Salient features of Indian Society and culture

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Salient features of Society/”>Indian Society and Unity in Diversity

Features of Indian Society

India is a vast country and has a long history. Its society has evolved through the ages and has also been affected by foreign influences giving it extreme diversity and made unity amidst diversity a characteristic of the Indian society. However, to understand the process, we need to understand the meaning of diversity, unity and pluralism as well as their relevance to the Indian society.

Diversity

In literary terms, diversity means differences. However in social context the meaning is more specific; it means collective differences among people, that is, those differences which mark off one group of people from another. These differences may be of any sort: biological, religious, linguistic etc. On the basis of biological differences, for example, we have racial diversity. On the basis of religious differences, similarly, we have religious diversity. The point to note is that diversity refers to collective differences.

Institutionalization

Indian society is institutionalized in nature in the form of well developed systems like Family, Marriage, Gotra and Caste System.

Multi-class

Indian society is a multi-class due to several classes exists in India. This Classification is based ones birth as well as his achievements.

Multi-ethnic Society

Indian society is multi-ethnic in nature due to various racial groups coexists in India. Almost all the races of the world can be seen in India.

Multi-Religious Society

Although Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism is the major Religion in India, there exist various other religions such as Islam, Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Christianity, Bahai and Parsi etc.

Multi-Lingual Society

There exist more than 1600 languages in India. Major languages are Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, Odia, Assamese etc

Unity

Unity means integration. It is a social psychological condition. It connotes a sense of one-ness, a sense of we-ness. It stands for the Bonds, which hold the members of a society together. There is a difference between unity and uniformity. Uniformity presupposes similarity, unity does not. Unity is of two types, first which may be born out of uniformity, and second which may arise despite differences. French sociologist has termed these two types as mechanical and organic solidarity respectively.

Unity in diversity

Inspite of diversities, Indian community Shares certain bonds of unity. The first bond of unity of India is found in its geo-political integration. India is known for its geographical unity marked by the Himalayas in the north and the Oceans on the other sides. Politically India is now a sovereign state. The same constitution and same parliament govern every part of it. We share the same political culture marked by the norms of Democracy and Secularism-2/”>Secularism. The geo-political unity of India was always visualized by our seers and rulers. The expressions of this consciousness of the geo-political unity of India are found in Rig-Veda, in Sanskrit literature, in the edicts of Asoka, in Buddhist monuments and in various other sources. The ideal of geo-political unity of India is also reflected in the concepts of Bharatvarsha (the old indigenous classic name for India), Chakravarti (emperor), and Ekchhatradhipatya (under one rule).

Another source of unity of India lies in what is known as temple culture, which is reflected in the Network of shrines and sacred places. From Badrinath and Kedarnath in the north to Rameshwaram in the south, Jagannath Puri in the east to Dwaraka in the west the religious shrines and holy rivers are spread throughout the length and breadth of the country. Closely related to them is the age-old culture of pilgrimage, which has always moved people to various parts of the country and fostered in them a sense of geo-cultural unity. As well as being an expression of religious sentiment, pilgrimage is also an expression of love for the motherland, a sort of mode of worship of the country. It has acted as an antithesis to the regional diversity and has played a significant part in promoting interaction and cultural affinity among the people living in different parts of India.

Indian culture, has a remarkable quality of accommodation and Tolerance.  There is ample evidence of it. The first evidence of it lies in the elastic character of Hinduism, the majority religion of India. It is common knowledge that Hinduism is not a homogeneous religion, that is, a religion having one God, one Book and one Temple. Indeed, it can be best described as a federation of faiths. Polytheistic (having multiple deities) in character, it goes to the extent of accommodating village level deities and tribal faiths. For the same reason, sociologists have distinguished two broad forms of Hinduism: sanskritic and popular. Sanskritic is that which is found in the texts (religious books like Vedas, etc.) and popular is that which is found in the actual life situation of the vast masses. Robert Redfield has called these two forms as great tradition of Ramayana and Mahabharata and the little tradition of worship of the village deity. And everything passes for Hinduism. What it shows is that Hinduism has been an open religion, a receptive and absorbing religion, an encompassing religion. It is known for its quality of openness and accommodation. Another evidence of it lies in its apathy to conversion. Hinduism is not a proselytising religion. That is, it does not seek converts. Nor has it ordinarily resisted other religions to seek converts from within its fold. This quality of accommodation and tolerance has paved the way to the coexistence of several faiths in India.

Indian society was organized in such a way that various social groups were independent of each other.  One manifestation of it is found in the form of Jajmani system, i.e., a system of functional interdependence of castes. The term “jajman” refers generally to the patron or recipient of specialised Services. The relations were traditionally between a food producing family and the families that supported them with goods and services. These came to be called the jajmani relations. Jajmani relations were conspicuous in village life, as they entailed ritual matters, social support as well as economic exchange. The whole of a local social order was involved (the people and their values) in such jajmani links. A patron had jajmani relations with members of a high caste (like a Brahmin priest whose services he needed for rituals). He also required the services of specialists from the lower jati to perform those necessary tasks like washing of dirty clothes, cutting of hair, cleaning the rooms and toilets, delivery of the child etc. Those associated in these interdependent relations were expected to be and were broadly supportive of each other with qualities of ready help that generally close kinsmen were expected to show.

Sociologist M.N.Srinivas has called this ‘vertical unity of castes’. The  jajmani relations usually involved multiple kinds of payment and obligations as well as multiple functions. No caste was self-sufficient. If anything, it depended for many things on other castes. In a sense, each caste was a functional group in that it rendered a specified service to other caste groups. Jajmani system is that mechanism which has formalised and regulated this functional interdependence. Furthermore, castes cut across the boundaries of religious communities. We have earlier mentioned that notions of caste are found in all the religious communities in India. In its actual practice, thus, the institution of jajmani provides for inter linkages between people of different religious groups. Thus a Hindu may be dependent for the washing of his clothes on a Muslim washerman. Similarly, a Muslim may be dependent for the stitching of his clothes on a Hindu tailor, and vice-versa.

Efforts have been made from time to time by sensitive and sensible leaders of both the communities to synthesise Hindu and Muslim traditions so as to bring the two major communities closer to each other. Akbar, for example, founded a new religion, Din-e-Ilahi, combining best of both the religions. Some bhakti saints like Kabir-2/”>Kabir, Eknath/”>Eknath and Guru Nanak, as well as some sufi saints made important contributions in forging unity among to communities. At the time of independence struggle, Mahatama Gandhi laid extreme emphasis on Hindu Muslim unity which was instrumental in India becoming A Secular State and moving on the path of progress.

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India is a country with a rich and diverse culture. It is home to over 1.3 billion people, speaking over 120 different languages and following a variety of religions. This diversity is one of the most striking features of Indian society.

India is a land of contrasts. It is a country with a long and Ancient History, yet it is also a rapidly developing nation. It is a country with a rich spiritual tradition, yet it is also a country with a strong secular tradition. It is a country with a Population that is predominantly rural, yet it is also a country with a growing urban population.

This diversity is reflected in all aspects of Indian life, from the food people eat to the clothes they wear to the music they listen to. It is also reflected in the country’s art, architecture, literature, and dance.

India is a country that is constantly changing. It is a country that is struggling to balance its traditional values with the demands of the modern world. It is a country that is trying to find its place in the global community.

Despite its challenges, India is a country with a bright future. It is a country with a young and growing population, a strong economy, and a vibrant culture. It is a country that is poised to play a major role in the 21st century.

Here are some of the salient features of Indian society and culture:

  • Diversity

India is a land of diversity. It is home to people of different religions, languages, cultures, and ethnicities. This diversity is one of the most striking features of Indian society.

India’s diversity is reflected in its food, music, dance, art, literature, and festivals. The country’s rich cultural heritage is a result of the many different cultures that have come together over the centuries.

  • Religion

India is a secular country, but religion plays an important role in the lives of many Indians. The majority of Indians are Hindu, but there are also large Muslim, Christian, Sikh, and Buddhist populations.

India’s religious diversity is reflected in its many temples, mosques, churches, and gurdwaras. The country’s religious tolerance is one of its most admirable features.

  • Language

India is a multilingual country. There are over 120 different languages spoken in India, and English is the Official Language of the government.

India’s Linguistic Diversity is reflected in its many different dialects and languages. The country’s rich linguistic heritage is a result of the many different languages that have come together over the centuries.

  • Food

Indian food is known for its rich flavors and spices. Some of the most popular Indian dishes include chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and naan bread.

India’s culinary diversity is reflected in its many different regional cuisines. The country’s rich culinary heritage is a result of the many different cultures that have come together over the centuries.

  • Music

Indian Music is known for its complex rhythms and melodies. Some of the most popular Indian Musical instruments include the sitar, the tabla, and the sarod.

India’s musical diversity is reflected in its many different regional music traditions. The country’s rich musical heritage is a result of the many different cultures that have come together over the centuries.

  • Dance

Indian dance is known for its graceful movements and intricate footwork. Some of the most popular Indian dances include Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Mohiniyattam.

India’s dance diversity is reflected in its many different regional dance traditions. The country’s rich dance heritage is a result of the many different cultures that have come together over the centuries.

  • Art

Indian art is known for its rich colors and intricate designs. Some of the most popular Indian Art Forms include painting, sculpture, and architecture.

India’s artistic diversity is reflected in its many different regional art traditions. The country’s rich artistic heritage is a result of the many different cultures that have come together over the centuries.

  • Literature

Indian Literature is known for its rich stories and poetry. Some of the most popular Indian literary works include The Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Panchatantra.

India’s literary diversity is reflected in its many different regional literature traditions. The country’s rich literary heritage is a result of the many different cultures that have come together over the centuries.

  • Festivals

India is a land of festivals. There are festivals to celebrate every occasion, from the birth of a child to the harvest season. Some of the most popular Indian Festivals include Diwali, Holi, and Durga puja.

India’s festive diversity is reflected in its many different regional festivals. The country’s rich festive heritage is

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about Indian society and culture:

  1. What are the main religions in India?

The main religions in India are Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Hinduism is the majority religion, followed by Islam.

  1. What are the main languages spoken in India?

The main languages spoken in India are Hindi, English, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, Kannada, and Malayalam. Hindi is the official language of India, but English is also widely spoken.

  1. What are the main festivals celebrated in India?

Some of the main festivals celebrated in India are Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja, and Eid. Diwali is the festival of lights, Holi is the festival of colors, Durga Puja is a Hindu festival celebrating the goddess Durga, and Eid is a Muslim festival celebrating the end of Ramadan.

  1. What are the main foods eaten in India?

Some of the main foods eaten in India are rice, chapati, dal, curry, and vegetables. Rice is the staple food of India, and chapati is a type of flatbread. Dal is a lentil dish, and curry is a dish made with spices and vegetables.

  1. What are the main customs and traditions in India?

Some of the main customs and traditions in India are arranged marriages, dowry, and the caste system. Arranged marriages are marriages that are arranged by the parents of the bride and groom. Dowry is a payment made by the bride’s family to the groom’s family at the time of marriage. The caste system is a social hierarchy that divides people into different groups based on their birth.

  1. What are the main challenges facing India today?

Some of the main challenges facing India today are POVERTY, illiteracy, Corruption, and pollution. Poverty is a major problem in India, with over 200 million people living below the Poverty Line. Illiteracy is also a major problem, with over 250 million adults illiterate. Corruption is a major problem in India, with government officials and businesses often engaging in corrupt practices. Pollution is a major problem in India, with Air Pollution and Water Pollution being major concerns.

  1. What are the main achievements of India in recent years?

Some of the main achievements of India in recent years include economic Growth, technological development, and sporting success. India has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years, and is now one of the fastest growing economies in the world. India has also made significant progress in technological development, and is now a major player in the IT Industry. India has also achieved success in Sports, with its cricket team being one of the most successful in the world.

  1. What is the future of India?

The future of India is bright. India is a young country with a large population, and it has the potential to be a major player in the world economy. India is also a democracy, and it has a strong commitment to Human Rights. The future of India is full of promise.

1. Which of the following is not a salient feature of Indian society?
(A) Caste system
(B) Religion
(C) Language
(D) Food

2. Which of the following is the most spoken language in India?
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Bengali
(D) Tamil

3. Which of the following is the national religion of India?
(A) Hinduism
(B) Islam
(C) Christianity
(D) Sikhism

4. Which of the following is the national animal of India?
(A) Tiger
(B) Lion
(C) Elephant
(D) Peacock

5. Which of the following is the national flower of India?
(A) Lotus
(B) Rose
(C) Jasmine
(D) Sunflower

6. Which of the following is the national bird of India?
(A) Peacock
(B) Eagle
(C) Swan
(D) Parrot

7. Which of the following is the National Flag of India?
(A) A tricolor flag with saffron at the top, white in the middle and green at the bottom, with a blue wheel in the center.
(B) A white flag with a green cross in the center.
(C) A red flag with a hammer and sickle in the center.
(D) A yellow flag with a five-pointed star in the center.

8. Which of the following is the National Anthem of India?
(A) Jana Gana Mana
(B) Vande Mataram
(C) Saare Jahan Se Accha
(D) Hum Hindustani

9. Which of the following is the national motto of India?
(A) Satyameva Jayate
(B) Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
(C) Jai Hind
(D) Bharat Mata Ki Jai

10. Which of the following is the National Song of India?
(A) Jana Gana Mana
(B) Vande Mataram
(C) Saare Jahan Se Accha
(D) Hum Hindustani