Unit 1

Chapter 1 – Introduction to Cultural Activities

Meaning of Culture:

Culture is an important concept. Culture means the shared beliefs, values,

traditions, behaviors, and practices of a particular group or community. Every
culture celebrates in its own unique way, such as festivals, rituals, food, music,
dance, and language. Culture defines a society and creates a sense of identity
and belongingness for its members. It also includes art, literature, history,
religion, and social norms. Every country, region, or community has its own
distinct culture that shapes its identity.

Definitions of Culture by Indian Authors:

1. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan(1888-1975):

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a prominent Indian philosopher,
scholar, and statesman who served as the first Vice President of India
(1952-1962) and the second President of India (1962-1967). He was also a
distinguished writer and a strong advocate for education and Indian
culture.
His works reflected a deep understanding of Indian culture, He described
culture as: “the art of living together, of sharing and respecting each
other’s differences. Dr. Radhakrishnan's contributions to Indian culture
and philosophy continue to inspire many to appreciate and uphold the
cultural heritage of India.

2. R.K. Mukerjee:
R.K. Mukerjee was a famous Indian writer and social activist. He was born
in 1889 and was very adamant in his study of Indian history and Sanskrit.
Mukerjee wrote many books and reflected deeply on Indian history,
Sanskrit, and national consciousness. His contribution was also very
 important in India's independence movement. Mukerjee's writings still
influence people and make his thinking understandable.

3. M.N. Srinivas(1916-1999):
M.N. Srinivas was a famous Indian sociologist. He was born in 1916 and
did great work in the field of Bharatiya Samaj and Sanskriti. Srinivas
thought deeply on concepts like caste system, society and empire and his
thoughts helped in understanding the society. His experiences and
research presented new perspectives in Indian sociology and his work
remains important even today.

Culture And it’s Manifestations:

Culture is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses the beliefs,

customs, traditions and behaviours shared by a group of people. It is passed
down from generation to generation and manifests in various forms, including
language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music, and arts.

Here, are several ways in which culture manifests, with example from India:

1. Language and Literature:

Language is the medium of a society through which people can express
their thoughts, feelings, and knowledge. Literature reflects the beauty
and personality of a language. Through the medium of literature, people
express their experiences, imagination, and social trends.

 Sanskrit:
As one of the oldest languages in the world, Sanskrit holds a
revered place in Indian culture. It is the classical language of
Hinduism, as well as the source of a vast body of literature,
including Vedas, and epic poem like the Mahabharata and
Ramayana. These texts not only convey religious and philosophical
 ideas but also encapsulate the values abd historical narratives of
ancient Indian society.

 Regional Languages:
Each region of India has its own language and literary tradition,
contributing to the country’s cultural richness. These languages are
called local language or regional language. These languages are
spoken by people of a particular region or community.

 Religion and Spirituality:

Religion and spirituality play a very important role in a person's life.
Religion provides a path to a person's spiritual peace and
prosperity. Apart from this, spirituality is important for the inner
development and guidance of a person. Having faith in God or the
Supreme Lord and living one's life on His path, having faith in good
behavior, giving, and love are the basic principles of religion and
study which help a person in the right direction and balance.

 Hinduism:
Hinduism is an ancient religion of the world which started from
India. Hinduism’s festivals, rituals, and mythology are deeply woven
into the fabric of Indian culture. Diwali, the festival of lights,
symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and is celebrated with
the lighting of lamps, fireworks, and sharing of sweets. Holi, the
festivals of colours, marks the arrival of spring and is celebrates
with throwing of coloured powders, symbolizing the joy of life and
the victory of good over evil.

 Buddhism:
Buddhism is an ancient religion based on the teachings of Gautam
Buddha. There are four main truths in this religion: Dukkha,
Samudaya, Nirodha, and Marga. The followers of this religion give
importance to places like stupa, vihar, and chaitya. Buddhist
 painting, sculpture and development of Buddhist literature are also
important in Sanskrit. Buddha statues, Buddhist viharas, and
Buddhist places have a special place in Indian Sanskrit.

2. Cuisine:
Indian cuisine is as diverse as its culture with each region offering unique
flavors and culinary traditions.
 North Indian Cuisine:
Known for it’s rich, creamy curries and breads like naan and roti,
North Indian cuisine and iconic dishes such as butter chicken,
paneer tikka, and biryani. The use of dairy products such as yogurt
and ghee, is a hallmark of this region’s culinary style.

 South Indian Cuisine:

Characterized by the use of rice, coconut and a variety of spices,
South Indian cuisine includes popular dishes such as dosa, idli,
sambhar and rasam. The food is often served on a banana leaf,
reflecting a traditional and eco-friendly practice.

3. Traditional Attire:
Clothing in India is a significant cultural marker, with traditional attire
varying widely by region, religion, and occasion:
 Sari: The sari is a versatile garment worn by women across India. It
is a long piece of cloth that can be draped in various styles, each
with cultural and regional significance. For example, the Nivi style
of draping a sari is popular in urban areas, while the Kanjivaram
saris from Tamil Nadu are renowned for their rich silk and intricate
designs.
 Dhoti and Kurta: Traditional attire for men in many parts of India,
the dhoti is a long piece of cloth wrapped around the waist and
legs, often paired with a kurta (a long shirt). This attire is
particularly common in rural areas and during religious or cultural
ceremonies.
4. Arts and Crafts: India's arts and crafts are a testament to its cultural
diversity and historical richness.
 Madhubani Painting: Originating from the Mithila region of Bihar,
Madhubani painting is known for its intricate patterns These
paintings often depict and mythological themes and nature, using
natural dyes and pigments.
Example: An example of Madhubani painting is peacock motif
painting. The beautiful beauty of this peacock is reflected in its vivid
colors and intricate designs. The specialty of Madhubani painting is
that it is a traditional Indian art form which originated from the
Madhubani region of Bihar.

 Classical Dance Forms: India boasts a variety of classical dance

forms, each with its own distinct style, history, and repertoire.
Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (North India), and Odissi
(Odisha) are some of the prominent classical dances that combine
intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and elaborate costumes to
narrate stories and convey emotions.

5. Music and Dance:

Music and dance are integral to Indian culture, often associated with
religious rituals, social celebrations, and artistic expression.
 Classical Music: India has two major classical music traditions:
Hindustani (North India) and Carnatic (South India). Hindustani
music, with its emphasis on improvisation and raga system,
includes instruments like the sitar and tabla.
Carnatic music, known for its complex compositions and devotional
themes, features instruments like the veena and mridangam.
 Folk Music and Dance: Each region of India has its own folk
traditions reflecting the local culture and social life. For example,
Bhangra from Punjab is an energetic dance performed during
 harvest festivals, while Garba from Gujarat is a graceful dance
performed during Navratri, a nine-night festival celebrating the
divine feminine.

6. Social Customs and Practices:

Social customs in India are deeply rooted in its cultural traditions and vary
widely across regions and communities.
 Joint Family System: The joint family system, where extended
family members live together, has been a traditional social
structure in India. Although modern nuclear families are becoming
more common, the joint family system reflects the cultural value
placed on family unity and support.

 Marriage Rituals: Indian weddings are elaborate affairs with

numerous rituals and customs that vary by region and religion. For
example, Hindu weddings often include the Satapadi(Seven steps)
ritual, where the bride and groom take seven steps together, each
step symbolizing a vow(promise) they make to each other.

7. Architecture:
Indian architecture is a testament to its cultural diversity and historical
legacy, showcasing a blend of indigenous and foreign influences.
 Temples: Indian temples are not only places of worship but also
architectural marvels. The temples of Khajuraho, known for their
intricate erotic carvings, and the Dravidian-style temples of Tamil
Nadu, such as the Meenakshi Temple, are notable examples. These
temples reflect the artistic and engineering prowess of ancient
Indian civilizations.

 Mughal Architecture: The Mughal period in India saw the

construction of iconic structures that blend Persian, Turkish and
Indian architectural styles. The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World
 Heritage site, is renowned for its exquisite beauty and intricate
marble inlay work. The Red Fort in Delhi, another UNESCO site, the
grandeur of Mughal Architecture.

8. Festivals and Celebrations:

Festivals in India are not just religious occasions but also cultural
celebrations that bring people together, fostering a sense of community
and shared identity.
 Diwali: The festival of lights, Diwali is celebrated with the lighting of
oil lamps, bursting of firecrackers, and sharing of sweets and gifts. It
signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, and is
a time for family reunions and festivities.

 Eid: Celebrated by the Muslim community, Eid marks the end of

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is a time for communal
prayers, feasting, and giving of alms to the needy. Traditional dishes
like biryani and sweet treats like sheerkurma are prepared and
shared with family and friends.
The cultural fabric of India is woven with threads from its Each
diverse linguistic, religious, and social traditions. manifestation of
culture, whether through language, religion, cuisine, attire, arts,
music, social customs, architecture, or festivals, adds to the richness
and complexity of India's identity. Understanding these
manifestations helps in appreciating the profound cultural heritage
and contemporary social dynamics of India. This cultural diversity
not only enhances the collective identity of the nation but also
contributes to its global cultural influence.

Importance of Understanding Culture:

Understanding culture is crucial for several reasons, impacting various aspects

of individual lives, social interactions, and global dynamics. Here is an
exploration of the importance of understanding culture, enriched with detailed
explanations and examples:

1. Enhances Communication and Interpersonal Relationships:

 Effective Communication: Understanding cultural differences helps

in improving communication. Different cultures have varying norms
for verbal and non-verbal communication. For example, in some
cultures, direct eye contact is a sign of confidence; in others, it can
be perceived as disrespectful. Recognizing these differences helps
avoid misunderstanding and build stronger relationships.

 Build Trust: When individuals understand and respect each other's

cultural backgrounds, it fosters trust and mutual respect. For
instance, acknowledging and respecting colleagues' religious
practices and holidays in a multicultural workplace can strengthen
team cohesion and collaboration.

2. Promotes Inclusivity and Reduces Prejudice:

 Fostering Inclusivity: Understanding culture is key to creating
inclusive environments. It involves recognizing and valuing diverse
cultural perspectives and ensuring everyone feels respected and
valued. This is particularly important in educational settings,
workplaces, communities.

 Reducing Prejudice and Stereotypes: Cultural understanding helps

break down stereotypes prejudices. Learning about different
cultures' histories traditions, and values makes people less likely to
hold biased views. For example, understanding the cultural
significance of certain clothing, can reduce discriminatory attitudes.