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India is a land of great cultural
diversity, as is evidenced by the enormous number of
different languages spoken throughout the country. Although
Hindi (spoken in the north) and English (the language of
politics and commerce) are used officially, more than 1,500
languages and dialects are spoken. The Indian constitution
recognizes 15 regional languages (Assamese, Bengali,
Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi,
Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu).
Ten of the major states of India are generally organized
along linguistic lines. |
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Art and Culture of Rajasthan :
Rajasthan is among the richest states in the country as far
as the field of arts and crafts is concerned. May be it was
a result of the war like lifestyle of the people of
Rajasthan which sharpened the creative senses, artistic
skills and inspired them to create the most opulent and
richest of treasures. Stone, clay, leather, wood, ivory, lac,
glass, brass, silver, gold and textiles were given the most
brilliant forms. For women their was infinite variety -- tie
and dye fabrics, embroidered garments, enamel jewellery
inlayed with precious and semi-precious stones, leather
jootis etc. Declines of patronage in the Mugal court at
Delhi artists moved to a more congenial environment and were
welcomed by the rulers of Rajasthan. Rajasthani school
(1550-1900 AD) of paintings, murals, miniatures came into
existance. Frescoe paintings was done on the walls of
palaces at Jaipur, Udaipur, Bikaner and Jodhpur.
Dance and Music of Rajasthan :
The people of Rajasthan have their own ways to celebrate the
evening are the long day of hard work in the sun. The
much-needed entertainment is provided by the folk music and
dance. The females participate equally in these refreshing
activities. The performers who have inherited the talent
perform the soul stirring music of Rajasthan for the people.
Both music as well as dance is respected as skills by the
dwellers of the desert. The 'Dholis' or the singing
community of Rajasthan are popular both at the domestic and
international levels.The Ghoomar dance performed by the
females of Rajasthan is another unique art form.
Rajasthani Food and Drink :
It is rightly said that the Indians live to eat and the
people of Rajasthan are no exception. The cuisine of
Rajasthan has its own fair share of the traditional dishes
and specialties. The ingredients in the dishes are as per
the availability of vegetation of the state. The focus is on
buttermilk and clarified butter instead of water, owing to
the latter's scarcity. Delicacies like the kebabs and the
curries were introduced into the royal menu as a result of
the influence of the Mughals.
Traditions of Rajasthan :
In Rajasthan, the spectacular is commonplace. Many
civilizations forged by waves of settlers ranging from
ancient Indus Valley urbanites to pastoral Aryan herdsmen,
Bhil forest dwellers, Jain merchant princes, Jat and Gujjar
cultivators, Muslim craftsmen, and the Rajput warrior
aristocracy have all shaped this region called the land of
kings. Colorful costumes, festivals, and customs relieve the
tedium of coping with a harsh, demanding land. People come
here to savor its splendors, and imbibe its enviable
heritage. Discover it all in the fairs and festivals like
Pushkar and Desert Festival, dances like Kalbelia,
Rajasthani cuisine, and crafts of Rajasthan
In Rajasthan, the spectacular is commonplace.
Music in India
Music, inspired perhaps by the
whistles of the wind or the splash of the waves, chirping of
the birds or may be falling of the rain, exists on this land
since the existence of humanity. They designed many musical
instruments and innumerable ragas. Then developed different
notes for different times, seasons and feelings. Different
regions developed their own style of singing, not following
the ragas but their own tunes and taking the lyrics in their
own language and themes from their day-to-day life. One of
the powerful attractions in India is the colorful and
diversified attire of its people. The silk saris, brightly
mirrored cholis, colorful lehangas and the traditional
salwar-kameez have fascinated many a traveler over the
centuries.
Indian dressing
Indian dressing styles are marked by many
variations, both religious and regional and one is likely to
witness a plethora of colors, textures and styles in
garments worn by the Indians. Indian dance is a blend of
nritta - the rhythmic elements, nritya - the combination of
rhythm with expression and natya - the dramatic element.
Most Indian dances take their themes from India's rich
mythology and folk legends. Hindu gods and goddesses like
Vishnu and Lakshmi, Rama and Sita, Krishna and Radha are all
depicted in classical Indian dances. Each dance form also
draws inspiration from stories depicting the life, ethics
and beliefs of the Indian people. |
