Title Pmf Ias Art and Culture.pdf ✅

Difference: Culture centers on shared traditions/values; civilization emphasizes structural and material development (e.g. cities, scripts, state systems)[58]. • Role of Geography in Indian Culture: India’s geographic diversity has profoundly influenced its culture[59]: • Topographical Diversity: The Himalayas in the north provided protection and isolation, shaping a distinct cultural sphere where spiritual practices (like Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimages) flourished in sheltered valleys[60]. o The Indo-Gangetic Plains (north India) supported early civilizations (e.g. Indus Valley, later Vedic culture) by enabling agriculture, which led to settled life, urban centers, and complex societies[61]. o The Thar Desert (west) forged a hardy culture in Rajasthan – from unique folk music and dance (e.g. Kalbelia) to adaptive architecture for arid conditions[62]. o The Deccan Plateau (central-south) fostered distinct Dravidian languages and art forms due to its relative geographic isolation. Its mineral wealth contributed to prosperous ancient kingdoms and their patronage of arts[63]. o The Coasts facilitated maritime trade and multicultural exchange. Port cities brought contact with Romans, Arabs, Chinese, etc., introducing foreign religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam first arrived via coastal regions) and creating cosmopolitan cultural mixes (visible in architecture, cuisine, language of coastal India)[64]. o Mountain Passes (like Khyber) enabled the influx of invaders and traders, infusing Persian, Greek, Central Asian elements into Indian art, architecture, and language[65]. o • Climate: Varied climates across India shaped regional lifestyles and traditions[66]. For instance: Monsoonal climates in plains and coasts dictated agricultural cycles – harvest festivals like Pongal (Tamil Nadu) and Makar Sankranti (across India) coincide with crop harvests[67]. o Drier regions (Rajasthan, Gujarat) developed different food habits (millets, legumes) and cultural practices suited to scarce water (e.g. festivals praying for rain)[68]. o • Water Bodies: Rivers are culturally sacred. The Ganga (Ganges) is revered as holy, central to religious rituals, pilgrimages (e.g. Kumbh Mela), and festivals[69]. Many rivers (Yamuna, Godavari, Narmada, Kaveri, Brahmaputra) are tied to spiritual lore and regional traditions, guiding settlement patterns and worship practices[69]. Trade Routes: Ancient trade links (like the Silk Road) connected India with Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, allowing exchange of goods and ideas. Indian spices, textiles, and philosophical ideas traveled outward, while external influences (art motifs, scientific knowledge) came inward, enriching culture[70]. • Significant Features of Indian Culture: India’s culture is marked by remarkable diversity, underlying unity, continuous evolution, a balance of material and spiritual values, secular ethos, and universalism in outlook. Key features include: • • Diversity and Unity: India exemplifies “unity in diversity.” Diversity: India’s vast variety is seen in its geography, languages, religions, and traditions[71][72]. There are 22 constitutionally recognized languages and hundreds of dialects, numerous faiths (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism originated here; Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, etc. also practiced) and myriad ethnic groups. Every region has distinct customs, attire, cuisine, art forms (e.g. Kerala’s Kathakali dance vs. Rajasthan’s Ghoomar, South Indian o • PmfIas Art and Culture Page 4