UNIT-1
India - An introduction as cultural state
Geeta(30776)
Assistant Professor
Learning Outcome
Understand the major cultural divisions of India (Northern,
Western, Central, Eastern, North-eastern, and Southern
regions).
Comprehend the concept of unity in diversity within India's
cultural framework.
Analyze the impact of Mughal cultural influences on Indian
arts, crafts, and design.
Examine the British colonial influence on Indian textiles and
crafts.
Relate regional and external cultural influences to the
evolution of Indian fashion and textile traditions.
What is culture
Culture refers to the shared beliefs, practices, values,
customs, traditions, languages, arts, knowledge, and
behaviors that define a group of people or society. It is
the collective way of life that shapes how individuals
Key Components of Culture:
Material Culture:
Tangible aspects like clothing, architecture, tools, and
artifacts.
Non-Material Culture:
Intangible elements such as language, beliefs, values,
norms, and traditions.
Arts and Aesthetics:
Expressions of creativity through music, dance,
literature, and visual arts.
Social Institutions:
Structures like family, religion, education, and
governance that shape societal behavior.
Material Culture:
Non-Material Culture:
This type of culture consists of abstract concepts of
values, beliefs, and behaviors.
Values: culturally defined standards that guide the way
people assess goodness and beauty and serve as guidelines
for moral living.
Beliefs: specific statements that people hold to be true.
Behaviors: actions that people take.
Language
Religion
Ethnicity
Symbols
Gestures
Personal space
Touching
Eye contact
Arts and Aesthetics:
Social Institutions:
Major Cultural Divisions of
India
Northern India
Western India
Central India
Eastern India
North-Eastern India
Southern India
Northern
India
Northern India
North Indian States include-
Jammu and Kashmir
Himachal Pradesh
Punjab
Haryana
Uttarakhand
Uttar Pradesh
Key Features of Northern India-
1.Architecture
2.Textile
3.Art
1. Architecture
Northern India is home to some of the
world’s most iconic architectural
masterpieces, rooted in Indo-Islamic
and Mughal styles.
Taj Mahal: Located in Agra, this white
marble mausoleum, built by Emperor
Shah Jahan, is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and symbolizes eternal
love.
Red Fort: A historic fort in Delhi made
of red sandstone, serving as the seat
of Mughal power for centuries.
Jama Masjid: One of India’s largest
mosques, known for its grandeur and
intricate detailing.
Other highlights include Humayun’s
Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, and the Golden
Temple in Amritsar, showcasing Sikh
architectural brilliance.
Golden
Temple
Jama Masjid
Textiles :
1.Banarasi Silk:
Renowned for its
opulence, Banarasi silk
sarees are woven with
intricate motifs, often
inspired by Mughal art.
Zari work with gold or
silver threads adds a
luxurious touch, making
it a favorite for weddings
and special occasions.
Banarasi
Silk:
2. Pashmina Wool:
This soft and luxurious
wool comes from the
undercoat of the
Changthangi goat found
in Ladakh.
Skilled artisans weave it
into shawls and stoles,
often embellished with
hand-embroidered floral
or paisley patterns.
3. Kashmiri
Embroidery:
Known as Kashida, this
embroidery style reflects
nature’s beauty, using
motifs like chinar leaves,
flowers, and vines.
It is commonly seen on
shawls, kurtas, and
home décor items like
cushion covers.
4. Phulkari Embroidery:
Originating from Punjab,
Phulkari means "flower work"
and is characterized by
vibrant, hand-embroidered
floral patterns.
Typically done on dupattas,
shawls, and headscarves,
Phulkari embroidery uses
bright-colored threads on
coarse cotton or khaddar
fabric.
Once an integral part of
Punjabi weddings and festivals,
it continues to symbolize
tradition and heritage.
Arts
Miniature Paintings:
These intricate artworks are categorized
into distinct schools:
1.Mughal Style
2.Pahari Style
3.Rajput Style
Mughal Style:
Mughal Style: Features realistic
depictions of court life, battles, and
portraits.
Rajput Style:
Rajput
Style:
Reflects
themes of
mythology,
romance, and
valor, often
using bold
colors and
intricate
patterns.
Pahari
Style:
Pahari Style:
Originating
from the
Himalayan
region, it
focuses on
pastoral
scenes,
deities, and
poetic
themes.
Music:
Northern India is the birthplace of Hindustani
Classical Music, one of the two major
classical music traditions in India.
Instruments:
Sitar: A plucked string instrument producing
resonant and melodic tunes.
Tabla: A pair of drums used for rhythm and
beat accompaniment.
Harmonium: A keyboard instrument often
accompanying vocal performances.
Music:
Sitar:
Harmonium:
Tabla:
Wester
n India
Western India
Rajasthan
Gujarat
Goa
Maharashtra
Rajasthan
• Rajasthan is a
treasure trove of
forts, palaces,
and desert
culture.
• Rich in
traditional art
forms like
Language and Literature: Rajasthani is the
mainpuppetry,
languagefolk
spoken in the state. Rajasthan has
music,
a rich and
oral tradition of folklore and ballads.
dance, such as
Ghoomar.
Rajasthan
• Festivals: Rajasthan celebrates
various festivals with great
pomp and show, such as Diwali,
Holi, and Teej. The desert state
is also known for its unique
celebrations like the Pushkar
Camel Fair.
•Art and Architecture:
Rajasthan is renowned for its
majestic forts, palaces, and
havelis. The architecture,
including intricate carvings and
vibrant frescoes, reflects the
grandeur of Rajput rulers.
•Crafts: The state is famous
for its traditional handicrafts
like block printing, tie and
dye (Bandhani), blue
pottery, and Rajasthani
miniature paintings.
Gujarat
• The state is famous
for its festivals,
including Navratri
and the
International Kite
Festival. and Literature: Gujarati is the
•Language
primary language spoken in Gujarat. Gujarati
literature can be traced back to the 12th century,
with its development closely tied to religious
movements like Bhakti (devotion), particularly in
the works of saints and poets.
• Influenced by the Bhakti movement, poets like
Narsinh Mehta, Mirabai, and Akho focused on
devotion to Lord Krishna and the expression of
Gujarat
• Festivals: Navratri, a nine-night festival
dedicated to Goddess Durga, is celebrated
with vibrant folk dances like Garba and
Dandiya. The state is also known for its
colorful and elaborate celebration of
festivals like Diwali and Uttarayan (Kite
Festival).
• Crafts: Gujarat is famous for its traditional
handicrafts, including Bandhani (tie and
dye), Patola silk sarees, and intricate
embroidery .
Maharashtra
• Home to the vibrant
city of Mumbai,
Maharashtra has a
rich tradition of
Marathi literature,
theater, and cinema.
The state is famous
for its diverse dance
forms, including
Lavani and Tamasha.
Maharashtra
• Language and Literature: Marathi is the
predominant language in Maharashtra. The state
has a rich literary tradition, with notable figures
like Jnaneshwar, Tukaram, and others
contributing to Marathi literature.
• Dance and Music: Lavani and Tamasha are
traditional dance forms that originated in
Maharashtra. Classical music forms like
Bhavageet and Natya Sangeet have also
flourished in the state.
Maharashtra
Festivals: Maharashtra
is famous for its grand
celebrations of festivals
like Ganesh Chaturthi,
Diwali, and Gudi Padwa.
Ganesh Chaturthi, in
particular, is celebrated
with great enthusiasm
and elaborate
processions.
Central India
Madhya
Pradesh
Chhattisgarh
Madhya Pradesh:
• Heritage and Tradition: Madhya Pradesh is
known for its historical and cultural heritage. The
state is home to numerous ancient temples, forts,
and palaces, such as the Khajuraho Group of
Monuments, Sanchi Stupa, and Gwalior Fort.
• The cities of Gwalior and Indore are particularly
known for their historical significance. Khajuraho
temples of Madhya Pradesh the “Heart of India”
are famous all over the world, while there are
many wildlife sanctuaries or national parks in the
area.
• Sanchi is a Buddhist stupa in Madhya Pradesh
and a major tourist place for Buddhists.
Khajuraho temple Sanchi Stupa
•According to the Economic Survey of Madhya
Pradesh 2020- 2021, there are 12 National
Park, 24 Wildlife sanctuaries, 7 Tiger reserve, 2
Kharmour Sanctuary, 2 Son Bird Sanctuary, 3
Alligator sanctuary, and 2 national Fossil Parks,
and three Biosphere Reserves present in
the Madhya Pradesh.
Madhya Pradesh:
• Art and Craft:
Gond art, a
traditional tribal
art form, is
popular in
Madhya Chande
ri
Pradesh. The
state is also
known for its
textile and
handicrafts,
including
Maheshwari
Chanderi and sarees
Bagh print Dhokra metal crafts.
Chhattisgarh
While Chhattisgarh has “Thirty-Six Forts” which are also a
major tourist attraction.
The place has many royal forts, overwhelming topography,
exciting wildlife, and ancient caves and temples. Rice is their
staple food and Chhattisgarh is also called “the rice bowl of
India”.
• Heritage and Tradition: Chhattisgarh is known for its
tribal culture and traditions. Bastar, in particular, is famous
for its tribal festivals and unique customs. The state has
ancient temples, such as the Bhoramdeo Temple, and the
traditional tribal dance forms like Panthi and Raut Nach.
• Art and Craft: The tribal communities of Chhattisgarh
produce traditional crafts like Dhokra metal casting, Kosa
silk weaving, and woodcraft. The state is also known for its
traditional folk paintings.
Eastern India
Prominent states in Eastern
India include West Bengal,
Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar,
and the northeastern
states.
The eastern states are
located along the east
coast of India near the Bay
of Bengal, East India
includes 7 contiguous
states Arunachal
Pradesh, Assam,
Meghalaya, Manipur,
Mizoram,
Nagaland, and Tripura,
Hence also known as
the Seven Sister
States of India, with one
brother called Sikkim.
West Bengal:
Culture: West Bengal is known for its
vibrant and intellectual cultural heritage.
The state has made significant
contributions to literature, music, dance,
and art.
Traditions: Durga Puja is the most
celebrated festival, marked by elaborate
decorations, traditional dance forms like
Durga Puja and folk art performances.
Art and Craft: Bengal is renowned for its
handloom industry, particularly the
production of Bengal cotton and silk
sarees. The state is also famous for its
Odisha
Culture: Odisha has a rich cultural heritage, with
a strong emphasis on classical dance forms like
Odissi. The state is also known for its classical
music and traditional folk dances.
Traditions: Rath Yatra, the chariot festival
dedicated to Lord Jagannath, is one of the most
significant events. Odisha also has a vibrant
handloom and handicrafts tradition.
Art and Craft: Pattachitra (traditional scroll
painting), stone and wood carvings, silver filigree
work, and appliqué work are some of the notable
art and craft forms.
Jharkhand
Culture: Jharkhand is home to various tribal
communities, each with its unique cultural
identity. Traditional folk music and dance play a
crucial role in their cultural expressions.
Traditions: The tribal festivals, like Sarhul and
Karma, are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
These festivals are marked by traditional dance
forms, rituals, and community gatherings.
Art and Craft: Jharkhand is known for its tribal
art and craft, including Dokra metal craft, Sohrai
and Khovar paintings, and bamboo crafts.
Bihar
Culture: Bihar has a rich historical and
cultural background, with influences from
ancient civilizations. Bihari folk music, dance,
and theater are integral to the cultural scene.
Traditions: Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated
to the Sun God, is widely celebrated. Bihari
cuisine, with dishes like Litti Chokha, is an
essential part of the cultural identity.
Art and Craft: Madhubani painting, a
traditional form of folk art, originated in Bihar.
The state is also known for its pottery, Sikki
grass crafts, and handloom textiles.
Northeastern States:
Culture: The northeastern states, including Assam,
Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland,
Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Sikkim, are
characterized by diverse tribal cultures. Each state has
its unique traditions, languages, and festivals.
Traditions: Bihu in Assam, Hornbill Festival in
Nagaland, and Sangai Festival in Manipur are examples
of vibrant cultural celebrations. Traditional dance
forms, such as Bihu dance and Manipuri dance, are
integral to their cultural expressions.
Art and Craft: Each state in the Northeast has its own
traditional crafts, including handwoven textiles,
bamboo and cane products, traditional jewelry, and
intricate handloom work.
The cultural diversity of Eastern India is a testament to the
rich tapestry of traditions, arts, and crafts that have
evolved over centuries, reflecting the region's history,
spirituality, and social dynamics.
Southern
India
Southern India
Indian southern states include Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, and
Tamil Nadu and are known for their rich
cultural heritage.
The Dances, colorful fairs and festivals,
cuisines, Ayurveda, and natural beauty
bring richness to South Indian culture.
The main languages spoken are Tamil,
Kannada, Malayalam, and Telugu. English is
also popularly spoken here and these
states bear the highest literacy rate in the
country.
Tamil Nadu
Heritage and Tradition: Tamil Nadu has a rich
cultural history that dates back to ancient times. The
state is famous for its classical dance forms, such as
Bharatanatyam, and classical music, including the
Carnatic tradition. Temples like the Meenakshi Temple
in Madurai and the Brihadeshwara Temple in
Thanjavur showcase the grand architectural heritage.
Art and Craft: Tanjore painting, a traditional style of
South Indian painting, is renowned for its vivid colors
and rich embellishments. The state is also known for
its handloom industry, producing traditional silk and
cotton sarees like Kanchipuram sarees.
Karnataka
Heritage and Tradition: Karnataka has a rich
cultural heritage with influences from ancient empires
like the Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara.
Classical dance forms like Yakshagana and traditional
music are integral to Karnataka's cultural landscape.
The Mysuru Dasara festival is a grand celebration with
a royal touch, showcasing the state's cultural richness.
Art and Craft: Mysore silk, Bidriware (metal
handicraft from Bidar), and Ilkal sarees are some of
Karnataka's traditional crafts. The state is also known
for its intricate wood carvings and sandalwood
products.
Kerala
Heritage and Tradition: Kerala is known for its
classical dance form, Kathakali, and traditional art
forms like Theyyam and Mohiniyattam. The state's
festivals, such as Onam and Vishu, are celebrated
with great fervor. Kerala's backwaters, temples, and
churches contribute to its rich cultural heritage.
Art and Craft: The state is famous for its
handloom industry, producing Kasavu sarees.
Kathakali masks, coir products, and traditional
wooden handicrafts are also significant to Kerala's
artistic heritage.
Andhra Pradesh:
Heritage and Tradition: Andhra Pradesh has a
vibrant cultural scene with Kuchipudi, a classical
dance form, being one of its cultural jewels. The
state is also known for its traditional Carnatic
music. Tirupati Balaji Temple and the historic city
of Amaravati are important cultural landmarks.
Art and Craft: Kalamkari, a traditional hand-
painted or block-printed cotton textile, is a
notable craft of Andhra Pradesh. The state is also
known for its intricate metal crafts, such as
Bidriware.
Telangana
Heritage and Tradition: Telangana has a rich cultural
heritage with influences from the Kakatiya and Qutb Shahi
dynasties. The state is known for its unique folk arts, including
Perini Shivatandavam dance. The Bathukamma festival and
Bonalu festival are celebrated with much enthusiasm.
Art and Craft: Bidriware, Pembarthi metal craft, and Nirmal
paintings are traditional crafts of Telangana. The state also has
a vibrant handloom industry producing sarees like Pochampally
Ikat.
Overall, the southern states of India boast a kaleidoscope of
cultural diversity, showcasing a blend of ancient traditions,
classical arts, and exquisite crafts that continue to thrive in the
modern era.
Thank You!
