa (astrology) and Devajanavidya (the art of preparing perfumes, music, dancing and sculpture). 33. o The teacher kept their students in their own houses. o When the number of students became large, these houses would grow into institutions called gurukulas, established by the society, the kings and the rich endowing them with sufficient property and funds so that they could provide quality education, free of cost, to all the students. o Varanasi or Kasi and Taksasila were well-known as great centres of learning even from the 8 th century BC. Gurukulas 34.

Some cities like Pataliputra, Vidisa and Kancipuram were called ghatikasthanas, centres capable of measuring the scholarship of the savants. o In such centres there were provision to get training in 14 to 18 branches of learning. o * Students were free to acquire a deep knowledge of their religion without any hindrance from the followers of other religions.

The universities of Taksasila (400 BC), Vikramasila (800 AD) and Nalanda (600 AD) had attained phenomenal growth and fame. 35. o These universities had several mahapathasalas (collages) and each of these again comprised several lecture halls. There were three huge buildings housing big libraties of invaluable manuscripts. o In the Nalanda University along there were 8500 students, taught by 1500 teachers with at least 100 lectures delivered per day! o Professors like Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu and Dinnaga were internationally reputed scholars attracting a large number of students from many foreign countries likes China, Japan, Korea, Turkestan, Burma, Gandhara (Afghanisthan), Sumatra and Persia. o Though education was mostly residential and free, studenst who could afford to pay, did so. 36. o The art of writing was known even during the Vedic age though memorization was preferred and encouraged. o The two scripts Brahmi and Kharosthi are known to have existed even in 600 BC. o Both the Devangari and some of the South Indian scripts are its evolutes. o Talapatra (palm-lead), Bhurjapatra (brich-bark), wooden plates, cloth (of cotton or silk), leather, stone and bricks were used for writing. Script, Language and Literature 37.

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Sanskrit works existed even as early as 600-100 BC. Apart from the Vedas, the epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata stand out as monuments of exquisitely beautiful literature of a very high standard. o The ease and facility with which the Sanskrit language has been used even in the composition of technical subjects bearing on liturgy, medical and health sciences, ethics or linguistics, is astounding. 38. o Democracy was not at all an unknown system in ancient and medieval India. o The various public institutions such as the gramapancayats, sabhas and samitis, parisads and mahanadus practised it fairly extensively. o Detailed instructions regarding elections to such institutions are to be found in some works and stone edicts. POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS Generalities 39.

A sound economic philosophy, expansive trade and commerce, well-organized trade-guilds, a good coinage system, sensible taxation laws, building up reserves for emergencies which have characterized out political and social administration, should instill righteous pride in the mind and heart of every true Indian. HINDU ECONOMICS Epilogue 40.

The Arthasastra of Kautilya (300 BC) being the oldest among the best organized works on secular codes of law, can throw a lot of light on Hindu jurisprudence. o It refers to mor than 12 authors of the earlier period. THE HINDU JUDICIAL SYSTEM 41.

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Sabhas were known to have existed even from the Vedic times. They were judicial assemblies consisting of good people called Vrddhas or the wise ones who were experts in the observance of satya (truth) and dharma (righteous conduct). o The qualifications generally insisted upon were; self-control, reputation of the family (from which he comes) for satya and dharma, impartiality, absence of excitement, steadfastness and energy in the performance of duties. Origin of the Hindu Judicial System 42.

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Full records of the proceedings were kept. Justice was administered openly.

The Chief Justice (called pradvivaka) and Minister of Justice (known as dharmadhikarana) formed the core of the judicial system and of the judicial administration. System of Judiciary and Judicial Administration

In Conclusion The Hindu judicial system, many of whose features are found even in the modern days, offers a good field of research. Its findings can certainly enrich our field of jurisprudence helping us further towards the goal of ideal justice through human agencies. 43. o The contribution of Hindu India to the field of science is no less significant than its contribution to the field of spiritual wisdom. o The sages of India never considered religion and science as two conflicting areas of knowledge. o To them both were equally important, one being the quest for the truth within and the other, without. o Paravidya (higher knowledge) and aparavidya (lower knowledge). CONTRIBUTION OF THE HINDUS TO SCIENCE 44.

Vasistha and Vyasa were rsis in the field of spiritual wisdom, Dhanvantari, Varahamihira and Bhaskara were rsis in the fields of medicine, astronomy and mathematics. 1. Architecture and Town Planning 2. Astronomy 3. Botany 4. Chemistry 5. Mathematics 6. Medicine and surgery 7. Military science and Mining and Metallurgy 8. Veterinary Sciences 9. Zoology 45.

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Drawing and Painting Sculpture Music Dance

HINDU FINE ARTS AND MUSIC 46.

Another speciality of Indian music is that specific ragas are assigned to specific periods of the day or night. o If certain ragas like Mayamalava-gaula (or Bhairav) are to be sung early in the morning, Kalyani (or Yaman) is to be sung in the nigh. o The very atmosphere at that time is said to enhance its power to rouse the particular sentiment to which it is tuned. HINDU FINE ARTS AND MUSIC Music 47.

If symphony is the heart of Western music, sruti (drone or basic musical sound as the one produced by the tanpura), raga (tune), tala (fixed number of beats for each unit), laya (uniform speed for the beats) are the basics for Indian music. o Thirty-five varieties of talas have been evolved. o Though Indian music had been one for several centuries, due to Persian influence exerted during the Mughal period, there was a gradual branching into two schools: the uttaradi or the North Indian and the daksinadi or the South Indian (also called Carnatic). 48. o There are many similarities as also notable distinctions between the two schools. o The uttaradi school further got subdivided into gharanas or traditions which are alive and active even today. o In the North Indian classical music performances, the vocalist is generally accompanied by the harmonium and the tabala (a percussion instrument in two pieces) players. o Occasionally stringed instruments (similar to the violin) like the sarangi or the dilruba are also used. Tanpura is a must. 49. o Apart from vocal music, Indian music system is rich in instruments tool. o Even in the Vedic and allied literature there are references to vina (lute), vana (an instrument with 100 strings), dhanurvina, dundubhi (drum), adambara and so on. o The dhanurvina is said to be precursor of the violin now imported from the West. o Many other instruments like bansuri, flute, sitar, sarod, gotuvadyam, pakhvaj, khol, clarionet, nadasvaram and shehanai have also come into use over the years.

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Bharata-natya South India b. Kathak Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh c. Kathakkali - Kerala Kucipudi Andhra Pradesh e. Manipuri Manipur f. Odissi-natya Oriya style of music Sattriya-natya Assam h. Yaksagana Karnataka i. Folk-Dances Dance Bhangra (Punjab) Garba (Gujarat) Holi (Manipur) Kolata (Karnataka) Ludi (Punjab) Pangi (Himachal Pradesh) Suggi-kunita (Karnataka) Tabal Congbi (Manipur) Tiyan-baghi (Punjab)

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Folk-Dances 52.

Item of social education and entertainment. Dramas of Kalidasa, Bhavabhuti (8 th cent.), Sudraka (3 rd cent.) and others. o Dramatics was a well-developed art in India. Drama 53.

Max Muller wrote to his wife in 1886 his intention to undermine Hinduism as, The translation of vedas will hereafter tell to a great extent the fate of India and on the growth of millions of souls in that country. o It is the root of their religion, and to show them what the root is, I feel sure, is the only way of uprooting all that has sprung from it during the last 3000 years. ARYAN INVASION THEORY A FICTION NOT A FACT 54.

MAX MULLER : (1823 1900). BASED HIS THEORY SOLELY ON GHOST STORIES OF KATHA SARITSAGARA o Parent language of Greek, Sanskrit, German, Latin o Aryan migration from Central Asia, West to Europe, South to India, and East to China, founded worlds greatest civilizations o Aryans moved to India conquering & displacing dravidians o Vedas are brought by these outsiders to India 55. o Thus Max Muller was successful in, o Providing precedence for subjugating India o Reconciled ancient Indian civilization with 4000 BCE. Biblical date of creation o Divided Indian people as Aryans and Dravidians 56. o Carbon 14 dating o Discovery of Indus Valley cities o Saraswathy River findings NEW THEORY BASIS As a result it is found The civilization was much ancient There was never an Aryan invasion, that that stated this is the oldest civilization living on the earth 57.

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500,000 Stone hand axes etc tools were made in India 300,000 Homosapiens with same brain size that of humans 75,000 Last ice age began 40,000 Group of hunters living in painted rock shelters 7,000 Farming village Mehrgarh at the edge of Indus Valley, grew barley, raised sheep and goats, stored grains and constructed sun baked bricks. HISTORY BASED ON SCIENTIFIC FACTS 58.

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6,500 Rig Veda versus indicate winter solstice composed early vedic hymns David

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6,000 Baked pottery small clay female figurines, long distance trade in precious stones and 5,000 Harappa Mohanjedaro cities were flourishing 4,000 Date of creation of world according to genealogy of Old Testament 2,393 Bharatha was born 1,500 Indus valley civilization is abandoned due to floods 950 First Jewish settlement in India 624 Siddhartha Gouthama Buddha was born in shaivite Hindu family.

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These are scientific evidences accepted by international archeological bodies 60. INDIAN CULTURE VEDA MANTRA SAMHITA BRAHMANA ARANYAKA UPANISHAD KARMA KANDA JNANA KANDA UPASANA KANDA 61. 62. o RG o 1020 sukthas laudatory in nature o 10 mandalas with anuvak & sukthas o 8 ashtakas with 8 chapters VEDAS

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YAJUR 40 chapters Krishna & Shukla Deals with rites & rituals, Yajna SAMA 15 prts, 32 chps Statras sung in Musical form Origin of Indian Classical music ATHARVA 20 kandas 760 suktas 6000 mantras Social code of Conduct Cermonies Also called as Brahma Veda The basic Knowledge texts of the culture Deals with the most fundamental questions of ma Hey encourage dialogue followed by contemplation and finally to realize and live the truths

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UPANISHADS NUMBER OF UPANISHADS ARE 220 known 108 published 10+1 well known ISA(SY) KENA(S) KATHA(KY) PRASNA(A) MUNDAKA(A) MANDUKYA(A) AITAREYA(R) TAITTIRIYA(KY) CHANDOGYA(S) BRIHADARANYAKA(SY) SVETASVATARA(KY) 65. PRSTHANATRAYA OTHER TEXTS VEDANGAS (UPAVEDAS) OTHER VEDANGAS ITIHASA OR EPICS PURANAS OR MYTHOLOGY Upanishads (srouta) Brahmasutra (sutra) Gita(smarta) Ayurveda(R) Dhanurveda(Y) Gandharvaveda(S) Sthapatyaveda(A) Siksha-phonetics Vyakaranagrammer Chandas-prosody Nirukta-etimology Jyotisha-astrology Kalpa-rituals Ramanyana Mahabharata 18 major 18 minor Bhagavatha, Padma, Garuda, Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, etc. 66. o The foregoing brief survey of the spread of Hindu culture in various parts of the world confirms the observations made in the beginning of this chapter, viz., that it spread not by the power of the Sword and the Book of Crusaders, but by the power of life and wisdom of the great men of this country, fired by the missionary zeal of the spirit of vasudhaiva kutumbakam (the whole world is your family!) INDIAN CULTURE OUTSIDE INDIA 67.

The response should have been very severe retaliation in their own coin as Lord Krishna has taught in the Mahabharata (Karnaparva, 90.1 to 14) o Vivekanada, the patriot-prophet of the resurgent India foresaw it even a century ago and boldly proclaimed. o But one vision I see clear as life before me; that the ancient Mother has awakened once more, sitting on Her throne rejuvenated, more glorious than ever.

EPILOGUE 68.

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Proclaim her to all the world with the voice of peace and benediction. It is up to the modern generation of India to rise from being a small people of a great country to becoming a really great people of a great country . 69. o The National Emblem of India is a replica of the Lion of Sarnath, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. o The Lion Capital was erected o in the third century BC by o Emperor Ashoka to mark o the spot where Buddha first o proclaimed his gospel of o peace and emancipation to the o four quarters of the universe. INDIA's NATIONAL EMBLEM 70.

The National emblem is thus symbolic of contemporary India's reaffirmation of its ancient commitment to world peace and goodwill. o The four lions (one hidden from view) - symbolizing power, courage and confidence - rest on a circular abacus. o The abacus is girded by four smaller animals - guardians of the four directions: the lion of the north, the elephant of the east, the horse of the south and the bull of the west. 71. o The abacus rests on a lotus in full bloom, exemplifying the fountainhead of life and creative inspiration. The motto 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed below the emblem in Devanagari script means 'truth alone triumphs'. 72. NATIONAL SONG OF INDIA 73. o The Indian flag was designed as a symbol of freedom. o The late Prime Minister Nehru called it a flag not only of freedom for ourselves, but a symbol of freedom to all people. o The flag is a horizontal tricolour in equal proportion of deep saffron (kesaria) on the top, white in the middle and dark green at the bottom. o The ratio of the width to the o length of the flag is 2:3. INDIA's NATIONAL FLAG 74.

In the centre of the white band, there is a wheel in navy blue to indicate the Dharma Chakra, the wheel of law in the Sarnath Lion Capital. o Its diameter approximates the width of the white band and it has 24 spokes. o The saffron stands for courage, sacrifice and the spirit of renunciation; the white, for purity and truth; the green for faith and fertility. INDIA's NATIONAL FLAG 75. NATIONAL ANTHEM 76. elahql-AklrM er W pUi par uki | meo-xlk-aeUiqUP SuQ-EiMs oXa | ulkr-Wqcs-rql-aXa EcNseskiUXa | iu zp lq ea | iu zp Azw-qa | aW iu er-aj | elah-qXas-SrM er W, pUi par-uki | er W, er W, er W, er er er er W || NATIONAL ANTHEM 77. 78.

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Indian Culture : Indian Culture Course Content :

Course Content Introduction Geographic Location Culturally Rich Inventions Indians around the globe History of India Facts and Statistics Cultural Diversity- Art Cultural Diversity Festivals Indian Holidays Indian Traditions Indian Economy Indian Exports Indias Key IT Features Indias Infrastructure Tourism India Natural India Current leaders Snap Shots of India Introduction : Introduction It is impossible not to be astonished by India. Nowhere on Earth does humanity present itself in such a dizzying, creative burst of cultures and religions, races and tongues. Every aspect of the country presents itself on a massive, exaggerated scale, worthy in comparison only to the superlative mountains that overshadow it. Perhaps the only thing more difficult than to be indifferent to India would be to describe or understand India completely. Here is what some literates have to say Quote- Unquote : Quote- Unquote "So far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked." --Mark Twain, from Following the Equator "India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. Our most valuable and most astrictive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only!" --Mark Twain Quote- Unquote : Quote- Unquote Albert Einstein once said: We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made. Geographic Location : Geographic Location Geography : Geography From the eternal snows of the Himalayas to the cultivated peninsula of far South, from the deserts of the West to the humid deltas of the East, from the dry heat and cold of the Central Plateau to the cool forest foothills, Indian lifestyles clearly glorify the geography. India : India India : India But, Three of the 20 most riches people in the world are from India. The top Three Indians are Laxmi Mittal Mukesh Ambani Anil Ambani Culturally Rich Inventions : Culturally Rich Inventions The digit zero and the numbering system Chess Algebra, Trigonometry, and Calculus The decimal system The game of Snakes and Ladders The value of pi Noble prizes in Literature, Physics, Economics, Peace and Medicine Culturally Rich Inventions : Culturally Rich Inventions Ayurveda is the earliest literature of medicine known to mankind. The father of medicine, Charaka, practiced medicine 2500 years ago. Until 1896, India was the only source for diamonds to the world India never invaded any country in her 10,000 years of history Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism borne in India and followed by 25% of the world's population Achievement made by Indian Engineers in the Silicon Valley include: : Achievement made by Indian Engineers in the Silicon Valley include: Vinod Khosla Founder of Sun Microsystems Vinod Dham Invented Pentium Microprocessor Sabeer Bhatia created and founded Hotmail Indians around the globe : There are 3.22 millions Indians in USA (1.5% of population), but they constitute 38% of doctors 12% scientists 36% of NASA scientists 34% of Microsoft employees 28% of IBM employees 17% of INTEL scientists 13% of XEROX employees Indians around the globe History of India : History of India History of India : History of India Divided in 7 Periods 1. Original Indians (1700BC 3300BC) Indus Valley Civilization: Mohenjadaro and Harappa People 2. Aryans (2500BC 322BC) Indias Root Culture 3. The Mauryan Empire (322BC 188BC) Spread of Buddhism 4.Gupta Period (320AD 480AD) Golden Age of India 5. Muslim Period (1175AD 1800AD) Turks and Mughals 6. European Rule (1800AD 1947AD) Portuguese, French, Dutch, and English 7. Independence and Democratic India Facts and Statistics : Facts and Statistics India is one of the ten nuclear state in the world has a labor force of over 509 million, 60% of which is employed in agriculture and related industries. India is the second most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. It is the worlds 4th largest economy in terms of purchasing power. Facts and Statistics : Facts and Statistics India's median age is 24.9, and the population growth rate of 1.38% per annum. Hindi is the national language. There are 21 other languages that are either spoken or have classical status. The number of

dialects in India is as high as 1,652. Over 800 million Indians, or about 80.5% of the country's population, are Hindu Other religious groups include Christians (2.3%), Sikhs (1.9%), Buddhists (0.8%), Jains (0.4%) And minorities include Jews, Zoroastrians, Bah's and aboriginals Facts and Statistics : Facts and Statistics The national gender ratio is 944 females per 1,000 males. Major industries include automobiles, cement, chemicals, consumer electronics, food processing, machinery, mining, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, steel, transportation equipment, and textiles. Almost 70% of Indians reside in rural areas. Facts and Statistics : Facts and Statistics India's largest cities are Mumbai (formerly Bombay), Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), Delhi, Chennai (formerly Madras), Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore) , Hyderabad and Ahmedabad It is the largest democracy in the world Facts and Statistics : Facts and Statistics Indias Cultural Diversity- Art : Indias Cultural Diversity- Art Indias Cultural Diversity- Festivals : Indias Cultural Diversity- Festivals Indias Cultural Diversity- Festivals : Indias Cultural Diversity- Festivals Indias Cultural Diversity- Festivals : Indias Cultural Diversity- Festivals Indias Cultural Diversity- Festivals : Indias Cultural Diversity- Festivals Indias Cultural Diversity- Festivals : Indias Cultural Diversity- Festivals Public Holidays in India : Public Holidays in India Public Holidays in India : Public Holidays in India Public Holidays in India : Public Holidays in India Indian Traditions : Indian Traditions India, in the past, witnessed successive waves of migration from various foreign forces like the Persians, Arabs, British and Turks. Though, with time, all of them retreated, they left behind their indelible mark which is still reflected in the culture and traditions of India. From one state to another, there is huge variation in the language, attire, beliefs and other demographic aspects of the denizens that it is simply mindboggling.However, there are some very prominent features that bind all Indians to the brand 'Hindustani'. These traditions range from the aarti done to welcome the guests to touching the feet of the elders. The cultural traditions of India have been passed on from generation to generation and are deeply rooted in the Indian way of living. Etiquette : Etiquette India is a vibrant amalgamation of varied ethnic groups, climate, cultures, regions and traditions. As such, many people visiting the country for the first time find it uniquely different. On one hand, you will find many conservatively dressed Indian women flocking the temple entrance. On the other, there are others who have no qualms walking the fashion ramp in the skimpiest of clothes. While there are millions of illiterates in the Indian subcontinent, there are also those who are the driving force behind the booming IT industry in India. Dressing Etiquette : Dressing Etiquette Majority of the Indians, especially in the rural areas, small towns and cities, are a conservative. Short, revealing clothes, especially for women, is a strict taboo. As such, it's expected that you dress up according to the situation. E.G. when you go out for sight-seeing, you can wear knee length Bermudas, tee shirts, long or quarter length skirts, capris and jeans. However, at high-end restaurants, bars and discos, you can dress in a more relaxed manner, without worrying much about the dress codes. Customs on usage of Shoes : Customs on usage of Shoes Indian temple etiquette stipulates that you take off your shoes before entering the premises. The same applies to even certain churches in India. Usually, there will be people stationed outside most temples and gurdwaras, who will keep your shoes safely for a nominal sum. You will be expected to follow the same protocol when you visit a person's home in some of the cities of India. Indian Proximity : Indian Proximity Indian culture and tradition forbids unnecessary touching or any form of physical contact, especially between a man and a woman, in public. Kissing in public is a not advisable. You can shake hands with

people, or better still stick, to the traditional Namaste, the popular Indian style greeting. For this, you need to press your hands together with all fingers pointing towards the sky in front of your chest and politely say Namaste, while looking at the person you are saying it to. Generic Attitude : Generic Attitude Indian manners and etiquette also comprise of not speaking ill about or criticizing the country or its people openly. The natives are bound to take great offence to it. At the same time, never address the elderly by their first name, unless they allow you to. It's advisable for you to call them sir or maam instead. With youngsters, you can choose to be informal. It is also considered disrespectful in India to use loud and foul language words publicly. Joint Family System : Joint Family System A majority of the people in India prefer to live in a joint family, which could comprise anywhere between a group of two or more members to even over 20 members sometimes. As per the Indian way of living, the commanding position in a family is held by the eldest earning male member. He consults other adult members on important issues, but it is his decision that ultimately prevails. However, a lot of importance is also given to the advice of the eldest retired members of the family. Women as Homemaker : Women as Homemaker As per the lifestyle of the Indian people, it is the duty of a woman to take care of her home. As such, from her childhood, a girl child is taught to rustle up mouth-watering dishes by her mother and other ladies in her family. She is also taught to attend to guests and strangers politely and elegantly because it is thought to greatly reflect upon her upbringing. Places of Worship - Customs : Places of Worship - Customs Worshipping is an important part of the daily life of Indian people. You will find the holy basil tulsi planted in maximum houses, which people water as well as worship everyday religiously. Many Indians are associated to various religious sects and attend weekly gatherings to listen to the sermons. Apart from temples, mosques and gurdwaras, there will also invariably be a personal place for worship, and pictures of Gods and Goddesses, in every house in India Respecting Elders : Respecting Elders One common trait you will find amongst Indians is that children show utmost respect to their elders. Now this is one habit all Indian parents deliberately inculcate in their children, since beginning. It is an unsaid rule in India that a person cannot rudely respond to elders. It is deemed disrespectful in India to refer to an elder by his / her name. Instead people prefer calling them uncle and aunt, especially if the person is very elderly. It is also customary in India for the youngsters to touch the feet of their elders as a way of greeting as well as on important occasions. Hospitality : Hospitality Perhaps, the one thing that is going to take you by surprise and also deeply touch you on your India tour is the warm hospitality of Indians. A ready smile on the face, always willing to go out of the way to help somebody, exuding genuine happiness upon meeting a person - these are some of the common traits you will find in maximum Indians. The Sanskrit adage, "Atithi Devo Bhava," meaning the guest is truly your god dictates the respect granted to guests in India. Welcoming Guests- Traditions : Welcoming Guests- Traditions Playing the perfect host is an integral part of the Indian culture and tradition. As such, Indian people go to great lengths to make their guests feel welcome. Garlanding, aarti and applying tilak, or a red vermillion mark, on the forehead of the guest is, thus, an important part of the reception ritual. There are basically two reasons behind the garlanding tradition of India. Firstly, it showcases one's happiness at receiving the particular guest and secondly, it is a form of publicly acknowledging the guest's importance. Indian Family Value System : Indian Family Value System Examples of Indian family values are - a young person should always touch the feet of his elders; he should never speak in a high or rude tone to those who are older to him; he should always give respect to elders and refer to them as 'aap'; he should not consume alcohol and tobacco or smoke cigarettes; he should respect women; he should always speak truth and try to engage in non-violent behavior; and so on. Most of the values that the parents impart to their children in India, as a part of the family value system, are similar in nature. Some other values that are part of India's cultural heritage are: Living peacefully and respecting each other's rights. Never ever compromising on integrity for the purpose of prosperity. Maintain strong bonds with the family members as well as relatives. Being hospitable to everyone who comes to your home, irrespective of his caste, creed, financial position or status. Treating guest as God i.e. 'Atithi Devo Bhava'. Remembering and bowing to God first thing in the morning. Indulging in yoga and meditation. Always taking the advice of elders in case of any important decision Facts on Indian Economy : Facts on Indian Economy Facts on Indian Economy : Facts on Indian Economy Indians Economy 2008 : Indians Economy 2008 Indians Economy 2006-07 and 2007-08 : Indians Economy 2006-07 and 2007-08

Indian Economy : Indian Economy Indias Exports : Indias Exports India- Key IT Features : India- Key IT Features Indian Infrastructure Highlights : Indian Infrastructure Highlights Indias Infrastructure : Indias Infrastructure Indias Infrastructure : Indias Infrastructure Tourism- India : Tourism- India India- Natural Therapies : India- Natural Therapies Current leaders : Current leaders Bush visits India : Bush visits India US President George W Bush examines some baskets and hats made from simple waste material such as palm and banana leaves during a visit to Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University in Hyderabad on Friday, March 3, 2006.