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Important Topics on Indian Heritage and Culture for Civil Services

‘Indian Heritage and Culture’ is an important part of UPSC Syllabus and it spans across the entire length and breadth of Indian History. Candidates need to study aesthetics, customs, social and economic aspects of art. This article gives the list of 14 most important topics that need to be covered under Indian Heritage and Culture.

Aspirants would find this article very helpful while preparing for the IAS Exam .

Indian Heritage and Culture –  14 Important Topics

Below are some important topics within ‘Indian Heritage and Culture’ that must be covered by Civil Services aspirants.

• The Harappan Civilization
• Mauryan Period
• Post- Mauryan Phase: The period of Shungas, Kanvas and Satavahanas
• Kushana Empire
• Gupta Empire
• Temple Architecture Styles
• Literature and Philosophy
• Medieval Period
• 15-16th Century Regional Kingdoms
• Mughal Empire
• The decline of Mughals and Rise of Provincial Kingdoms
• Modern Period
• Dance, Music, Paintings, Literature, Food, Fairs and Festivals

Different Types of Art

It is important to note that just like how there are important markers in Indian History, there are important markers in ‘Indian Heritage and Culture’ as well. For example,

• Harappan art is often called ‘ Utilitarian Art ’. This was because, the art of this period largely had functional utility. Decorations were bare and not on an extravagant level.
• The art that flourished during the Mauryan Period , was largely ‘ Court Art ’. It is called so because the art of this phase enjoyed royal patronage. For example, Emperor Ashoka popularized art in this period.
• The art that flourished during the Post-Mauryan Period was largely ‘ Popular Art ’. This is so because, even common people started participating in several activities involving art. We find a large number of donors, who donated their personal wealth to certain Buddhist and Jain monasteries.
• Then we find that during the Gupta Period , art becomes largely ‘ Religious Art ’. After the Gupta Period, we find that new forms of art developed during the Sultanate Period. During this period we find that several mosques, tombs and Mausoleums were constructed. After the Sultanate period, we find a period of interaction and mutual enrichment. The local art of India gets enriched due to its interaction with foreign art.
• Later, with the coming of the Mughals, we find the Golden period of Indian architecture. Then, we find Colonial art and architecture, which was yet another phase of interaction and enrichment. Indian artists learnt new things from foreign influences. Finally, the art of post-independent India largely speaks of a self-sufficient country.

The nature and scope of this subject is very vast. Thus candidates find it difficult to prepare this subject. At BYJU’s we have addressed this key concern with comprehensive coverage of the entire syllabus under ‘Indian Heritage and Culture’, that proceeds in a clear, chronological manner, appreciating developments in art, architecture, culture, etc. in each phase.

Civil Service Exam aspirants can refer to the list of UPSC Books given in the link, to augment their preparation.

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Indian Culture & Heritage UPSC Notes Free Download

Indian culture & heritage.

The study of Indian culture and heritage is an important part of the  UPSC Civil Services Exam , as it tests candidates’ knowledge of the diverse and rich cultural traditions of India.

Some of the key topics that candidates should be familiar with when studying Indian heritage and culture for the UPSC Civil Services Exam include:

• Ancient Indian culture:  Candidates should be familiar with the major cultural achievements of  ancient India , such as the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the epics of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
• The Indus Valley Civilization:  Candidates should be familiar with the  Indus Valley Civilization  and its achievements in areas such as urban planning, trade, and art.
• Classical Indian culture:  Candidates should be familiar with the major cultural achievements of classical India, such as the  Gupta Empire , the spread of  Buddhism and Jainism , and the development of classical Sanskrit literature.
• Indian folk and tribal cultures : Candidates should be familiar with the diverse folk and tribal cultures of India, including their traditions, customs, and art forms.
• Modern Indian culture:  Candidates should be familiar with the major cultural trends of modern India, such as the influence of colonialism, the emergence of Indian nationalism, and the impact of globalization on Indian culture.

The study of Indian heritage and culture is important for several reasons, especially for candidates preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam.

Here are a few reasons why studying Indian culture and heritage is important:

• Understanding the present:  India’s cultural heritage has shaped the country’s present-day culture and society in many ways. By studying Indian heritage and culture, you can gain a better understanding of the cultural traditions and values that continue to influence India today.
• Improving analytical skills:  The study of Indian heritage and culture requires students to analyze and interpret a wide range of primary and secondary sources, such as historical texts, artifacts, and media reports. This can help you develop critical thinking and analytical skills that are useful in a variety of fields.
• Civil Services Exam:  The UPSC Civil Services Exam is a competitive exam in India that is conducted to select candidates for various government positions, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). Indian heritage and culture is one of the subjects that is covered in the exam, and a thorough understanding of this subject can help you score well on the exam.
• Appreciating diversity : India is a diverse and multicultural country, and its cultural heritage reflects this diversity. By studying Indian heritage and culture, you can gain a deeper appreciation of the diversity of India’s culture and the ways in which it has influenced the country’s present-day culture and society.
• Developing cultural awareness:  The study of Indian heritage and culture can help you develop cultural awareness and understanding, which are valuable skills in today’s interconnected and globalized world. This can be useful in a variety of professional and personal situations, such as working with people from different cultural backgrounds or traveling to other countries.

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Indian Heritage and Culture

In this section, we are going to discuss Architecture, sculptural Art, paintings, performing Art, Language and Literature and Indian Heritage.

Architecture : Architecture is the Art and science of building construction. Architecture is the shaping of reality according to the laws of beauty in the building of houses and structures designed to cater to man’s needs for housing and public premises.

Sculptural Art:  Indian sculpture is the result of Indian Culture. The sculptural tradition came from the folk level in villages. The first instrument was the potters’ wheel, which turned the clay and created different shapes of pots and dishes. Initially, images were created in clay on a small scale, and slowly, it progressed into terracotta art.

It includes the development of Early Civilisation, Caves, Stupa, the Gupta Period, the Evolution of Dravida architecture, Vesara and other Regional styles of Deccan Indian, Fort Architecture, Indo Islamic Art, and Colonial And post-independence Architecture.

Here, we will learn in detail about Pottery, Terracotta, Bronze sculpture, Buddhist sculpture, cave sculptures, temple sculptures and coins.

Paintings:  Painting as an art in India has a long heritage and history. Initially, it can be seen in rock art. It was used as a means of communicating religious principles and to narrate stories or incidents in the historical. In medieval times, painting had a significant position as an independent art.

There are different types of paintings that we can study in detail. The paintings include cave paintings, mural traditions, miniature, modern and folk paintings.

Performing art  often aims to express one’s feelings and emotions in which artists use their voices, bodies, or objects to convey artistic expression. It has been well placed in the civilization and traditions of Ind=ian society.

Performing Art can be classified as dance, music, martial arts, puppetry, theatre and cinema.

Language and Literature:  language is commonly considered as a means of communication. But it is also a reflection of the society it has evolved in. The languages in India are classified into different types, such as Indian languages, official languages, and six classical languages of India.

Literature showcases the panorama of the history of mankind: the social institutions, scientific achievements, religious beliefs, and philosophical ideas. The objectives are to present the journey of thoughts from the earliest times to the present.

Here, we will learn about literature, which is classified as literature in ancient, medieval, and modern times.

Indian Heritage:  Indian heritage carries the meaning of culture too. Whatever we inherit from our past can be called heritage. This includes craft traditions, music, dance, painting, architecture and other art forms, traditions of production and technology, etc.

We will study religious traditions in detail, the schools of philosophy, festivals and fairs, UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites in India, Intangible Cultural Heritage, handicrafts, and awards.

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Cultural Tourism in India

Last updated on August 1, 2024 by ClearIAS Team

What is Cultural tourism? Why Cultural tourism is significant in India? What is being done to promote cultural tourism in India? Read further to know more

India has a wide variety of attractions that showcase its extensive cultural heritage. India attracts tourists from all over the world because of its abundance of spectacular heritage monuments.

As a result of cultural tourism in India, people have visited historic temples, regal palaces, scenic beaches, and attractive hills.

Table of Contents

Present scenario of the tourism sector in India

With 1.52 million foreign visitors anticipated in 2021, India is one of the top tourism destinations in the globe. India’s foreign exchange revenues increased by roughly $8.8 billion as a result of this. There were also about 680 million domestic travellers.

India is a much-liked tourist destination thanks in large part to its distinct culture, history, and position as one of the world’s oldest civilizations, as well as its plethora of breathtaking natural attractions. As a result, there are 40 UNESCO world heritage sites (32 cultural, 7 natural & 1 mixed). With towns, forts, tombs, tunnels, rock shelters, and churches, India has a lot to offer tourists.

What is Cultural tourism?

Cultural tourism is a kind of tourism that enables visitors to take part in local cultural celebrations like festivals and traditions. The traveller can thus have genuine cultural contact with the people.

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Furthermore, because cultural tourism is a significant development engine, it enables local societies to embrace their culture. Communities, therefore, make a point of praising and supporting their culture since it sets them apart from other communities.

As nations recognise the value of cultural tourism and how it can boost local economies, they are focusing on developing cities and villages that will captivate tourists from across the world to experience and observe the culture in a way that has never been possible before.

Why Cultural tourism is significant in India?

• Tourists travel to India to experience it for themselves because of the country’s well-known rich cultural legacy and mysticism.
• Some of the most important civilizations and faiths in the world have their roots in India and were nurtured there. India is a popular travel destination because of its numerous World Heritage Sites and unparalleled cultural vibrancy.
• Since time immemorial, India has been regarded as the land of ancient history, legacy, and culture, which is the main reason for its current stratospheric ascent in the tourism sector.
• Over the years, India has had numerous kings, and each of them had an impact on Indian culture. Different cultures have left their mark on dance, music, celebrations, architecture, traditional customs, food, and languages.
• The richness and diversity of India’s heritage and culture can be attributed to the influence of all these different cultures. This cultural wealth helps to project India as the top destination for cultural tourism, boosting that industry in India.
• To promote cultural tourism in India, the Indian government established the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. The ministry recently launched the “Incredible India!” campaign, which has contributed to the expansion of India’s cultural tourism industry.

Various sites of cultural tourism centres in India

India’s diversity is a result of the country’s mixture of religious and cultural traditions. The nation is home to a large number of world historic monuments that have an enticing influence and have long drawn visitors from around the world. We would be delighted to familiarise ourselves with the many customs and civilizations that make up India’s cultural heritage.

The Pushkar fair (Rajasthan), Taj Mahotsav (Uttar Pradesh), and Suraj Kund mela are just a few of the fairs and festivals that travellers can attend in India (Haryana). sites include the Taj Mahal (Uttar Pradesh), the Hawa Mahal (Uttar Pradesh), Hampi (Karnataka), the Ajanta & Ellora caves (Maharashtra), and Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu) (Rajasthan).

Rajasthan is the most popular state in India for cultural tourism among the several states. Rajasthan is known for having a rich cultural legacy, which is the reason behind this. The state is well known for its numerous exquisite palaces and forts that highlight Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage. Rajasthan’s rich cultural legacy is also reflected in the numerous folk songs and music. Rajasthan has many festivals and fairs, including the camel festival, the Marwar festival, and the Pushkar festival. All of these draw a lot of people to Rajasthan since they allow them to experience the state’s vibrant culture.

Tamil Nadu is renowned for cultural tourism in India as well because it exhibits Dravidian customs and culture. Its numerous temples reflect India’s rich cultural heritage. Numerous tourist attractions in Uttar Pradesh attest to the nation’s rich cultural heritage. The Taj Mahal in Agra is the most well-known structure. Many tourists also go to Uttar Pradesh cities like Varanasi, Allahabad, Vrindavan, and Ayodhya because they capture exquisite scenes from India.

In India, Uttaranchal is renowned for its cultural tourism industry. The Himalayas, known as the “abode of the Gods,” are located in this state. The Kumaon and Garhwal regions of the state are home to numerous historic temples.

Government initiatives to boost India’s cultural tourism

Some of the government initiatives to boost cultural tourism in India are:

PRASHAD Scheme

• The Ministry of Tourism introduced the “National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD)” in 2014–15 with the goal of holistically developing recognised pilgrimage places.
• In October 2017, the program’s name, which had previously been PRASAD, was changed to “National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)”.
• The respective State/Union Territory Government shall implement the initiatives listed under this scheme through the designated agencies.
• Under its provisions, the Ministry of Tourism offers State Governments Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for boosting tourism at predetermined locations.
• The Central Government will contribute 100% of the funds needed for components covered by public funding under this programme.
• It also tries to incorporate corporate social responsibility (CSR) and public-private partnerships (PPP) for the project’s increased sustainability.

HRIDAY scheme

• The National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana, an HRIDAY programme, was introduced on January 21, 2015, by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
• The goal of this programme is to protect and promote the nation’s rich cultural heritage. The HRIDAY programme seeks to preserve cultural assets while also promoting urban planning and historic cities’ economic development.
• The National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana places a strong emphasis on the heritage cities’ accessibility, security, safety, way of life, cleanliness, and quick service delivery.
• Buddhist Tourism Circuit
• The Buddhist circuit is a route that follows in the footsteps of the Buddha from Lumbini in Nepal where he was born, through Bihar in India where he attained enlightenment, to Sarnath and Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh in India, where he gave his first teachings and his final resting place.
• Kushinagar is the centre of the Buddhist circuit, which consists of pilgrimage sites at Lumbini, Sarnath, and Gaya.

Palace on Wheels

• A luxurious tourist train is called The Palace on Wheels. To promote tourism in Rajasthan, it was started by the Indian Railways in collaboration with the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation. The name has since changed to Heritage Palace on Wheels.
• In August 2009, the train service underwent renovations and was reopened with new furnishings, itineraries, and menus.
• The idea for the Palace on Wheels came from the historical royal significance of the coaches, which were designed to serve as the private trains for the former kings of Rajputana, Baroda, the Nizam of Hyderabad, and primarily the Viceroy of British India.
• Each saloon showcases the state’s cultural character through the use of furnishings, handicrafts, paintings, and other decorations. The interior of the train was designed by Rashmi Gupta, an architect from Jaipur.

What is being done to promote cultural tourism in India?

The tourist industry has been growing as a result of numerous causes. Let’s look at them now:

Hospitality and food

• The Indian hospitality industry is a major contributor to this expansion. The public and commercial hospitality sectors have developed adequate resorts and hotels that offer excellent conventional and delectable options to tourists to accommodate and feed them.
• Additionally, eating has given visitors to India another reason to go. This nation provides a wide variety of culinary delicacies that are practically unmatched.

Activities and events

• Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and MCT (Ministry of Culture & Tourism) have worked together to promote Indian culture throughout the world. To accomplish this, several Indian Cultural Centers on both the national and international levels organise a variety of programmes and events, including yoga coaching, music, dance, and language classes in Hindi and Sanskrit.
• To promote the culture and variety of the nation, there are various activities like festival celebrations and art exhibitions. Through a Global Engagement Scheme, the Ministry of Culture also promotes Indian culture abroad. In this programme, Indian festivals are promoted and various cultural organisations abroad receive financial and infrastructural assistance.

Creation of world-class tourism infrastructure

• The Swadesh Darshan programme , which was introduced by the Indian Tourism Ministry, has been another step done by the Indian government. It aided in the creation of theme-based circuits that cater to both mainstream tourist and specialist markets.
• Under this programme, world-class infrastructure has been built to promote Indian culture and history. 27 projects totalling 2261.50 crores have been approved for 21 states and Union Territories since 2015.

Generation of tourism markets abroad

• Through a marketing strategy and integrated campaigns using international media, the Indian Tourism Ministry has been pushing India as a top travel destination.
• Since October 2021, the top 20 source markets abroad have seen all of these promotional activities carried out by the synergized combination of all the tourism offices abroad.
• For instance, proposals for organising events with themes like Spirit of Gujarat in nations with a Gujarati Diaspora have been sent to the Indian government. Gujarat’s culture and heritage will be the main focus of this event.
• Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is another festival with a distinct subject that would be promoted on Independence Day and Republic Day of India. It would foster a sense of pride in one’s country and emphasise how the people contributed significantly to India’s independence.
• Another instance of this project is the International Buddhist Conclave, which takes place every two years. This gathering celebrates Buddhist heritage .

Additional initiatives are taken by the Government of India

• Issuing the Tourist e-Visa to a chosen few nations is another effective government measure that would help India’s tourism grow. Teams have been chosen by the Indian government to take part in significant travel shows and international tourism expos. Several roadshows have also been held to advertise India as a tourist destination.
• In addition to all these activities, the government is also setting up training courses and workshops to attract qualified people to this profession. Here, providing a better experience is the goal.

Easy setup of tourism businesses

• The Indian Ministry of Tourism has made conducting business easier and assisted in establishing Web-based Delivery Systems for the general population. To make the process of submitting business applications for government approval transparent, it recognises the Trade and Travel Service Providers and aids hotels and resorts in classifying under a single directory. With effect from January 2016, this was done online along with the integration of payment gateways.

Development of a mobile app

• The Indian Tourism Ministry introduced the Swachh Paryatan mobile application in February 2016. This enables citizens to report any problems with sanitation and hygienic conditions at different national tourist attractions.

Scaling greater heights

• The government’s measures will be essential moving ahead to build a sustainable system that will attract new participants to the cultural tourism sector while bolstering the performance of the current ones.
• However, there is still much to learn about the enormous potential of India’s cultural tourism sector. If properly developed, this industry can increase its GDP contribution to India and increase employment possibilities there. To do this, it is necessary to stimulate related industries including transportation, infrastructure, lodging, and hospitality.

The Government of India under the Ministry of Culture has initiated the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM). The aims and Objectives of the Project are as under:

• To create awareness about the strengths of cultural heritage and its interface with development and cultural identity.
• Cultural Mapping of 6.5 Lakh villages along with their geographical, demographic profiles, and creative capitals.
• Creation of National Registers of Artists and Art Practices.
• Development of a web portal and mobile app to function as a National Cultural Work Place   (NCWP).

The project aims to cover all the inhabited villages of India which is marked as ‘village’, in the Census List, 2011 published by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, including all the inhabited villages of Bihar.  Therefore, all the villages of Bihar will be covered under Cultural Mapping.

The government is paying attention to India’s expanding cultural tourism industry and taking the necessary steps to support it in maintaining this development. The industry, however, still has a lot of unrealized potentials. If appropriately utilised, this can increase the industry’s contribution to India’s GDP and provide job possibilities there.

By bringing revenue to historic sites, ruins and mausoleums, tourism has the potential to enhance and safeguard heritage and culture.

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Article written by Aseem Muhammed

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Cultural Regions of India – Races, Tribes – UPSC Indian Geography Notes

India, a land steeped in history and diversity, boasts a rich tapestry of cultural regions shaped by its myriad races and tribes. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-kissed shores of the Indian Ocean, each corner of this vast subcontinent harbors its own unique blend of traditions, languages, customs, and beliefs. The cultural landscape of India is a mosaic woven from the threads of ancient civilizations, invasions, migrations, and interactions. Within this kaleidoscope, the interplay of races and tribes has given rise to multifaceted identities, forming the foundation of India’s rich cultural heritage. This introductory exploration aims to delve into the vibrant tapestry of India’s cultural regions, offering insights into the diverse peoples who call this land their home.

Culture is essentially the embodiment of a way of life, shaped by various factors such as geographical topography, climate, ethnicity, and language. This way of life encompasses both materialistic and non-materialistic aspects.

The materialistic facets of culture involve essentials like food, clothing, and housing. On the other hand, the non-materialistic aspects include belief systems, values, language, songs, festivals, and music.

Cultural regions , in turn, refer to geographical areas that exhibit homogeneity in their way of life. 

Globally, some major cultural regions include Western Culture (Occidental or European Culture), Anglo-American Culture, Slavic Culture (Russian culture), Latin American Culture, Islamic Culture regions, Sub Saharan African, Australia-European cultural region, Southeast Asian Cultural region, Sino-Japanese cultural region, and Indic or Indian culture (Hindu Culture region).

Delving deeper into Indian culture regions, they are further divided into distinct parts, each characterized by unique cultural nuances:

• North Indian Cultural region or Aryan Cultural region
• Kashmiri cultural region
• Ladakhi cultural region
• The Hindu Pahari culture region comprising Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
• Sikh-Punjabi Cultural region
• Rajasthani culture
• Gujarati culture
• Marathi culture
• Hindu-Hindi cultural region (Haryana-UP-Bihar-MP)
• Hindu tribal culture (Chhota Nagpur region)
• Bengali culture
• North Eastern Cultural or Tribal Culture
• Buddhist Sikkim culture
• Ahoms culture
• Garo-Khasi culture
• Naga culture
• Mix culture region
• South Indian Cultural region or Dravidian cultural region
• Indo-Portuguese culture
• Kannad Dravidian culture
• Malayalam culture
• Tamil Dravidian culture

Table of Contents

RACES OF INDIA

• India’s racial composition comprises groups originating from various parts of the world. 
• The Negritos, Western Brachycephals, Proto-Australoids, Mongoloids, and Mediterraneans represent the five prevailing racial categories within the Indian subcontinent.  
• Over time, individuals from across the globe arrived in India through diverse land and ocean routes. 
• This has rendered India a melting pot for nearly all major world races, contributing to its ethnic blend being characterized as “diverse and diversified.”

India boasts a diverse array of racial groups, each distinguished by physical attributes such as skin color, hair color, jaw structure, and eye structure.  

• The concept of race is intricately tied to an individual’s biological characteristics, encompassing both physical and genetic features. 
• Consequently, India is recognized for its extensive and varied ethnic composition, hosting representatives from nearly all major races worldwide.

The rich tapestry of India’s racial diversity is a result of:

• Historical and contemporary waves of migration, shaping the country’s demographic landscape. 
• Societal evolution, influenced by internal and external factors, has played a pivotal role in defining the multitude of races coexisting within the nation. 
• Intermarriages across different racial stocks further complicate the determination of individual racial origins, presenting a complex challenge for scholars and researchers.
• A noteworthy attempt at categorizing India’s population into racial groups was made during the 1891 Census operations b y Sir Herbert Hope Risley.  
• His classification included types such as Mongolo-Dravidian, Mongoloid, Turko-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Scytho-Dravidian, Aryo-Dravidian, Mongoloid, and Dravidian . 
• However, this categorization faced criticism, particularly for combining linguistic (Aryan and Dravidian) and racial characteristics.

In 1931, B.S. Guha conducted anthropometric measurements across various regions during the Census, identifying six primary races with nine subtypes . While the actual prevalence of these groups in Indian society remains challenging to ascertain, this classification persists, underscoring the multi-racial nature of the country’s population. India stands as a testament to the coexistence of individuals from diverse racial backgrounds, contributing to its identity as a truly multi-racial nation.

A tribe is a social division within a traditional society, comprising households connected by common culture and dialect through social, financial, religious, or blood ties. Tribes exhibit unique qualities and characteristics, rendering them distinct cultural, social, and political entities.

• The distinction between race and ethnicity lies in the small genetic variations across the globe due to geographical diversity. 
• Race pertains to biological features such as skin color, eye shading, facial structure, etc. Ethnicity, on the other hand, encompasses cultural factors like nationality, regional culture, ancestry, and language. 
• India, often described as a “melting pot, ” harbors a vast and diverse tribal population, with approximately 104 million individuals, constituting 8.6% of the total population.
• Madhya Pradesh holds the largest tribal population (15.3 million or 21%), while Lakshadweep has the highest tribal population percentage (94.8%) . 
• The Constitution recognizes tribal communities under ‘ Schedule 5, ‘ designating them as ‘Scheduled Tribes’ (STs). 
• The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was established to safeguard their interests.
• The Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) strategy focuses on the socio-economic development of tribal people, ensuring non-divertible and non-lapsable funds.
•   Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are more vulnerable among tribal groups, residing in remote areas with poor infrastructure. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the NCST play crucial roles in their development.
• The Denotified tribes, once labeled as criminals under the Criminal Tribes Act 1871, continue to face challenges, and efforts are made for their inclusive development. 
• The Idate Commission advocated the repeal of the Habitual Offenders Act. Various schemes, such as the Jiban Sampark Project in Odisha, aim to empower PVTGs.
• The classification of tribes in different states includes diverse groups with unique identities and cultures, contributing to India’s rich cultural tapestry. The government, through various commissions and ministries, works toward the comprehensive development of tribal communities, emphasizing inclusivity and socio-economic progresS.

State/UT Tribes** Andhra Pradesh Andh, Sadhu Andh, Bhil, Bhaghata, Dhulia,rona, Kolam, Gond, Thoti, Goundu, Kammara, Savaras, Dabba Yerukula, Sugalis, Nakkala, Pardhan, Gadabas, Chenchus (Chenchawar), Kattunayakan, Jatapus, Manna Dhora | Arunachal Pradesh Singpho, Monpa, Abor, Sherdukpen, Galo, Apatanis Assam Khasis, Chakma, Dimasa, Gangte, Garos, Hajong, Chutiya Bihar Gond, Birjia, Asur, Savar, Parhaiya, Chero, Birhor, Santhals, Baiga Chhattisgarh Nagasia, Biar, Khond, Agariya, Bhattra, Mawasi, Bhaina Goa Varli, Dubia, Siddi, Dhodia, Naikda Gujarat Patelia, Bhil, Dhodia, Bamcha, Barda, Paradhi, Charan, Gamta Himachal Pradesh Swangal, Gujjars, Lahaulas, Khas, Pangwala, Lamba, Gaddis Jammu and Kashmir Balti, Garra, Sippi, Bakarwal, Mon, Gaddi, Purigpa, Beda Jharkhand Gonds, Birhors, Savar, Mundas, Santhals, Khaira, Bhumji Karnataka Gond, Patelia, Barda, Yerava, Bhil, Koraga, Adiyan, Iruliga Kerala Malai, Aarayan, Arandan, Uralis, Kurumbas, Arandan, Eranvallan Madhya Pradesh Kharia, Bhils, Murias, Birhors, Baigas, Katkari, Kol, Bharia, Khond, Maharashtra Warlis, Khond, Bhaina, Katkari, Bhunjia, Rathawa, Dhodia Manipur Thadou, Aimol, Maram, Paite, Chiru, Purum, Kuki, Monsang, Angami Meghalaya Pawai, Chakma, Raba, Hajong, Lakher, Garos, Jaintias, Khasis Mizoram Dimasa, Raba, Chakma, Lakher, Khasi, Synteng, Kuki, Pawai Nagaland Nagas, Angami, Sema, Garo, Kuki, Kachari, Mikir, Konyak, Lotha Odisha Gadaba, Ghara, Kharia, Khond, Matya, Oraons, Rajuar, Santhals Rajasthan Bhils, Damaria, Dhanka, Meenas(Minas), Patelia, Sahariya, Sikkim Bhutia, Khas, Lepchas Tamil Nadu Adiyan, Aranadan, Eravallan, Irular, Kadar, Kanikar, Kotas, Todas Telangana Chenchus Tripura Bhil, Bhutia, Chaimal, Chakma, Halam, Khasia, Lushai, Mizel, Namte Uttarakhand Bhotia, Buksa, Jaunsari, Raji, Tharu

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Indian Culture, Races, and Tribes

1. what is culture, and how is it shaped in india.

A: Culture is the embodiment of a way of life influenced by factors like geography, climate, ethnicity, and language. In India, it encompasses materialistic (food, clothing, housing) and non-materialistic aspects (belief systems, values, language, festivals).

2. What are cultural regions, and what are some major examples globally?

A: Cultural regions are geographical areas with a homogenous way of life. Globally, major cultural regions include Western Culture, Anglo-American Culture, Slavic Culture, Latin American Culture, Islamic Culture regions, and more.

3. How is Indian culture regionally diversified?

A: Indian culture is regionally diversified into North Indian, Kashmiri, Ladakhi, Sikh-Punjabi, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Marathi, North Eastern, South Indian, Indo-Portuguese, Kannad Dravidian, Malayalam, and Tamil Dravidian cultural regions.

4. What are the races present in India, and how diverse is the racial composition?

A: India’s racial composition includes Negritos, Western Brachycephals, Proto-Australoids, Mongoloids, and Mediterraneans. India is a melting pot for major world races, resulting in a diverse and varied ethnic blend.

5. How did historical migration contribute to India’s racial diversity?

A: Over time, individuals from various parts of the world migrated to India through land and ocean routes, contributing to the country’s diverse racial composition.

6. What physical attributes distinguish racial groups in India?

A: Skin color, hair color, jaw structure, and eye structure are some physical attributes that distinguish racial groups in India, contributing to its extensive ethnic composition.

7. How did Sir Herbert Hope Risley attempt to categorize India’s racial groups?

A: In 1891, Risley classified India’s population into categories like Mongolo-Dravidian, Mongoloid, Turko-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Scytho-Dravidian, Aryo-Dravidian, Mongoloid, and Dravidian, though this faced criticism.

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Essay on Indian Culture and Tradition for Students in English

January 7, 2020 by Sandeep

Indian Culture and Tradition Essay: India is a land of rich cultural diversity. Our culture is inclusive of the customs and traditions we follow, festivals we celebrate, art practices, handicrafts, folklore, food habits, music and dance etc. Our multi religious society caters to all religions and languages alike. Our countrymen follow various social beliefs, wear different dresses, and conduct various celebrations. National festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm towards the country.

Essay on Indian Culture and Tradition in 500 Words

Below we have provided Indian Culture and Tradition Essay in English, suitable for class 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10.

India – The treasure house of rich cultural heritage and traditions

When one pronounces the word “India,” one is draped in the smell in spices, sarees, the smell of pickles and rain, the loud music and dances, the happy faces of innocent people quite untouched by the evolving westernization. India encapsulates all of those emotions and more. India thrives on love, languages, religion, and culture due to the diverse race of people living in the country. It can be hands down referred to as one of the world’s most culturally enriched countries.

Being a country that is the home to such diverse cultures and traditions, religion plays a very significant role. Various religions founded and followed in the country include Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, etc. Apart from these, there are also huge majorities of people having Islamic faith, following Christianity or Buddhism and various other religions which do not have an Indian origin. Most of the religions founded in India are based on the concept of non-violence.

According to the 2011 census, 79.8% of the population of India practice Hinduism. Islam (14.2%), Christianity (2.3%), Sikhism (1.7%), Buddhism (0.7%) and Jainism (0.4%) forms the major religions of the country. Apart from that, there are also several other religions practiced in the heart of the country.

Marital Rituals

According to the early marital rituals of India, back in the 1950’s, Indians primarily lived in large joint families where the parents, children and the next generation on offspring lived together under the same roof. However, in the more recent times due to modernization creeping into the society and western cultures being quickly inherited, joint-families are almost rare and non-existent. Nucleated families are more common as children decide on separating from their parent’s houses to afford to have more independence and privacy. The system of arranged marriages is also highly prevalent to this day in the country. The average age for marriage for girls has gone up to 21 years according to the 2011 census, as opposed to an earlier age of 16 to 18 years.

Indian Festivals

Suffice to say that festivals form an important part of Indian culture and heritage. Due to the varied religions practiced here, the festivals are also different for each section of people. Popular religious festivals include the Hindu festivals of Navratri, Janmashtami, Diwali, Maha Shivratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja, Holi, Rath Yatra, Ugadi, Onam, Vasant Panchami, Raksha Bandhan, and Dussehra.

Other than these, there are also several harvest festivals celebrated by farmers such as Makar Sankranti, Sohrai, Pusnâ, Chapchar Kut, Pongal, and Raja Sankranti. Islam forms a major part of the religion dynamics in India and festivals which are observed as a public holiday in India are Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha (Bakri Eid), Milad-un-Nabi, Muharram and Shab-e-Barat. Christianity is also practiced by people of India and important days for Roman Catholics such as Christmas, and Good Friday has been declared as national holidays in the Republic of India as well.

Just like its religion and festivals, the cuisine in India is also equally diverse. Foods are influenced by people belonging to different parts of the country, their way of living, the environment, and availability of goods. It is imperative that Indian food is primarily influenced by the diversity of people living in it. Hindu cuisine includes rice, chapatti, vegetable curry, fish, parathas, etc. Islamic cuisine includes Biriyani, Raita, Haleem, Kheema, etc. In the South Indian states, people generally cook food using coconut oil as opposed to the common mustard oil or sunflower oil. This is because coconuts are so easily available in large quantities in the South. South Indian food includes Idli, Sambar, Dosa, Vada, etc.

Traditional clothing is the essence of Indian culture. Clothes depend on the place of origin, climate, and heritage of the particular place. In the state of West Bengal, and also in several southern states such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka the authentic clothing for women is the Saree that is a single, long piece of fabric draped around the body. For men, the authentic Bengali clothing in Dhoti and Kurta. In the state of Punjab, salwar kameez and Kurti form the traditional clothing for women while men wear headgear or turban known as the Dastar. The Bindi, Mehendi, bangles, and earrings are a part of the attire for women.

The first ever literary work created in India was the Rigveda, in the 19th Century. Written in Sanskrit, the Rigveda laid the foundation of several religious scriptures and literary works in later years. Written by the Aryans, the Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda also soon followed. Other popular literary works created in ancient India are Ramayana by Rishi Valmiki and Mahabharata by Rishi Vyasa. Biographies of kings such as Babarnama (biography of Babur; founder of Mughal Empire) and Akbarnama (biography of Akbar, the greatest king of India) are also priceless literary pieces that give us information about the era. Apart from this certain scripture written by foreign travellers such as Fa Hein and Huein Tsung gives us information about the traditions and lifestyles of people in India.

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Moidams –Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List as India’s 43rd Entry

Posted 27 Jul 2024

The announcement was made during the ongoing 46th session of the World Heritage Committee at New Delhi.

• India is hosting its first ever  session since joining the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Convention of 1972.
• After Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, it is Assam’s third World Heritage site and first in the cultural category.
• India stands at the 6th position globally for the most number of World Heritage Properties.

Ahom ‘Moidams’

• In the 13th century, Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha, the founder of Ahom kingdom, established his first capital at Che-rai-doi or Charaideo (at the foothill of Patkai hills). 

Architectural features: 

• Exterior of Moidams is hemispherical and their sizes vary depending upon the power and status of the person buried. 
• A Vaulted Chamber with a centrally raised platform where the body was laid,
• A hemispherical earthen mound  covering the chamber with a brick structure (Chaw-chali), and
• Octagonal boundary wal l around mound’s base having an arched gateway on its west. 

• Ahom Moidam
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• World Heritage Convention
• World Heritage Committee

Articles Sources

News Today | Daily Current Affairs | 27th July 2024

Ahom era ‘Moidams’ recommended for inclusion in UNESCO World Heritage List

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Indian Culture and Heritage - Essay, UPSC MAINS | Course for UPPSC Preparation - UPPSC (UP) PDF Download

Indian Culture and  Heritage

(1) Opening    —    Quote Max Muller.

(2)  Body    —    The cultural heritage of India lies in its recognition of sustaining an inner landscape of man.

    —    Indian architecture embodies the world view.

   —    There were as many schools of paintings as dynasties or another level, each is the reflector of an impersona-lisation which has been the beginning and is the ultimate goal.

   —    Music and dance are shaped and formed in the art of creation, live for the moment, the specific duration.

(3) Closing    —    The government of India has established various Academics for the development of Art and Culture.

At the time like this when chauvinistic tendencies, obscurantism and narrow nationalism has bedimmed the vision of people, made them parochial in their outlook and intolerant of others, when the concept of internationalism is becoming a mere shibboleth, it is refreshing to recall that very eminent foreign scholars and savants have expressed in panegyrical language their admiration of the splendour and glory of ancient India and their unqualified wonder at her imperishable culture and civilization. Max Muller who spent practically his whole life in trying to learn all about the hoary civilization of this great land commented like this: “If I were to look over the whole world to find out the country most richly endowed with all the wealth, power and beauty that nature can bestow—in some parts, a very paradise on earth—I should point to India. If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greater problems of life, and has found solutions of some of them which will deserve the attention of even of those who have studied Plato and Kant, I should point to India. And if I were to ask myself what literature we have in Europe, we who have been nurtured almost exclusively on the thoughts of Greeks and Romans, and of one Semitic race, the Jewish, may draw that corrective which is most wanted in order to make our inner life more perfect, more comprehensive, more universal, in fact, more truly a human life, not for this life only but a transfigured and eternal life—again I should point to India.”

The cultural heritage of India lies in its recognition of sustaining an inner landscape of man which is the centre and the recognition that expresses itself in an outer landscape of man comprising myriad petals of a lotus flower, whenever, however, the vision may have come, it is clear that had this not been the guiding star of this country, it would not have been possible for it to have a staggering multiplicity of racist trends, language, religions, philosophic systems, social structure and artistic expressions all webbed together in one unique wholeness. This unseen but real Indianness transformed all those who made India their home whether they came as migrants or conquerors, plunderers or rulers. The Indian cultural heritage particularly its poetry, architecture, sculpture, painting, music and dance reflects this vision and evolves methodologies of structure and form through multi-media communication system only once again to evoke this wholeness.

Indian architecture whether the stupas or the temples or the mosques or the city plans or domestic architecture, humble and modest, embodies this world view, the mud walls, the brick and stone, ground or elevation plans are an orchestration of multiple forms flowing out of and flowing into a centre. The ornamentation and decoration, representational or abstract, play their role to an ascending oneness vertically and a closing in and gathering of all energies horizontally from the outer to the inner. Brick by brick, stone by stone, an immense epic poem of the infinite is made. Each detail can be separated but none is autonomous, each unit is the part of the whole, interwoven and interlocked. In its totality, it represents heaven on earth, the central mountain, the Sumeru. Ultimately it is the cosmic order on earth, arousing the dominant mood of wonder (vismaya) and evoking a transcendental experience of bliss, whether the observer, partcipator or pilgrim moves from the outside to the inside or circumbulates the stupa, temple or mosque until he reaches the centre which represents the ultimate void, the Sunya, Nirvana or Moksha. Alternatively, the figurativity ascends the pinnacle whether in the austere simplicity of the spherical dome of the Stupa or the Masjid or through the crowded multiplicity of the temple. Sanchi and Bharahut, the temples of North, South, Western or Eastern India or the mosques speak the same language of transcendence and of heightened experience despite the cultural specifics of each of these monuments. Impersonality and intensity are the twin paradoxical demands of this art which is life bound and beyond it. These monuments bear testimony to the concretisation of this vision through a perfect language of art.

Painting schools and styles ranging from those of Ajanta, Ellora to the Caves of Bagh and Murals of Alchi give further evidence of this avowed faith and commitment to the impersonalised dominant moods (achetype), which have been and are expressed in cultural specifics. At one level there are as many schools of paintings as dynasties or another level, each is the reflector of an impersonalisation which has been the beginning and is the ultimate goal. The characters, heroes and heroines of epic poetry and drama are also archetypes as in the 

world of flora, fauna, animal or bird life. A formal language of symbols, signs and motifs conveys universal meaning within and outside cultural boundaries. The inner dynamics of the poetry of Valmiki, Kalidasa or the osometrical shapes of Islamic calligraphy are comparable. Again, the abstract and the concrete move together. Indian poetry transforms the notion of ecological balance into the current rhythm of the seasons; plants, animal, human, water, earth, fire, sky are again in dialogue. The passage of annual time, the seasons acquire deep meaning and so spring, summer, autumn and winter valid for themselves and in what they convey beyond themselves.

These are the more permanent arts, frozen at a moment of time for posterity. What about the occurrent arts, those of music and dance, the oral recitations and the dramatic experience. They are shaped and formed in the art of creation, live for the moment, the specific duration. Now instead of time being frozen in consecrated space, space is consecrated in time of fixed duration. The beginning and end of the performance in sound or movement is a consecration when the cosmos is made anew for that duration. It is complete and whole whether of five minutes or two hours or five days enactment. The beginning is the same, the still centre, the immutable invariable inwardness, the fixed note of the scale or the stances of the dancer. Thereupon is an enlargement in expending concentric circles of the cosmos whether through one or three octaves, the exploration of space in all its variety of shares of tonality microunits of sounds, light, shade, stresses, accents, and discriminating exclusion of particular notes. The edifice is built with sound, it is architectonic in character.

Through a beautiful and complete language of movement, Indian dance provides the most concrete manifestation of the inner state and vision. The dance like poetry, music and sculpture, seeks to communicate universal, impersonal emotion and through the very medium of the human form, it transcends the physical plane, in its technique, it employs the technique of all arts and it is impossible to comprehend the architectonic structure of this form without being aware of the complex techniques of the other arts which it constantly and faithfully employs and synthesises. The themes which the Indian dancer portrays are not only the raw material of literature, but are also the finished products of literary creation, the music which seems to accompany the dance is actually the life breath of its structure, and indeed, dance interprets in movement what music interprets in sound, the postures and the stances it attains are the posses which the sculptor models. All these the dancer imbues with a living spirit of movement in a composition of form which is both sensuous and spiritual.

For the enrichment of the splendid cultural heritage, the Government of India has established various Academies for the development of Art and Culture. These include the Sahitya Akademi (or the National Academy of Letters), the Sangeet Natak Akademi (or Academy of Music, Dance and Drama), and the Lalit Kala Akademi (or the Academy of Fine Arts). Since obtaining independence, the attention of the Government has been directed towards the revival of Indian culture and civilization. Festivals of India abroad have spread the awareness of our cultural heritage in dance, song and ballet, and the tradition of the past are now being recollected, resurrected and revered as never before.

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Important Days in August 2024: Complete list of national and international events

August is full of important national and international holidays honouring history, culture, and world peace. here is the complete list of significant days to note..

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August is a month full of important national and international holidays honouring many facets of history, culture, and world peace.

These days, they encourage introspection and action through promoting awareness of important social concerns, commemorating historical people, and honouring independence struggles.

Events honouring scientific discoveries, environmental preservation, and humanitarian endeavours are also part of August's celebrations, emphasising the interdependence of the world's people and the variety of ways they strive for a brighter future.

• 1 August - National Mountain Climbing Day
• 1 August - World Breastfeeding Week
• 1 August – Yorkshire Day
• 1 August - World Lung Cancer Day
• 1 August - World Wide Web Day
• 3 August - National Watermelon Day
• 3 August - Cloves Syndrome Awareness Day
• 4 August - Assistance Dog Day
• 4 August - U.S. Coast Guard Day
• 4 August (First Sunday of August) – Friendship Day
• 6 August – Hiroshima Day
• 7 August - National Handloom Day
• 7 August- Hariyali Teej
• 9 August – Quit India Movement Day
• 9 August - Nagasaki Day
• 9 August - International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
• 9 August - National Book Lover's Day
• 09 August - Nag Panchami
• 10 August - World Lion Day
• 10 August - World Biofuel Day
• 11 August - World Steelpan Day
• 12 August –International Youth Day
• 12 August: World Elephant Day
• 13 August - International Lefthanders Day
• 13 August - World Organ Donation Day
• 14 August - Youm-e-Azadi (Pakistan Independence Day)
• 14 August - Malayalam New Year
• 15 August - National Mourning Day (Bangladesh)
• 15 August – Independence Day in India
• 15 August - Day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
• 16 August - Bennington Battle Day
• 17 August - Indonesian Independence Day
• 17 August - Gabon Independence Day
• 17 August- Afghanistan Independence Day
• 19 August - World Photography Day
• 19 August - World Humanitarian Day
• 19 August – Rakshabandhan
• 19 August - Sanskrit Diwas
• 19 August - Narali Purnima
• 20 August - World Mosquito Day
• 20 August -Sadbhavna Diwas
• 20 August -Indian Akshay Urja Day
• 21 August-International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
• 22 August-International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief
• 23 August - International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
• 23 August - European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism
• 23 August- ISRO Day
• 26 August - Women's Equality Day
• 26 August: International Dog Day
• 26 August - Mother Teresa Anniversary
• 29 August - National Sports Day
• 29 August - International Day against Nuclear Tests
• 30 August - Small Industry Day
• 30 August - International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances
• 31 August - Hari Merdeka (Malaysia National Day)
• 31 August- International Day for People of African Descent