1) Indian culture refers to the diverse ways of life across India, with variations in language, music, dance, architecture, and food depending on region.
2) India has a population of over 1.25 billion people across 29 states and 7 union territories, speaking 17 official languages along with Hindi and English.
3) Hinduism is the largest religion in India at 80% of the population, but India is also home to Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, and other faiths, making it one of the most religiously diverse countries.
2. INTRODUCTION:-
• The culture of India refers to the way of life of the people of
India.
• India’s languages , dances, music, architecture , food and
customs differ from place to place within the country.
• Many elements of India’s diverse culture such as Indian
religion, yoga, Indian cuisine had a profound impact across
the world.
3. Area:
3,287,590 sq km
Language:
Hindi is the national language and spoken by 30% of
the people; there are 17 official languages + English
Regional States and administrations
29 states and 7 union territories
Population: 1.25 billion
Major cities & population
•Mumbai (Bombay) 18,042,000
•Kolkata (Calcutta) 12,900,000
•Delhi 11,680,000
•Hyderabad 6,833,000
•Chennai (Madras) 6,639,000
•Bangalore 5,544,000
The Country
4. India Facts…
• Democracy
World’s largest
100% Electronic Voting
• Economy
2nd Fastest Growing
4th Largest (in terms of PPP)
• Military
2nd Largest Army
4th Largest Air Force
5. India Firsts
First study of medicine – Ayurveda
Sanskrit – Closest living language to
“proto-Indo-European”,
the great-great-grandmother of English
First Martial Art form – 200 BC
Concept of “Zero” – Aryabhatta,
499 AD
Chess – 500 AD
First university – Takshila, 700 BC
7. Culture
Land of Diversity…changes at every State border...
Food, dress varies by region.
Rich heritage, especially in the arts (dance, music).
Cultural differences celebrated and increasingly
accepted across regions / religions.
Strong western influence in the cities…Bombay,
Delhi, Chennai, Calcutta.
Religion
India is the birth place of Hinduism, Buddhism and
Jainism and Sikhism, collectively known as Indian
religions.
India is one of the most religiously diverse nation
in the world.
The religion of 80% of people is Hindusim.
Islam is practiced by around 13% of all Indians.
Sikhism, Jainism and especially Buddhism are
influential not only in India but across the world.
Christian, Zoroastrianism and Judaism are also
influential but their numbers are smaller.
8. Family Structure
Traditional joint family structure; changing to
single families
India has had a prevailing tradition of joint
Hindu family system.
Elders accorded a great deal of respect; close
knit families
Women making increasing strides in business,
politics and the arts. Education a key driver for
change
9. Marriage
Diverse - different between states and regions
85-90% are arranged marriages
typically same caste / region / social status
Marriage is considered between families
Marriage in bride’s town, reception in groom’s
Eldest sibling marries first. Girls before boys
Community affair
70-100 people considered small gathering
Colleagues at work are always invited.
10. Cultural pointer to consider…
Be careful of your shoes
Left (bad) hand right (good) hand
Getting personal. Direct question such as age, salary, etc are common
Generally, Indian women prefer not to shake hands. Wait for indication
Giving seats / preference to ladies is courteous
Gestures don't always translate…head nodding does not always mean
“No”
Respectful mistrust. Contrary to the US. Given that milkman will add
water
Can openly discuss politics. Keep religion out
Many Hindus are vegetarian and many, especially women, do not drink
alcohol or smoke
Taxis do not expect to be tipped, however, hotel/airport porters and
restaurant servers should be tipped
12. Education System
Indian Education System
• Pre-Primary: It consists of 3-5 years of age
studying in nursey. At this age student is
given knowledge about school life and is
taught to read and write some basic words.
• Primary: It includes the age of group of
children of 6-11 years studying class from
first to fifth
• Secondary: It includes students studying
from sixth to tenth.
• Higher Secondary: It includes studying from
eleventh and twelfth classes.
• Undergraduate: A student goes through
higher education , which is completed in
college.
• Post Graduation: After completing
graduation, a student may opt for post
graduation to further add to his qualifications
American Education System
• Pre-primary Education: It includes a
student studies activities.
• Elementary Education: It includes a
student studies educational programs
• Secondary Education
• Higher Education
13. Hofstede’s Comparison
Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory is a framework for cross-cultural
communication, developed by Geert Hofstede. It describes the effects of a society's
culture on the values of its members, and how these values relate to behavior, using
a structure derived from factor analysis.