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"Education is a liberating force, and in

our age it is also a democratising force,
. cutting across the barriers of caste and
class, smoothing out inequalities imposed
by birth and other circumstances. "

~Indira Gandhi
 Indira Gandhi
OVA-OOl
l®J National Open University
School of Performing & Visual Arts Indian Cultural Heritage

Block

1
INTRODUCTION TO INDIAN CULTURE
UNIT 1
Indian Culture and Cultural Traditions 5

UNIT 2
Nature, Plurality, Unity in Diversity 12

UNIT· 3
Religion, Society and Culture 18
EXPERT COMMITTEE
Prof. T K Venkatasubramanian Prof. Mahesh Champaklal
Department of History Dean, Faculty of Dramatics
Faculty of Social Sciences M.S. University
University of Delhi Vadodara
Dr. Kanak Rele Dr. (Smt.) Choodamani Nandgopal
Director, Nalanda Dance Research Centre Member, Research & Project Consultant
Plot -7/1 N S Road No. 10 Bangalore
JVPD Scheme, Ville Parle (West) Mumbai
Smt. Saroja Vaidyanathan Prof. C. Gajendra Naidu
Director, Ganesha Natyalaya Nodal Officer & Head
Vasant Kunj Project Facilitation Unit
New Delhi IGNOU, New Delhi
(Till February -2009)
Prof. Chinmay Mehta Prof. Sunil Kumar
Former Dean, Faculty of Fine Arts Director, School of Performing and Visual Arts
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur IGNOU, New Delhi

COURSE PREPARATION TEAM

Unit Contribution Content Editing
Dr. (Smt.) Choodamani NandgopaJ Mr. Govindaraju Bharadwaza
Member, Research & Project Consultant School of Performing and Visual Arts
Bangalore IGNOU, New Delhi
Unit Design & Format Editing Language Editing
Prof. Sunil Kumar Ms Pooja Arora
Director, SOPVA School of Humanities
IGNOU, New Delhi Faculty of English
IGNOU, New Delhi
Mohd. Tahir Siddiqui Discipline Coordination
School of Performing and Visual Arts Prof. Sunil Kumar
IGNOU, New Delhi Director
School of Performing and Visual Arts
IGNOU, New Delhi

MATERIAL PRODUCTION
Sh. B. Natarajan Sh. Jitender Sethi Sh. Ajit Kumar
Dy. Registrar (P) Asstt. Registrar (P) Section Officer (P)
IGNOU, New Delhi IGNOU, New Delhi IGNOU, New Delhi

February, 20 I 0

© Indira Gandhi National Open University, 2010

ISBN: 978-81-266-4520-6

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form, by mimeograph or any other
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BLOCK 1 INTRODUCTION TO
INDIAN CULTURE
The first block in the Course I - Indian Culture and Cultral Traditions is a brief
presentation of the account of the cultural heritage with special reference to India.
There are many books available in this subject. However, our main purpose here
is to illustrate how Indian culture evolved through ages and the way Indian culture •
achieved its significant position in the world. Indian culture has a very deep roote~
and strong background. Inspite of many invasions and changing political conditions
Indian culture retained certain inherent values. These values are significant in the
sense of entire humanity.

Indian customs, traditions are unique and find new meaning in every stage of
cultural change. We will examine the uniqueness of Indian culture in this block
under 3 units. We expect that after reading this block you will be able to:

• understand how Indian culture evolved through centuries, how culture is the
integral part of our endeavour.

• appreciate the interdependence of several aspects of human life through

which one develops oneself as a cultured person, also study the changes
occurring from time to time during historical period and how Indian society
sustained each time.

• acquire a brief overview of the compositeness of Indian culture, its nature of

plurality and also about the diverse elements of society in understanding
culture.

• objectively know the level of development of culture in India during various

phases.

Study Guide

Before you begin to study this block, we would give you some advice about how
best to study. The first unit in this block contains certain important ideas and
concepts about Indian culture and its relevance to the growth of society. You may
be coming across some of these ideas for the first time ..You may find these ideas
abstract, until you have a chance to read the units that follow. We would suggest
that you let these concepts settle in your mind, even if it takes more than one
reading. Keep on reading several times all these three units. This reading will help
you to understand the other units in proper perspective.

We have also given many self assessment questions (SAQs) and terminal questions
in each unit. At the end of each unit these questions are given. Answers are also
provided but we advice you to attempt these questions on your own. If you work
out these questions fully, you will grasp the ideas better. Our intention is not to
make you memorise each fact, but to make you understand the ideas and concepts
related to these facts. We have explained in simple way. If you find any difficult
word you need to use the dictionary, Some of the words drawn from Sanskrit or
other Indian languages italics is used to distinguish that particular word with that
of English word.

Finally, if you need to go deeper into some aspects, you may refer to the books
given as reference material at the end of the block. These books will be available
in the library at your study centre.
UNIT 1 INDIAN CULTURE·AND
CU~TURAL TRADITIONS
Structure
1.1 Introduction

Objectives

1.2 Meaning of Culture

1.3 Evolution of Culture

1.4 Indian Culture and Cultural Traditions

1.5 Cultural Interaction and Change

1.6 Sumrruuy

1.7 Questions

1.8 Answers

1.1 INTRODUCTION
When you visit a place for the first time you will see the people of that place
speak in a different language, dress differently, eating style is different and follow
certain ways and manners which may be different from yours. In order to survive
there you learn some of these ways. But all of us are born into cultures in terms
of family, community and society. There are certain ways we behave, think, dress,
understand the world around us, we follow the religion and caste, we speak the
language of the region. This may differ from region to region. All these influence
on us as we grow and we absorb these practices. Many of these practices have
been handed down for generations naturally. At the same time these cultural
practices are subject to change. In this lesson we will explore the expressions of
culture and cultural traditions of India.

Objectives

After studying this lesson you will be able to:

.• define culture;

• understand how culture is evolved; and

• explain Indian cultural traditions

1.2 MEANING OF CULTURE

Culture has been defined by many people in different ways. Culture can be
defined as a complex system of knowledge, belief, art, law, morals,customs and
many other habits acquired through traditions by a man as the member of a
particular society. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent
India, described culture as "the outcome and basis of training, establishment and
development of physical and mental potentials". Sri Rajagopalacharya, the first
Governor General of British India, defined culture as "the collective expression of 5
Introduction to Indian the thoughts, speeches and deeds of the learned, talented or creative members of
Culture a society or a nation". By these, we understand that culture is seen or felt through
our thought process, literature, language, arts, religion, customs, traditions and the
way we know the world around us.

1.3 EVOLUTION OF CULTURE

The most spectacular forms of Indian cultural expression are closely associated
with religion. Some of traditions are functional, practical and prescribed for keeping
clean. For example taking bath everyday and worship only after taking bath,
cleaning the house everyday, lighting the lamps in the evening without fail, not to
wear the used cloth etc. Later, these practices were associated with religion for
strict adherence. This is how most of our cultural traditions have been evolved.
Outstanding structures were created·for religious purposes. Temples were like the
centres of socio-culturallife of the society. All temple traditions have cultural
relevance and practiced in the context of social activities. For example, temples
generated employment opportunities for various sections of people like architects,
chariot makers, stone and wood cutters, sculptors, painters, priests, teachers,
accountants, epigraphers, dancers, musicians, garland makers, people who
participate in and execute processions, traders, cooks, guards, officers and many
more people.

Our religious beliefs also influence our daily lives. Marriage rituals, the food we
eat, the clothes we wear are governed by the religious rules and also it goes with
the region to which we belong. For example the Hindu, Muslim, Christian and
Sikh women of Punjab wear salwar khameze where as the all women irrespective
of religions wear saree in Tamilnadu. Thus, our cultural traditions are shaped by
many fa~tors other than religion.

1.4 INDIAN CULTUREAND CULTURAL

TRADmONS
Fine Arts
The arts are one of the important forms of cultural expression. Dance, music,
painting, sculpture, drama, architecture have evolved through centuries. There is
wide range of varieties in each of these because they have acquired changes
during historical period. Each of these communicates a message and signifies the
way the ideas and emotions were expressed through the means of artistic language.
You will study each of these forms of culture in the lessons later. For example,
the Buddha and Mahavira sculptures communicate the feelings and the state of
peace and tranquillity. The sculptures of dancing Shiva tells us how God's enjoyed
dancing, the Panchatantra stories are depicted on the walls of temples and also
paintings from Mughal period tells us the taste and interests of Mughal emperors.
If we take music we have classical traditions such as Hindusthani, Camatic,
popular traditions like Sufi, folk, bhajans, kirtanas, Bhakti sangeet, Rabindra
sangeet, film music etc. India is very rich in the development of all such traditions.

Literary Tradition
In the field of literature too the Vedic sources, Sanskrit works of Kalidasa and
others including Persian, Urdu and English and the regional literature show the
6 finer expression of Indian imagination, understanding life and philosophy. The
classical language like Sanskrit and local language like Prakrit and others have Indian Culture and
Cultural Traditions
simultaneously evolved. Indian cultural life is gloriously depicted in these various
forms of literature.

Science and Technology

Science and technology have also evolved as part of Indian culture which is felt
in the use of metals, building forts, palaces, temples and other worshipping places,
building of tanks and cities. Metal craft, jewellery, bead making, boat making,
ceramics, which speak about the use of different metals and the progressive
stages of Indian material culture.

Religious Tradition
Indian religious tradition talks about 'vasudaiva kutumbakam', the entire universe
is one family of God. Through the ages the Vedic chants, Buddhist chants, Jaina
chants, sufi songs(Islamic-Hindu combination) , folk songs, poetic compositions
of saints from all over the country during Bhakti movement have made Indian
culture rich and deep-rooted. The women saints like Akka Mahadevi (Kamataka),
Meera Bai (Rajasthan), Andal (Tamilnadu), Lai Ded (Kashmir), have richly
contributed to the Indian literary and religious tradition.

Although, the Indian society was divided into many caste groups, harmony was
maintained between the people of different religions. Religious tolerance was the
basic principle of Indian culture. From such experience, spirituality and the science
of Yoga have emerged as cultural traditions. Indian spirituality and Yoga are the
great contributions to the world today. The folk traditions are known as living
traditions they are colourful, rich and closer to nature.

Epics and their Influence

Indian cultural values can be seen through the narration in our great epics like
Ramayana and Mahabharata. The story of these two epics is very familiar to
Indians as they like to watch these even now on television or through the enactment
of their episodes in classical arts or folk arts. The values upheld in these epics are
applicable to all times. The contents are so impressive that countries like Sri
Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, and Nepal have also imbibed these in their culture.

Fairs and Festivals

Indian culture is seen in the way festivals are celebrated in rural and urban places.
The customs followed in fairs, festivals show the beliefs such as the truth triumphs
the evil, the happiness and sorrow are to be seen complementing each other, the
elders are to be respected, the family tradition should be valued, peace has to
prevail, violence of any kind is to be avoided, dance, drama and music become
part of ceremonies symbolising life is a celebration.

Food and Dress Tradition

Our food tradition and dress tradition are very rich and vibrant. Each region
comes out with delicious and tasty dishes which are prepared according to the
availability of resources like milk, vegetables, greens, and grains. The dishes are
based on the availability of the resources found naturally in different seasons.
Fresh and natural food is preferred and is of good quality as tinned food is still
not desired in Indian traditional preparations. In temple, churches, mosques and
Gurudwaras culture food offerings are made with tasty dishes. 7
Introduction to Indian India has rich textile tradition in silk, cotton, woollen and raw fibre yarn. Each
Culture region has its own weave with typical way of weaving and design. For example
moonga silk from Assam, paithani sarees from Maharashtra, bandini from
Gujarat, kanjeeivarm silk from Tamilnadu and Mysore silk from Karnataka etc.
Kashmir shawls and carpets have great demand in other countries since many
centuries. In Indian tradition thetextile that is handmade are known as handlooms.

1.5 CULTURAL INTERACTION AND CHANGE

People from different cultures have been coming to India even before the Christian
era. Because of the contact with other cultures our culture goes through the
process of cultural interaction. Such contacts can take place due to trade - where
the merchants come and have exchange of goods, invasion - where the conquerors
invade the country, expedition - sea or land exploration. Cultural interaction takes
place when pilgrims or travellers visit distant lands, and also when the artists and
artisans move from place to place. Finally, people migrate in search of work and
establishment of settlements also cause cultural interaction. Those involved in such
interactions learn about practice of different peoples and carry their own ideas
and customs to the places they go. this will be a process in which the cultural
practices .of all those involved will alter or tend to change.

The food tradition and dress tradition have undergone much change. If we observe
what we eat today is an add mixture of older ones traditionally grown and
available in India and the most recent ones like Pizzas, pasta, noodles, ham
burgers, ice-cream etc. At the same time people in other countries like USA, UK
and Middle East have developed taste for Indian cuisine such as dosa, curries,
kababs and sweets. Even the dresses people wear in Indian cities have great
western influence. The effects of technology have brought many changes in our
day to day life. Even the remote villages have Television, mobiles, telephone and
internet. In this way people are connected and this has altered the socio-cultural
life of our people. You will come across more information on the changing trends
in the Indian cultural heritage in the lessons which follow.

1.6 SUMMARY
In this unit, we have tried to define what culture is and also the meaning of
culture. This has given us an understanding that culture is the integral part of our
everyday life. Every human being will evolve culturally in a society. So far we have
learnt,
• If we wish to answer questions arising from the interaction of our lives with
culture, we have to refer to our cultural heritage. This will help us to understand
our present life and situation better. .
• The ideas and theories prevailing in our social thought of today have a
cultural background.

1.7 SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

1) True or False
a) When you visit a place for the first time you will not see the people of
that place speak in a different language and dress differently & eating
in different manner.
 b) Outstanding structures were not necessarily created for religious Indian Culture and
Cultural Traditions
purposes.

c) Paintings from Mughal period tells us the taste and interests of Mughal
emperors. •

d) Spirituality and the science of Yoga are not considered as cultural

traditions.

e) Drama and music do not become part of ceremonies symbolising life is

a celebration.

2) Match the following

1. Panchatantra a) Thailand and Indonesia

2. paithani sarees b) local language of ancient times

3. Lai Ded c) from Maharashtra

4. Ramayana is popular in d) Stories

5. Prakrit e) Kashmiri poetess

3) Fill in the blanks with th e words given in the list below

1. Many of these have ,. been handed down for

generations naturally.

2. Culture can be defined as a complex system of .

3. Indian reli~ous tradition talks about the entire universe

is one family of God.

4. Indian culture is seen in the way are celebrated in rural

and urban places

5. The food tradition and dress tradition have .

a) 'vasudaiva kutumbakam', b) practices, c) festivals, d) undergone

much change, e) knowledge, belief, art, etc.

Terminal Questions

1. How do you define culture?

2. In the space below, give short answers in about three or four lines to the
following questions.

a) What are the religious traditions that make Indian culture unique?

9
Introduction to Indian b) How festivals and fairs show our cultural traditions?
Culture

3. Write short notes on the following:

a) Cultural interaction b) Indian Scientific heritage

4. Make a list of all cultural expression mentioned in the lesson. Tick the one
you have seen and heard and mention which you like the most and why?

1.8 ANSWERS
1) a) F, (b) F, (c) T, (d) F, (e) F

2) 1 -- (d), 2 - (c), 3 - (e), 4 - (a), 5 - (b)

3) 1. (b), 2. (e), 3. (a), 4: (c), 5. (d)

Terminal Answers

1) Culture can be defined as a complex system of knowledge, belief, art, law,

morals, customs and many other habits acquired through traditions by a man
as the member of a particular society. Pandit lawaharlal Nehru, the first
Prime Minister of independent India, described culture as "the outcome and
basis of training, establishment and development of physical and mental
potentials". Sri Rajgopalacharya, the first Governor General of British India,
defined culture as "the collective expression of the thoughts, speeches and
deeds of the learned, talented or creative members of a society or a nation".
Thus culture is seen or felt through our thought process, literature, language,
arts, relizion. customs, traditions and the way we know the world around us.

2) The religious traditions that make Indian culture unique are that Indian religious
tradition talks about 'vasudaiva kutumbakam', the entire universe is one
family of God. Because of Vedic chants, Buddhist chants, laina chants, sufi
songs, folk songs, bhajans Indian culture rich and deep-rooted. Although the
Indian society was divided into many caste groups, harmony was maintained
and religious tolerance was the basic principle of Indian culture. From such
experience spirituality and the science of Yoga have emerged and contributed
to world cultural traditions.

Short Notes:

a) Cultural interaction: People from different cultures have been coming to

India even before the Christian era. Because of the contact with other cultures
our culture goes through the process of cultural interaction. Such contacts
can take place due to trade - where the merchants come and have exchange
of goods, invasion - where the conquerors invade the country, expedition -
sea or land exploration. The cultural interaction takes place when pilgrims or
travellers visit distant lands, and also when the artists and artisans move from
10
place to place. Finally, people migrate in search of work and establishment
 of settlements also cause cultural interaction. Those involve in such interactions Indian Culture and
Cultural Traditions
learn about practice of different peoples and carry their own ideas and
customs to the places they go. This will be a process in which the cultural
practices of all those involved will alter or tend to change.

b) Indian Scientific Heritage: India is regarded one of the country having

advanced civilized life. Science and technology also have evolved as part of
Indian culture which is felt in the use of tools, metals, building forts, palaces.
temples and other worshipping places, building of tanks and cities. Metal
craft, jewellery, bead making, boat making, ceramics, advanced implements
speak:about the use of different metals and the progressive stages of Indian
material culture.

PS : Picture details on the page.

01 Map of India Showing important places of Cultural Heritage

hi
Unlversity
SU:lIeni ~~i1Rt SeIv~

iI
Head Quanen;
RiOGiona' Centres
* SIU4y Centres

11
 UNIT 2 NATURE, PLURALITY,
UNITY IN DIVERSITY
Structure

2.1 Introduction

Objectives

2.2 Nature of Indian Culture

2.3 Plurality in Indian Culture

2.4 Characteristics of Indian Culture

2.5 Unity in Diversity - Composite Nature of Indian Culture

2.6 Summary
2.7 Self Assessment Questions
2.8 Terminal Questions
2.9 Answers

2.1 INTRODUCTION
In Unit 1 of this block we have studied the meaning of culture, how Indian culture
evolved, and the glory of Indian cultural traditions and about the cultural changes
tiling place from time to time. Now, in this unit we will explore the nature of
Indian culture, its uniqueness in identifying the feature of plurality. Above all India
is recognised as having cultural unity in diversity.Because we follow many religions,
we belong to many castes, we speak many languages, and we cook different
varieties of food, we worship number of gods, we dress in various ways. The
differences are obviously seen but culturally we are united. What are the
characteristics Lnat unite Indians under one umbrella? We will study all these in
this unit.

Objectives:
After studying this unit you will be able to:

• understand the nature of Indian culture

• you will acquire a proper perspective of the cultural heritage of India
• you will develop pride for your culture

2.2 NATURE OF INDIAN CULTURE

In our tradition, prayer is not for the happiness of mankind alone but plants and
animals are also included. The prayer is not for one's own happiness and prosperity
but for collective happiness. This is for the purpose of the removal of distress.
Ancient India was a land of wisdom. All branches of knowledge developed in
India and in many fields we had excelled much ahead of the western society.
'illumined knowledge possessing the higher and renouncing the lower' was greatly
12 considered and in present times it means 'simple living and high thinking'.
 In Indian culture 'dhanna' has higher goals. Dhanna is not the English translation Nature, Plurality, Unity
in Diversity
of religion. Dhanna is not imposed but naturally, voluntarily followed, the closer
meaning of which is righteousness. One has to develop a natural behaviour and
functions of righteousness. In that sense sanatana - 'the ever prevailing' is the
. correct word than the narrow usage of the term 'Hindu'. Dharma was upheld in
Vedic, Buddhist and Jaina paths. As the symbol of respecting dharma, the
dharmachakra of Ashoka appears on our national flag. Evil plans do not stand
for long as we believe in truth and truth ultimately prevails. We will discuss some
more features in detail under the characteristics of Indian culture.

2.3 PLURALITY IN INDIAN CULTURE

Plurality is two or many ways of doing different things. Pluralism is an established
feature of life in India and plays an important role in our culture. We have intense
pride for Ajanta caves, the Kashi temple, the Taj Mahal, Gommatesvara of
Shravanabelagola and the Golden Temple of Amritsar. Though they represent
different faiths there is a sense of emotional experience of being Indian in all these.
This explains the plurality of faiths.

In the past, in India, kshetra (region) and desha (nation) represented two different
identities in the sense of plurality. But their relationship is of the nature of co-
existence and not of confrontation. This explains plurality in identity and the ways
of knowing it.

With respect to language, India never had the monopoly of one language. Many
local, regional, national and international languages are spoken and learnt by
Indians. We have the willingness to leam many languages. Indian culture promotes
the learning abilities of several streams at a time and not to discard one for the
other. Our children at school level study three languages under the three language
formula policy of our education; firstly local or regional language, secondly the
national language Hindi and thirdly, the intemationallanguage English. We do not
follow the policy of worshipping one god through out India or follow one religion
with one or two sects. Every community, every caste has different gods to worship
and customs to follow. Culturally, the approach of Indian people towards social
values than the other things but co-exist.

Even politically, India was never ruled by one royal power historically except in
times of Ashoka or under the British. Several royal families ruled their territories
at the same time. They all ruled their domains but looked for an opportunity to
over power the other. For Example, when the Mughals were ruling the North
India, the Vijayanagar rulers in the south and the Bahamani rulers in parts of
Deccan and Central India were ruling their territory at the same time. Like this
in many ways plurality exists in relation to co-existence and not by confrontations.
Even today, Indian Democracy is unique for its multi-political party system. Thus,
the society is seen different from the position and political power.

We also notice that an Indian lives with many identities such as you can be a
Bengali or Tarnilian, Goan, a Hindu, Muslim or a Christian and also an Indian all
at once. They all have their identities within the structure of homogeneous living.
This nature of plurality itself is integral to Indianness.

13
Introduction to Indian
Culture
2.4 CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIAN CULTURE
There are certain essential characteristics which are unique to Indian culture.

Good governance was always considered to be an essential pre-requisite for the

happiness of people. That is why prayers were offered to invoke auspicious time.
So the rulers bestow happiness and prosperity on people, always treading the
path of righteousness in governing the state.

India is an agricultural society; happiness of the people is linked with the well-
being of the cattle. For the happiness of all, the pancha mahabhutas, the five
primordial elements such as Prithvi - the earth, Akasha - the sky, jala- water,
Vayu - air and Agni - fire are propitiated and respected. Through the functioning
of these elements, the life of every individual survives. In our culture these elements
are worshipped in rituals, pilgrimages, and festivals and respected in everyday life.
Though they are natural elements, they are treated as gods in Indian culture and
as far as possible, harm should not caused to these elements of nature. Many
customs and traditions have developed over the centuries respecting these five
primordial elements.

Ahimsa - Non-violence was upheld in Jainism and Buddhism and in our times
Mahatma Gandhi had championed the cause of ahimsa by sending the British
away without OSC waging a war during our freedom struggle and got our India
Independent.

The story-line, contents, characters, messages, and lessons we draw from our
epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata are not confined to one geographical area.
These are for every Indian and at any time and space these two epics stand as
great examples to draw inspiration from time to time. They have great impact on
the thought process of Indians. From all such experiences and ideals has developed
a common outlook towards life.

Another perennial value that the Indian culture has inculcated is the spirit of
universal relationship. M~ is not alone and does not live in isolation. He is related
to the entire world through a very strong bondage. What is now being called
global consciousness covering the entire world was the very foundation of Indian
culture.

2.5 . UNITY IN DIVERSITY - COMPOSITE

NATURE OF INDIAN CULTURE
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said, 'a country with a long cultural background and
common outlook on life develops a spirit that is peculiar to it and that is impressed
on all its children, however, much they may differ among themselves'. By the
reference of all the above it is very clear and also an accepted fact that India is
a land of diversity. Basically, the nature of Indian culture is made of multi-layers
of our existence. We can not think or relish single system in anything pertaining
to our social life. Let us feel proud in our diversity and co-existence.

India's unity is based on our diversity, on our multi-lingual, religious and traditional
co-existence. Indian nationalism is not based on language, geography or ethnicity
but on an idea of the land to which we belong. Pandit Nehru expressed the
14 concept of unity in diversity in these beautiful words, 'Though outwardly there
was diversity and infinite variety among our people everywhere there was that Nature, Plurality, Unity
in Diversity
tremendous impress of oneness, which had held all of us together for ages past,
whatever political fate or misfortune had befallen us. The unity of India was no
longer merely an intellectual conception but emotional experience'. Thus, our unity
is the unity of heart and mind which will inspire to work together. This experience
is the real foundation of Indian culture. This foundation has ever remained intact
here and over that foundation new additions and alterations have been made and
still being made.

This kind of unified outlook in diversity has given an image to Indian culture as
the 'composite culture'. Composite is the admixture of many things. In the sense
of culture, it means a long standing, integrated diversified traditions, values and
customs inlaid for several centuries. Every time when coming into contact with
other culture, certain elements of new culture is integrated with the existing ones.
Over a period of time due to several contacts the layers of culture forms. For
example despite 3000 years, the Vedic culture forms the foundation for our
culture. The Vedic verses are chanted in oral form and they are revered by
people even in present times. So we find that the old, new and modem are all
integral part of the composite culture. Indian culture stands as a grand example
of composite culture in the world.

2.6 SUMMARY
This unit has taught us the importance of Indian culture. We also learnt the integral
or the inner essence of the culture of our country. Culture is an important expression
which shows us how we unite despite our diversities. We learnt the basic
characteristics of our culture, like respecting elders, respecting other religious
beliefs, living in co-existence, and not to harm the natural elements. Indian culture
teaches how to bear with differences and live in harmony. Pandit Jawaharlal
Nehru advocated Indian Culture in such a way that we feel proud of our culture.

2.7 SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTONS

1) State Whether the followingare True or False:
1. In Indian culture prayer is for one's own happiness and prosperity but
not for the collective happiness.

2. The closer meaning of dharma can be righteousness.

3. 'Illumined knowledge means not possessing the higher and not

renouncing the lower.

4. Evil plans stand for long as we do not believe in truth.

5 As the symbol of respecting dharma the dharmachakra appears

on our national flag.

2) Fill in the blanks.

1. Gommatesvara of ------- and --------
of Amritsar.

2. But their relationship is of the nature of ----------

15
In~uctiontoIndian 3. Culturally the approach of Indian people is ---------
Culture than the other things but they co-exist.

4. When the Mughals were ruling in north India the -----

------ in the south and-------'the in parts of
Deccan were ruling their territory.

5. The nature------ of itself is integral to Indianness.

Clues: Co-existence not the confrontation, towards social values, plurality

Vijayanagar rulers, Baharnani rulers, Shravanabelagola, Golden Temple

3) Match the Following.

1. Pancha mahabhutas a) confine to one
geographical area

2. Ahimsa - the Non-violence b) spirit of universal

relationship

3. Ramayana and Mahabharata are not c) Prithvi, Akasha,

jala, Vayu, Agni

4. Indian culture has inculcated d) upheld in Jainism and

Buddhism

2.8 TERMINAL QUESTONS

1. Explain the nature of plurality of Indian culture briefly?

2. Give three important characteristics of Indian culture.

3. How Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru explained Indian culture as 'Unity in diversity?

2.9 ANSWERS
SAQ 1) 1 - F, 2- T, 3- F, 4 - F, 5 - T

SAQ 2) 1. Shravanabelagola, Golden Temple 2. co-existence not the

confrontation 3. towards social values 4. Vijayanagar rulers,
Baharnani rulers 5. plurality

SAQ 3) I-c), 2--d), 3-a), 4-b)

TQ 1) Pluralism is an established feature of life in India and plays an important

role in our culture. Though we follow different faiths there is a sense of
emotional experience of being Indian in all these. This explains the
plurality of faiths. We also have different identities with respect to our
mother tongue, regional language or to the caste we belong. But we

-
know how to live in harmony. Our children learn three languages
according to our educational policy. Even today Indian Democracy is
unique for its multi-political party system. Thus, the Society is seen
different from the position and political power.

TQ 2) There ~e certain essential characteristics which are unique to Indian

culture.
16
 a) India is an agricultural society; happiness of the people is linked with the Nature, Plurality, Uoity
in Diversity
well-being of the cattle. For the happiness of all the pancha mahabhutas,
•
the five primordial elements such as Prithvi - the earth, Akasha - the
sky, jala- water, Vayu - air and Agni - fire are propitiated and
respected. Through the functioning of these elements, the life of every
kind survives. In our culture these elements are worshipped in rituals,
pilgrimages, and everyday life.

b) Ahirnsa - Non-violence was upheld in Jainism and Buddhism and in our

times Mahatma Gandhi had championed the cause of ahirnsa by sending
the British away without waging war a during our freedom struggle and
got independence to India.

c) Another perennial value that the Indian culture has inculcated is the
spirit of universal relationship. Man is not alone and does not live in
isolation. He is related to the entire world through a very strong bondage.
What is now being called global consciousness covering the entire world
was the very foundation of Indian culture.

3) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said, 'a country with a long cultural background
and common outlook on life develops a spirit that is peculiar to it and that
is impressed on all its children, however, much they may differ among
themselves. Though outwardly there was diversity and infinite variety among
our people everywhere there was that tremendous impress of oneness, which
had held all of us together for ages past, whatever political fate or misfortune
had befallen us. The unity of India was no longer merely an intellectual
conception but emotional experience'. Thus our unity is the unity of heart and
mind which will inspire to work together.This experience is the real foundation
of Indian culture. This foundation has ever remained intact here and over
that foundation new additions and alterations have been made and are still
being made.

17
 UNIT 3 RELIGION, SOCIETY AND
CULTURE
Structure
3.1 Introduction

3.2 Perspectives on Culture

3.3 Cultural Plurality
3.4 Evolution of Culture

3.5 Art and Culture

3.6 Religion and Culture

3.7 Media and Culture

3.8 Cultural Synthesis

3.9 Cultural Diversity and its Expression

3.10 Summary

3.11 Self Assessment Questions

3.1 INTRODUCTION: DEFINING 'SOCIETY'

AND 'CULTURE'
Of the two towar s, Society and Culture, culture is the most difficult word to
define. If a man is not regarded as conscious and regarded as an object of
consciousness it would be easy to distinguish Mr. X from Mr. Y. In other words,
if man is perceived as an item (them as person) then the distinctions become easy.
Shall we similarly seek to identify cultures by their geographical boundaries?
Underlining the role of Hindu religion in the formation India as a nation, Radhakumud
Mookerji argued:

"The name Bharatvarsha is thus not a mere geographical

expression like the term India. ... It signifies the complete
accomplishment of the work initiated by the Aryan forefathers
colonizing the whole country and bringing its different parts under
the unifying discipline of a common culture and civilization.
Bharatvarsha is thus another name for Aryanised and Hinduised
India."

3.2 PERSPECTIVES ON CULTURE

In contrast to this unified view is the evolutionary perspective, which underlines
the synthetic and synthetic processes inherent in a multicultural situation. The
complex history of the sub-continent experienced the coming together of a variety
of cultural streaming drawn from different civilizational traditions. All communities
(Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Parsi) experienced the influence of this multiple
cultural interaction. Tarachand, an advocate of the synthetic character of Indian
18
culture observed:
 Religion, Society and
(The) "Indian culture embraces in its orbit beliefs, customs, rites, Culture
institutions, arts, religions and philosophies belonging to strata of
society in various stages of development. ... The complexity ofIndian
life is ancient, because from the dawn of history, India has been a
melting place of conflicting civilizations .... As a matter of fact the
process ofits cultural development may be envisaged as the blending
of intellectual, aristocratic, folk and foreign influences."

3.3 CULTURALPLURALITY
The cultural plurality is intelligible only in the context of relationship
between religion and culture, which are interrelated but not synonymous in any
society.There is no uniform religious culture in terms of Hindu, Muslim or Christian,
but there is an uniformly shared culture throughout India. The different castes
follow different patterns of rituals and customs. This is also true form of art.
Almost, each caste has different art forms, music, dance, theatre and so on. In
fact, the plurality is also an expression of resistance against any kind of domination
and exploitation.

The forces of history which shaped the society did not transform
into an ideal cultural melting point. The interaction of people
with diverse cultural moorings and traditions influenced the
society also.

3.4 EVOLUTION OF CULTURE

Modern anthropologists, archaeologists and historians consider the birth of
civilization as a technological and organizational achievement. The ancient myths
of humankind remember the dawn of civilization as a fall of humankind from
simplicity. Increasing greed of man put him into the need of food production. Hot
chase of the pot belly began. Man moved from 'the order of the ritual' to 'the
order of machine' and 'super highway'. Myth of the fall of man is not memory
but one of speculative imagination. The idea of progress also arose as a myth in
the eighteenth century· long before the rise of archaeology as a science. In the
Indian social tradition, these values were partially accepted. Nagara or urban
came to be accepted as sophisticated in contrast to Gramya or rustic while
sabhya or courtly came to mean well-bred and polished. Seers and prophets of
all ages and Indian history preferred rural surroundings and disapproved materialistic
civilization.

3.5 ART AND CULTURE

According to ancient Indian tradition the artist or si/pin (sculptor) is the
intermediary who transmitted the revelation ofViswakarma, the artificer (Divine
sculptor) to society. The Art or Silpa included ritual, skill, craft and imagination.
Silpin was a member of an artisan caste, a guild or a court and the groups were
an integral part of the larger social order. The relations between the silpin, the
19
Introduction to Indian patron or yajamana and society were sacrificial. For example, construction of
Culture the vedic sacrificial altar or vedi within a series of concentric magic circles was
the activity.

The building of the altar was a symbolic reconstruction of the

dismembered cosmic man, from whose limbs the divisions of
the society sprang.

The altar was a throne to be occupied by the individual gods to whom the
sacrifice was addressed. The rite uniteda the human domain of whole society with
the divine inside the sacred dimension of a tabernacle (a tent or sanctuary). The
patron commissioning a temple, shrine, palace or city was the sacrificer who
selected a priest as his sacrificer. The priest assumed the role of architect and the
overseer of silpin hierarchy (the maker of the building, the surveyor, the sculptor,
the plasterer and the painter). The artist's role was to restore the unity of society
which is lost.

Culture in its broadest sense is a search for meanings and

values. It refers to the common orientation of a group of
creative-appreciative persons towards the formation or
discovery of such values. This orientation can take the form of
religion, philosophy, art, political or social system and' so on.

3.6 RELIGION AND CULTURE

Intellectual climate of India between 6th and 3rd centuries B.C. was characterized
by rise of Buddhism, schools of metaphysics and ascetic sects. The new urban
man felt increasingly alienated from nature. Social discipline created an anxiety
resulting in non-conformism. There was withdrawal into the forest to recover the
sense of identity. Upanishads were composed. Renunciation became a virtue.
Caves served the needs of monks and laymen in search of ideal environment to
practice meditation. Brahmanic religion reasserted itself by the end of T" century
A.D. The cave sancturary of Buddhism resulted in chaityas while that of the
Brahmanic religion produced the Hindu temple. Now, that the temple' was
constructed of slabs of stone, sculpture itself had to be modified to fit the new
scheme. Religious devotion (different from monastic meditation) demanded
imposing structures and focused the attention of worshipper on a complicated
mythology. The tower of the temple combined the expression of both religious
and temporal power. It became the emblem of a dominant ruling power of the
king as well as the symbol of contact with God established by the king.

3.7 MEDIA AND CULTURE

Art in all its form (story telling, dance, chanting, image-making) is a social activity
which balances tensions within the collective. Plurality as an expression of resistance
has ensured the stability of our society on the principle of co-existence of social
inequalities. Tensions arising out of progressive division of labour, inter-caste
rivalry, inequality in hierarchical status and disputes over property have been
healed by the unifying function of art. For example, village India is very active
during seasonal festivals. Any festival, with its oracles, trance dances, and collective
20
rapture is a restorer of collective unity. All Indian cultural media ultimately derive Religion, Society and
from social culture. Brahmans have enjoyed a ritual monopoly in the Sanskrit Culture
medium while potters, weavers and basket-makers have been vernacular cultural
performers. Drama and religious festivals at great temples were mixed media and
drew from with classical and popular traditions. Popular inter-caste media
emphasized devotional religisity which included bhajans, recitals or dance dramas
from epics and puranas (Ram Lila) and folk dances on the festival days.

3.8 CULTURAL SYNTHESIS

Human species was given the name homo sapiens. In course of time the same
human species was designated homo faber (man, the maker). There is another
label called homo ludens which means man as player, play to be understood as
a cultural phenomenon. The play element is found in language, law, war, art,
poetry and philosophy. The play demands application, knowledge, skill and strength.
The more difficult the game, the greater, the tension in the beholders. The primary
thing in a competition is a desire to excel others and not a dsire for power or will
to dominate. To dare, to take risks, to bear uncertainty and to endure tension are
the essence of play spirit. We want to be honoured for our virtues. In order to
excel, one must prove on's excellence; in order to merit recognition, merit must
be made manifest. Competition serves to give proff of superiority.

About Indian culture there are two diametrically opposite views. One is the
segmented view of culture in terms of religion, i.e. a Hindu view of culture, a
Muslim view of culture or a Christian view of culture etc.; or in terms of
religion, i.e. Bengali, Assamese or Tarnil culture and so on. The second view is
that Indian culture is composite. Gurudev Tagore highlighted India's culture as a
living organism thus:

The Aryan, the non-Aryan, the Dravidran, The Huns, the Pathans
and the Moguls. They all have merged here into one body.

We argue that culture is a though process while civilization is conduct. We have

also thought that our culture can remain pure even if our conduct suffers degradation.
The need to estabilish the interrelationship between the two is important. For a
log period, science has not been viewed as part of a culture, even though science
and OSC culture are after all products of the creative expression of human minds
OSC role to neutralise the negative elements of a market economy. A sense of
dignity and sense of self-confidence of among people is necessary to have control
over lives as well as environment.

There will be neither sustainable economic growth nor social

progress and durable peace if they are not in tune with our
cultural heritage.

3.9 CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND ITS

EXPRESSION
The world has moved into the next millennium. Fears are expressed about the
future of creative diversity and the plural character of culture. The change is being
witnessed through media resolution, post-industrial technologies and global 21
Introduction to Indian communication networks. Number of scholars are talking about 'the clash of
Culture civilisations' and 'the end of history' . Hegemony of every kind - political, economic
and cultural are anticipated. People world over are looking to India to see whether
with its 5000 years of uninterrupted civilization, India can provide answers for
social harmony and respect for creative diversity. India's great heritage have
inspired Indians as well as others who came to be associated with.

India is a country of over billions people, 18 languages, 1700 dialects, 4 main

castes, thousands of sub-castes and 5 main religions. This cultural diversity is
accompanied by immense biological diversity also. India is one of the 12 identified
mega bio-diversity centres of the world. Among the finest expressions of India's
culture, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Vedas and the Upanishads are
rooted in the family, the villages, religious practices and agricultural modes of
production. Indian arts are crafts ar illustrious expressions of Indian religions and
spiritual experiences. The renewal that has taken place found expression in Sufism.
. Vaisnavism and writing of Kabir, Nanak, Namdev and other Bhakti saints. The
cultural renaissances of the 19th and 20th centuries are also deeply rooted within
Indian social and cultural traditions. Poet Iqbal in his "Sare Jehan Se Achchha"
claims that "there is something that does not allow the Indian continum to
perish". Let us hope that Indian art, life, and thought shall find new expressions
in the 2 pt century.

3.10 SUMMARY
Culture is an integral part of our lives. It gives a certain identity to a human being .•

In this unit we have tried to define the meaning and role of culture in our lives.

Despite of having all types of diversities culture teaches us to be unite. As Jawahar

Lal Nehru expressed it in these words- 'Unity in Diversity'. Unity of heart and
mind inspires to work together. This experience is the rea1life foundation of Indian
culture.

3.11 SELF ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

1) True or False:
1. Our cultural heritage depends upon economic growth and social
progress.

2. In India we have 1800 dialects.

3. Craft and imagination is related to the art of Shilpa.

4. There are four main religions in India.

(T, F, T, F)

2) Fill up the blanks:

1. Human species were also known as _

2. The famous song 'Sare lahan se Achcha' is written by poet

3. Vishwakarma is known as an _
22
 4. Culture can be defined as a mixture of , __ , __ and Religion, Society and
Culture

(lqbal, custom, art, architect, Homo sapiens, belief, religion)

3) TerminalQuestions:
1. How religious traditions help to make a culture unique?

2. Define 'culture' in brief.

3. Write a note on plurality of Indian culture.

Answers:

1. . In India there is no uniform culture in terms of Hindu, Muslim or Christian

religions but there is uniformly shared culture throughout India. Indian society
has undergone through many changes despite all that its harmony has been
maintained. The basic principle of Indian culture was religious tolerance.
Culture plays a spiritually balancing role to neutralize the negative element
and this is its unique quality.

2. Culture can be defined as a mixture of knowledge, art, morals, customs,

traditions and so on. Rabindra Nath Tagore defined Indian culture as living
organism in these words- The Aryan, the non-Aryan, the Dravidian, the
Huns, the Pathans and the Moughals. They all have emerged here into one
body. The culture is seen or felt through our language, thoughts, ideas and
traditions. In this way it is like search for meaning and values.

3. Indian society is made of composite culture. Though we follow different

religions yet there is always a sense of being Indian in all human beings.

This shows the plurality of faiths. We also have different identities being
Hindu, Muslim or Christian but we know how to live in harmony. In true
words, plurality is an expression of resistance against all odds of society.

23
Introduction to Indian School of Performing & Visual Arts (SOPVA)
Culture
Fine Arts education is an integral part of the development of each human being. It
refers to education in the disciplines of performing and visual arts. Earlier, a career in
an art form was considered merely as hobby or parf time work. Due to lack of
awareness creative arts like Music, Dance, Theatre and Painting were less preferred
courses for study. But today, it is considered a full-fledged profession like any other
career involving its own set of challenges and hard work. With the rising demand for
artists in both professional and academic areas, avenues of their employability grow
day by day as Indian art industry is emerging parallel to the mainstream industries.

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a front runner in identifying

opportunities and designing suitable programmes for the benefit of the variety of
demands of the student 'community, The idea of a school of Performing and Visual
Arts at IGNOU that was initiated in 2007, finally took shape in February 2009 when
the school began to be fully-functional with the newly inducted faculty. This School
aims at developing and offering programmes in collaboration with different specialised
institutes leading to Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees in the areas of performing
and visual arts.

The School of Performing and Visual Arts (SOPV A) work with the objectives:

• To provide opportunity by promoting aesthetics as a learning process in

professional and academic arena.

• To appeal the senses or emotions.

• To inculcate creativity through diverse range of creative activities and modes

of expression.

To achieve its goals the School is focused to spread art and aesthetic education through
its various courses. The School plans to offer courses at various levels such as
Certificate, Diploma, UG, PG and Doctoral Degree

SOPV A Director
Professor Sunil Kumar

SOPV A Faculty
Dr. Govindaraju Bharadwaza
Reader

Dr. Seema Johari

Reader

Mr. Lakshaman Prasad

Lecturer

Mohd. Tahir Siddiqui

Lecturer

Dr. Mallika Banet.iee

24
 OVA-OOl
Indian Cultural Heritage

Block 1. Introduction to Indian Culture

Unit 1: Indian Culture and Cultural Traditions

Unit 2: Nature, Plurality, Unity in Diversity.
Unit 3: Society and Culture

Block 2. Popular Culture

Unit 1: Oral traditions

Unit 2: Festivals
Unit 3: Pilgrimage Centres

Block 3. Introduction to Indian Arts

Unit 1 Introduction to Arts

Unit 2 Principle of Arts
Unit 3 Branches of Arts