- Indian culture is a blend of various cultures and has a history that spans
thousands of years.
- Dharmik religions have heavily influenced Indian culture throughout history.
- Unity in diversity is a major characteristic of Indian culture.
- The Indus civilization was one of the earliest urban cultures in the Indian subcontinent.
- India is the birthplace of major religions like Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
- Harmony and unity with others are highly valued in Indian culture.
- Hindi is the national language of India, but there are over 300 languages and dialects spoken in
the country.
- India is religiously and ethnically diverse, with a significant Muslim population.
- Religion plays a central role in the lives of many Indians.
- 94% of the world's Hindus live in India
- There are substantial populations of Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and adherents
of folk religions in India
- Religion is very important in the lives of most Indians
- Indian families adhere to a patriarchal ideology and often live in joint family structures
- The name "India" is derived from the Indus River and has been in use since the 5th century
BCE
- India is a hierarchical society with ranking based on various qualities
- Notions of complete equality are seldom evident in daily life
- The family plays a central role in the lives of most Indians
- Indian history is a rich mosaic of people and traditions, with a long history of rise and fall of
kingdoms and dynasties
- Forts are an important architectural feature in India, representing the glory and might of past
empires.
- Rock art indicates human presence in India for at least 30,000 years
- Urban culture flourished in the Indus Valley between 2,500 - 1,900 BC
- Indo-Aryan migration during the Iron Age established the caste system and marginalized
indigenous people
- The Ganges Plain was ruled by small chiefdoms until the Buddhist kingdom of Magadha
annexed most neighboring states by the 3rd century BC
- Medieval India was defined by five culturally diverse kingdoms, leading to the development of
modern Indian languages and advancements in various fields
- Temple towns became economic hubs and Indian religion spread to Southeast Asian countries
in the 8th and 9th centuries
- Central Asian forces established the Islamic Delhi Sultanate ruling North India from 1206,
while the Vijayanagara Empire emerged in the south.
- Mughal Empire took over northern India in the 16th century
- Introduced centralized rule of a god-like emperor
- Peaceful period with advancements in agriculture and the arts
- Eastern and southern coasts sought self-rule after Mughal Empire disintegrated
- East India Company army gained control of Bengal in 1765
- British government changed the Company to an administrative organization
- Imposed harsh taxes leading to resentment and Rebellion of 1857
- National Congress founded in 1885
- Economic setbacks and famines hampered progress in the late 19th century
- Increasing demands for self-rule after WWI
- Mohandas Gandhi's non-violent campaign won slow reform in the 1930s
- Independence achieved in 1947 but marred by violent separation of India and Pakistan
- 1950's constitution established India as a sovereign, secular, and democratic republic
- Economic growth created affluent middle classes but poverty and overpopulation remain
challenges
- Ongoing border disputes with Pakistan and China since 1962.
- India is a diverse nation with a large population of people from different castes and religions
- Hindus are the dominant religious group, but there are also Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, and
Jains
- Indians are family-oriented and largely conservative people with a scholarly and friendly nature
- Thousands of years of urbanized living have allowed for the flourishing of literature, art,
architecture, and philosophy
- The cycles of nature, particularly the Ganges River, play a significant role in the national
consciousness of India
- Indian culture includes intellectual, social, aesthetic, and spiritual aspects
- India is a vast country with diversity in its physical and social environment, including different
languages, religions, rituals, food habits, and dress patterns
- Despite these diversities, there is an underlying unity that acts as a cementing force
- The composite and dynamic character of Indian culture is a result of the contributions of
diverse cultural groups over a long period of time.
- Indian culture is characterized by unity in various aspects such as geography, politics, religion,
culture, language, and socio-economic factors
- Indian philosophy focuses on concepts like dharma, karma, samsara, and liberation through
spiritual practices
- Indian art and architecture are influenced by history, culture, and religion, with notable styles
including Hindu temple architecture, Mughal architecture, Rajput architecture, and Indo-
Saracenic architecture
- Examples of Indian architecture include temple architecture, Mughal architecture, Dravidian
architecture, Sikh architecture, and cave architecture
- Indian art encompasses various forms such as painting, sculpture, pottery, and textile arts
- Buddhism gained importance during the reign of emperor Ashoka
- Indian architecture features walled and moated cities with massive gates, multi-storied
residences, pavilions with various domes, and simple thatched-roofed huts
- Indian architecture celebrates Indian traditions and culture
- Local materials such as brick, concrete, and stone are used in Indian architecture, with wood
mainly used for details and finishes
- Indian architecture has contributed to the diverse architectural styles in India, including Rajput
forts, south Indian temples, Taj Mahal, and cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora
- The traditional Indian science of architecture is called Vāstu-vidyā or Śilpaśāstra
- Ancient Indian architecture spans from the Indian Bronze Age to around 800 CE, with regional
variations and influences from Buddhism and Hinduism.
- Early Indian architecture was primarily made of wood or brick, but much of it has decayed or
been taken away for re-use
- Rock-cut architecture from around 250 BCE is important as it adapts forms from contemporary
buildings that no longer exist
- Some excavated sites have surviving floor-plans but the upper parts of structures are missing
- The Bronze Age saw the emergence of cities in the Indus Valley Civilization
- Urbanization in the Gangetic plains began around 1200 BC with fortified cities and the
appearance of Northern Black polished ware
- The Mahajanapada period was characterized by Indian coins and the use of stone in
architecture
- The Mauryan period marked the beginning of the classical period of Indian architecture
- Nagara and Dravidian architectural styles developed in the early medieval period with the rise
of Hindu revivalism and the predominant role of Hindu temple architecture
- Modern Indian architecture emerged after independence, influenced by modernist ideas and the
work of Le Corbusier in Chandigarh
- Traditional Indian architecture is still valued and incorporated in modern Indian architecture.
- Personal tourists: People who travel for leisure, relaxation, and personal enjoyment.
- Business tourists: People who travel for work-related purposes such as meetings, conferences,
and trade shows.
- Adventure tourists: People who seek thrilling and adrenaline-pumping experiences during their
travels.
- Cultural tourists: People who are interested in exploring and experiencing different cultures,
traditions, and historical sites.
- Eco-tourists: People who prioritize sustainable and environmentally-friendly travel experiences.
- Tourism leads to the creation of attractions, restaurants, entertainment, and better services in a
community
- Tourism has a positive impact on other industries such as agriculture, transport, and
manufacture
- Tourism can improve standards of living in a local area
- Advantages of tourism include incentive to preserve the natural environment, promotion of
international connections, and putting nations on the global map
- Disadvantages of tourism include mainly providing low-level jobs, seasonal nature of tourism,
and small businesses being unable to keep up
- Tourists are classified into four broad categories: business and professional tourists, leisure and
holiday tourists, tourists visiting friends and relatives, and youth tourists
- Factors that affect tourism include culture, peace, security, developed infrastructure, visa
facilities, natural beautification, attitude of the people, tourist numbers, quarantine, world
population, education, income level, price level of commodities, different languages, and hotel
fares
- Examples of tourism include people from British Columbia traveling to other provinces,
territories, or countries (outbound tourism) and tourists coming to BC from other places (inbound
tourism)
- Types of tourism can be classified as domestic tourism (within the home country) or
international tourism (traveling abroad) based on places or activities.
- Types of tourism can be classified based on places or activities
- Beach holidays are popular, with famous destinations including the Caribbean islands and
Mediterranean coast
- Some people prefer outdoor adventure tourism, such as hiking in Crater Lake National Park or
climbing peaks in the Himalayas
- Cultural and historical tourism is enjoyed by those interested in ancient ruins or museums, with
Rome, Pompeii, and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg being recommended destinations
- Outdoor adventure tourism can also include ecotourism, where people seek sustainable nature
experiences, with Costa Rica and the Galapagos being famous for this
- Tourism is a service industry with unique characteristics
- Intangibility is a key characteristic, as tourism involves experiences that cannot be touched or
carried
- Inseparability means that the tourism experience cannot be separated from the original service
provider
- Perishability is another characteristic, as tourism products have a limited time for consumption
- Heterogeneity or variability is present in tourism, as each tourist's experience may differ
- Lack of ownership is a common characteristic, as tourists can use the service but do not own it.
- Tourism is seasonal and destinations have different popularity throughout the year
- Tourism is dependent on multiple industries such as accommodation, transportation, attractions,
and activities
- Risk is a factor in tourism as unexpected events can occur during trips
- Excursions are trips or visits to interesting places arranged by travel agencies or tourist
organizations
- Excursions can be for educational purposes or to observe natural phenomena
- Excursions provide first-hand experiences and enhance learning for students
- Excursions are important for students to explore, extend, and enrich their knowledge.
- Excursions are an important part of the school curriculum
- They allow students to explore and enrich their learning in a non-school setting
- Learning in the real world is powerful
- Excursions help students learn better and make learning a holistic experience
- Benefits of excursions include exposure to new cultural factors, real-life learning, eagerness to
learn and explore, heightened confidence and social skills, and instilling a sense of adventure
- Leisure tourism is about taking a break from daily routine life
- Leisure tourists enjoy beauty, nice hotels, and resorts, and activities like social tours, cultural
tours, religious tours, family tours, sports tours, and medical tours
- Characteristics of leisure trips include eating at nice restaurants, staying in classy hotels,
relaxing by a pool or beach, and exploring new parts of the world
- Leisure travel provides opportunities to learn about oneself and the world
- Indian leisure travel can be divided into areas like beach or hill station tourism, heritage
tourism, religious tourism, spiritual tourism, cultural tourism, historical tourism, adventure
tourism, and wildlife tourism.
- Tourism sector offers opportunities and challenges
- Leisure is rest and relaxation, opposite of work
- Recreation is activities done for enjoyment during free time
- Tourism is traveling for entertainment and leisure
- Leisure activities have benefits such as lower stress levels and better mood
- Leisure and tourism destinations are places people travel to for leisure activities
- Popular leisure activities include paragliding, mountaineering, skiing, etc.
- Casual leisure is short-lived and passive, while serious leisure is meaningful and challenging
- Leisure has added benefits such as personal and social growth and economic development.
- Recreational tourism is the movement of people in their free time for rest and relaxation
- It is often associated with activities connected to nature, such as whale watching and hiking
- The main aims of recreational tourism include active participation in recreational activities or
being a spectator at a sport or cultural event
- Recreational activities can help improve mental health and develop important skills
- Recreational facilities include spas, swimming pools, and playgrounds
- Participation in sport and recreation can lead to stronger, healthier, and happier communities.
- Visitors are people who spend time with or stay with others, or in a place
- There are three types of visitors: passersby, occasionals, and regulars
- Tourism is travel for recreational or leisure purposes
- Tourists travel and stay outside their own environment for a limited period of time
- The main purposes of travel by visitors include sightseeing and leisure
- Tourism boosts the economy, creates jobs, develops infrastructure, and promotes cultural
exchange
- Tourism brings benefits such as economic growth, industry revenues, infrastructure
development, improved brand image, foreign exchange earnings, and employment generation
- Tourism enhances employment opportunities and earnings for the local population, leading to
improved socio-economic conditions.
- Adventure tourism has recently grown in India, involving exploration of remote areas and
engaging in various activities such as trekking, skiing, and whitewater rafting.
- Beach tourism is popular in India, with Kerala, Goa, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and
Lakshadweep islands attracting tourists throughout the year.
- Cultural tourism is a major attraction in India, with tourists coming to experience the rich
cultural heritage and attend various fairs and festivals.
- Ecotourism has also grown in India, with tourists visiting national parks such as Kaziranga, Gir,
and Kanha for sustainable preservation of natural areas.
- Medical tourism is thriving in India, with tourists from around the world seeking cost-effective
but high-quality healthcare services.
- Indian music is categorized into classical, folk, and fusion of classical and folk music
- Indian theatre is one of the oldest forms of theatre, featuring detailed textual, sculptural, and
dramatic effects
- Indian theatre is based on the concept of Natya, which includes dramatic narrative, dance, and
music
- Indian theatre historically influenced other countries, including ancient China
- Theatre was discouraged or forbidden during Islamic conquests, but village theatre developed
in regional languages from the 15th to 19th centuries
- Modern Indian theatre developed during colonial rule under the British Empire
- Theatres spread throughout India after independence in 1947
- Indian theatre faces competition from television and Bollywood films
- Lack of finance is a major obstacle for Indian theatre
- Some important plays include The Tourist Meeca, The Restaurant, The Doldrumness, The
Captives, Goa, Monsoon, An Experiment With Truth, Inquilab, The Refugee, Sonar Bangla, and
Angkor.
- Traditional crafts of India include wood carving, stone masonry, painting, metal work, textiles,
pottery, papier-mache, and carpet weaving.
- Bamboo handicrafts are eco-friendly crafts in India.
- Indian handicrafts preserve traditional art forms and heritage.
- Popular handicrafts in India include quilting, embroidery, appliqué and patchwork, candle
making, weaving, pottery, sewing, and woodworking.
- The states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat are known for traditional handicrafts.
- Top handicraft exports from India include home decoratives, handmade sarees, furniture,
jewelry, and imitation jewelry.
- Crafts in India have a long history, dating back to the Indus-Valley civilization and the Vedic
Age.
- Craft is a creative skill done manually with the use of the hand.
- India is home to over 50 traditional folk and tribal arts.
- Preservation of heritage sites involves various methods and actions.
- An awareness campaign is needed to educate the community about the importance of
preserving monuments.
- Adopting monuments and taking responsibility for their maintenance and protection is crucial.
- Strict government action and the establishment of archaeological departments are necessary for
saving monuments.
- Funds need to be collected and generated through donations for the renovation of heritage sites.
- Chemical treatments and restoration techniques are used to preserve monuments.
- Conservation of cultural built heritage aims to keep the property as close to its original
condition as possible.
- Heritage sites include buildings, artifacts, structures, and areas of historic, aesthetic,
architectural, cultural, or environmental significance.
- The Archaeological Survey of India, under the Ministry of Culture, is responsible for the
conservation of heritage monuments.
- Structural conservation and chemical preservation are the main techniques used to restore
monuments.
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects monuments, sites, and remains of national
importance
- Lack of master plan leads to neglect of monuments by local or state administrations
- Haphazard growth around sites diminishes their charm
- Cultural heritage preservation is important and can be achieved through education
- Conservation threats to World Heritage Sites include inadequate environmental conditions,
climate change, mass tourism, and insufficient management and resources
- Historic heritage is composed of fabric, stories, and culture
- Governments can protect ancient sites by giving them scheduled status or protected wreck site
status
- The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites & Remains Act 1958 in India has been
amended in 2010 to include newer sub-sections.
- India has 38 world heritage sites, including 30 Cultural properties, 7 Natural properties, and 1
mixed site.
- The first sites listed were Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, and Taj Mahal in 1983.
- The most recent site listed was Dholavira in 2021.
- Stone-sealers can be applied to protect historical monuments from moisture and damage.
- Maharashtra has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites among all states and
UTs in India, including Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj Terminus, and the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco buildings of South Mumbai.
