Indian Culture Term Paper

India's culture has been evolving for more than five thousand years. It began with the start of human civilization. It's a reflection of human history that carries with it a story of great people and amazing history. Indian culture uses rich and beautiful colors in all aspects of life, whether you see it through rugs and paintings, or through textiles and architecture.

"The Indian culture is rooted in colorful traditions that date back to ancient history."( Kohler, 2000-2011) A civilization known as Harappa, created a religion that is considered the oldest living religion. We know this religion as Hinduism. "India has traditionally been one of the most religiously tolerant in the world."( Robinson, 2012) "However in 1998, a Hindu nationalistic political party the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) controlled the government of India. The linkage of religion, the national government, and nationalism led to a degeneration of the separation of church and state in India and a decrease in the level of religious tolerance in that country."(Robinson, 2012) An increase of anti-Christian violence was one result of this linkage. With the later change in government, the level of violence has gone down, and India is a country of relative religious tolerance and peace.

Culture and food go hand and hand in India. Indian food represents the family and community connecting and sharing socially. "Indian dishes are commonly cooked with distinct spices and herbs that awaken your senses."(Kohler,2000-2011) Five essential spices, namely mustard, fenugreek seed, cumin seed, aniseed, and black cumin seed are commonly used.

The Indian culture survived two hundred years of British rule and held their traditions tight. Family is the most important part of Indian culture. "A family has a powerful influence over choices made by its members and communities."(Desal, 2009) Older generations stick to traditional core values and do not want them to change while a younger generation has shown interest in western culture and philosophies. Family culture follows a patriarchal structure and generations of families live under the same roof. Older generations take care of grandchildren while the younger generations take care of the elder.

Arranged marriages are common in India, even still today. Garba is a celebration of dance to live music, food, and is performed with decorative sticks. This celebration is common before a wedding and can last for up to three or more days. Arranged marriages serve six functions in the Indian community. It helps maintain the social satisfaction system in the society, gives parents control over family members, enhances the chances to preserve and continue the ancestral lineage, provides an opportunity to strengthen the kinship group, allows the consolidation and extension of family property, and enables the elders to preserve the principle of endogamy….....