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.

1. INDIAN CULTURE
By: Pranav,Madhiraju

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

6. Indian Culture- People

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

11. EDUCATION SYSTEM: India vs USA

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.

14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPxsf_Ib7gs