Saturday, November 14, 2009

Modern Indian Culture
















In this 21st century, modern Indian culture is a huge melting pot of time honored tradition and new age technology, money and western influence. Modern business women carry mobile phones down the street next to old women in colourful saries carrying buckets of water on their heads, flash cars parked next to slums and a whole host of juxtapositions that are enough to give you a headache! However strange this might sound the contrasting life styles blend together with real beauty.

The age old caste (class) system in India is dying out slowly but remnants remain although mainly in rural areas. Over the years it has been a main reason for disgusting cruelty, genocide and corruption. It's a hugely complex part of Indian culture and society but can be broken down into about five levels. At the top are the Brahmins or the holy men and land owners down to the Dalits or the 'untouchables' as they were known. It seems that within each caste there are subclasses, people who performed different tasks in the community ie. tanners were the lowest of the low and cobblers etc.

The culture of modern India has evolved many folds since the ancient ages. The history of India has played a significant role in shaping up the Indian culture. In the historical past, India has been invaded several times and this brought in a mix of cultures. The other factors that contributed towards shaping the culture of India are its unique geography and different religions. The modern Indian culture is a much evolved version of the ancient cultures in India. Also, the modern Indian culture has been profoundly influenced by the west.

Post independence, the culture of India began to evolve further to what we call the modern India culture. This can be seen clearly in its architecture, performing arts, food, clothing, and festivals. At present, India is experiencing spectacular economic growth that has positioned the nation as an emerging power on an international scale. Economic reforms have flooded the country with consumer goods and prompted the emergence of a thriving middle class. In the field of computer technology, India has become a world leader in the development of software although, despite such significant progress, unemployment and poverty still exist, as does the threat of the country's nuclear arms.

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