Indian History and Culture
The history of India is one distinguished by constant integration with migrating people, diverse in cultures and civilizations. Situated in the heart of Asia, history in India is called a crossroads of cultures from China to far Europe, and the most significant Asian connection to the cultures of Africa.
India is a colourful and a vibrant country and a land which is as diverse as its people. Call it a mosaic of cultures, faiths, customs, music, architecture ,languages and food. One of the world's oldest living civilizations - which gave to the world-the concept of zero, the key sound Om. Yoga, and Buddhism.
The great History of India originates with the birth of the Indus Valley Civilization in such ancient sites as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa (presently in Pakistan), Lothal (Gujarat), and the age of the Aryans. It was in the Vedic period that Hinduism first arose; and this was the time to which the Vedas are dated.
India has a wealthy and robust cultural background which continues to be preserved beautifully over the years. India is one of the most religiously diverse nations in the world. and this led to the rise of many different cultures in this absolutely mystical sub-continent.
Various emperors and their eras influenced this marvellous land and left behind a rich legacy of their cultural heritage. The magnificent cultural history of India has carved its own niche. It has been an inspiration for other cultures of the world which set its unique and significant landmark in the world history. The versatility and variety in the different states and regions of India have made it an ocean where numberless religions, ethnicity and cultural rivers meet and merge. Every state in India has a culture of its own and still they all stand unified forming one single culture of India.
This is the holy land where the legendry mathematician Aryabhatt first invented and gifted the world with a important number 'Zero'. Where the astronomer, astrologer and mathematician Varahmihir (one of the nine jewel of the court of Great and unmatched king Vikramaditya) introduced to the entire world his ultimate creation 'Brihat-Samhita' (an encyclopaedia of astrology). India is also best known as a land of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. On this spiritual land spirituality and yoga was born and influenced the world with their infinite gains.
Besides Hinduism many other significant religions like Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism were born in India. These religions influenced not just our country but nations across the world. One of the major religions like Islam entered India with the help of foreign invaders and later become one of the major religions in India. The great ancient architectural specimens and monuments of India stand as testimony to the merging of various religions in India. Apart from religions various arts, dance forms and music are the soul essence of culture and history of India.
These various arts forms developed right from the Stone Age when early man used to draw animal figures and paint them in caves. This developed to a much more refined formed of painting as time went by like decorating the front porch of the house. This custom of painting houses' exterior walls is still followed in modern India in many parts of India.