Chapter+1+India+Society

 **India Society** The nation of India, one of the world largest populated countries, was known for its complex social system. It extends from their different ethnic groups to diversity of its civilization to the differences in socioeconomic status, and to the gender distinction. But the question is, what are the special features of Indian society? The answers lay here; all of these differences of religion, culture, art, language, status, and gender were the special features of Indian society. In India most people belong to one of thousands of caste // ,  // a social class system**.** //  Caste members were expected to follow many aspects of life. Religions and the caste system in India can be traced back to 4500 years ago. //  media type="custom" key="6084925" //"Each nation, like each individual, has one theme in life, which is its center, the principal note round which every note comes to form harmony....if one nation attempts to throw off its vitality, the direction which has become its own through the transmission of centuries, the nation dies....if one nation's political power is its vitality, as in England, artistic life is another and so on. In India religious life forms the center, the keynote of the whole music of life." -written by// //Swami Vivekanand//

= Religions = In order to truly know India, it is essential to know and learn about their religion, beliefs and practices. It is a country that contains different ethic groups and diverse religions. For example, in India, religion rules the ways of life and many aspects of life, from daily chores to education and politics. There are many religions in India: Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Christianity.

__Hinduism__ //is one of the religions that Indians believe in and practice//. It not only plays a major part in India, but it is also the world’s third largest religion and one of the oldest living religions. The starting of Hinduism goes way back to 5000 B.C when it was developed in the Indus Valley of India. Unlike other religions, Hindus base their life on their religion; Hinduism is a way of life.
 * Hinduism**

Most people worship one //supreme god,// named the Brahma.He is the creator of the universe. Under the supreme, there are subordinate gods and goddess. The Gayatri Mantra once stated, "We meditate on the transcendental glory of  the Deity Supreme, who is inside the heart of the earth, inside the life of the sky,  and inside the soul of the heaven. May He stimulate and illumine our minds.” Each god and goddess has a particular responsibility and power they possess. For example the god Vishnu has a responsibility to preserve.
 * Gods**

In the religion Hinduism, there is a common social class system, which is called the caste system. __Caste system__ **,** a social system where the people were divided into separates castes (classes). Castes were unchanging classes. When a person is born into one caste, he/she can never change castes or mix with members of other castes. Caste members lived, ate, married, and worked with their own group. At the top of the caste were the Brahmin, the priests, teachers, and judges. Below them was the Kshatriya, the warrior caste. Next came the Vaisya caste who were farmers and merchants. The Sudras castes were craft workers and laborers. India’s outcasts are the untouchables, people beyond the caste system. Their jobs often had to do with ending life, such as fishing, killing dead cattle, and they had contact with human emissions. The Untouchables were forced to sleep during the day and work at night. They were also the people who ate meat. Untouchables were often forbidden to enter temples, schools and wells where higher castes drew water. Many Untouchables left their rigid social structure by converting to Islam, Buddhism, or Christianity. Even though the Caste System has been illegal in India for more than fifty years, it continues to shape people’s lives.
 * Social System**

__Dharma__ //was virtue or one’s righteous duty//. The meaning of dharma depends on at least three things: the person’s caste, age and gender. At different ages, the dharma varies depending on the four stages of life. When someone is in the fourth stage there is no //dharma// because one is considered dead to the world. The duty of women is obedience to her father, husband, or son, while a husband always has the role of a teacher to his wife. Therefore dharma also varies for different genders. __Kharma__ //is a way of explaining evil and misfortune in the world//. Even if people did not do anything wrong, their misfortune must be due to wrong actions in their previous life. Kharma means action. It is not only action but also the intention and the consequences behind it. This is a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Therefore if someone did something bad, then eventually something bad will happen to him or her. In other words, what goes around comes around. __Reincarnation__ //is the belief that when someone dies, he or she will be reborn into a new body//, and experience many lifetimes.
 * Beliefs**

__Veda__ //was the holiest scripture for Hinduism.//
 * Text**

**Islam** Arab traders brought Islamic religion in the 7th century. People who practice Islamic religion considered themselves as Muslims. Rapidly, Muslim traders attacked India and established the first Muslim kingdom in Dehli. After the kingdom was built, the Muslims spread their rule across the east, which also meant their religion, was dispersing too. Only the southern part of India remained out of their control. But during 1556 policy, religious tolerance brought the Hindus and Muslims closer together. This religion also caused a devastation event between itself and Hinduism. Now it still is the second largest religion practiced in India, with more than 13.4% of India's population.

Sikhism was another religion in India and it was a monotheism religion, where it only worships one god. It started in __Punjab__, //a state that was divided between India and Pakistan//, in the late 15th century, and spread throughout India. Now Sikh represents 1.9% of India’s population and it is the fourth largest religion practiced in India. They mainly live in Haryana and Delhi, while others are scattered across India. The word //Sikh// means a discipline, a leaner, and a seeker of truth. Everyone is equal and had direct access to God. The main focus of Sikhism was having a good relationship with God and being a part of the Sikh community.
 * Sikhism**
 * Buddhism** The life of Siddhartha Gautama started the religion of Buddhism in India from 563 BC. He was a prince who left his hometown and went on a journey in search of enlightenment. He went through stages of self-torturing, for instance starving himself, and then to mediation. Finally, under a “Boddhi” tree in the forest, he attained enlightenment and also the name //Buddha//. The teaching of Buddhism is mainly about non-violence, self-discipline, and abstention from all forms of pleasure. Also accepting pain and suffering in order to achieve one’s desire or goal. Once, the Buddha publicly declared the caste-system, rituals, and sacrifices of Hinduism were wrong and evil. Even though this religion started in India, but nowadays it is a world religion.

Christianity is one of the most popular religions in the world. In India there is about 24 million Christians, which was 2.3% of India’s population. The British colonizers brought this religion into India. They tried to convert people in India to Christian, but the mission and the influence of Christianity were not strong enough to entice the people of India to change their religion
 * Christianity**

=**Clashes of Religions**= In India there were a lot of different religions and to them religion was a way of life. It regulated customs, diet, occupation and other aspects of life. Soon all those religions encountered each other and interacted. Therefore religions influenced the social structure, history, economic activity, and political organization of India from the great traditions and local forms of worship and belief to village, caste, tribal, and linguistics that created a wide range of ritual forms and mythology throughout India. Within these differences, Indian religions had demonstrated a considerable degree of tolerance and today India is a secular state. All government has to remain separate from any one religion and not allow forms of belief into laws. For example, the religious differences between Hindus and Muslims have greatly influenced the development of modern India.

The tension between Hindus and Muslims started ever since the British rule in India. At first both religions were actively participating in the rebellion against British rule. This conflict helped both to realize they had a completely different religious system, and the Muslims considered Hindus infidels. The Muslims attacked Hindus by destroying Hindu places of worship and killed many of the Hindu monks and priests. All the invasions allowed the Muslim population to grow and expand in India. Once India finally gained their independence, because there was a majority of Hindus compared to the minority of Muslims, the religious differences did not matter anymore. Both sides were unwilling to accept each other and therefore in 1947 Muslims partitioned off Pakistan and that divided the country. This caused much violence between the two religions and many were killed on both sides. Even today the tension still exist. Pakistan and India still remain two different countries.
 * The Conflict between Hinduism and Islam**

=Caste System= Caste had existed in India for thousands of years. It was the structure of the social classes in India. Despite the fact that the caste system has been abolished, it does not reflect reality because it still continues to shape the culture of India. The caste system created a hierarchical society in India. Whether in north India or south India, Hindu or Muslim, urban or rural, social groups were ranked according to different qualities. As it was mentioned before, castes were mainly associated with Hinduism, but caste-like groups also exist in Islamic, Christian, and other religious communities. Caste groups were ranked, named, in-marrying groups, in which membership is achieved by birth.

Individuals were ranked according to their wealth and power. The castes were separated through occupations, for instance high-ranking __Brahmans__ ; middle-ranking farmer and artisan groups, such as potters; and very low-ranking __Untouchable__ fishers. Lower-caste people lived in conditions of great poverty and social disadvantage. Hierarchy also played an important role in families, where men were ranked higher than women even if both were at the same age. Another example of hierarchy was in the siblings in the family. Recognizing the age difference between the younger siblings and the elder siblings, younger siblings called elder siblings by respectful terms rather than by name.

=**Sacred Rivers in India There was seven scared rivers in India including the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, Narmada, Kaveri, and Topi rivers. These river hold very important religion reasons. It covered 329 million hectares in India. All of the rivers carried a great significance in India culture, economy, and religious development. They are greatly valued in India. The rivers were considered as God and Goddess and worshipped among the Hindus. **=

The most famous sacred river in India was the Ganges River. It was one of the major rivers in India that runs for about 1570 miles from the Himalayas all the way to the Bay of Bengal. This river was full of life, purity, and a goddess to the people of India. According to Hindu beliefs this water can wash away all the sins. Therefore every morning thousands of Hindus would walk into the holy water of the Ganges. Everyone would face the rising sun and muttering prayers. Not only it was known for its religion reasons but also beside the river many crops can be cultivated. **
 * Ganges River

After the Ganges River, Yamuna River was known the second most sacred rivers in India. Similar to the Ganges River, according to legends by taking a dip of the water all your past sins will disappear. Another Hindu belief was also said that whoever touched the water would not fear death. Yamuna River was also a home for many wild animals especially the India elephants. **
 * Yamuna River

River Godavari was the second largest river and one of the most sacred rivers. Corresponding to the Yamuna River and the Ganges River it was also believed that if people have a dip in the sacred waters of the river all their sins would vanish. Unfortunately, nowadays the Godavari River is under serious threat because of the industrialization. Due to the factories the river is getting polluted in a rapid speed. Not only because of the pollution, but also much industrial area are dumping chemicals and waste into the water. Luckily, the India government had already taken action for saving this or once was a sacred river. **
 * Godavari River

=**Women**= In India women were a big concern, and even now the topic of women is still a big concern. At first in the ancient India women were equal to men. They received education like the males. Women did not get married at a young age, but at a mature age. Also they had the freedom to select their own husband. In fact at that time, women were superior to their husbands. Unfortunately, child marriage started because of the holy books. Girls were married once they were born. When they were in puberty, they would be sent to their husband’s house. Rapidly, females could not receive any education. **
 * Ancient India

Slowly during the medieval time in India, women’s status became worse. Child marriage and female infanticide (killing girl infants) were widespread practices. More and more girls were getting married when they were only 5 to 6 years old and some were forced to jump in the burning funeral of their husband. These practices caused a lot of girls to be physically and sexually abused, and those lives were destroyed one by one. Some practices allowed the husband to marry more than one female. On the other hand, during this period there were also rulers. At that time, many women excelled in art, literature, and music. **
 * Medieval India

Nowadays, in modern India, Indian women are given freedom, equality, and education. Even though women have rights, a lot of practices still occur, for example female infanticide (killing girl infants), sex selection abortions, health, and the dowry system. The Dowry system is how much money or property is given to the groom at the time of their marriage. In older times, if there were not enough dowries, then the woman would be killed. Another problem is trafficking, where girls are kidnapped and sold to people to satisfy their sexual needs. Maternal mortality is the second highest in the world. Most women give birth in their own village or house, which lacks skills and resources. Many women suffer health problems because they were abused and under-nourished. Women are still treated badly and suffer through a lot of different problems. Therefore even today they are still fighting for their own rights. ** “Woman is the companion of man, gifted with equal mental capacities. She has the right to participate in very minutest detail in the activities of man and she has an equal right of freedom and liberty with him." -- M K Gandhi, 1933 = = = = =Art= The people of India belong to different ethnic groups and religions. They speak 18 major languages and over more than 1000 minor languages and dialects. Many ways of life in India have stayed the same for hundred of years. The question was, what unified India? And the answer was art, art unified India.
 * Modern India

India’s art history is one of the oldest cultures on earth; started during the period of the Stone Age. The cultures of India had developed rich artistic traditions over thousands of years. It was also a type of social, political and religious art therefore it was very profound. There was a widespread influence upon the cultures of surrounding people.
 * Beginning of Art**

Folk music was the oldest form of expressing people’s feelings that originated from folk tunes. There was a special relationship between life and music, which was given across folk music. Many emotions, for example love, joy, sadness, pleasure, excitement, were expressed through music. It truly reflected the life of the people. Another factor of the unified India was the folk tales. The stories contain rich cultural heritage, myths, legends, and folk tales.
 * Folk music**

With its ancient civilization, rich cultural heritage, myths, and legends, the folk-world would come to the level of Indian folklore in their richness, depth and wisdom. All literature, oral or written, springs from life, but oral literature is a better projection of the innermost recesses of the socio-cultural life of a society and its traditions, customs, social values, rites and rituals. All literature, oral or written also reflected people’s life. Oral literature projected the society and the traditions, customs, social values, and rituals. Even though people of India speak different languages or dialects, they sing in the same manner. All the folk literatures and music were found in a common pattern in different regions. Art had unified this large nation, India.
 * Folk Tales**

=**Symbols**= “Jana, gana, mana” is the national anthem of India composed by Rabindranath Tagore. On 24 January 1950, this anthem was adopted by the Constituent Assembly. The national anthem is a patriotic musical composition of a country. This anthem reminds and praises the history, tradition and struggles of India’s people. It is an official national song where people have to stand and sing during special occasions. **
 * National Anthem

The Lion Capital of Sanarth is the national emblem of India and it is considered one of the most significant national symbols. There are four lions (one will be hidden from the front view). All the lions represent different meanings and are the guardians of the four directions. They represent power, courage, confidence, and rest. And the guardians are the lion of the north, the elephant of the east, the house of the south, and the bull of the west. The four lions are all standing on a full bloom lotus, which means life and creative inspirations. Under the emblem is a motto “Satyameva Jayate” meaning "Truth Alone Triumphs,” concluding the sacred part of Hindu Vedas. The National emblem is used only for official purposes. For example it appears on all India currency. ** The magnificent tiger, Panthera is the national animal in Inidia. The tiger is the symbol of India's wealth of wildlife. It has yellow fur with black stripes.  This combination of grace, strength, agility and enormous power made tiger the national animal of India. The Peacock, **Pavo cristatus is the national bird of India. The peacock symbolizes qualities like beauty, grace, pride and mysticism. Lotus, a sacred flower, is the national flower. It occupies a unique position in the art and mythology of ancient India. The Lotus flower had been a symbol of Indian culture a long time ago. The Lotus symbolizes divinity, fertility, wealth, knowledge, and enlightenment. The flower grows in water and rises on a long stalk above the surface to bloom. It represents long life, honor, and good fortune. ** =**Holidays**= India is one of the most diverse countries in the world when it comes to culture and religions. As a result, the celebration of holidays and festivals had always been an important part of Indian culture. As diverse as India is, there are three national holidays that are celebrated everywhere and by everyone. During those three holidays employees and children have a day off from either school or work. Because India celebrates so many festivals, all other holidays are considered as an individual holiday. You can have the day off for that specific holiday because of your religion and culture.
 * National Emblem
 * National Animal & Bird
 * National Flower

Independence Day is one of three national holidays and it is celebrated on August 15. This was the day where India gained back their independence and freedom from the British. On this day everyone will stay home and celebrate this holiday. All schools, colleges, shops, and government offices are closed on this national day. Family and friends will gather for lunch or dinner and relax. On that day the Prime minister will give a speech on people who lost their lives fighting for India’s independence and raise the flag of India. Flag hosting ceremonies are hosted all over India by state governments. A vibrant parade is another celebration where patriotic skits and dramas are acted out. Kite flying is another celebration; the sky will be filled with kites of various shapes and colors.
 * Independence Day**

One of India’s most important national events is Republic Day. It is celebrated on January 26th every year, a day when India became a sovereign, democratic, and republic state. This is the also a day to remember those people who fought and sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom. Republic Day is a people’s day, a day where all the citizens of the country are supreme and a day that it is mostly celebrated in the capital, New Delhi. The Republic day is the most popular day of all national holidays of India.
 * Republic Day**

Lastly it is the national day to honor Mahatma Gandhi: “Father of the Nation.” This day is celebrated on his birthday, October 2nd. Mahatma Gandhi was a man who was the driving force behind the establishment of their own country. Therefore he is known as the Father of the Nation, India. This day is to remember Gandhi and his impact on the destiny of India. Some popular celebrations include prayer meetings, honorary ceremonies and education of the young on Gandhi and his life.
 * Father of the Nation**

=India Culture Video:=

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=Summary Review:= Overall, religions, the caste system, and art are the heart of India. The various religions including Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity all affected the modern India. Even now the caste system still exist shaping the lives of around  1,139,964,932 people everyday. In the end with the mixed religions and the unique caste system Indian Art unified India. Without Art India would be a different India, there would not be the same national holidays or symbols like there is today. Also with the changes of India the women status have also improved a lot and still in a progress of improving more. The complex and mysterious India's Society had been unraveled. =Review Questions:= What is the major religion in India? What happened between Muslims and Hinduism? How is India art important? Is the status of Indian women still a issue now? Name some India National holidays and symbols.

Additional Websites:
http://www.photius.com/countries/india/society/index.html http://library.thinkquest.org/11372/data/culture.htm http://www.indianmirror.com/culture/cul1.html http://www.crystalinks.com/indiareligion.html