Priyadarshini J.L.

College of Engineering
B.Tech. Second Semester (Autonomous)
SUBJECT -INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM- SESSION 2023-24
NOTES -UNIT 2

INDIAN CULTURE

Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, encompassing

language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts.

When we talk about culture we are referring to belief systems, values, and behaviors that
support a particular ideology or social arrangement. Culture guides language use, appropriate
forms of dress, and views of the world. The concept is broad and encompasses many areas of
our lives such as the role of the family, individual, educational systems, employment, and
gender.

Indian culture is the heritage of social norms and technologies that originated in or are
associated with the ethno-linguistically diverse India. The term also applies beyond India to
countries and cultures whose histories are strongly connected to India by immigration,
colonisation, or influence, particularly in South Asia and Southeast Asia. India's languages,
religions, dance, music, architecture, food and customs differ from place to place within the
country.

The important characteristics of Indian Culture are civilized communication, beliefs,

values, etiquette, and rituals. India is well known for its 'Unity in Diversity' across the world.
That means India is a diverse nation where many religious people live together peacefully
having their own different cultures.

"Culture encompasses religion, food, what we wear, how we wear it, our language,
marriage, music, what we believe is right or wrong, how we sit at the table, how we greet
visitors, how we behave with loved ones, and a million other things," Cristina De Rossi, an
anthropologist at Barnet and Southgate College in London, told Live Science.
Definition: According to Ralph Linton (1947), “Culture is the configuration of learned
behaviour whose components and elements are shared and transmitted by the members of a
particular society.”

Another definition, given by Edward Taylor (1971), According to him, “Culture is that
complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morality, law, practice and other
capabilities and habits, acquired by man as a member of society.”

Culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, customs, traditions, and practices that characterize a
particular group or society. It encompasses a wide range of aspects, including language, art,
music, religion, belief, ideas, traditions, customs, behaviors, social norms, and rituals. Culture is
passed down from one generation to another through socialization, education, and observation.
It is also called as the ‘design of life’. It shapes individuals' perceptions, behaviors, and
identities, providing them with a sense of belonging and shared understanding.

Characteristics of Culture:
Culture has some basic characteristics: It is learned, shared, based on symbols, integrated, and
dynamic. All cultures share these basic features.
1. Culture is learned. It is not biological; we do not inherit it. Much of learning culture is
unconscious. We learn culture from families, peers, institutions, and media. The process of
learning culture is known as enculturation. While all humans have basic biological needs such
as food, sleep, and sex, the way we fulfill those needs varies cross-culturally.
2. Culture is shared. Because we share culture with other members of our group, we are able
to act in socially appropriate ways as well as predict how others will act. Despite the shared
nature of culture, that doesn’t mean that culture is homogenous (the same). The multiple
cultural worlds that exist in any society are discussed in detail below.
3. Culture is a distinct entity: It has distinctiveness which makes it vary from place to place. It
varies widely around the globe. Different societies of the world have their distinct cultural
patterns which help in establishing different identities of different nations. Every society is
characterized by its distinct and unique culture.
4. Culture is transmittable: Cultural traits are transmitted from one generation to another.
This transmission is a continuous process. Every generation has freedom to modify cultural
heritage and transmit it to coming generations.
5. Culture is social, not individual heritage: Culture is not an individual product, but a social
product which is being shared by the members of the group.
6. Culture is adoptive
7. Culture is based on symbols. A symbol is something that stands for something else.
Symbols vary cross-culturally and are arbitrary. They only have meaning when people in culture
agree on their use. Language, money and art are all symbols. Language is the most important
symbolic component of culture.
8. Culture is integrated. This is known as holism, or the various parts of a culture being
interconnected. All aspects of a culture are related to one another and to truly understand a
culture, one must learn about all of its parts, not only a few.
9. Culture is dynamic. This simply means that cultures interact and change. Because most
cultures are in contact with other cultures, they exchange ideas and symbols. All cultures
change, otherwise, they would have problems adapting to changing environments. And because
cultures are integrated, if one component in the system changes, it is likely that the entire
system must adjust.

Distinctiveness of Indian culture

India is a huge country with a wide range of physical and social situations. People speak
different languages, follow different religions, and do various rituals. Food preferences and
clothing styles differ. The dance form and music also differ from one state to the next. All
Indians treasure the distinguishing characteristics and distinctiveness of Indian culture.

Indian Traditions
People’s mindset and behaviour patterns are referred to as culture. Beliefs, values, standards of
conduct, and patterns of social, political, and economic organization are all part of it. Culture
includes the clothes we wear, the food we consume, the language we speak, and the God we
worship. These are passed down from generation to generation through both formal and
informal means. A nation’s essence is its culture. We can experience the wealth of its past and
present through culture. It can be found in our religious rites, athletics, art, and literature.
The oldest culture on the planet is Indian culture. Despite many ups and downs, Indian culture
shines with all of its richness and splendour. The ancient cultures of Greece, Egypt, Rome, and
others were destroyed by time, and only their ruins remain. However, Indian culture is still alive
and well today. Its core concepts are the same as they were in antiquity. The teachings of Lord
Krishna, Mahavira, and Buddha are still relevant and inspiring today. The principles of karma,
spirituality, nonviolence, praying, reincarnation, truth, and so on continue to inspire the people
of India today.

Characteristics of Indian Culture

Indian culture encourages moral qualities as well as attitudes of charity, simplicity, and
frugality. The joint family arrangement is a prevalent institution in India. It occurs when
extended family members – parents, children, children’s spouses, and their offspring – live
together. The oldest male member of the family is usually the head of the joint family and
makes all major decisions.
 Marriage - Arranged Marriage System
The concept of arranged marriage in India traces its origin to as early as the Vedic times. For
royal families, a ceremony known as the 'Swayamvar' would be arranged for the bride. Suitable
matches from all over the kingdom were invited to either compete in some competition to win
over the bride, or the bride would herself choose her ideal husband. Even today, the concept of
arranged marriage remains a favourite among Indians and is an integral part of 'Indian
Traditions'. Even today, the vast majority of Indian weddings are orchestrated by their parents
and other respected family members. Weddings are the biggest family celebration, with
elaborate decoration, ceremonies, clothes, music, songs, food, and so on.

Festivals
India is a multi-cultural, multi-religious, and multi-ethnic civilization that celebrates religious
festivals. Independence Day, Republic Day, and Gandhi Jayanti are India’s three national
holidays. Throughout India, everyone celebrates with fervour and enthusiasm. Furthermore,
many Indian states and areas have their own traditions and festivals that they observe. Navratri,
Durga Puja, Diwali, Holi, Janmashtami, Rakshabandhan, Maha Shivratri, Ugadi, Ganesh
Chaturthi, Rath Yatra, Onam, Vasant Panchami, Dussehra, and other religious holidays are
famous.

Cuisines and Food

Indian cuisine is as diverse as India itself. Indian cuisines employ a diverse range of food
preparation approaches, cooking techniques, and culinary presentation. Indian cuisine is
generally complicated, from appetisers through main course meals, snacks, and sweets.

Traditions and Customs - Atithi Devo Bhavah

In India, the saying 'Atithi Devo Bhavah' is also integral. It means 'the guest is equivalent to
god'. It is a Sanskrit verse taken from the Hindu scriptures, which later became a part of the
'Code of conduct for society since the guest has always been of supreme importance in the
Culture of India.

Clothing
Traditional dress in India differs by region. Each state has its own unique attire that is inspired
by local culture, geography, and climate. Draped clothing like as saris for women and dhoti or
lungis for men are prominent dress styles.

Indian Dances
India is a land of 'unity in diversity', and our dances are no different. Different forms of
dance(classified as folk or classical) find origin from different parts of the country, and they are
a way of representation of the particular culture from which they originate. Eight classical
dances, which are classified as Indian classical dances and find a mention in the Hindu Sanskrit
text 'Natyashashtra', (a text of performing arts) are:
1. Bharatnatyam from Tamil Nadu
2. Kathakali from Kerela
3. Kathak from North, West and Central India
4. Mohiniyattam from Kerela
5. Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh
6. Oddisi from Odhisa
7. Manipuri from Manipur
8. Sattriya from Assam
All the dance mentioned above forms are a complete dance drama, wherein a dancer or
performer narrates an entire story, almost entirely and exclusively through gestures. Such
stories are mostly based on the vast Indian mythology. Classical dances in India are strictly
classified as and performed according to the rules and guidelines prescribed in the Natyashastra.
Just like Classical dances, folk dances in India too originate from different regions of the
country. These performances are mostly based on stories which are orally passed on from one
generation to the other.

Literature and languages

Languages and literature in India vary according to region and state. It has 22 official
languages, with 15 of them being Indo-European. Sanskrit is the oldest language used by
Indians, and numerous ancient literature and scriptures have been discovered written in the
Sanskrit language. Hindi is the most widely spoken language in India. Other popular languages
include Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, and others. Aside from that, people speak a
variety of local languages depending on where they live.
Indian culture can be described as an ancient culture, with a past that lives on even today.
Relics of the stone age, such as Harappa and Mohenjodaro, have been discovered, indicating
that cultural progress occurred in India at some point. Our forefathers learned a lot from their
forefathers, and as time passed, they added value to it with their own experiences. As time
passes, we continue to add new thoughts and ideas to those that already exist, and culture is
therefore conveyed and passed down from generation to generation.

Scriptures - Epics
Indian literature can be traced back in the great epics written in the form of poems, plays,
stories, and even self-help guides. The most famous Hindu epics are Ramayana and
Mahabharata. Mahabharata, by Ved Vyasa, is the longest poem written in Sanskrit. Both these
epics are written in order to highlight human values of sacrifice, loyalty, devotion and truth.
The moral of both stories signify the triumph of good over evil.

Conclusion
India is a place steeped in culture and history that teaches people kindness, charity, and
tolerance. Indian culture varies depending on location because it is a bilingual, multicultural,
and multi-ethnic civilization.

CIVILIZATION
A civilization is a complex human society, usually made up of different cities, with certain
characteristics of cultural and technological development. In many parts of the world, early
civilizations formed when people began coming together in urban settlements.

Civilization
Will Durant, the famous American historian has rightly observed : "when the chaos and
confusion ends the civilization begins"

Civilization is considered to have begun at the time of writing and the

advent of metals. It is usually said that history begins with writing, so does civilization It
can still be visualized from the particular 'cuneiform' script over the clay tablets traced out
from the Sumerian and Assyrian civilizations, which states that how these people were patrons
of letters and arts. With the discovery of fire, agriculture and potter's wheel the nomadic life of
human beings became stable. The communities formed villages, usually on the banks of rivers
and streams. The kinships, the marriage systems, family organisations, group life and necessity
of city státes (polis) in the ancient days gave place to social organisation.

Definitions: Truly speaking, clear cut distinction between culture and civilization is well-nigh
impossible. We cannot differentiate it like water-tight compartments. We call culture to the
abstract forms, whereas the material part is referred as civilisation. It means civilization
denotes utilitarian outlook of the various artifacts. Thus, the word civilisatioin is being
reserved for some selected part of culture.
According to A. A. Goldenweiser - "Civilisation is synonymous to culture".

Ogburn and Nimkoff conceived of civilisation as the "latter phase of the superorganic
culture."

For Gillin and Gillin "civilization is more complex and evolved form or culture

A civilization is a complex human society, usually made up of different cities, with certain
characteristics of cultural and technological development. In many parts of the world, early
civilizations formed when people began coming together in urban settlements. It refers to an
advanced stage of social, cultural, and technological development in human society. It
involves the establishment of complex social and political structures, the development of urban
centers, the advancement of technology, and the organization of economic systems.
Civilizations are characterized by the presence of written language, monumental architecture,
legal systems, and other markers of a sophisticated society. They represent significant
achievements in human history and mark the transition from primitive societies to more
organized and interconnected communities.

CULTURE & CIVILIZATION

Culture and civilization both go hand in hand and are always referred as the two sides of a single
coin, but it is also important to understand the difference between both. Culture refers to the
customs, beliefs, art, music, language, fundamental values, and all the other things which play
a significant role in the identification of any human being whereas civilization refers to the
behavior and intelligence a human possesses. Civilization is something that develops the
culture of a human or a society but without culture also, there is no balanced civilization.
Civilization is often referred to as the education and literacy of people because of which they
contribute positively to society. We can also understand the difference between both by
knowing that culture is the essence of civilization and civilization is the way of living in a
society in a healthy and positive manner.

Difference Between Culture and Civilization

Aspect Culture Civilization

Definition Refers to the shared beliefs, values, Denotes a more advanced stage of human
customs, and artistic expressions of a social development, characterized by
group of people. urbanization, complex social structures,
and technological progress.

Scope Focuses on the intangible aspects of a Encompasses both tangible (buildings,

society. infrastructure) and intangible (laws,
institutions) aspects of a society.

Measurable Precise standard of measurement is not Precise standard of measurement is quite

possible in cultural elements. For possible in case of these elements. For
example, one cannot measure various example we can easily admit that an
arts like drawing, painting etc. aeroplane is faster means of transportation
than car.
Progress In the case of culture elements one Civilization always makes headway. In all
cannot say that it is moving towards the utilitarian things we have maintained
advancement. Usually cultural the upward trend persistently e•g. all the
components move slowly and gradually means of transportation and
but it is not certain that this movement is communication are being continuously
towards progression or retrogression.For improved day by day
eg.We cannot claim that our latest
dramas are more superior to dramas
written by Kalidas, who is regarded as
the Shakespeare of India.

Nature Personal and emotional; pertains to a Impersonal and functional; relates to

group's identity and traditions. Is organized systems and governance. Is
organic and internal.(Culture is what we mechanical and external. (Civilization is
are.) what we have)

Transmission Passed down through generations via Can be documented through written
oral tradition, stories, rituals, and records, architecture, and artifacts.
education.

Time, Depth Can span centuries while maintaining Often changes rapidly due to external
and core elements of culture. Besides.the influences and technological shifts.The
improvement improvement in the things of culture is improvement is possible by any person.
not possible by any person. For example For example a mechanic by virtue of his
nobody can claim the improvement in knowledge can invent a tool which may
Tagore’s famous work “Gitanjali” or in lessen the fuel consumption.
Indian epics Ramayana and
Mahabharata.

Examples Language dialects, religious practices, Utilitarian things, means of transportation

any art form and communication etc.

Change Slow and gradual changes occur over Can experience rapid shifts due to external
generations. influences.

Borrowed Borrowing not possible in cultural Borrowing is possible without any loss as
elements. Since it has an intrinsic it is related with technological and
quality , it can be borrowed when one mechanical development. Car was
gets diffused with it from the core of his invented in Germany but has now been
heart. borrowed in every nook and corner of the
world.
Survivability Not solely depends on material Often requires material progress for
advancements as has intrinsic quality sustainable growth.

Artistic Embodies creativity, aesthetics, and Showcases architecture, urban design, and
Expression symbolism. infrastructure.

Cultural Involves sharing ideas and practices Involves trade, diplomacy, and sharing of
Exchange among different groups. technological advancements.

Local Exhibits significant diversity across Tends to homogenize practices and

Variation different communities.Every society systems on a larger scale.
 possesses a distinctive culture.

Remember that while culture and civilization are distinct concepts, they often intersect and
influence each other in complex ways. The above table outlines key difference between culture
and civilization, shedding light on their unique c haracteristics and roles in shaping societies.

Vedic Civilization
The Vedic Civilization was the culture and traditions of the society prevalent during
the Vedic age ( 1500- 600 BCE). In various examinations which have a section of
general studies, often ask a question or two about the Vedic civilization

It should be noted here that after the decline of Indus Valley civilization by 1500
BCE, the next wave of civilization began to take shape in form of Aryan occupation
of Indo-Gangetic plain.

The Aryans:

 Typically, the age of Aryans is known as the Vedic age because the four major
Vedas were created in this time.
 The word Aryan is derived from the Sanskrit word “arya” which means noble,
not ordinary.
 It is generally agreed that they spoke Indo-Aryan Language, Sanskrit.
 They were semi-nomadic, pastoral people, who led a rural life as compared to
the urban Harappans.

Vedic Literature:

 The term Veda means “superior knowledge” in Sanskrit.

 Four major Vedas constitute the vedic literature. They are – Rig Veda, Yajur
Veda, Sam Veda, and Atharva Veda.
1. Rig Veda – Earliest veda. Has 1028 hymns in praise Gods.
2. Yajur Veda – Has details of rules to be followed during sacrifices.
3. Sam Veda – Has a collection of songs. The origins of Indian music are
traced to it.
4. Atharva Veda – has a collection of spells and charms.
 Besides these Vedas, there were Brahmanas, Upnishads, Aryankas, and epics-
Ramayana and Mahabharata.
 Brahmanas – Prose about vedic hymns, rituals and philosophies.
 Aryankas – Deal with mysticism, rites and rituals.
 Upnishads – Philosophical texts dealing with soul, mysteries of nature.
 Ramayana was authored by Valmiki.
 Mahabharata was written by Ved Vyasa.

Classification of Vedic Period:

The period of Vedic Civilization(1500-500 BCE) is divided into two broad parts –
 1. Early Vedic Period (1500-1000 BC), also known as Rig Vedic Period.
2. Later Vedic Period (1000- 600 BC).

Political Organisation in Vedic Age:

In Early Vedic Age:

 ‘Kula‘ was the basic unit of political organization.

 Multiple families together of kinship formed a ‘grama‘.
 Leader of ‘grama’ was ‘Gramani‘.
 Group of villages were called ‘visu’, headed by ‘vishayapati‘.
 The highest political and administrative unit was ‘jana‘ or tribe.
 The head of kingdom was ‘Rajan‘ or king.
 The Rig Vedic polity was hereditary monarchy normally.
 There were two bodies- Sabha(council of elders) and Samiti(general assembly
of people).

In Later Vedic Age:

 Larger kingdoms by amalgamation formed ‘Mahajanapadas or rashtras‘.

 Therefore, the power of king increased and he performed various rituals and
sacrifices to make his position strong like Rajasuya (consecration
ceremony), Asvamedha (horse sacrifice) and Vajpeya (chariot race).
 The kings assumed titles of Rajavisvajanan, Ahilabhuvanapathi(lord of all
earth), Ekrat and Samrat (sole ruler).
 But, importance of the Samiti and the Sabha diminished.

Society in Vedic Civilization:

In Early Vedic Age:

 The Rig Vedic society was basically patriarchal.

 The basic unit of society was ‘graham’ or family, its head was called as
‘grahapathi’.
 Monogamy was practiced while polygamy among royal and noble families
was observed.
 Women had equal opportunities as men for their spiritual and intellectual
development. Women could attend the popular assemblies.
 No child marriage, sati practice.
 Social divisions were not rigid.

In Later Vedic Age:

 The Varna system became prevalent- four divisions of society :Brahmins,
Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras.
 A Brahmin and Kshatriyas occupied a higher position than others.
 Various sub-castes on the basis of occupation emerged.
 Women were considered inferior and subordinate to men now and also lost
their political rights of attending assemblies.
 Child marriages became common.

Economic Conditions in Vedic Civilization:

In Early Vedic Age:

 The Rig Vedic Aryans were pastoral, cattle rearing people.

 After they permanently settled in North India they began agriculture.
 Carpenters produced chariots and ploughs.
 A variety of articles with copper, bronze and iron were made by workers.
 Spinning was an important occupation – cotton and woolen fabrics.
 Goldsmiths made ornaments.
 The potters made different kinds of vessels for domestic use.
 Trade was conducted by barter system in begining but later shifted to use of
gold coins called ‘nishka‘ for large transactions.
 Rivers acted as means of transport.

In Later Vedic Age:

 More land was put under cultivation by clearing forests. Knowledge of manure
saw development.
 Hence, Agriculture became the chief occupation of people growing barley,
rice and wheat.
 Industrial activity became specialized with metal work, leather work,
carpentry and pottery advancement.
 Internal trade as well as foreign trade also became extensive (they traded with
Babylon through sea).
 Hereditary merchants (vaniya) came into existence as a different class.
 Vaisyas indulged in trade and commerce organized themselves into guilds
known as ‘ganas‘.
 Coins: Beesides ‘nishka’, ‘satamana’– gold coins and ‘krishnala‘ – silver
coins were also used as a media of exchange.

Religion in Vedic Period:

In Early Vedic Age:

 Rig Vedic Aryans worshiped natural forces like earth, fire, wind, rain and
thunder by personifying them into many gods.
 Some important Rig Vedic gods –
Prithvi (Earth), Agni (Fire), Vayu (Wind), Varuna (Rain)
and Indra (Thunder). And ‘Indra’ was most popular. Next came ‘Agni’ – an
intermediary between the gods and the people.
 ‘Varuna’ – the upholder of natural order.
 Female Gods – ‘Aditi’ and ‘Ushas’.
 No temples and no idol worship.
 Prayers were offered to gods for rewards.
In Later Vedic Age:

 Indra and Agni lost their importance.

 Prajapathi (the creator), Vishnu (the protector) and Rudra (the destroyer)
became.
 Sacrifices and the rituals became more elaborate.
 But the importance of prayers declined.
 Priesthood became a hereditary profession. They dictated the rules for these
rituals and sacrifices.
 Therefore, by the end of this period there was a strong reaction against this
priestly domination (also against elaborate sacrifices and rituals). This led to
the rise of Buddhism and Jainism.

( PDF REGARDING VEDIC CIVILIZATION IS GIVEN IN SUBJECT

GROUP OF IKS IN DETAIL REFER THAT)

Course Incharge IKS

Mrs R. Kashikar