tourism resources

R'tist @ Tourism , Pondicherry University 1

Tourism Resources© Ramakrishna Kongalla


RESOURCE• A resource is a source or supply from which benefit is

produced• Typically resources are materials or other assets that are

transformed to produce benefit and in the process may be consumed or made unavailable

• From a human perspective a natural resource is anything obtained from the environment to satisfy human needs and wants.

• From a broader biological or ecological perspective a resource satisfies the needs of a living organism

• Resources have three main characteristics: – 1) utility, 2) limited availability, and 3) potential

for depletion or consumption.


On the basis of origin

– Abiotic resources comprise non-living things (e.g., land, water, air and minerals such as gold, iron, copper, silver).

– Biotic resources are obtained from the biosphere. Forests and their products, animals, birds and their products, fish and other marine organisms are important examples. Minerals such as coal and petroleum are sometimes included in this category because they were formed from fossilized organic matter, though over long periods of time.


On the stage of development• Potential Resources are known to exist and may be used in the future. For

example, petroleum may exist in many parts of India having sedimentary rocks, but until the time it is actually drilled out and put into use, it remains a potential resource.

• Actual resources are those that have been surveyed, their quantity and quality determined, and are being used in present times. For example, petroleum and natural gas is actively being obtained from the Mumbai High Fields.

• The development of an actual resource, such as wood processing depends upon the technology available and the cost involved. That part of the actual resource that can be developed profitably with available technology is called a reserve resource, while that part that can not be developed profitably because of lack of technology is called a stock resource.


On the basis of renewability• Non-renewable Resources are formed over very long geological

periods. Minerals and fossils are included in this category. Since their rate of formation is extremely slow, they cannot be replenished once they are depleted. Out of these, the metallic minerals can be re-used by recycling them, but coal and petroleum cannot be recycled.

• Renewable resources, such as forests and fisheries, can be replenished or reproduced relatively quickly. The highest rate at which a resource can be used sustainably is the sustainable yield.

• Some resources, like sunlight, air, and wind, are called perpetual resources because they are available continuously, though at a limited rate.


based on distribution and ownership

• Ubiquitous Resources are found everywhere (e.g., air, light, water).

• Localized Resources are found only in certain parts of the world (e.g., copper and iron ore, geothermal power).

• On the basis of ownership, resources can be classified as– individual, – community, – national, and – international


TOURIST ATTRACTION• A tourist attraction is a place of interest

where tourists visit, typically for its inherent or exhibited cultural value, historical significance, natural or built beauty, or amusement opportunities.

• Eg: – Historicalplaces, monuments, zoos, aquaria, museums a

nd art galleries, botanical gardens, buildings and structures

– (e.g., castles, libraries,former prisons, skyscrapers, bridges),national parks and forests, theme parks and carnivals, living history museums, ethnic enclave communities, historic trains and cultural events


UNIQUE FEATURES OF TOURISM PRODUCTS

• Intangible• Irreversible• Inseparable• Perishable• Lack of ownership


NATURAL TOURISM RESOURCES IN INDIA


Name State Height (ft)

Lamkhaga Pass Himachal Pradesh 17,336

Marsimik La Jammu and Kashmir 18,314

Mayali Pass

Nama Pass Uttarakhand 18,045

Namika La Jammu and Kashmir 12,139

Nathu La Sikkim 14,140

Palakkad Gap Kerala 1,000

Rohtang Pass Himachal Pradesh 13,051

Sasser Pass Jammu and Kashmir 17,753

Sela Pass Arunachal Pradesh 14,000

Sin La Uttarakhand 18,028

Tanglang La Jammu and Kashmir 17,583

Traill's Pass Uttarakhand 17,100

Zojila Pass Jammu and Kashmir 12,400

Mountain passes of India

Name State Height (ft)

Asirgarh Madhya Pradesh

Banihal Pass Jammu and Kashmir 9,291

Bara-lacha-la Himachal Pradesh 16,400

Changla Pass Jammu and Kashmir 17,800

Debsa Pass Himachal Pradesh 17,520

Dongkhala Sikkim 12,000

Dhumdhar Kandi Pass

Fotu La Jammu and Kashmir 13,451

Goecha La Sikkim 16,207

Haldighati Rajasthan

Indrahar Pass Himachal Pradesh 14,473

Jelep La Sikkim 14,300

Khardung La Jammu and Kashmir 18,380

Kunjum Pass Himachal Pradesh 14,931

Lungalacha La Jammu and Kashmir 16,600


Mountain ranges

• Agasthyamalai Hills, • Aravalli Range, • Anamalai Hills, • Camore Hills, • Cardamom Hills. • Eastern Ghats • Garo Hills, • Great IndianHimalayas• Jaintia Hills• Karakoram Range• Khasi Hills• Manipur Hills• Mizo Hills• Naga Hills

• Nag Tibba Range• Nilgiri Hills• Palani Hills• Patkai Hills• Pir Panjal Range• Purvanchal Range• Satpura Range• Sahyadri• Shivalik Hills• Vindhya Range• Western Ghats• Zaskar Range


Deserts in India

Thar Desert• Great Indian Desert, is 496 miles

long and 248 miles wide• Rajasthan to southeast Pakistan

and some of Gujarat• annual rainfall is less than 10

inches• Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner• historical palace Mehrangarh• the most colorful desert in the

world• contains sand dunes, marshes,

gravel and hillocks. Paleontologists have discovered fossils as old as 300 million years

Kutch Deserts• western tip of the state of Gujrat• Bordered by the Arabian Sea, the Kutch

deserts are salty, muddy grasslands and swamps that flood in monsoon season

• myriad wildlife, including desert cats, gazelles, cranes, falcons, pelicans and the wild Asiatic ass

• Raan of Kutch, a wetland within the desert, is crossed by the river Lun and is home to 18 tribes of indigenous people.

• Because of rapid deforestation and salt extraction, the ecosystem of the Kutch has come under threat

• The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary of Gujarat, the largest in the country, and a biosphere reserve house many rare and endangered animals including vultures and eagles.


Desert Tours

• Camel and jeep safaris• city to city• historic buildings and sites• meeting residents• camp in mud huts or tents• participate in local

festivals and activities• prepared for very hot• very cold nights , bring a

large supply of water

• most popular safari circuit takes visitors to the cities of Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur, encompassing villages, palaces, lakes and historic forts and other sites along the way

• The Desert National Park, which is 20 percent sand dunes, provides a glimpse into the deserts' ecosystems


islands of IndiaLakshadweep• lie 200 to 300 km (124 to 186 miles) off

the coast of Kerala in the Arabian Sea with an area of 32 km² (11 sq mi). They consist of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks, with a total of about 36 islands and islets.

Diu• Portuguese enclave; Majuli, Asia's largest

freshwater island; • Elephanta in the Bombay Harbour• Sriharikota barrier island in Andhra

Pradesh.

• Forty-two islands in the Gulf of Kutch constitute the Marine National Park.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands• consist of 572 isles, lying in the Bay of

Bengal near the Myanmar coast. It is located 1255 km (780 miles) from Kolkata (Calcutta)

• two island groups, the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands

• 204 small islands with a total length of 352 km

• India's only active volcano, Barren Island• Narcondum is a dormant volcano• mud volcano at Baratang. Indira Point• Salsette Island is India's most populous

island on which the city of Mumbai (Bombay) is located.


Flora and Fauna, India• Project Tiger was started in 1973• now covers 27 Tiger Reserves and an

area of 37,761 sq.km• Corbett National Park in Uttaranchal is

one of the oldest national parks in India and where Project Tiger started. Kanha National Park, Ranthambor National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park are some of the best

• Kaziranga National Park and Manas in Assam are also famous as they are home to the One Horned Indian Rhinoceros.

• The Gir forest in Gujarat is the last refuge of the Asiatic Lion.

• the Annamalais, which are in the high ranges and Periyar National Park in Kerala

• Bandipur National Park in Karnataka (866 sq. kms), Nagarahole National Park (643 sq. kms), Mudumalai National Park (321 sq. kms) and Wayanaad in Kerala, Mukurthi National Park (80 sq. kms) and Silent Valley National Park (78 sq. kms) are the forests which form the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which encompasses over 5500 sq. kms and was the first biosphere reserve to be set up in India.

• It has the largest population of Asiatic elephants in the world and is also home to the Royal Bengal tiger and other large mammals such as the Indian Bison or Gaur.


Trekking in India

• the high altitude regions of Indian Himalayas

• Indian Himalayas• Ladakh• J&K • Darjeeling• Sikkim

• Trekking Places in India:• Ladakh-Zanskar Via Lahaul• Manali to Beas Kund• Garhwal Trekking• Himachal-Manikaran To Spiti• Dodi Tal• Khatling Saharatal Trek• Gangotri Nandvan Trek• Kinner-Kailash Parikrama• Manimahesh Chui Yatra• Jagatsukh To Base of Deo Tibba• Adi Kailash Trek• Hemkund Trek


Skiing Holidays India

• Kufri, H.P• Narkanda, H.P.• Manali, H.P.• Auli, Uttaranchal• Mundali, Uttaranchal• Munsiyari, Uttaranchal• Dayara Bugyal,

Uttaranchal


Mountaineering in India• Ladakh, the Nun-Kun Massif,

Jammu and Kashmir, in hills of Manali in Himalayas and Uttranchal are the best destinations for enjoying mountaineering in India.

• Idle sights – Garhwal and Kumaon

HimalayaSahasratal trek, Garhwal Himalaya, Hills of UP

– Khatling glacier trek, Garhwal Himalaya, Hills of UP

– Ladakh, Lahaul, Spiti / Kinnaur

• Destinations For Mountaineering– Himalayas of North India– Himachal and Uttranchal

Ranges– peaks of Kanchenjunga – North East Ranges

• Rhododendron trek -Mountaineering on the hills of Darjeeling


CAR RELLIES OF INDIA• India-ASEAN Car Rally

– Guwahati - 250 participants – 8,000 km rally from Guwahati to Batam

Island in Indonesia• Great Arc Rally

– Kochi in the south to Mussorie in the north

• Blind Man Car Rally– raise funds for national theme

'Freedom through Education‘in partnership with National Association for the Blind (NAB)

• Monsoon Rally– from Kolkata

• Himalayan Car Rally– New Delhi to New Delhi

• Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm Car Rally– one of the toughest motorsports – terrains of Thar Desert– rocky mountains of Aravalli – slippery white sands of Rann of Kutch

• Indian National Rally Championship– organized by Federation

Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Motorsports Association of India (MAI)

• Vintage Car Rally– Delhi up to Sohna (Haryana)

• Women Car Rally by NGO ‘Uthaan’• Kalinga Green Car Rally

– Kalinga Motor Sports Club (KMSC)


RIVER RAFTING IN INDIA• Himacha Pradesh, Ladakh

in Jammu & Kashmir, the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttaranchal, the Beas River of Himachal Pradesh and Teesta River in Sikkim.

• River Rafting in Uttarakhand, River Rafting in Himachal Pradesh,

• River Rafting in Ladakh, River Rafting in Sikkim, River Rafting in Kashmir in River Ganga , Alaknanda River, Bhagirati River, Indus River, Zanskar River, Kali Sarda River and Brahmaputra River.


Canoeing & Kayaking• Kayaking is just like backpacking on

an off beaten path, except that this time your adventure is on the sea

• Kayaks look like small fishing boat and are not a new thing in the Indian coastal sites, but they are fastly picking up as a favourite water sport in India

• Lake Paradise, Nanital• Mumbai• Dal Lake, Srinagar• Nagin Lake, Srinagar• Manasbal Lake, Srinagar

• canoeing presents quiet a unique combination of exploration. Paddle through the amazing sea caves, explore offshore islands, and snorkel the marine reserves that are filled with abundant marine treasures

• the beaches of Goa, Karnataka and Kerala

• In j&k and uttaranchal


India Surf Spots• India has 7,000 km of coastline• Sea, the Indian Ocean and the

Bay of Bengal• waves in India all year

round averaging 3 to 5 feet but the season for big waves [8feet plus] is May through September

• pre-monsoon and monsoon season. At this time the surf will range from 8 to 15 feet and bigger

• On the westcoast - 200 surfable river mouths

• Except for a few beaches around Goa, Gokaran, Varkala, Kovalam, Pondicherry and Mahabalipuram

• KanyaKumari , KovalamBeach, Rameswaram, Tiruchendur, Varkala, Mahe, Krishna River , Auroville, Vizag, Dwarka, Jagannatha Puri, Gokarna, Goa


Dive Sites of India

• Lakshadweep Islands– Kadmat Island

• Goa – S.S. Rita

• Bangalore

• Andaman Islands – Havelock Island– Minerva Ledge– South Button Island– Neil Island– South Andamans


Parasailing in India

• 3 methods of parasailing currently being offered to consumers around the world. Winchboat Parasailing, Beach Parasailing and Platform Palasailing. However, Winchboat Parasailing is the most popular and widely accepted method.


Hot Air Ballooning

• India also has its own hot-air balloons and the Ballooning Club of India organizes international balloon festivals and demonstration flights annually. There are Ballooning clubs in Guwahati, Dehradun, Bangalore and Jaipur.

• Ballooning Places in India:– Agra, UP– Pushkar, Rajasthan– Beneshwar, Rajasthan– Nagaur, Rajasthan


Hang Gliding• Most Indian hang gliding sites have been highly rated and those in the

lower regions of the Himalaya are among the best the world has. Hang gliding clubs in India are located at Pune, Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Shimla, Devlali and Bangalore.

• Hang Gliding Places in India:– Billing, HP– Dharamkot, HP– Pune, Maharashtra– Delhi– Mumbai, Maharashtra– Mumbai, Maharashtra– Chandigarh– Shimla, HP– Devlali, Maharashtra– Bangalore, Karnataka– Kalahatty, Ooty


Para gliding in India• Paragliding Places in India:

– Billing, HP– Kullu, HP– Solang, HP– Lahaul & Spiti, HP– Naukutchiyatal, Nainital– Dayara Bugyal, Garhwal– Dhanolti Ridge, Garhwal– Bedni Bugyal, Kumaon– Jaipur, Rajasthan– Jaisalmer, Rajasthan– Jodhpur, Rajasthan– Udaipur, Rajasthan– Bikaner, Rajasthan– Matheran, Maharashtra


INDIAN NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES• 100 Wildlife National Parks and more than 400 Wildlife Sanctuaries• famous for its tigers and elephants but with more than 500 species of mammals

including leopard, the rare one-horned rhino, 2000 bird species and subspecies – Corbett National Park– Nagarhole National Park– Keoladeo Ghana (Bharatpur) National Park– Nameri National Park– Kanha National Park– Kaziranga National Park– Bandhavgarh National Park– Gir National Park– Ranthambore National Park– Singalilla National Park– Sundarbans National Park– Periyar National Park (Thekkady National Park)– Gorumara National Park– Dibru-Saikhowa National Park– Jaldapara National Park– Manas National Park


Corbett National Park• Uttartranchal• 201 square mile park • in 1973 and this park was

one of the first such tiger reserves in the country

• 100 species of tree. It is also home to 50 species of mammal, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species

• four kinds of deer, wild boar, the leopard cat, jungle cat and fishing cat, dhole (wild dog) gharial crocodile and the mugger crocodile

Keoladeo Ghana (Bharatpur) National Park

• 350 species of birds find refuge in Bharatpur's 11 square miles of shallow lakes and woodland

• there are four species of cormorants, eight species of egrets, three ibises, 17 species of duck and geese, and two species of crane.

• Siberian Crane is one of the rarest species in the world

• huge rock pythons • sambal deer and blue bull


Kanha National Park• Mandla district of MP• 2000 square km• Mekal Hills• Surpan River runs • attraction is the tiger• gray langur, porcupine,

mongoose and wild pig• 175 varieties of birds

Bandhavgarh National Park• Vindhyan mountains• declared a park in 1968• highest density of tiger Sundarbans National Park• part of the largest delta in

the world formed where Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna

• largest National Park in India • more than 250 tigers


Ranthambore National Park• Eastern Rajasthan• Aravali Hill ranges and the

Vindhyan plateau meet• Chambal in the South and

Banas in the North bound the Ranthambore National Park. Six man made lakes

• 300 trees, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles and amphibians- including the marsh crocodile - and 30 mammals

Jaldapara National Park• West Bengal is situated in the

foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in the Jalpaiguri district

• formed in 1943 for the protection of wildlife, in particular the one-horned rhino

• bisected by the River Torsha Nameri National Park• foothills of the eastern Himalayas

and is a haven for many endangered animals, in particular the Bengal tiger

• consists of hilly deciduous forests flanking the Jia Bhoroli river


Nagarhole National Park• separated from the famous

Bandipur National Park by the mighty Kabini river

• the Park was extended to include the Mysore Forests in 1974

Gorumara National Park• located on the flood plains of

the Murti and Jaldhaka rivers in the Dooars (rolling hill slopes) region of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal

• Asiatic one-horned rhino

Kaziranga National Park• one horned rhinocerous Gir National Park• Asiatic lion is incredibly

rare and is the most endangered large cat species in the world. Sasangir (Gir) National Park in Gujarat is the only place where they can be found in the wild and only approximately 300 remain


Periyar National Park (Thekkady National Park)in the Western GhatsNilgiri Tahr, gaur (Indian bison)100 species of butterfly and at least

240 bird Dibru-Saikhowa National Park• biggest National Park in Assam • one of the 19 biodiversity

hotspots in the worldManas National Park• along the Assam-Bhutan border• World Heritage Site • Bengal florican and the Giant

hornbill

Dachigam National Park• 22 kilometers

from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

• a National Park in the year 1981• Hangul• Musk Deer• Leopard• Himalayan Gray LangurDudhwa National Park• Terai of Uttar Pradesh• national park in January 1977• In 1988, the park was declared

as a tiger reserve


Mudumalai National Park• first wildlife sanctuaries

established in India. The sanctuary is divided into 5 ranges - Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Mudumalai, Kargudi and Nellakota

• 48 tigers in the Nilgiri ReserveValley of Flowers National Park• Uttarakhand• UNESCO World Network of

Biosphere Reserves since 2004

• declared a national park in 1982

MADHAV – shivpuri NATIONAL PARK

• Jhansi-Shivpuri Road• wildlife – buffs• chinkara, Indian gazelle and

chitalNanda Devi National Park• Uttarakhand in northern India• World Heritage

Site by UNESCO in 1988• Nanda Devi: 7,816 m (25,643 ft)• Devistan I, II: 6,678 metres

(21,909 ft), 6,529 m (21,421 ft)• Rishi Kot: 6,236 m (20,459 ft)


CULTURAL TOURISM RESOURCES IN INDIA


History of India


History of India

Divided in 7 Periods1. Original Indians (1700BC – 3300BC) Indus Valley Civilization: Mohenja-daro and Harappa People2. Aryans (2500BC – 322BC) India’s Root Culture3. The Mauryan Empire (322BC – 188BC) Spread of Buddhism4.Gupta Period (320AD – 480AD) Golden Age of India5. Muslim Period (1175AD – 1800AD) Turks and Mughals6. European Rule (1800AD – 1947AD) Portuguese, French, Dutch,

and English7. Independence and Democratic India


1. Indus Valley Civilization• Excavation in Northwest part of Pakistan has discovered civilization that

is over 5,000 years old.• This is the period where people in the rest of the world were nomadic• The artifacts discovered from excavation

Urban planning– Sanitation system– Advancements in Art and science– Agriculture and trade– Engineering – metallurgy– Medicine – dentistry– Peaceful egalitarian society

• Impact– Engineering– Science– Medicine– Arts


2. Aryans (2500BC – 322BC)

• Group of nomadic tribes who had originally inhabited Central Asia (There is a dispute on this)

• Tall, fair haired, with clear cut features, they settled in Punjab, in the Indus Valley River region.

• Fought with the original people of Indus Valley Civilization, who were dark skin and known as Dasyus or Dravidians

• The superiority of the Aryans resulted in the Dravidian submission and retirement to the south.

• The Aryan society was very well organized, ruled by a monarch.• Practiced the four Vedas• Caste system was introduced and practiced, based on one’s profession:

– Brahmins: Priests, teachers, intellectuals– Khsatriyas: Warriors, soldiers– Vashya: Traders, merchants, peasants– Shudras: People in service of others

• Aryan period ended At the end of 322BC.


Cultural Impact of Aryans• The culture of the Aryan period exist today and has been an

integral pat of Hindus all over the world.• All Hindus accept Vedas as their most sacred scripture.• Hindu religion originated with Aryans • With the invasion of Persian kings Cyrus and Darius in the

500 BC, there were significant changes and commingling of Aryan and Persian culture.

Persian and Greek Invasion• The Persian Invasion in 500BC, and the invasion of Alexander

the Great of Greece in 327 BC, changed the Indian culture for ever.

• The most significant impact of this period was:– (1) Cultural mixing– (2) Establishment of contacts with foreign countries


3. Mauryan Empire (322BC -188BC)• The Mauryans were better rulers and culturally rich.• They had a highly centralized and hierarchical government, well developed trade and

commerce, welfare of foreigners, maintenance of public places including markets, and temples.

• The most significant ruler of this period was Emperor Ashoka who converted to Buddhism and introduced Buddhism outside India

• After the death of Ashoka, the Mauryan Empire disintegrated rapidly and all of South Asia fragmented into regional powers.

• Cultural Impact of Mauryans• Origin of non-violence in India• War in Kalinga• Ashoka promoted non-violence, along with Buddhism.• spread of Buddhism to neighboring countries of China, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, etc.• Education and Intellectual movement• The World's first university was established in India. More than 10,500 students from

all over the world studied more than 60 subjects.


4. Gupta Period (320 AD – 480 AD)• After the decline of Mauryans, Gupta rulers rose to power• The Gupta period in Indian history is known as the Golden Age of India.• Era of the most advanced civilization, flush with wealth, higher

education, trade with foreign countries, and an overall happy life.• Religious tolerance and freedom of worship• Period of Hindu renaissance.Impact of the Gupta Period• Emperor Ashoka promoted Buddhism, but Gupta rulers showed a

preference for Hindu religion• Music, architecture, sculptures and painting were at its• best.• Various copper statues images of Buddha reflect the craftsmanship of

the Gupta period.• After the death of the last Gupta ruler in 570 AD, the Gupta empire

declined and broke off.


Gupta Period (320 AD – 480 AD)• Huien Tsang has provided a good historical

account of the life in this period.Foreign Invasions• Due to its wealth and culture, India has attracted

foreigners throughout its history:– Persian invasion in 500BC– Greek Invasion in 327 BC– Turks in 1175AD– Mughal in 1526– Portuguese in 16th century– Dutch and French in 17th century– English in 18th through 20th century


5. Muslim Period – Turks & Mughals (1175 –1800 AD)• Turks from Central Asia invaded India and ruled

from 1175 to 1340 AD.• Attracted by India’s wealth, looted and destroyed

temples.• More interested in wealth rather than politics and

were soon replaced by the Mughals.• The Turks’ dominance ended in 1526 with the

invasion of Mughals from central Asia• The Turks• Fierce and famous, Turk invader-Mahmud of

Ghazni


Muslim Period (1175 – 1800 AD) – The Mughals• Nomadic people of central Asia. The first invader was Babur, related to

Genghis Khan.• He defeated Rajputs and Afgans and ruled in India• Babar’s successors: Akbar and Shahjahan are the most prominent in Indian

history.• Akbar is known to be the first Muslim emperor to unite Hindus and

Muslims, and marrying a Hindu woman.• Shahjahan is known in history for building the world famous monument

Tajmahal.• Shahjahan built the Tajmahal in memory of his deceased wife Noorjahan,

who died on June 17, 1631 in child birth.• Aurangzeb was the last significant ruler of the Mughal Empire, preceding the

european rulers• His successors were week and corrupt, Aurangjeb is generally regarded as

the last significant Mughal ruler.• The Hindu Maratha Empire mostly replaced Mughal rule during the rest of

the 18th century• Today, 13.4% of India’s population is Muslim


6. European Rule (1800 – 1947) – Discovery of India

• The invasion of Alexander had boosted trade contacts outside India

• Italians and Portuguese made several attempts to find an easy route to India that will avoid the hostile route through northern part of India.

• Columbus, in his quest to find India ended up in North America and erroneously thought he had reached India, calling the native of the new land as Indians.

• On April, 1498 Vasco da Gama reached the western coast of India and the quest for Europeans to reach India was fulfilled.

• Subsequent to Vasco Da Gama’s arrival in India, the Portuguese fought and established their dominance and appointed Portuguese Governor in India.

• After a century, due to the incompetent administration, the Portuguese power began to decline.


Culture of India• India's languages, religions, dance, music, architecture, food

and customs differ from place to place within the country, but nevertheless possess a commonality. India is the only country in the world to have so many religions and beliefs. The culture of India is an amalgamation of these diverse sub-cultures spread all over the Indian subcontinent and traditions that are several millennia old

• Regarded by many historians as the "oldest living civilization of Earth", the Indian tradition dates back to 8000 BC and has a continuous recorded history since the time of the Vedas, believed variously to be 3,000 to over 5,500 years ago. Several elements of India's diverse culture — such as Indian religions, yoga and Indian cuisine — have had a profound impact across the world.


• Religions and spirituality• Marriage - Arranged

Marriage• Namaste• Festivals• Names and language• Animals• Cuisine• Clothing• Languages and literature• History• Epics

• Performing arts– Dance– Drama and theatre– Music

• Visual arts– Painting– Sculpture– Architecture

• Sports and Martial arts– Sports– Indian martial arts

• Popular media– Television– Cinema


Indian society

• Culture of India• is an amalgamation

of these diverse sub-cultures spread all over the Indian subcontinent and traditions that are several millennia old

• Hindu societyBeliefs– Concept of God– Devas and avatars– Karma and samsara– Objectives of human life– Yoga

Practices– Rituals– Pilgrimage– Festivals

Scriptures– Shruti– Smritis

DemographicsSociety– Denominations– Ashramas– Monasticism– Varnas– Ahimsa, vegetarianism


Caste system in India• is a system of social stratification and social

restriction in India in which communities are defined by thousands of endogamous hereditary groups called Jātis.

• The Jātis were hypothetically and formally grouped by the Brahminical texts under the four well known categories (the varnas): viz Brahmins (scholars, teachers, fire priests), Kshatriyas (kings, warriors, law enforcers, administrators), Vaishyas(agriculturists, cattle raisers, traders, bankers, artisans), and Shudras (labourers, craftsmen, service providers). Certain people like foreigners, nomads, forest tribes and the chandalas (who dealt with disposal of the dead) were excluded altogether and treated as untouchables.

• Although identified with Hinduism, in the past (1883 year data) the caste-like systems were also observed among followers of other religions in the Indian subcontinent, including some groups of Muslims and Christians, most likely due to inherited cultural traits. Theoretically, all foreigners are considered to be casteless; in the 18th century, the high-caste Brahmins avoided undertaking sea trips, as they considered the European merchants as untouchable

Socio-economic issues• Overpopulation• Economic issues

– Poverty– Sanitation– Corruption

• Education– Initiatives– linkage between education and

economic growth– Measurement of returns to school– Issues

• Violence– Religious violence– Terrorism– Naxalism– Caste related violence


Indian Traditions India, in the past, witnessed successive waves of migration

from various foreign forces like the Persians, Arabs, British and Turks. Though, with time, all of them retreated, they left behind their indelible mark which is still reflected in the culture and traditions of India. From one state to another, there is huge variation in the language, attire, beliefs and other demographic aspects of the denizens that it is simply mind-boggling.

However, there are some very prominent features that bind all Indians to the brand 'Hindustani'. These traditions range from the aarti done to welcome the guests to touching the feet of the elders. The cultural traditions of India have been passed on from generation to generation and are deeply rooted in the Indian way of living.


Etiquette• India is a vibrant amalgamation

of varied ethnic groups, climate, cultures, regions and traditions. As such, many people visiting the country for the first time find it uniquely different. On one hand, you will find many conservatively dressed Indian women flocking the temple entrance. On the other, there are others who have no qualms walking the fashion ramp in the skimpiest of clothes. While there are millions of illiterates in the Indian subcontinent, there are also those who are the driving force behind the booming IT industry in India.

• Dressing EtiquetteMajority of the Indians, especially in

the rural areas, small towns and cities, are a conservative.

Short, revealing clothes, especially for women, is a strict taboo.

As such, it's expected that you dress up according to the situation.

E.G. when you go out for sight-seeing, you can wear knee length Bermudas, tee shirts, long or quarter length skirts, capris and jeans.

However, at high-end restaurants, bars and discos, you can dress in a more relaxed manner, without worrying much about the dress codes.


Customs on usage of Shoes Indian temple etiquette stipulates that you take off your shoes before entering the premises.

The same applies to even certain churches in India. Usually, there will be people stationed outside most temples and gurdwaras, who will keep your shoes safely for a nominal sum.

You will be expected to follow the same protocol when you visit a person's home in some of the cities of India.

• Indian Proximity Indian culture and tradition

forbids unnecessary touching or any form of physical contact, especially between a man and a woman, in public.

Kissing in public is a not advisable.

You can shake hands with people, or better still stick, to the traditional Namaste, the popular Indian style greeting.

For this, you need to press your hands together with all fingers pointing towards the sky in front of your chest and politely say Namaste, while looking at the person you are saying it to.


Generic Attitude Indian manners and etiquette also

comprise of not speaking ill about or criticizing the country or its people openly.

The natives are bound to take great offence to it.

At the same time, never address the elderly by their first name, unless they allow you to.

It's advisable for you to call them sir or ma’am instead. With youngsters, you can choose to be informal.

It is also considered disrespectful in India to use loud and foul language words publicly.

• Joint Family System A majority of the people in India

prefer to live in a joint family, which could comprise anywhere between a group of two or more members to even over 20 members sometimes.

As per the Indian way of living, the commanding position in a family is held by the eldest earning male member. He consults other adult members on important issues, but it is his decision that ultimately prevails. However, a lot of importance is also given to the advice of the eldest retired members of the family.


Women as Homemaker As per the lifestyle of the

Indian people, it is the duty of a woman to take care of her home.

As such, from her childhood, a girl child is taught to rustle up mouth-watering dishes by her mother and other ladies in her family.

She is also taught to attend to guests and strangers politely and elegantly because it is thought to greatly reflect upon her upbringing.

Respecting Elders One common trait you will find amongst Indians is that children show utmost respect to their elders. Now this is one habit all Indian parents deliberately inculcate in their children, since beginning. It is an unsaid rule in India that a person cannot rudely respond to elders. It is deemed disrespectful in India to refer to an elder by his / her name. Instead people prefer calling them uncle and aunt, especially if the person is very elderly. It is also customary in India for the youngsters to touch the feet of their elders as a way of greeting as well as on important occasions.


Places of Worship - Customs Worshipping is an important part of the daily life of

Indian people. You will find the holy basil tulsi planted in maximum houses, which people water as well as worship everyday religiously.

Many Indians are associated to various religious sects and attend weekly gatherings to listen to the sermons.

Apart from temples, mosques and gurdwaras, there will also invariably be a personal place for worship, and pictures of Gods and Goddesses, in every house in India


Hospitality Perhaps, the one thing that is

going to take you by surprise and also deeply touch you on your India tour is the warm hospitality of Indians. A ready smile on the face, always willing to go out of the way to help somebody, exuding genuine happiness upon meeting a person - these are some of the common traits you will find in maximum Indians. The Sanskrit adage, "Atithi Devo Bhava," meaning the guest is truly your god dictates the respect granted to guests in India.

Welcoming Guests- TraditionsPlaying the perfect host is an

integral part of the Indian culture and tradition. As such, Indian people go to great lengths to make their guests feel welcome. Garlanding, aarti and applying tilak, or a red vermillion mark, on the forehead of the guest is, thus, an important part of the reception ritual. There are basically two reasons behind the garlanding tradition of India. Firstly, it showcases one's happiness at receiving the particular guest and secondly, it is a form of publicly acknowledging the guest's importance.


Indian Family Value System Examples of Indian family values are - a young person should always touch the

feet of his elders; he should never speak in a high or rude tone to those who are older to him; he should always give respect to elders and refer to them as 'aap'; he should not consume alcohol and tobacco or smoke cigarettes; he should respect women; he should always speak truth and try to engage in non-violent behavior; and so on. Most of the values that the parents impart to their children in India, as a part of the family value system, are similar in nature.

Some other values that are part of India's cultural heritage are:• Living peacefully and respecting each other's rights. • Never ever compromising on integrity for the purpose of prosperity. • Maintain strong bonds with the family members as well as relatives. • Being hospitable to everyone who comes to your home, irrespective of his caste,

creed, financial position or status. • Treating guest as God i.e. 'Atithi Devo Bhava'. • Remembering and bowing to God first thing in the morning. • Indulging in yoga and meditation. • Always taking the advice of elders in case of any important decision


Cuisine and Food habits

• Indian cuisine consists of thousands of regional cuisines which date back thousands of years

• are characterised by the extensive use of various Indian spices, herbs, vegetables and fruit.

• known for the widespread practice of vegetarianism in Indian society. • Each family of Indian cuisine includes a wide assortment of dishes and

cooking techniques. As a consequence, it varies from region to region, reflecting the varied demographics of the ethnically-diverse subcontinent.

• Hindu beliefs and culture have played an influential role in the evolution of Indian cuisine. However, cuisine across India also evolved as a result of the subcontinent's large-scale cultural interactions with Mongols and Britain making it a unique blend of some various cuisines.

• Indian cuisine has influenced cuisines across the world, especially those from Southeast Asia and the Caribbean.

• by a 5000 year history of various groups and cultures interacting with the subcontinent, leading to the diversity of flavors and regional cuisines


Antiquity• Many recipes first emerged during the

initial Vedic period, when India was still heavily forested and agriculture was complemented with game hunting and forest produce.

• a normal diet consisted of fruit, vegetables, grain, dairy products, honey, and poultry and other sorts of meats.

• Over time, some segments of the population embraced vegetarianism, This was facilitated by the advent of Buddhism and an equitable climate permitting a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains to be grown throughout the year.

• saatvic, raajsic or taamsic developed in Ayurveda. A reference to the kind of food one is to eat is also discussed in the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 17, Verses 8,9 & 10).

• In this period eating beef became taboo, a belief still commonly held today.

Middle Ages• period in which several North

Indian dynasties were predominant, including the Gupta dynasty.

• Travelers who visited India brought with them new cooking methods and products like tea and spices.

• Later, India saw the period of Central Asian and Afghan conquerors, which saw the emergence of the Mughlai cuisine that many people now associate with India.

• This included the addition of several seasonings like saffron, the addition of nuts, and the practice of cooking in a sealed pot called a "dum".


Ingredients• are Bajra, rice, atta (whole wheat flour), and a variety of pulses, of which the most central to this

cuisine are masoor (most often red lentils), channa (bengal gram), toor (pigeon pea or yellow gram), urad (black gram), and moong (green gram).

• Pulses may be used whole, dehusked – for example, dhuli moong or dhuli urad – or split. Split pulses, or dal, are used extensively. Some pulses, like channa and mung, are also processed into flour (besan).

• Most Indian curries are cooked in vegetable oil. In northern and western India, peanut oil is popular, while in eastern India, mustard oil is more commonly used. Coconut oil is used widely along the western coast, especially in Kerala; gingelly (sesame) oil is common in the south as well.

• In recent decades, sunflower and soybean oil have become popular across India. Hydrogenated vegetable oil, known as Vanaspati ghee, is another popular cooking medium. Butter-based ghee, or desi ghee, is used very frequently, but still less used than before.

• The most important or frequently used spices in Indian cuisine are chilli pepper, black mustard seed (sarso), cumin (jeera), turmeric (haldi), fenugreek(methi), asafoetida(hing), ginger(adrak), coriander (dhania), and garlic (lehsun). Popular spice mixes are garam masala, a powder that typically includes five or more dried spices, especially cardamom, cinnamon, and clove.

• Each region, and sometimes each individual chef, has a distinctive garam masala blend. Goda masala is a comparable, though sweet, spice mix that is popular in Maharashtra Some leaves commonly used for flavoring include tejpat (Bay leaf),coriander leaf, fenugreek leaf, and mint leaf.

• The use of curry leaves and roots is typical of Gujarati and all South Indian cuisine. Sweet dishes are seasoned with cardamom, saffron, nutmeg, and rose petal essences.


Regional cuisines

Andaman and Nicobar Islands• Seafood plays a major role

in the cuisines of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which were, and still are inhabited by the indigenous Andamanese. Since they had very little contact with the outside world, raw fish and fruits were their staple diet for a long time

• Andhra Pradesh• Telugu and Hyderabadi cuis

ine• Rice,

curries and lentil soups or broths

• heavy use of spices and chillies

• pickles, such as avakaya mango, and gongura

• Curds to kill spicyness• Hyderabadi biryani


Arunachal Pradesh• Rice with fish, meat and green

vegetables. Lettuce common vegetable with ginger, coriander and green chillies. Boiled rice cakes wrapped in leaves . Thukpa is a kind of noodle soup of Monpa tribe

Assam• bhuna, the gentle frying of spices

before the addition of the main ingredients, so common in Indian cooking, is absent.

• khar, a class of dishes ends with a tenga, a sour dish.

• The food is usually served in bell metal utensils.

• Pann, the practice of chewing betel nut, generally concludes the meal.

Bihar• buttermilk (called mattha)• poha (flattened rice) with

yoghurt and sugar. • Sattu Parathas, Chokha• alu-bhujia• Tangy raita made from lauki

(winter melon) Chattisgarh• liquor brewed from

the Mahuwa flower• Red ant chutney • pork constitute a large part of

ChatisgarhDaman and Diu• Gujarati food and

traditional Portugese food


Goa• Seafood, coconut milk, rice and paste

are main ingredients. Kokum is a distinct feature. staple foods are rice and fish. Kingfish (Vison or Visvan) is most common

Gujarat• primarily vegetarian. The typical

Gujarati Rotli in Gujarati), daal or kadhi, rice, and sabzi/shaak, Keri no ras (fresh mango pulp) is often an integral part of the meal. Garam Masala less in summer. Regular fasting is a common practice.

Haryana• dairy is a common component , Kadhi

Pakora, Besan Masala Roti, Bajra Aloo Roti, Churma, Kheer, Bathua Raita, Methi Gajar, Singri ki Sabzi and Tamatar Chutney. Lassi and Sherbat are the two popular non-alcoholic beverages. liquor

• Himachal Pradesh• similar to north India,

including lentil, broth, rice, vegetables and bread. specialities of Himachal include Pateer, Chouck, Bhagjery and chutney of Til.

Jammu & Kashmir• influence of the Kashmiri

Hindus andBuddhists. invasion of Kashmir by Timur. influenced cuisines of Central Asian, Persia, and the North Indian. notable ingredient is mutton (lamb), over 30 varieties.

• Kashmiri Pandit food, differences between Kashmiri cuisine and Punjabi cuisine is rice and Roti.

Jharkhand• equally vegetarian as well as non-

vegetarian. not available at the restaurants , not been commercialised. on a visit to a tribal village to taste such exotic food.


Karnataka• Vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines.

Influence of South Indian states and Maharashtra, Goa to its north. Some typical dishes include Bisi bele bath, Jolada rotti, Chapati, Ragi rotti, Akki rotti, Saaru, Huli, Vangi Bath, Khara Bath, Kesari Bath, Davanagere Benne Dosa, Ragi mudde, and Uppittu. Masala Dosa traces its origin to Udupi cuisine. Plain and Rave Idli, Mysore Masala Dosa and Maddur Vade are popular in South Karnataka. Coorg district is famous for spicy pork curries, sweets Mysore Pak, Dharwad pedha, Chiroti are well known. typical Kannadiga Oota (Kannadiga meal) includes Uppu(salt), Kosambari, Pickle, Palya, Gojju, Raita, Dessert, Thovve, Chitranna, Rice and Ghee.

Kerala• grated coconut and coconut milk are

widely used in dishes and curries. Rice is grown in abundance, and could be said, along with tapioca (manioc/cassava) main starch ingredient . spices - black pepper, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon predominantly non-vegetarians, variety of breakfast dishes like idli, dosa, appam, idiyappam, puttu, and pathiri.

Lakshadweep• influence of Kerala, coconut and sea fish.

coconut waterManipur• simple, organic and healthy. use chili

pepper rather than Garam masala. staple diet of Manipur consists of rice, leafy vegetables, and fish. The Umarok is a very popular chili that is used in the cuisine.


Madhya Pradesh• wheat and meat, dominated by rice and

fish. Gwalior and Indore abound in milk and milk-based, Bhutte ka kees, Sabudane ki khicri, Aaloo Patis Chat house. Bhopal - rogan josh, korma, keema, biryani pilaf and kababs such as shami and seekh, Dal bafla. Bafla is a steamed and grilled wheat cake dunked in rich ghee which is eaten with daal (a pungent lentil broth). It is followed by sweet ladoos. Another popular dish in Malwa region (central M.P) is poha (flattened rice), it is mostly a breakfast item served with Jalebi.

• local liquor which is distilled from the flowers of the mahua tree. date palm toddy

• Mizoram• Mizo cuisine is a blend of Chinese and

north Indian , served on fresh green banana leaves. Meals are usually less spicy and plain in taste, popular dish is Bai, eaten with rice. Sawchair made of rice cooked with pork or chicken.

Maharashtra• Bajri, Wheat, rice, jowar, vegetables,

lentils and fruit, puran poli, ukdiche Modak and batata wada. The staple dishes of Maharashtrian cuisine are based on Bajri, Jowar and Rice(Tandul). Konkani cuisine. Vidarbha area, has its own distinctive cuisine known as the Varadi cuisine. kokum, a deep purple berry that has a pleasing sweet and sour taste. panha made from boiled raw mango is consumed. 'varan'/'aamtee' – a type of lentils

Meghalaya• home of three Mongoloid tribes, has a

unique cuisine of its own. rice with spicy meat and fish preparations. They rear goats, pigs, fowl, ducks and cows and relish their meat. The popular dishes areJadoh, Ki Kpu, Tung-rymbai, and pickled bamboo shoots. ferment rice beer


Nagaland• Naga cuisine, of the Naga people is

known for exotic meats cooked with simple and flavorful ingredients like the extremely hot bhut jolokia or ghost chili, fermented bamboo shoots and soya beans. oil minimally, prefer to ferment, dry and smoke their meats and fishes, food is healthy and light.

Orissa• Panch phutana, a mix of cumin,

mustard, fennel, fenugreek and kalonji (nigella) is widely used for tempering vegetables and dals, while garam masala (curry powder) andhaladi (turmeric) are commonly used for non-vegetarian curries. Pakhala, a dish made of rice, water, and yoghurt, that is fermented overnight, is very popular in summer, particularly in the rural areas. fond of sweets

Puducherry• The French and the Indo style have given

birth to an innovative taste. The influence of the neighboring areas like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala is also visible.

• Coconut Curry, Tandoori Potato, Soya Dosa, Podanlangkai, Assad, Curried Vegetables, Stuffed Cabbage, Baked Beans

Punjab• restaurant style using large amounts

of ghee, with liberal amounts of butter and cream with home cooked concentrating on mainly upon preparations with whole wheat, rice and other ingredients flavored with masalas.

• prefer stuffed parathas and dairy products, Mah Di Dal, saron da saag, and many othe things.The food is tailor-made for the Punjabi lifestyle in which most of the rural folk burn up a lot of calories while working in the fields. Tandoori food is a Punjabi speciality Tandoor, Naan, Pakoras and vegetable dishes with paneer – derive from the Punjab.


Rajasthan• food is generally cooked

in milk or ghee, Besan or gram flour is a mainstay of Marwari food mainly because of the scarcity of vegetables in this arid land.

• Major dishes of a Rajasthani platter includes Daal-Baati, Tarfini, Raabdi, ghewar, Bail-Gatte, Panchkoota, Chaavadi, Laapsi, Kadhi and Boondi, and snacks like Bikaneri Bhujia, Mirchi Bada, Pyaaj Kachori, Dal Kachori.

Sikkim• the Nepalese, Bhutias and Lepchas.

Rice is the staple food. Meat and dairy products finger millet, wheat, buckwheat, barley, vegetable, potato, soybeans, etc. are grown.

Tamil Nadu• rice, legumes and lentils, its

distinct aroma and flavour achieved by the blending of spices including curry leaves, tamarind,coriander, ginger, garlic, chili, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cumin, nutmeg, coconut and rosewater.

• "curry" is derived from the Tamil word 'kari' which means "an additive to the main course or a side dish" Rice and legumes play an important role in Tamil cuisine.

Tripura• The major ingredient of Tripuris

cuisine for non-vegetarian food includes pork, chicken, mutton, turtle, fish, prawns, crabs, and frogs.


Uttar Pradesh• Awadhi and Mughlai cuisine but a vast

majority of the state enjoys sober vegetarian meals with Dal, roti, sabzi and rice constituting the essentials of daily food habits. Pooris and kachoris, Chaat, samosa and pakora, are also originally from Uttar Pradesh.

Uttarakhand• Garhwali and Kumaoni cuisine are the

same, there are some basic differences , Kumauni cuisine is the tightfisted use of especially milk and milk-based. Badi (sun-dried Urad Dal balls) and Mangodi (sun-dried Moong Dal balls) as substitute for vegetables at times. Main dishes from Uttarakhand include Chainsoo, Kafuli, Jholi, Thechwani, Baadi, etc.

West Bengal• Bengali cuisine is known

for its subtle flavours, its confectioneries and desserts, and has perhaps the only multi-course tradition from India that is analogous with French and Italian cuisine in structure. The nature and variety of dishes found in Bengali cooking are unique even in India


Desserts• Indian sweets, known as mithai, are a

type of confectionery. Many are made with sugar, milk and condensed milk, and cooked by frying. The bases of the sweets and other ingredients vary by region. In the Eastern part of India, for example, milk is a staple, and most sweets from this region are based on milk products– Barfi– Chikki– Gulab jamun– Jalebi– Khaja– Kulfi– Kheer (Paayasam)– Laddu– Malpoa (pan cake – rice or wheat)– Motichoor Ka Ladoo (gram flour)– Rasgulla– Shrikhand (yogurt)

Beverages– Tea, Lassi, Sharbat, nimbu pani– Alcoholic beverages Beer

Eating habits– breakfast, or nashta,– Lunch by pan– snacks.– Dinner by sweets

• Etiquette– Seated– without cutlery– right hand– South India - banana leaves– Now spoons and forks


Music of India - folk, popular, pop, classical musicHindustani music• Vedic times around 1000 BC.

developed circa the 13th and 14th centuries AD with Persian influences and religious and folk music. The practice of singing based on notes was popular even from the Vedic times where the hymns in Sama Veda, a sacred text, was sung as Samagana and not chanted. Hindustani music was not only influenced by ancient Hindu musical traditions, historical Vedic philosophy and native Indian sounds but also enriched by the Persian performance practices of the Mughals. During the Medivel age especially in Mughals era various Gharana became famous due to excellence and class in type of musics like raga. Tansen is one of the navratna of Mughals Admiral Akbar.

• Classical genres are dhrupad, dhamar, khyal, tarana sadra.

Carnatic music• 15th - 16th centuries AD and thereafter, one of the gifts

bestowed on man by the gods of Hindu mythology. It is one of the oldest musical forms that continue to survive today.

• Carnatic music is melodic, with improvised variations. It consists of a composition with improvised embellishments added to the piece in the forms of Raga Alapana, Kalpanaswaram, Neraval, and, in the case of more advanced students, Ragam Tanam Pallavi. The main emphasis is on the vocals as most compositions are written to be sung, and even when played on instruments, they are meant to be performed in a singing style (known as gāyaki). There are about 7.2 million ragas (or scales) in Carnatic Music, with only 300 or so still in common use today.

• Purandara Dasa is considered the father of carnatic music. Sri Tyagaraja, Sri Shyama Shastry and Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar are considered the trinity of carnatic music and with them came the golden age in carnatic music in the 18th-19th

• Noted artists of Carnatic Music include MS Subbulakshmi, Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar (the father of the current concert format), Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, TN Seshagopalan and more recently Sanjay Subrahmanyan, TM Krishna, Bombay Jayashri, etc.


FOLKBihu of Assam

– Bihu is the festival of New Year of Assam falling on mid April

Bhangra• lively form of music

and dance that originated in the Punjab region to celebrate Vaisakhi

Dandiya– t is practised in (mainly)

the state of Gujrat

Popular music– Film music– Interaction with non-

Indian music• Indi-pop music

– Daler Mehndi, Bombay Rockers

• Rock & metal music– Ravi Shankarand Zakir

Hussain


Indian Musical Instruments

• A musical instrument is a device constructed or modifies with a purpose of making music. In principle, anything that produces sound, and somehow controlled be a musician can serve as a musical instrument. The expression is reserved generally to items that have a specific musical purpose. The academic study of musical instrument is called Organology

• In the sphere of instrumental music, India occupies a prominent position. There are as many as 500 musical instruments with distinct names and techniques of play. The musical instruments of India have been so devised as to fully serve the needs of her highly developed melodic system of music. All music performances are accompanied by artists on musical instruments.

• classified as– (i) Tala Vadhya - Stringed

instruments that stretch in tension.Egs. Veena, Violin, Tambura,

Gottuvadhyam, Sitar, Sarod.

– (ii) Sushira Vadhya -Wind instruments. Egs. Nadhaswaram, Flute and Shehnai.

– (iii) Avanaddha Vadhya - Percussion instruments that have one or two faces covered with the hide skin.

Egs. Mridhangam, Dolak, Tabla.

– (iv) Gana Vadhya - Solid instruments that do not require any tuning. Cymbals, Jaltarang are some of the Gana Vadhyas.


TALA VADHYA (Stringed Instruments)• A String instrument (or stringed

instrument) is a musical instrument that produces sound by means of vibrating strings.

SITAR Most well known of the Indian instruments. It is a long necked instrument with an

interesting construction. It is played in north Indian classical music

(Hindustani Sangeet), film music and western fusion music.

It developed during the collapse of Mughal empire.(1700 BC)

Prominent Players – Ravi Shankar, Imdad Khan, Vilayat Khan, Nikhil Banerjee.

TANPURA Sophisticated drone instrument of concrete

platform. There are 3 main styles: Miraj style, Tanjore

style and Tamburi. (small instrumental version)

Known for its rich sound. Came into use in 13th century.

SANTUR Instrument indigenous to Kashmir. Has a vibrant tone and has become

very popular in the last 20 years. 2 types: The Indian santur is box-like

while the Persian version is much wider.

Origin is from Middle East. Prominent players: Shiva Kumar

Sharma, Bhajan Sopori, Omprakash Chaurasiya.

VIOLIN Western Origin. Introduced by Portuguese 3 centuries

ago Techniques used in Indian & Western

Violins are different. Most refined technique is found in

Indian Music. Prominent Players: V.G. Jog,

Gajananrao Joshi, N. Rajam.


SUSHIRA VADHYA (Wind Instruments)• A Wind instrument is a musical

instrument that contains some type of resonator (usually a tube), in which a column of air is set into vibration by the player blowing into (or over) a mouthpiece set at the end of the resonator. The pitch of the vibration is determined by the length of the tube and by manual modifications of the effective length of the vibrating column of air.

FLUTE They are typically made of Bamboo or Reed. There are 2 main types; Bansuri and Venu.

Bansuri is used in the North Indian system. Venu is the South Indian flute and is used in

the Carnatic system. Special significance in India because of its

association with Lord Krishna. Prominent Players: Pandit Hari Prasad

Chaurasya, Pannalal Ghosh, Raghunath Seth.

SHEHNAI– North Indian oboe. – It is a quadruple-reed instrument.– Has a wooden body with a brass bell.– Found in temples and is an indispensable

component of any North Indian wedding. – Origin from Persia.– Prominent players: Bismillah Khan.

NADHASWARAM– South Indian version of the shehnai.– Larger than the shehnai and has a

simple double reed .– Considered a very auspicious instrument

and is found at temples and at weddings.– Smaller version of the nadaswaram which

is played in folk music is known as mukhavina

HARMONIUM– The harmonium is also known as peti or

baja.– It is a European instrument which was

imported in the 19th century.– It is a reed organ with hand pumped

bellows.


Avanada – percussion instruments

• One or two faces covered with the hide skin. About 290 varieties of drums. TABALA, PAKHWAJ, MRIDANGAM, GHODAM, CHENDA, EDAKKA, DHOLAK

TABALA• Considered as a royal instrument.• Consists of two drums.• Right side is called tabla & left

bayan.• Sakir Hussain.– The drums are hollow from inside

and covered with leather straps.– Black circle are called ankhs/syaki– Straps are pulled to raise or lower

the pitch.

• PAKHWAJ– Originated in North India.– Played with an open left hand.– In south musicians use the left side.– Similar to Mridangam except for slight

differences in construction and playing techniques.

– Only confined to classical compositions like Dhrupad and Dhamar.

• MRIDANGAM– Means – earthen body.– Originated in South India.– The most highly developed and most

ancient of all percussion instruments.– A cylindrical hollow block of wood with

hide being used to cover the two ends.– A wide variety of tones can be obtained

from different part of the instrument.– Heads on both sides – keeping time and

rhythm.– Different in the sound, quality, shape and

making procedure.


• GHATAM– An ancient percussion instrument.– Often used in Carnatic music

concerts.– This is a mud pot with an open

month.– Played with hands, wrists and

fingers.– The player can bring to light various

volume and tones by using finger strokes at different parts of the instrument neck, center and bottom.

• CHENDA– Is a hollow cylindrical instrument.– Made from softwood, the ends of

which are covered with cowhide.– Is the chief accompaniment in

kathakali.– Most important instrument which

is played in temples.

• EDAKKA– Is a sensitive percussion

instrument.– Made of wood a quarter metre

long, the drumheads are held in position by interlacing cotton threads.

– The player beats the drum with one hand while simultaneously manipulating the strings with the other, thus creating a variety of musical notes.

• DHOLAK– Is a drum used to accompany

light forms of music and most of folk music.

– Light forms of music like bhajans, ghazals, quawwalis.

– In the Carnatic school of music, the dholak accompanies ‘Nadaswaram’ and is called ‘dhol’.


• GHANA MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS– Solid instruments that do

not require anything are called ghana.

– Not as important as other instruments.

JALTARANGCYMBOLS – COPPER PLATESBELLSGONGS

• JALTARANG– Literally means ‘waterwaves’– It consists of 18 porcelain cups

of different sizes.– Each one will produce different

tone.– Arranged in a semi-circle in

front of the performer.– Beginning from largest to

smallest.– Bigger cups produce a deep

pitch.– Smaller have higher pitch.– Classical as well as light music is

played on it.• Bells & Gongs

– Used for the support of other instruments.

– Especially used in temples.


DANCE FORMS OF INDIA

• Physical expression of emotive content of music• “Gestures coupled with rhythmical movements

to expressions can be defined as Dance”• Expression of mind through body movements• In ancient culture dance was purely for religious

practices, in modern society- entertainment• Pleasure of dancing is in watching that music

through the visual expression• Literary work which gives information about

dance is Natyasasthra by Bharata • There are three principles that govern the structure of

Indian Dance THE MODE OF PRESENTATION

– Stage way (natya)– Way of world (loka)

TYPE OF STYLE– Gracial (kaiseki)– Grand (stavathi)– Energetic (arabati)– Verbal (bharati)

TYPES OF ACTING– vocal (vachiak)– gestures (angika)– stage props (acharya)– temperment (satvika)

TECHNIQUE OF DANCE• According to sangeetharatnakara

and Abhinayadarpana, dancing is divided in to3 distict categories

• NATYA – corresponds to drama• NRITHA – pure dance – movement

of body do not express any any mood and do not convey any meaning

• NRITHYA – or Abhinaya – gesticulation of song– Bharatanatyam– Mohiniyattam– Kathakali– Kathak– Odissi– Kuchipudi– manipuri


• BHARATANATYAM– Dance form of Tamilnadu– Opens with ALARIPPU –

performed in the beginning for the obedience of God

– 2nd stage is JATISWARAM – Performer waves several patterns on musical base

– SABDAM –a composition of Karnatic music

– VARNAM – complex item and central piece

– THILLANA – conclude – Bharatha stands for Bhava

which is mood. Raga is music, and Tala is rhythm, while Natyam stands for Nritya.

• KUCHIPUDI– Dance originated in

Kuchipudi, AP– Traced back to dance

drama of enacted by Brahmanas in temples

– Theme – Bhagavat Purana, esp. life of Krishna

– Famous thing is dancing up on brass plate and pot on his head

– Performed both in solo and in group


• MOHINIYATTAM– Originated in Kerala– Based on lasya– Derives it’s name from Mohini of

Puranas– It has elements of Bharatanatyam

and Kathakali• KATHAKALI

– Dance drama of kerala– Born in the temples of Kerala– Performed in open air, in the light of

Nilavilakku– Themes – epics– Katha will recite in music by a singer

accompanied by drums and musical instruments

– Actor never opens his lips– movement of body, facial

expressions and mudras are used to interpret the play

– Training of 10 to 12 years– It will take 3 to 6 hrs for

make up and dressing– female characters are

played by males– Colour of facial make up

indicate the character– Green-dignity and nobility

(heroes)– Black –demons and

demoness– kathi – villain characters– Thadi – animals and animal

God– Famous institution –

kalamandalam by Vallathol


• KATHAK– Dance form of UP– Derives it’s name from kathika which

means story teller– He recites from epics with gestures and

music– Gradually it assumed an elaborate style

involving Nritha and Nrithya – Under Mughal rulers it was influenced by

Persian customs and style of dancing– Dance begins with Ganesh vandana– Salami amad is the term through which a

dancer enters into the stage– Then comes the soft and varied

movements– Padhani is a special feature in which

dancer recites complicated items– Concluding item is Jatkar which

concentrate on fast foot movements– Male dancer usually wear sharvani and

velvet cap– He ties nearly 200 bells around his angles

and can move all or any no. according to his will

– Male or female dance or as couple dance

• ODISSI– Dance form of Orissa– As devotion to lord Krishna– Based on Geethagovinda– Used to depict love and devotion to

God– It was originally temple art ,later

performed in royal courts– Mudras and expressions are similar

to Bharatanatyam– Dance form based on archaeological

evidence

• MANIPURI – Dance of Manipur– Describe the plays of Krishna and

gopikas– Body moves with slow and grace

arm movements and movements of fingers


FOLK DANCES

• Folk comprises common people

• Folk dance is common people’s dance

• They are simple, natural and spontaneous expression of every day themes and feelings

• Language is very simple and local

• FAMOUS FOLK DANCES– Tamasha– Kowada– Dasavatar– Dangytamasha– Bhavai– Garbha– Bhopa-Bhopi– Ruf– Hikat– Parasa– Bhangra– Ghidha(panjab)– Dhamyal– Lahoor– Puppertry– Yakshagana– Ghoomar– Nautanki– Gair(Rajasthan)– Velakali– kaikottikali


DRAWING AND PAINTING

Mural paintings– Huge works executed on

walls or solid structure.– Early examples of murals

are found in the caves of Ajanta and Ellora

– Fragments of mural paintings are also found in the contemporary Pitalkhora Caves.

– Early evidences of the tradition of mural paintings in southern India are found in the sites of Badami

Miniature paintings– Executed on Small scale.– On perishable materials like paper,

Clothes etc.– Eg. Rajasthan and Mughal miniature.– Miniature Paintings gained prominence

in the 11th and 12th century when people starting developing manuscripts to store valuable knowledge using palm leaves.

– This art got great boost by the Mughals who ruled over India over that period.

– Some of the great miniature paintings gained inspiration from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagvata Purana.

– Miniature paintings in there in the manuscripts of Jains, Buddhist, Rajput, and Mughal theories and texts.


• Prehistoric paintings– Found in primitive

caves and rock shelters–Paintings are mainly

hunting scenes–Most of them

washed off– Less tourists are

attracted towards them–Not Promoted by

tourism dept.

Classical Paintings– Ajantha paintings– Ellora paintings

Fresco Paintings– Method of painting water-

based pigments on freshly applied plaster, usually on wall surfaces.

– The colours, which are made by grinding dry-powder pigments in pure water, dry and set with the plaster to become a permanent part of the wall.

– The Italian Renaissance was the greatest period of fresco painting


Ajantha Cave Paintings• Located nearly 106 Km from

Aurangabad, Maharashtra• The are 30 Buddhist caves in Ajantha• Hinayan and Mahayan have their

separate caves• No idol worship for Hinayan• Cave 1, 2, 16 and 17 are famous for

coloured wall paintings• Buddha is depicted through

sculptures and paintings.• Paintings were created by Buddhist

monks during vanaprastha• Most of the paintings show stories

related to Buddha called jataka tales• Human figures with different hair

style, dress style, ornament style and facial expressions have reflected the social life of the day

Ellora Paintings• Belongs to three different religious

style - Buddhist, Hindu and Jain• Budhist caves(1-12) belongs only

Mahayana sect• Total 34 caves• Cave 2,29,& 10 are attractive

Buddhist caves• Paintings cover the ceilings of walls

of mandapas• Have lovely floral designs , animals,

and birds• 13-29 are Hindu caves • 30-34 are Jain caves• Entire surface of ceiling and wall

covered with paintings• Paintings are found in 5 caves• Some what preserved in Kailasnath

temple


Medieval Paintings– Rajputh paintings– Mughal paintings– Tanjore paintings– Madhubani

paintings– Pithora paintings– Kalamkari

paintings

• Rajputh paintings

– These are Rajasthani miniatures– Deal with prevailing literary works– Messages through paintings were

always spiritual or religious – Colours used symbolically – Mainly deal with Radha and Krishna– Major paintings include , Ragmala

paintings, Geethagovinda, Banithani– Rajasthan has been the leading state

with regards to Miniature painting and even today different miniature art schools do exist in the regions of Jodhpur, Jaipur, Kangra and Mewar.

– The Jodhpur School of Miniature paintings depict love scenes of lovers Dholu and Maru on camel back.

– There are hunting scenes with elephants and horses also available.

– The major colors used in this style of painting are gold and stone color.


Mughal paintings– Combination of Persian and Indian art– Small in size, so miniature– Neither represented Indian emotions nor scenes from

Indian life– Appreciated nature and portrayed with great accuracy

and feeling– Beautiful colour combinations of red blue or gold– Immense use of gold , silver and precious stones– Introduced margin decoration– Halos were also introduced to show high personality

and spirituality• Technique:

– A high degree of expertise is required as it involves the use of a very fine brush.

– The colours used are mainly derived from minerals, vegetables, precious stones, conch shells, gold and silver

– Paper painting in Miniature art are done on old or new hand made paper of very fine quality that depict Animals, Birds, Butterfly, Mughal themes and more.

– Miniature paintings made of pure marble slabs that feature Mythology, Birds, Turbans, Women and Mughal themes can be used as table tops or wall frames as well.

– Miniature Painting are pain staking efforts of skill and talent exhibited by Indian artisans.

• Tanjore paintings– Tanjore painting is an important form of

classical South Indian painting native to the town of Tanjore in Tamil Nadu.

– The art form dates back to the early 9 th century, a period dominated by the Chola rulers, who encouraged art and literature.

– Done on wooden material– Colours from locally available natural materials– Also drawn on glass by using different

technique

– These paintings are known for their elegance, rich colours, and attention to detail.

– The themes for most of these paintings are Hindu Gods and Goddesses and scenes from Hindu mythology.

– In modern times, these paintings have become a much sought after souvenir during festive occasions in South India.

– The first stage involves the making of the preliminary sketch of the image on the base.

– The base consists of a cloth pasted over a wooden base.

– Then chalk powder or zinc oxide is mixed with water-soluble adhesive and applied on the base.

– After the drawing is made, decoration of the jewellery and the apparels in the image is done with semi-precious stones.

– Laces or threads are also used to decorate the jewellery. – On top of this, the gold foils are pasted.– Finally, dyes are used to add colours to the figures in

the paintings.


• Madhubani paintings– Traditional style developed around

Madhubani, Bihar– Done by women– Done on freshly plastered mud wall– For commercial purpose doing on paper

clothes etc. – Religious nature, on special rooms,– Offers special prayer before the work – Various figures include Krishna, Rama ,

Lakshmi, sun, moon, wedding scenes etc.– Brush – cotton wrapped around bamboo stick– Home made colours– Yellow from turmeric, black from cow dung

and soot, green from leaves , white from rice powder

• Pithoro paintings– Paintings of Gujrath– Not a decorative wall piece, way of appealing

to God– Walls of houses are painted by professional

artists– Young unmarried girls will plaster the wall

with clay and cow dung– Actual painting is done on Wednesday– Tuesday , walls will be whitewashed

• Kalamkari paintings– Done mainly on clothes– Using wooden blocks and natural dyes– Painting method of Rajashan

• Modern paintings– Bengal School of Art -Raja Ravi Varma – Calcutta School of Art - Abanindranath

Tagore – During the colonial era, Western influences

started to make an impact on Indian art. – Schools of art in India provided access to

modern techniques and ideas – The Progressive Artist's Group – The founders were six eminent artists –– K. H. Ara– S. K. Bakre– H. A. Gade– M.F. Husain– S.H. Raza– F. N. Souza, – Some of those who are well-known today

are Bal Chabda, V. S. Gaitonde, Krishen Khanna, Ram Kumar, Tyeb Mehta, and Akbar Padamsee.

– Other famous painters like Jahar Dasgupta, Prokash Karmakar, and Bijon Choudhuri enriched the art culture of india.

– They have become the icon of modern Indian art.


HINDU PILGRIMAGE• Allahabad

• Amarnath • Ayodhya • Badrinath• Bhuwaneshwar• Dwarka, Gangotri• Haridwar• Kanchipuram• Kanyakumari • Kedarnath • Konarak

Jainism PilgrimagePalitanaRanakpurSravanabelagolaUdaygiri & Kandhagiri Caves

Christian Pilgrimage Goa

VelankanniMuslim Pilgrimage

Ajmer Sharif Fatehpur Sikri

Haji AliJama Masjid


SIKH PILGRIMAGEAnandpur SahibDamdama SahibFatehgarh SahibGolden TempleDelhi GurudwarasHemkund SahibManikaranPatna SahibPoanta SahibTakht Sri Hazoor Sahib

Buddhist PilgrimageAjanta & ElloraBodhgaya KaushambiKushinagarLumbiniNalanda RajgirSarnath Shravasti Vaishali


ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE

• INDUS VALLEY• ANCIENT INDIAN• MIDEVAL INDIAN• COLONIAL

• INDUS VALLEY– Each city had a well fortified

citadel– Well planned streets– Used backed bricks for building

construction– Houses are often double

storied– No windows on the street side– Unique sewage system – The Great Bath– Granary


• Ancient Indian• Stupas• Rock-cut Architecture

– Chaithyas– Viharas– Cave Temples

• Temple Architecture

• Stupas– Preserving the remains of important

personality under a heap of accumulated earth

– Buddhist Source- Buddha's relics were divided into different parts and placed under the Stupas

– Sacred place of Buddhism• Structure of Stupas

– Shape of bowl turned upside down– Flat structure called ‘Hermika’ (abode of God) at the top– A wooden rode placed in the middle above ‘Hermika’– Small umbrella-like disk above the rode symbolizing respect,

veneration, and magnanimity.

• Main Stupas in India– Gaya– Sanchi– Nagargunakonda– Saranath


• Rock-cut architectureChaityas

– Cell of worship with Stupa placed in the center

– Have a long rectangular hall ending in a semi-circle at the back-end

– The long hall is internally divided into three sections

1. Nave: long central path where the seats are arranged

2. Apse: semi-circle area of the cell3. Aisle: passage between rows of

seats– Aisles are separated from the Nave by

two rows of pillars– The hall has a carved sealing– The door-way is usually placed facing

the Stupa– Horse-shoe shaped window called

‘Chaitya window’

Viharas– Residents of monks– Square hall in the centre– A pillared Verandah in

the front– Have a number of small

square cells– Raised benches in each

cellCave Temples

– Rock-cut Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples

– Examples:• Kailasnath temple of Ellora• Mahabalipuram temple• Elephanta cave


• Temple architecturePatterns of Temples– Sanctum sanctoreum

(Garbha Griha)– Shikhara- prominent roof– Pathway – Pradakshin padh– Mandapa

Types of temple architecture– Nagara style (North Indian)– Dravida style (South Indian)– Versara (Combined)

• Nagara Style– Curvilinear tower– Shrine is square in the center– Projections leading to cruciform shape

• One projection- Triratha• Two projections- Pancharatha• Three projections- Saptharatha• Four projections- Navaratha

– Nagara style consists of two buildings1. Building with main Shrine2. Mandapa

– Differ in the shape of Sikhara– Bell-shaped structure to a height– ‘Kalasa’ at the top– Eg: Temples of Orissa, Rajasthan, and Gujarat

• Dravida style – Vimana: tall pyramidal tower consists of

small storeys– Gopuram: two storeys separated by

horizontal moulding– Prakara: outer wall envelops the main the

Shrine


• PALLAVA STYLE (AD600-900) – Shore temple of Mahabalipiram,

Vaikunta Temple of Kancheepuram

• CHOLA STYLE(AD 900-1150)– Brihadewara Temple, Tanjore

• PANDYA STYLE(AD 1100-1350)– Chitambaram, Kumbhakonam,

Tiruvannamalai

• VIJAYANAGARASTYLE(AD 1350-1565)– Auradaiyar koil, Vellur Vittala

temple, Hampi

• NAYAKA STYLE (1600 onwards)– Rameshvaram, Chidambaram,

Madurai

• Versara style– Combined style of

Nagara and Dravida

– Chalukyan Temple(500-750 AD)

– Eg. Pattadakal, Aihole


• Agra Fort - former royal residence of the Moghul, Agra• Amba Vilas Palace-Mysore• Bangalore Palace - Bengaluru• Chowmahalla Palace• City Palace, Jaipur - Seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur• City Palace, Udaipur - Seat of the Maharana of Udaipur• Delhi Fort - former seat of the Moghul, Delhi• Falaknuma Palace - royal residence, Hyderabad• Fatehpur Sikri - former royal residence of

Emperor Akbar• Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - former royal

residence, Jaipur• Hill Palace, Tripunithura, Cochin - former Royal

Residence of Maharaja of Cochin, now one of the largest archaeological museum in India

• Jag Mandir - former residence of Shah Jahan, Udaipur• Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) - former royal

residence, Udaipur• Jaisalmer Fort - Seat of the Maharaja of Jaisalmer• Kangra Fort - Seat of the Maharaja of Kangra-

Lambagraon• King Kothi Palace - Palace of VII Nizam, Osman Ali Khan• Kowdiar Palace- Residence of the Travancore Royal

Family

• Lalgarh Palace - former royal residence, today hotel, Bikaner

• Laxmi Vilas Palace - Seat of the Maharajah of Baroda• Laxmipuram Palace• Marble Palace (Kolkata)• Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), Cochin - former

Royal Residence of Maharaja of Cochin, archeological museum at present.

• Nedumpuram Palace• New Palace - Seat of Maharaja of Kolhapur• Padmanabhapuram Palace - Seat of the Maharaja of

Travancore• Purani Haveli - Seat of the Nizam of Hyderabad• Rajbari - Seat of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar• Rambagh Palace - former residence of the Maharaja

of Jaipur (today hotel)• Rashtrapati Bhavan - Seat of the President,

former viceregal residence, Delhi• Red Fort• Samode Palace - former royal residence, today

hotel, Jaipur• Shaniwar Wada, Pune• Thanjavur Nayak - Thanjavur (Tanjore) Nayak

Palace, Thanjavur• Umaid Bhawan Palace - Seat of the Maharaja of

Jodhpur