MODULE - I

Culture: An Introduction

Understanding
Culture

Notes

1
CULTURE: AN INTRODUCTION

he English word Culture is derived from the Latin term cult or cultus meaning
tilling, or cultivating or refining and worship. In sum it means cultivating and refining
a thing to such an extent that its end product evokes our admiration and respect.
This is practically the same as Sanskriti of the Sanskrit language. The term Sanskriti has
been derived from the root Kri (to do) of Sanskrit language. Three words came from this
root Kri; prakriti (basic matter or condition), Sanskriti (refined matter or condition)
and vikriti (modified or decayed matter or condition) when prakriti or a raw material is
refined it becomes Sanskriti and when broken or damaged it becomes vikriti.

OBJECTIVES
After studying this lesson you will be able to:

understand the concept and meaning of culture;

establish the relationship between culture and civilization;

Establish the link between culture and heritage;

discuss the role and impact of culture in human life.

1.1 CONCEPT OF CULTURE

Culture is a way of life. The food you eat, the clothes you wear, the language you speak in
and the God you worship all are aspects of culture. In very simple terms, we can say that
culture is the embodiment of the way in which we think and do things. It is also the things
Indian Culture and Heritage Secondary Course

MODULE - I
Understanding
Culture

Notes

Culture: An Introduction
that we have inherited as members of society. All the achievements of human beings as
members of social groups can be called culture. Art, music, literature, architecture, sculpture,
philosophy, religion and science can be seen as aspects of culture. However, culture also
includes the customs, traditions, festivals, ways of living and ones outlook on various
issues of life.
Culture thus refers to a human-made environment which includes all the material and nonmaterial products of group life that are transmitted from one generation to the next. There
is a general agreement among social scientists that culture consists of explicit and implicit
patterns of behaviour acquired by human beings. These may be transmitted through symbols,
constituting the distinctive achievements of human groups, including their embodiment as
artefacts. The essential core of culture thus lies in those finer ideas which are transmitted
within a group-both historically derived as well as selected with their attached value. More
recently, culture denotes historically transmitted patterns of meanings embodied in symbols,
by means of which people communicate, perpetuate and develop their knowledge about
and express their attitudes toward life.
Culture is the expression of our nature in our modes of living and thinking. It may be seen
in our literature, in religious practices, in recreation and enjoyment. Culture has two distinctive
components, namely, material and non-material. Material culture consists of objects that
are related to the material aspect of our life such as our dress, food, and household goods.
Non-material culture refers to ideas, ideals, thoughts and belief.
Culture varies from place to place and country to country. Its development is based on the
historical process operating in a local, regional or national context. For example, we differ
in our ways of greeting others, our clothing, food habits, social and religious customs and
practices from the West. In other words, the people of any country are characterised by
their distinctive cultural traditions.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 1.1

1. How can you say that Culture and Sanskriti carry the same meaning?
_______________________________________________________________
2. Fill in the blanks:
a. All the achievements of human beings and groups can be called................
b. Culture has two distinctive components viz. material and................

Indian Culture and Heritage Secondary Course

Culture: An Introduction

MODULE - I
Understanding
Culture

1.2 CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION

The word culture and civilization are often used synonymously. However, they have
clearly defined meanings differentiating them. Civilization means having better ways of
living and sometimes making nature bend to fulfill their needs. It also includes organizing
societies into politically well-defined groups working collectively for improved conditions
of life in matters of food, dress, communication, and so on. Thus some groups consider
themselves as civilized and look down upon others. This disposition of certain groups has
even led to wars and holocausts, resulting in mass destruction of human beings.

Notes

On the other hand culture refers to the inner being, a refinement of head and heart. This
includes arts and sciences, music and dance and various higher pursuits of human life
which are also classified as cultural activities. One who may be poor and wearing cheap
clothes may be considered uncivilized, but still he or she may be the most cultured person.
One possessing ostentatious wealth may be considered as civlilized but he may not be
cultured
Therefore, when we think of culture, we have to understand that it is different from civilization.
As we have seen, culture is the higher levels of inner refinement of a human being. Humans
are not merely physical beings. They live and act at three levels: physical, mental and
spiritual. While better ways of living socially and politically and better utilization of nature
around us may be termed as civilization. This is not enough to be cultured. Only when the
deeper levels of a persons intellect and consciouness are brought into expression can we
call him/her cultured.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 1.2

1. What is the difference between culture and civilization?
_______________________________________________________________
2. Give two similarities of culture and civilization.
_______________________________________________________________

1.3 CULTURE AND HERITAGE

Cultural development is a historical process. Our ancestors learnt many things from their
predecessors. With the passage of time they also added to it from their own experience
and gave up those which they did not consider useful. We in turn have learnt many things
from our ancestors. As time goes we continue to add new thoughts, new ideas to those
already existent and sometimes we give up some which we dont consider useful any
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MODULE - I
Understanding
Culture

Notes

Culture: An Introduction
more. This is how culture is transmitted and carried forward from generation to next
generation. The culture we inherit from our predecessors is called our cultural heritage.
This heritage exists at various levels. Humanity as a whole has inherited a culture which
may be called human heritage. A nation also inherits a culture which may be termed as
national cultural heritage.
Cultural heritage includes all those aspects or values of culture transmitted to human beings
by their ancestors from generation to generation. They are cherished, protected and
maintained by them with unbroken continuity and they feel proud of it.
A few examples would be helpful in clarifying the concept of heritage. The Taj Mahal,
Swami Narayan Temple of Gandhinagar and Delhi, Red Fort of Agra, Delhis Qutub
Minar, Mysore Palace, Jain Temple of Dilwara (Rajasthan) Nizamuddin Aulias Dargah,
Golden Temple of Amritsar, Gurudwara Sisganj of Delhi, Sanchi Stupa, Christian Church
in Goa, India Gate etc., are all important places of our heritage and are to be protected by
all means.
Besides the architectural creations, monuments, material artifacts, the intellectual
achievements, philosophy, treasures of knowledge, scientific inventions and discoveries
are also the part of heritage. In Indian context the contributions of Baudhayan, Aryabhatta,
Bhaskaracharya in the field of Mathematics, Astronomy and Astrology; Kanad and
Varahmihir in the field of Physics; Nagarjuna in the field of Chemistry, Susruta and Charak
in the field of Medicines and Patanjali in the field of Yoga are profound treasures of Indian
Cultural heritage. Culture is liable to change, but our heritage does not. We individuals,
belonging to a culture or a particular group, may acquire or borrow certain cultural traits of
other communities/cultures, but our belongingness to Indian cultural heritage will remain
unchanged. Our Indian cultural heritage will bind us together e.g. Indian literature and
scriptures namely Vedas, Upanishads Gita and Yoga System etc. have contributed a lot by
way of providing right knowledge, right action, behavior and practices as complementary
to the development of civilization.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 1.3

1. What is cultural heritage?
_______________________________________________________________
2. Give some examples of cultural heritage.
_______________________________________________________________

Indian Culture and Heritage Secondary Course

Culture: An Introduction

MODULE - I
Understanding
Culture

1.4 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CULTURE

Now let us discuss some general characteristics, which are common to different cultures
throughout the world.
1. Culture is learned and acquired: Culture is acquired in the sense that there are
certain behaviours which are acquired through heredity. Individuals inherit certain
qualities from their parents but socio-cultural patterns are not inherited. These are
learnt from family members, from the group and the society in which they live. It is thus
apparent that the culture of human beings is influenced by the physical and social
environment through which they operate.

Notes

2. Culture is shared by a group of people: A thought or action may be called culture

if it is shared and believed or practiced by a group of people.
3. Culture is cumulative: Different knowledge embodied in culture can be passed
from one generation to another generation. More and more knowledge is added in the
particular culture as the time passes by. Each may work out solution to problems in life
that passes from one generation to another. This cycle remains as the particular culture
goes with time.
4. Culture changes: There is knowledge, thoughts or traditions that are lost as new
cultural traits are added. There are possibilities of cultural changes within the particular
culture as time passes.
5. Culture is dynamic: No culture remains on the permanent state. Culture is changing
constantly as new ideas and new techniques are added as time passes modifying or
changing the old ways. This is the characteristics of culture that stems from the cultures
cumulative quality.
6. Culture gives us a range of permissible behaviour patterns: It involves how an
activity should be conducted, how an individual should act appropriately.
7. Culture is diverse: It is a system that has several mutually interdependent parts.
Although these parts are separate, they are interdependent with one another forming
culture as whole.
8. Culture is ideational: Often it lays down an ideal pattern of behaviour that are
expected to be followed by individuals so as to gain social acceptance from the people
with the same culture.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 1.4

1. What is meant by permissible behaviour patterns?
_______________________________________________________________
Indian Culture and Heritage Secondary Course

MODULE - I
Understanding
Culture

Culture: An Introduction
2. How can you say that culture is dynamic?
_______________________________________________________________

Notes

1.5 IMPORTANCE OF CULTURE IN HUMAN LIFE

Culture is closely linked with life. It is not an add-on, an ornament that we as human beings
can use. It is not merely a touch of colour. It is what makes us human. Without culture,
there would be no humans. Culture is made up of traditions, beliefs, way of life, from the
most spiritual to the most material. It gives us meaning, a way of leading our lives. Human
beings are creators of culture and, at the same time, culture is what makes us human.
A fundamental element of culture is the issue of religious belief and its symbolic expression.
We must value religious identity and be aware of current efforts to make progress in terms
of interfaith dialogue, which is actually an intercultural dialogue. As the world is becoming
more and more global and we coexist on a more global level we cant just think theres
only one right way of living or that any one is valid. The need for coexistence makes the
coexistence of cultures and beliefs necessary. In order to not make such mistakes, the best
thing we can do is get to know other cultures, while also getting to know our own. How
can we dialogue with other cultures, if we dont really know what our own culture is?
The three eternal and universal values of Truth, Beauty and Goodness are closely linked
with culture. It is culture that brings us closer to truth through philosophy and religion; it
brings beauty in our lives through the Arts and makes us aesthetic beings; and it is culture
that makes us ethical beings by bringing us closer to other human beings and teaching us
the values of love, tolerance and peace.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 1.5

1. What does culture provide for a decent life?
_______________________________________________________________
2. Which individual would be called uncultured in society?
_______________________________________________________________

WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT

Culture has been derived from Latin term Cult or Cultus meaning tilling or refining.

Sanskriti is derived from Sanskrit root Kri meaning to do.

Indian Culture and Heritage Secondary Course

Culture: An Introduction

Culture may be defined as the way an individual and especially a group live, think, feel
and organize themselves, celebrate and share life.

Culture has different characteristics. It can be acquired, lost or shared. It is cumulative.

It is dynamic, diverse and gives us a range of permissible behaviour-pattern. It can
change. Culture includes both material and non-material components.

In deeper sense it is culture that produces the kind of literature, music, dance, sculpture,
architecture and various other art forms as well as the many organizations and structures
that make the functioning of the society smooth and well-ordered.

Culture provides us with ideas, ideals and values to lead a decent life.

Self restraint in conduct, consideration for the feelings of others, for the rights of others,
are the highest marks of culture.

A cultural heritage means all the aspects or values of culture transmitted to human
beings by their ancestors to the next generation.

Architectural creations, monuments, material artifacts, the intellectual achievements,

philosophy, pleasure of knowledge, scientific inventions and discoveries are parts of
heritage.

MODULE - I
Understanding
Culture

Notes

TERMINAL QUESTIONS
1. How will you define the concept of culture?
2. How is culture and civilization synonymous?
3. What is cultural heritage?
4. What are the general characteristics of culture?

ANSWERS TO INTEXT QUESTIONS

1.1
1. Cultures literal meaning is to do and Sanskriti also literally means refining and cultivating.
2. a. Culture
b. Non-material.
1.2
1. Culture is what we are and civilization is what we posses or we make use of.
2. Changes in both culture and civilizaion occur. Civilization is advanced state of culture.

Indian Culture and Heritage Secondary Course

MODULE - I
Understanding
Culture

Culture: An Introduction
1.3
1. Culture that we inherit from our ancestors is called our cultural heritage.
2. Taj Mahal, Red Fort of agra, Vedas, Upnishads and Gita
(Architectural monuments, Treasures of knowledge, Scientific and intellectual
achievements)

Notes
1.4

1. Culture forms an ideal pattern of behaviour that is expected to be followed by individuals.

2. Culture is changing constantly. New ideas and new techniques are added from time to
time.
1.5
1. Culture provides us with ideas, ideals and values to lead a decent life.
2. One who does not have self restraint in thought in feelings and in action, may be called
an uncultured individual.

Indian Culture and Heritage Secondary Course