ABOUT INDIA

India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world with

a kaleidoscopic variety and rich cultural heritage. As the 7th
largest country in the world, India stands apart from the rest
of Asia, marked off as it is by mountains and the sea, which
give the country a distinct geographical entity.
ANCIENT HISTORY
India's history and culture is dynamic, spanning
back to the beginning of human civilization. The history
of India is punctuated by constant integration of
migrating people with the diverse cultures that
surround India.
MEDIEVAL HISTORY
Medieval Indian history went for almost three
whole centuries under the so-called indigenous rulers,
that included the Chalukyas, the Pallavas, the Pandyas,
the Rashtrakutas, the Muslims rulers and finally the
Mughal Empire.
HISTORICAL PEOPLE
Mahatma Gandhi (1869 – 1948)
The foremost political leader of the Indian
independence movement. For over two decades, Gandhi
strove for a peaceful overthrow of British rule. Inspired
millions with his philosophy, resolve and commitment
to independence and also to alleviate the plight of
women and the ‘untouchable’ caste.

Rabindranath Tagore (1861 – 1941)

The Seer-Poet of modern India. Tagore was the

first Indian to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature
in 1913. A consummate poet, composer and artist.
Returned his knighthood in protest at the mistreatment
of Indians by the British.

Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (1888 – 1970)

Nobel Prize Physics 1930 for his work on light

scattering and wavelength.
LANGUAGE

India has an extensive languages. The

constitution recognizes 15 regional languages but hindi
and english are recognized as the official language.
FOOD
Food in India is often served on a ‘thali’ – a tray
or plate that can hold several dishes ‘Curry’ is a
European term to describe the spicy dishes found in
India. In some parts of India meals are eaten with rice
(chawal), in others, flat breads (roti) are preferred Food
is infused with spices such as cumin, turmeric, black
pepper, cardamom, cloves and coriander.
POP CULTURE
The Indian culture has absorbed and
amalgamated many different customs and ideas
throughout its long history which has led to a rich
tradition and folk culture
POP CULTURE
‘Bollywood’ is the informal name given to the
popular Mumbai-based film industry. Bollywood has
the largest output in the world in terms of number of
films produced and, possibly, number of tickets sold.
NATIONAL COSTUME

SAREE DHOTI
 HOLI FESTIVAL
Holi, is representative of India’s essence and vibrancy. The
beautiful cultural festival celebrated with colors and water in the
month of March is a special festival marked all across the country.
 HINDUISM
Hinduism is an Indian religion and dharma, or
way of life widely practiced in the Indian subcontinent
and parts of Southeast Asia. Hinduism has been called
the oldest religion in the world, and some practitioners
and scholars refer to it as Sanātana Dharma, "the
eternal tradition", or the "eternal way", beyond human
history.
 BUDDHISM
Buddhism is a path of practice and spiritual
development leading to Insight into the true nature of
reality. Buddhist practices like meditation are means of
changing yourself in order to develop the qualities of
awareness, kindness, and wisdom.
 JAINISM
Jainism traditionally known as Jain Dharma or
Arihant is an ancient Indian religion.Followers of
Jainism are called "Jains", a word derived from the
Sanskrit word jina who connotes the path of victory in
crossing over life's stream of rebirths by destroying the
karma through an ethical and spiritual life.
 SIKHISM
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion, or a religion
that believes in one God. The followers are called
"Sikhs", and their holy book is the Sri Guru Granth
Sahib.
 CORE BELIEFS
TRUTH IS ETERNAL
Hindus pursue knowledge and understanding of
the Truth: the very essence of the universe and the
only Reality. According to the Vedas, Truth is One, but
the wise express it in a variety of ways.
 CORE BELIEFS
Brahman is Truth and Reality.
Hindus believe in Brahman as the one true God
who is formless, limitless, all-inclusive, and eternal.
Brahman is not an abstract concept; it is a real entity
that encompasses everything (seen and unseen) in the
universe
 CORE BELIEFS
Brahman is Truth and Reality.
Hindus believe in Brahman as the one true God
who is formless, limitless, all-inclusive, and eternal.
Brahman is not an abstract concept; it is a real entity
that encompasses everything (seen and unseen) in the
universe
 CORE BELIEFS
The Vedas are the ultimate authority
The Vedas are Hindu scriptures that contain
revelations received by ancient saints and sages.
Hindus believe that the Vedas are without beginning
and without end; when everything else in the universe
is destroyed (at the end of a cycle of time), the Vedas
remain.
 CORE BELIEFS
Everyone should strive to achieve dharma.

Understanding the concept of dharma helps you

understand the Hindu faith. Unfortunately, no single
English word adequately covers its meaning. Dharma
can be described as right conduct, righteousness,
moral law, and duty. Anyone who makes dharma
central to one’s life strives to do the right thing,
according to one’s duty and abilities, at all times.