IE Essay - Question K

If all of the world’s cultural heritage was contained in a

time capsule, what would you include to demonstrate the

legacy of your country? -Kshitij Bhardwaj

“India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend and the great grand mother of tradition” – Mark Twain

Our “Sanskriti” (Indian word for culture. It means to purify, transform,

sublimate, mould and perfect) India is a land of diversity in terms of

its physical as well its social environment.

People in India speak 22 scheduled languages, have diverse religious faiths and practice different rituals. In India, each state has its unique dress and food patterns. Our country is also proud to have myriad dance and music forms.

But within this diversity, there is an underlying unity which acts as a cementing force.

As an Indian, I am very proud of the distinctive features and uniqueness of my culture. To represent India in the time capsule, I would like to encapsulate a few examples from each of the following-Tangible cultural heritageIntangible cultural heritage

Tangible cultural heritage

Wah Taj! The timeless Taj Mahal is an

enduring brand identity of India and celebrates India’s diverse history and culture.

A magnificent example of Indo-Islamic architecture, this world master piece swells each Indian’s heart with pride. Taj not only symbolizes love but is also a testimony of the fine aesthetic sense of its rulers and craftsmen.

Curry An amalgamation of spices, flavours, colors and grandma’s love, a curry truly symbolizes India in terms of its diversity. Even though we find curry dishes throughout the length and breadth of the country, it differs from one region to the other with its unique blend of spices and locally available ingredients. Some of the Indian curries especially those from north western India, such as chicken tikka masala and dal makhani, have taken the world by the storm.

Saree: Six yards of sheer eleganceSaree is a valuable Indian contribution to the world’s cultural heritage and diversity. This beautiful traditional attire for woman is an unstitched garment that is known for its colours, textures, styles and versatility. Each region in India has given this garment its unique touch in terms of the weaving techniques, fabrics used, embroidery and styles of draping.

Intangible cultural heritage

“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self”- The Bhagavad Gita

This art of right living was perfected and practiced in India thousands of years ago and the foundations of yoga philosophy can be traced to the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali in 200 AD.

Yogic techniques help to control the body, mind and sense organs. It is beneficial for not only physical health but also spiritual well-being.

Millions of people all over the world are benefitted by this ancient discipline.

Ahimsa: Gandhi’s philosophy on truth and non-violence

Gandhi not only theorized the notion of non violence, but also adopted it as an ideal way of life.

In today’s times when the world is being torn apart by hatred and mistrust, I believe this philosophy would definitely show a guiding light to people all over the world.

Classical dances of India India has a very rich cultural

tradition of dance. In India, dancing may be traced back to the Indus valley civilization. The discovery of the bronze statue of a dancing girl proves the fact that women in Harappa performed dances.

There are eight Indian classical dance forms, such as Kathak which is a popular north-Indian classical dance. These dances are a part of the rich legacy of Indian performing arts.

Thank you for your time!Picture Credits: All pictures used in this

presentation are clicked and edited by me.