Complete Essence of Traditional Knowledge - Compressed

Essence of Traditional Knowledge
Dr.V.Vijayalakshmi
Associate Professor, SSL
Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai
Hello Learners, in the last video we discussed on the Course Contents of Essence of Traditional
Knowledge, in this video, let us try to understand the Definition and meaning of Traditional
Knowledge.
• Traditional knowledge refers to the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous

and local communities around the world.
• Developed from experience gained over the centuries and adapted to the local culture and
environment.
• It tends to be collectively owned and takes the form of stories, songs, folklore, proverbs,
cultural values, beliefs, rituals, community laws, local language, and agricultural
practices, including the development of plant species and animal breeds.
• Traditional knowledge is transmitted from generation to generation orally.
• “Traditional knowledge” is an open-ended way to refer to tradition-based literary, artistic
or scientific works; performances; inventions; scientific discoveries; designs; marks,
names and symbols; undisclosed information; and all other tradition-based innovations
and creations resulting from intellectual activity.
Definition
• The definition of traditional knowledge used by the World Intellectual Property Office
(WIPO) includes indigenous knowledge relating to categories such as agricultural
knowledge, medicinal knowledge, biodiversity- related knowledge, and expressions of
folklore in the form of music, dance, song, handicraft, designs, stories and artwork.
What is Traditional Knowledge?

Medicinal, Agricultural Music & Dance,
& Ecological Knowledge Stories & Poetry
Artesanat Spiritual Expression

(Handicrafts)
Transmitted Collective
orally across responsibility &
generations ownership
Constantly evolving
How do Native people define traditional knowledge?
• It is practical common sense based on teachings and experiences passed on from
generation to generation.
• It is knowing the country. It covers knowledge of the environment - snow, ice, weather,
resources - and the relationships between things.
• It is holistic. It cannot be compartmentalized and cannot be separated from the people
who hold it. It is rooted in the spiritual health, culture and language of the people. It is a
way of life.
• Traditional knowledge is an authority system. It sets out the rules governing the use of
resources - respect, an obligation to share. It is dynamic, cumulative and stable. It is
truth.
• Traditional knowledge is a way of life -wisdom is using traditional knowledge in good
ways. It is using the heart and the head together. It comes from the spirit in order to
survive.
• It gives credibility to the people.
Comparisons between indigenous and scientific knowledge

• The interest to compare scientific and traditional knowledge comes from collecting
traditional knowledge without the contextual elements.
• For example, Native people have a far richer and more subtle understanding of the
characteristics of ice and snow than do non-indigenous people. In fact, some Native
classification is available only by virtue of its relationship to human activities and
feelings. These comparisons sometimes incorrectly lead science practitioners to trivialize
traditional understanding.
• For many indigenous people today, the communication of traditional knowledge is
hampered by competition from other cultures that capture the imagination of the young.
They are bombarded by technology that teaches them non-indigenous ways and limits the
capacity of elders to pass on traditional knowledge to the young. As the elders die, the
full richness of tradition is diminished, because some of it has not been passed on and so
is lost. It is important therefore to find ways of preserving this knowledge.
In this video, we understood the meaning and definition of Traditional knowledge and the
comparison between indigenous knowledge and scientific knowledge and in the next video, let
us understand the Comparisons between traditional and scientific knowledge with respect to its
style and with respect to its use.
Thank you Learners

Dr.Binu Sahayam D
Assistant Professor, SSL
Hello learners.
Welcome to the Indigenous Knowledge session. In this session, we will talk about
indigenous knowledge and its definition, characteristics of indigenous knowledge, the
significance of indigenous knowledge, the importance of indigenous knowledge,
challenges faced, and the difference between indigenous knowledge and western
knowledge. Indigenous knowledge or IK refers to the skills, knowledge, and beliefs
utilized by native people to survive in a given geographic region. The knowledge
accumulated by indigenous or local communities over generations living in a specific
environment can also be broadly construed as indigenous knowledge or IK. The term
encompasses all forms of knowledge, technologies, skills, practices, and beliefs that
assist the community in creating stable livelihoods within their respective
environments.
Let’s see the definition of indigenous knowledge.

Indigenous knowledge can be defined as "A body of knowledge built up by a group of
people through generations of living in close contact with nature" (Johnson, 1992). As
per UN, the term "Indigenous" is defined as "Groups of people whose social, cultural
and economic conditions distinguish them from other sections of the national
communities, and whose status is regulated wholly or partially by their own customs or
traditions or by special laws or regulations. People in independent countries who are
regarded as indigenous are considered as descent people who inhabited geographical
region to which belongs, at the time of colonization or the establishment of present state
boundaries".
Most people think of indigenous knowledge as outdated, backwards, static, or
'unchanging.' Indigenous people are the first settlers in a specific location, who have a
different culture and belief system example, the local Tribal, Native, First, or
Aboriginal populations.
It has led to widespread use of the term local knowledge, which refers to any
knowledge possessed by a group that lived off the land for a long period in a particular
area.
In this approach, it is not necessary to understand whether the people in question
are the original inhabitants of an area. What is important is to identify how people -
aboriginal or non-aboriginal - in a particular region view and interact with their
environment, so that their knowledge can be mobilized for the design of effective
interventions.
So, what are the characteristics of indigenous knowledge?
Its fundamental principles are dynamic, methodical, and universal.
The transmission occurs verbally rather than in writing.
It is based on teachings and knowledge experience that are passed down from
It is holistic in nature.
It can give people credibility.
It is based on observational experience and may be beneficial for decision
making.
It governs the use of resources.
It is a way of living for their survival.
It is associated with the sustainable use of native resources.
Examines the holistic understanding of biological and human systems.
Let’s now look at the significance of indigenous knowledge.
 The survival of every human being depends on the wholeness of nature and the
elements it contains.
 It describes the specific circumstances of communities in connection to the
environment and offers practical solutions to people's issues.
 It explains how cultural behaviours resulted from human adaptation to their
environment
 Knowledge about 'Indigenous or Traditional knowledge' is a mix of simple but
applied education, economics, politics, religion, sciences, and technologies found
in indigenous societies.
 It is fundamental knowledge, but it provides a rich foundation for the
development of modern society.
So, why indigenous knowledge is important?
Indigenous knowledge is given for local empowerment and development, increasing
self-sufficiency and strengthening self-determination.
 The indigenous population can also contribute valuable information regarding
how to manage the local environment.
 Indigenous knowledge offers local communities, particularly the marginalized,
with problem-solving solutions.
 Indigenous knowledge on development challenges is an important component of
global knowledge.
 Indigenous knowledge is a valuable resource that is less utilized in the
development process.
 Using indigenous wisdom to obtain a deeper understanding of your surroundings
might be beneficial.
Let’s look at the challenges faced in using indigenous knowledge.
 Lack of adequate management
 Lack of documentation
 Understanding their knowledge is eroding
 Less importance is given to indigenous knowledge
Commercialisation and economic instability can destroy indigenous knowledge

So, how indigenous knowledge is different from western knowledge. Let’s see.
 Indigenous knowledge is a visual representation of oral knowledge whereas, western

knowledge is based on written words.
 Indigenous knowledge is learning by doing and experiencing whereas, western
knowledge is through formal education.
 Indigenous knowledge has a holistic approach whereas, western knowledge has a
reductionist approach.
 Indigenous knowledge is subjective and western knowledge is objective.
 Indigenous knowledge sharing is through storytelling whereas, western knowledge is
through a didactic approach.
With this, we come towards the end of our session. In today’s session, we discussed
about indigenous knowledge and its definition, characteristics of indigenous knowledge,
the significance of indigenous knowledge, the importance of indigenous knowledge,
challenges faced, and the difference between indigenous knowledge and western
knowledge.
I hope you would have got a fair understanding of the essence of indigenous knowledge
Thank you and Happy Learning!
Thank you Learners

Significance of Traditional Knowledge in Present day
Traditional knowledge has been used by native or indigenous local communities since
ancient times in accordance with local laws, customs, and culture.
It has been passed down from one generation to another and expanded.
Traditional knowledge plays a critical role in the development of a country.
Identities, cultural heritage, and livelihoods of indigenous peoples are based on
traditional knowledge.
Keeping indigenous cultures and identities intact and promoting their identity and
culture requires the transmission of traditional knowledge from generation to
generation as well as ensuring sustainable livelihoods, resilience to natural and
human-made disasters, and culturally appropriate economic development.
A key aspect of the world's cultural and biological diversity can be found in
indigenous people's holistic approach to life. Traditional knowledge supports this
holistic approach to life.
Challenges
When discussing about challenges in the present scenario it is note that Changes in
culture and modernization pose the biggest threat to traditional knowledge.
A long history of colonialism, racism, exploitation, and dispossession of indigenous
peoples has lead to structural inequalities and societal exclusion.
Conservation and ecological systems, as well as biodiversity preservation and cultural
diversity, are all under threat.These has devalued and impeded traditional knowledge.
Value System
The value of traditional knowledge applies to every field of study
As indigenous peoples have lived and practiced their environments for thousands of
years, traditional knowledge about land conservation, species conservation, and the
revitalization of biological resources is rooted in their daily lives and practices.
With its potential to strengthen scientific, technological, and medical research, such as
in pharmaceuticals, it can play an important role in sustainable development and in
addressing the most pressing global problems, including climate change, land
management, and conservation, as well as strengthening sustainable development.
In addition, traditional knowledge can help indigenous peoples and all inhabitants of
the world achieve food security.
Biodiversity can be enhanced and maintained at the local level thanks to indigenous
land management practices and environmental conservation initiatives.
The practice of combining indigenous traditional knowledge with indigenous
languages and cultures is an effective method of maintaining indigenous cultures,
identities, reducing illiteracy and school dropout rates, enhancing learning, and
protecting the environment.
Conservation and ecological systems, as well as biodiversity preservation and cultural
diversity, are all under threat.
Traditional Knowledge and the UN
In recognition of traditional knowledge's importance, several international normative
and policy instruments promote, maintain, and safeguard indigenous knowledge.
The UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) adopted by the
General Assembly on September 13, 2007, recognizes Indigenous ownership and
validates traditional practices as contributors to "sustainable and equitable
development and proper management of the environment”
Articles 11 and 31 identity these rights as follows:
Article 11.
People of indigenous descent have the right to practice and revitalize their cultural
traditions and customs. Their cultures, such as archeological and historical sites,
artifacts, designs, ceremonies, technology, and other manifestations of their cultures,
are entitled to be preserved, protected, and developed.
Article 31.
Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their
cultural heritage,
traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, as well as the
manifestations of their sciences, technologies and cultures, including human and
genetic resources, seeds, medicines, knowledge of the properties of fauna and flora,
oral traditions, literatures, designs, sports and traditional games and visual and
performing arts. They also have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop
their intellectual property over such cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and
traditional cultural expressions.
The Declaration also indicates that states are expected to provide restitution in
instances where traditional culture and cultural manifestations have been taken
without consent (United Nations 2008).
Studies and Reviews of Traditional Knowledge
We will discuss about the related studies in Traditional Knowledge, between the years 2000
Traditional knowledge of Kani tribals

in Kouthalai of Tirunelveli hills, Tamil
Name of the Research Title Nadu, India
Author name M.Ayyanar and S.Ignacimuthu
Year of the study 2005
To study the importance of medicinal plants in the primary health
Objectives care of the people.
Ethno botanical survey

Methodology
and 2021
Findings This study revealed that medicinal plants still play a vital role in t
he primary
healthcare of the people.
Summary
Traditional medicines have the potential to form the basis of phar
maceutical
drugs for the treatment of a range of diseases.
Thus, the loss of these potentially valuable genetic resources ultim
ately affects the whole society.
The information gathered from the tribals is useful for further rese
archers in the field of ethnobotany, taxonomy and pharmacology.
This study offers a model for studying the relationship between pl
ants and people, within the context of traditional medical system.
Conservation of the orange-
Name of the Research
bellied Himalayan squirrel Dremomys lokriah using a tradition
al knowledge system: a case study from Arunachal Pradesh, Ind
Title
ia
Mihin Dollo, G.V. Gopi, Karthik Teegalapalli and Kripaljyoti
Author name
Mazumdar
To report on the socio-
ecological values of D. lokriah and the traditional hunting syste
Objectives
m, and conservation initiatives implemented by the Apatani co
mmunity to conserve the species
Methodology Case Study
Summary It is an opportunity for government agencies and conservatio
nists to merge a traditional knowledge system with modern c
onservation methods and strengthen participatory conservatio
n management.
Name of the Rese Phytotherapy and traditional knowledge of tribal communities of Mayurbhanj
arch Title district, Orissa, India
Author name S. K. Panda , S. D. Rout , N. Mishra and T. Panda

To know the knowledge and usage of herbal medicine for the treatment of vari
Objectives
ous ailments among tribes.
Methodology Field Survey
Findings The results have revealed that 112 plant species were used for medicinal pu
rposes in the surveyed area.
The inventoried species comprise 62 families. The most important medicin

al families were: Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Rutaceae, Solanace
ae and Zingiberaceae
Summary
The indigenous phototherapy of tribes can provide a useful alternative to co
nventional human health care.
Traditional knowledge system is important for modern societies, not only b

ecause traditional knowledge itself is a valuable aspect of cultural heritage
and should be protected in its own right, but also because of its great value
in modern development, especially regarding the sustainable use of forests,
ecosystem services and management.
It is an urgent task to record the posterity, whatever is valuable in the traditi

on of the tribes, their way of life and their knowledge of the plants before al
l these disappear.
Name of the Rese
Traditional Knowledge Protection: An Indian Prospective
arch Title
Author name Mangala Hirwade and Anil Hirwade
To analyse the features of indigenous knowledge, protection of traditional

Objectives knowledge in India and its benefits, biopiracy issues, and Indian experienc
e
Methodology Qualitative
Summary India has experienced various initiatives regarding the protection of tradi
tional knowledge under intellectual property rights, which is a major ste
p to curb biopiracy and in many of these cases the country had to fight fo
r revocation of the granted patents which involved huge costs and time.
India has taken misappropriations of its traditional knowledge by develo

ped countries through patenting system.
Name of the Resea Studies on Traditional Knowledge of Ethnomedicinal Plants in Jawala
rch Title mukhi, Himachal Pradesh, India
Sharma Arti, Santvan Virender Kumar , Sharma Pooja and Chandel Sa

Author name
ngeeta
To explore traditional medicinal knowledge of plants of Jawalamukhi s

Objectives
hakti peeth, Himachal Pradesh.
Methodology Ethnobotanical survey

Findings Found that 25 different plants belonging to 20 families are used to tre
at various diseases.
The present study shows that Jawalamukhi region is rich with valuabl
Summary e medicinal flora and people are enriched with folk traditional knowl
edge about these herbs.
Though this knowledge is passing orally from one generation to anot

her but it has not been documented yet. So documentation of this kno
wledge is necessary for safeguarding this valuable information for th
e well being of future generation.
All these plants need to be evaluated through phyto and pharmaco in

vestigation to discover their potentiality as drugs.
The present study will provide new incentive to the traditional system
of healthcare and also will be helpful for researcher and pharmaceuti
cal industries to find out the other uses of plants which would be help
ful to modern healthcare system.
Name of the Rese Traditional knowledge on poisonous plants of Udhampur district of Ja

arch Title mmu and Kashmir, India
Author name Harpreet Bhatiaa R.K.Manhas Kewal Kumar & Rani Magotra

To collect and systematically document the traditional knowledge of p
Objectives oisonous plants of Udhampur District for the benefit of humanity befo
re it is entombed forever.
Methodology Qualititaive and Quantitative
Findings A total of 90 toxic plants were identified from the study site. Most d
ominant toxic families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Solanaceae, Apo
cynaceae and Euphorbiaceae.
Further phytochemical and pharmacological studies are required to

ascertain the toxic components of the poisonous plants, so that they
Summary may be utilised for the betterment of future generations.
Name of the Rese Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Plant Intellectual Property
arch Title Rights: Emerging Challenges and Issues in India
Author name Sanjit Kumar Chakraborty

Objectives
Summary Adequate and effective steps must be taken to promote the develop
ment, towards the protection of traditional knowledge, including th
e resolution of underlying issues such as land rights and the need t
o respect and maintain the lifestyles of local and indigenous comm
unities in their suitable environment.
Name of the Res

Traditional Knowledge and its Efficacy in Economic Growth
earch Title
Author name MS. SOFIA KHATUN AND MRS. DEEPA RANI SALIAN

To develop a global legal instrument for helping members outside the l
Objectives
ocal community threshold to access traditional knowledge
Findings Both positive as well as defensive IPR systems were used for protecti
ng the traditional knowledge of indigenous people in India.
Technical advice is required to be circulated among community mem

Summary bers such that they
are able to make effective utilization of systems of IPR.
● The representatives of the community members should be encourag
ed by local state
authorities so that they take more active participation in annual and q
uarterly meetings
held by the WIPO agency.
● The members of the WIPO agency should provide assistance to stre
ngthen and develop
regional and national systems for safeguarding traditional knowledge.
The tools for the
protection of traditional knowledge include the imposition of laws, re
gulatory policies,
practical instruments and the use of information systems.
● There is also a need for providing “hands-
on training” system for the management of
“intellectual property rights” and boosting interests of the people for d
ocumenting traditional cultural manifestations and knowledge.
Zootherapeutic uses of animals and their parts: an important element of
Name of the Rese
the traditional knowledge of the Tangsa and Wancho of eastern Arunac
arch Title
hal Pradesh, North-East India
Author name Salomi Jugli, Jharna Chakravorty & Victor Benno Meyer-Rochow
To investigate zootherapeutic uses among two tribes who inhabit differ

Objectives
ent areas of North-East India: the Tangsa and the Wancho.
Methodology Field Survey from May 2015 to March 2016

Findings Researchers found that the Tangsa make greater use of animals than
Wancho and use predominantly a variety of mammals (47%) followe
d by birds (16%) of the 55 species of animals considered therapeutic
by them.
The Wancho informed us of using 20 species, of which birds and thei

r products account for 37%, while mammals and insects feature in 26
% and 21%, respectively.
The tribal people must understand that preserving their traditional kn

owledge of animals and their products to treat diseases and disorders
depends on the availability of the raw material, i.e. the animals.
Summary
To discourage needless killing of the latter and help tribal people to a
dopt an attitude that sees modern and traditional therapies side by sid
e, effectively substituting each other, is a challenge of the future that
needs to be met.
Declaring certain species, threatened by extinction, taboo by elders o

r influential community leaders (cf., Meyer-
Rochow 2009) rather than increasing fines could also help in this cont
ext.
Name of the Rese Traditional Knowledge of the Utilization of Edible Insects in Nagalan
arch Title d, North-East India
Author name Lobeno Mozhui,L.N. Kakati ,Patricia Kiewhuo and Sapu Changkija

To document the existing knowledge of entomophagy in the region, e
Objectives mphasizing the currently most consumed insects in view of their mark
eting potential as possible future food items.
Methodology Quantitative
Assessment was done with the help of semi-

structured questionnaires, which mentioned a total of 106 insect spe
Findings cies representing 32 families and 9 orders that were considered as h
ealth foods by the local ethnic groups.
The present study, not only raises awareness among the tribal comm
Summary unities but also develops deep interest amongst policy makers and st
ake holders of the potential growth of the edible insect sector and th
ereby to promote funding into edible insect research and developme
nt.
We believe that mass production, proper commercialization, and ma

rketing strategies can improve livelihoods of tribal communities (es
pecially the womenfolk) living in remote villages.
Name of the R
A Primer to Traditional Knowledge Protection in India: The Road Ahead
esearch Title
Author name Shambhu Prasad Chakrabarty and Ravneet Kaur
Year of the stu

2021
dy
To deliberate about indigenous peoples (of India) and their natural conservatio
Objectives
n practices through the lens of Intellectual Property Rights
The methodology adopted in this paper incorporates drawing of conclusion usi

ng cross-
Methodology
country analysis for solutions to address the challenges brought forth by this co
mplicated position.
Findings
Summary It is imperative to state that the limited Traditional Knowledge and Traditi
onal Cultural Expressions still left amongst the people, mostly the elderly r
equires urgent protection and documentation.
The young must be assured of the economic viability of their ancestral kno
wledge.
Special measures should be taken to promote these TK and TCEs and retro
spectively protect the rights of these peoples with a robust legal framework
to implement benefit sharing.
Dr.V.Vijayalakshmi
In the last video, we learnt about the definition and meaning of traditional knowledge and in this
video, we will learn the comparison between Traditional Knowledge and Scientific Knowledge
Let us compare traditional and scientific knowledge with respect to its styles
Indigenous Knowledge Scientific Knowledge

assumed to be the truth assumed to be a best approximation
sacred and secular together secular only
teaching through storytelling didactic
learning by doing and learning by formal education
experiencing
oral or visual written
integrated, based on a whole analytical, based on subsets of the
system whole
intuitive model- or hypothesis-based
holistic reductionist
subjective objective
experiential positivist
Similarly let us learn the comparison between traditional and scientific knowledge in use
Indigenous Knowledge Scientific Knowledge

lengthy acquisition rapid acquisition
long-term wisdom short-term prediction
powerful prediction in local areas powerful predictability in natural
principles
weak in predictive principles in weak in local areas of knowledge
distant areas
models based on cycles linear modeling as first
approximation
explanations based on examples, explanations bases on hypothesis,
anecdotes, parables theories, laws
Classification: Classification:
 a mix of ecological and  based on phylogenic

use relationships
 non-hierachical  hierarchical differentiation
differentiation  excludes the supernatural
 includes everything
natural and supernatural
I hope in this video, you were able to understand the comparison between Traditional Knowledge and
Scientific Knowledge.
Thank you Learners.

Hello Learners,
In this session let us discuss on the Traditional Medicine and Herbal Healing Practices
in India
Traditional Medicine
• Do you all know what is traditional medicine
• Are we using any herbal medicine in the present day
• Do we know the origin and development of medicine in India
Rig-Veda, considered as one of the oldest treatises of human knowledge which was created
during 4500 BC to 1600 BC. It is supposed as the ancient repository that stated about
therapeutic usages of plants of the Indian subcontinent
Introduction
India has a rich traditional knowledge and heritage of herbal medicine.
India is the largest producer of medicinal herbs and is called as botanical garden of the world.
But due to easy availability and fast action conventional allopathic medicines are used in
large scale, the significance of traditional medicines went down.
In recent times due to side effects and growing cost of allopathic medicine, people are now
looking for alternative medicines, herbal medicines being one of them.
Summary of Literature
Traditional medicine particularly herbal medicine considered as a major healthcare provider
around the globe particularly in rural and remote areas. A large section of people depends on
such medicine for their primary healthcare. Indian traditional medicine or medicinal plants
are also considered as a vital source of new drug. Mainstreaming of such medicine is
important for the people. Several steps have been taken in India to promote such medicine
and to integrate them with the modern medicine.
• Evidence of ancient medicinal systems in India were traced back at the time of the
Indus valley civilization. Archeological evidence of Harappa and Mohanjodaro
suggested the presence of a traditional medicinal system at that time. It was
interpreted that use of plants, animals and mineral based drugs were done by Indus
people.
• The contribution of plants, as raw material for making medical formulations, is
significant in the Indian systems of medicine, and over 6,500 species of plants are
known to occur in India those are used by various streams of traditional health care
practitioners.
• The traditional system of medicine in India functions through two major streams – the
local health tradition and the classical scientific system of medicine. The carriers of
local health care system are millions of people who cure diseases at home as a birth
attendant, bonesetters, and practitioners of snake bite treatment, jaundice treatment
etc. The classical scientific system of medicine has evolved with the philosophical
explanation and is expressed in various manuscripts. Such system of medicine exists
in the name of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Tibetan
Ayurvedic system of medicine
• The Ayurvedic system of medicine is an age-old system of therapy, which is
associated with the Vedic civilization in India. The oldest existing literature on this
form of treatment is mentioned in Rigveda around 4500-1600 B.C. Ayurveda is a
holistic system of treatment, which is amalgamation of use of food, medicine and
other measures like exercise and behavior (Kala, 2006a; Katiyar, 2006). Life in
Ayurveda is conceived as the union of body, senses, mind and soul. Ayurveda regards
human body is a composition of five basic elements namely, earth, water, fire, air and
vacuum (ether), and any illness is considered the result of absence of a balanced state
of the total body matrix. The disease is diagnosed by examining the general physical
condition of the patient and pulse reading, along with examining urine, excreta, eyes,
tongue, skin, and auditory functions. Once disease is diagnosed, the treatment
measures involve use of medicines, specific diet and prescribed routine activity
Unani system of medicine
• The Unani system of medicine was originated in Greece and later introduced in India
by Arab and Persians. Like Ayurvedic system, the Unani system of medicine
prescribes daily diet quantity to patient and also depends on whole drug therapy in
which the active principle of drug is not isolated (Ansari, 2006). Unani medicine
assumes that the drugs possess their own temperament to act. They may be hot, cold,
moist and dry. Similarly, each individual possesses his own temperament, physical
structure, self-defense mechanism and reaction to environmental factors. The
medicine is thus prescribed based on such factors of the person undergoing the
treatment (Rais, 1986; Ahmad, 1992).
Siddha medical system
• The Siddha medical system is originated in southern India during 10th to 15th century
and like most of the traditional systems of medicine it follows pulse reading to
diagnose the ailments (Daniel, 1984). In Siddha, like Ayurveda, any ailment in human
body is thought a result of imbalance of three humors – bile (pitta), wind (vayu) and
phlegm (kaph). This system of medicine has developed and accumulated a rich
treasure of therapeutic knowledge in which use of metals and minerals is often
prescribed (http://indianmedicine.nic.in/). It also emphasizes on individualistic
approach of treatment as it takes into account the age, sex, habitat, appetite, mental
frame, physical condition and surrounding environmental of the patient.
Tibetan medical system
• Tibetan medical system is flourished in the trans-Himalayan region, especially in
Tibet, Ladakh and Lahaul-Spiti where the earlier inhabitants used to practice
shamanism under the name Ban (Dash, 1994; Kala, 2003). In due course of time,
Bauddha Bhiksus (monks) introduced the knowledge of Ayurveda, and propagated it
among their disciples in Ladakh, Lahaul-Spiti, Tibet and wherever they preached.
This system of medicine follows the procedure of pulse reading, and the number of
pulse beats during one respiratory cycle indicates the status of health. Plant forms
major ingredient in Tibetan medicine, besides animal products, minerals and salts
(Kala, 2005, 2006b).
Role of plants in ISM
• Wide arrays of plant species are used in traditional system of health care in India.
Over 6,500 species of plants are known to occur in India those are used by various
streams of traditional health care practitioners. Approximately 2000 medicinal plant
species are used alone in Ayurvedic system of medicine, which is followed by Siddha
(1121), Unani (751), Homeopathy (482) and Tibetan (337).
• The number of people involved in the traditional health care system is quite
impressive in India. About 7,00,000 practitioners of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Yoga,
Naturopathy and Homeopathy are registered in the Indian Systems of Medicine. And
a sizeable number of practitioners in rural and far-flung areas are not yet registered.
• Family traditions and cultural preferences also make people to own, decide and prefer
various health care systems. In India, medicinal plants have strong acceptance in
religious activities, where the plants are worshiped in the form of various gods,
goddesses and local deities
• Different parts of medicinal plants were used as medicine by the local traditional
healers. Among the different plant parts, the leaves were most frequently used for the
treatment of diseases followed by whole plant parts, fruit, stem, root, stem and root
bark, seed, flower and latex. The methods of preparation fall into four categories, viz.:
plant parts applied as a paste (38%), juice extracted from the fresh plant parts (24%),
powder made from fresh or dried plant parts (20%), some fresh plant parts (6%), and
decoction (12%). External applications (mostly for skin diseases, snake bites and
wounds) and internal consumption of the preparations were involved in the treatment
of diseases.
Herbs and their healing practices
Let’s learn of few herbs and its healing practices
• Medicinal plants such as Aloe, Tulsi, Neem, Turmeric and Ginger cure several
common ailments. These are considered as home remedies in many parts of the
country. It is known fact that lots of consumers are using Basil (Tulsi) for making
medicines, black tea, in pooja and other activities in their day-to-day life
• Herbs such as black pepper, cinnamon, myrrh, aloe, sandalwood, ginseng, red clover,
burdock, bayberry, and safflower are used to heal wounds, sores and boils.
• Many herbs are used as blood purifiers to alter or change a long-standing condition by
eliminating the metabolic toxins. These are also known as 'blood cleansers'. Certain
herbs improve the immunity of the person, thereby reducing conditions such as fever.
• Some herbs are also having antibiotic properties. Turmeric is useful in inhibiting the
growth of germs, harmful microbes and bacteria. Turmeric is widely used as a home
remedy to heal cut and wounds.
• Some herbs are used to neutralize the acid produced by the stomach. Herbs such as
marshmallow root and leaf. They serve as antacids. The healthy gastric acid needed
for proper digestion is retained by such herbs.
• Indian sages were known to have remedies from plants which act against poisons
from animals and snake bites.
• Herbs like Cardamom and Coriander are renowned for their appetizing qualities.
Other aromatic herbs such as peppermint, cloves and turmeric add a pleasant aroma to
the food, thereby increasing the taste of the meal.
• Ginger and cloves are used in certain cough syrups. They are known for their
expectorant property, which promotes the thinning and ejection of mucus from the
lungs, trachea and bronchi. Eucalyptus, Cardamom, Wild cherry and cloves are also
expectorants.
• Herbs such as Chamomile, Calamus, Ajwain, Basil, Cardamom, Chrysanthemum,
Coriander, Fennel, Peppermint and Spearmint, Cinnamon, Ginger and Turmeric are
helpful in promoting good blood circulation. Therefore, they are used as cardiac
stimulants.
• Certain aromatic plants such as Aloe, Golden seal, Barberry and Chirayata are used as
mild tonics. The bitter taste of such plants reduces toxins in blood. They are helpful in
destroying infection as well.
• A wide variety of herbs including Giloe, Golden seal, Aloe and Barberry are used as
tonics. They can also be nutritive and rejuvenate a healthy as well as diseased
individual.
• Honey, turmeric, marshmallow and liquorice can effectively treat a fresh cut and
wound. They are termed as vulnerary herbs.
Hello Learners
In this session, let us discuss on the Yoga and Pranayama
• Thousands of years ago yoga originated in India, and in present day and age, an
alarming awareness was observed in health and natural remedies among people by
yoga and pranayama which has been proven an effective method for improving health
in addition to prevention and management of diseases. With increasing scientific
research in yoga, its therapeutic aspects are also being explored. Yoga is reported to
reduce stress and anxiety, improves autonomic functions by triggering neurohormonal
mechanisms by the suppression of sympathetic activity, and even, now-a-days,
several reports suggested yoga is beneficial for physical health of cancer patients.
Such global recognition of yoga also testifies to India's growing cultural influence.
• Yoga is an ancient discipline designed to bring balance and health to the physical,
mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of the individual. It is long popular
practice in India that has become increasingly more common in Western society.
“Yoga” means union of our individual consciousness with the Universal Divine
Consciousness in a super-conscious state known as Samadhi. The first book of
humankind, Rigveda, mentions about yogic meditation by the wise, while Yajurveda
exhorts us to practice yoga for enhancing mental health, physical strength, and
prosperity. Upanishads are replete with yogic concepts. In addition, yoga-related
terms like pranayama and samadhi occur repeatedly in Bhagavad-Gita. Ancient Indian
rishis understood that performing Raja-yoga (procedure of concentration to liberate
soul or atma from the bondage of maya into paramatma) always need a healthy body.
• So, they developed “Hatha yoga,” which includes asana, mudra, pranayama, etc.
“Gharanda samhita” said there were 84 lakh asanas from which 16 000 were best and
only about 300 are popular. “Hathayoga-pradipika” again differentiates all asanas into
four basic classes – sidhyasana, padmasana, sinhasana, and vadrasana. Besides, asana
may be of two types – dhyanasana (a posture keeps spinal cord free and center of
gravity shifts to other part like ribs) and shasthyasana (to get healthy body).
• Elementary courses of hatha yoga focus on physical exercises consisting of various
postures and breathing techniques. A growing body of research evidence supports the
belief that certain yoga techniques may improve physical and mental health through
down-regulation of the hypothalamo pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic
nervous system.
• The stress and stress-induced disorders like hypertension and angina are fast growing
epidemics and bane of “modern” society. The holistic science of yoga is the best
method for prevention as well as management of stress and stress-induced disorders
• Regardless of the pathophysiologic pathway, yoga has been shown to have immediate
psychological effects: decreasing anxiety and increasing feelings of emotional, social,
and spiritual well-being. Several literature reviews have been conducted that
examined the impact of yoga on specific health conditions including cardiovascular
disease metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cancer, and anxiety
ASTHANGA YOGA
Yoga (asthanga) is often depicted metaphorically as a tree and comprises eight aspects, or
“limbs” [Patanjali codified the ancient marvel of yoga as asthanga which is one of the six
schools of Indian philosophy and is known as Yoga Darshan : yama (universal ethics),
niyama (individual ethics), asana (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara
(control of the senses), dharana (concentration), dyana (meditation), and samadhi (bliss).
Each limb is connected with the whole, in the same way that bodily limbs are all connected.
If someone pulls the body by the leg, the rest of the body will automatically follow. In the
same way, when one pulls one of the eight limbs of yoga, the others will naturally come.
1.Yamas
The yamas can be thought of as the ethical restraints that are necessary for achieving
harmony with other beings. The first limb of Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga is Universal
Principals or Yamas and this includes five principles
• Ahimsa (Non-Violence)
• Satya (Truth)
• Asteya (Non-Stealing)
• Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
• Aparigraha (Non- Accumulation)
2. Niyamas – Observances
As with the universal principles or yamas, there are five niyamas. The niyamas are the
actions necessary for achieving balance within oneself
• S a u c a (Cleanliness)
• Santosa (Contentment)
• Tapas (Forbearance of Opposites/ Perseverance)
• Svadhyaya (Self-study)
• Ishvara Pranidhana (Devotion to the Divine)
3. Asanas -Posture
• Asanas are the physical positions or postures of yoga. Asana should be done with
three qualities: steadiness, comfort, and a spirit of joy. Through the practice of asana
one naturally comes to experience and be in harmony with infinity. Asanas purify the
body and mind, when practiced with full awareness; leave you with a feeling of
expansion and lightness. Each asana works to open channels of energy in the body
and in so doing releases blockages and tension which are held in the physical, mental,
and emotional bodies.
• There are two types of asanas: dynamic and static. Static asanas are those that are held
for a period of time with no movement. The body remains as still as possible. These
asanas have a powerful effect on the life force (prana) and mental bodies, gently
massaging the internal organs, glands, and muscles and relaxing the nerves, bringing
tranquility to the mind. Dynamic asanas, which are more energetic, speed up the
circulation and loosen the muscles and joints, releasing energy blocks and removing
stagnant blood from different parts of the body.
4. Pranayama
• Pranayama is not, as many think, something about the breath; breath, indeed, has very
little to do with it, if anything. Breathing is only one of the many exercises through
which we get to the real Pranayama. Prana, a word often used in yoga, is the vital life-
force of life. When the prana in the body is low, one tends to be more lethargic, dull,
and unenthusiastic. Toxins then accumulate in these areas and pain, stiffness or
disease set in. Through the practice of yoga, prana begins to flow, allowing toxins to
be released and removed. On the other hand, the body is just a gross form of the mind.
They are not the separate entities often one thinks of them as and every mental knot
has a corresponding physical knot in the body and vice versa. The aim of yogic
practices is to release these knots and to connect us with the joy, love, and creativity,
integrating, and harmonizing the body and mind.
5. Pratyahara – Sense withdrawal
• The word ahara means “nourishment”; pratyahara translates as “to withdraw oneself
from that which
nourishes the senses.” By quieting the senses and taking the mind inwards one can
unite with the Self.
Pratyahara means drawing back or retreat. In yoga, the term pratyahara implies
withdrawal of the senses from
attachment to external objects. It can then be seen as the practice of non-attachment to
sensory distractions as one constantly returns to the path of self-realization and
achievement of internal peace
6. Dharana – Concentration and cultivating inner perceptual awareness

• Dharma means “immovable concentration of the mind.” The essential idea is to hold
the concentration or focus of attention in one direction. When the body has been
tempered by asanas, when the mind has been refined by the fire of pranayama and
when the senses have been brought under control by pratyahara, the sadhaka (seeker)
reaches the sixth stage, dharana. Here he is concentrated wholly on a single point or
on a task in which he is completely engrossed. The mind has to be stilled in order to
achieve this state of complete absorption.
7. Dynana - Meditation
• Dynana or meditation is all about just “being.” Meditation takes us back to that space
of “being” from where deep rest can be experienced and enormous energy and vitality
gained. Whilst effort is required to build the body, for example one has to work out
either at the gym or by doing various exercises and sports; it is quite the opposite with
the mind. The mind requires effortlessness in order to meditate. The less effort that is
applied in meditation, the deeper the meditation will be. To truly understand
meditation, it has to be experienced personally and like anything, the benefits can
only be experienced through dedicated practice and self-discipline.
8. Samadhi - Contemplation
• According to Patanajali, “losing consciousness of the body, breath, mind, intelligence,
and ego” and residing in a state of peace and bliss in which wisdom, humility and
simplicity shine through, one is in a state of samadhi. Enlightened beings, which are
permanently in a state of samadhi, have the ability to illuminate all those who come to
him in their search for truth.
• It is clear that at the beginning of the 21st century, by crossing the threshold from
traditional spiritual discipline to modern medical treatment and enriched with
scholarly evidence, yoga gets scientific justification as a useful practice for
maintaining health. It is one of the very few traditional disciplines that has gone
through this exam and gained confirmation. It seems that yoga has come full circle by
providing the techniques for living a meaningful and purposeful life, which are
important both from a medical and spiritual point of view. Moreover, through
aspirations of health benefits, yoga has focused the individual on the spiritual aspect
of existence.
So, learn yoga, Stay healthy
Thank you, learners, for listening this session
3. Indian Philosophy
Hello everyone,
Today in this session, we will discuss about Indian Philosophy and Significance of Sanskrit
Language
Indian Philosophy
• Philosophy literally means the love of knowledge or more precisely, the love of
wisdom.
• Like all other living beings, man struggles for existence. But while the lower beings
struggle more or less blindly without any conscious plan and purpose, and work by
instinct, man uses the superior gift of his intellect to understand the conditions and
meaning of the struggle and to devise plans and instruments to ensure success.
• He wishes to lead his life in the light of his knowledge of himself and the world,
taking into consideration not merely the immediate results of his actions, but even
their far- reaching consequences.
• Desire for knowledge springs, therefore, from the rational nature of man. Philosophy
is an attempt to satisfy this very reasonable desire. It is not, therefore, a mere luxury,
but a necessity
• He wishes to lead his life in the light of his knowledge of himself and the world,
taking into consideration not merely the immediate results of his actions, but even
their far- reaching consequences.
• Desire for knowledge springs, therefore, from the rational nature of man. Philosophy
is an attempt to satisfy this very reasonable desire. It is not, therefore, a mere luxury,
but a necessity
• As philosophy aims at the knowledge of truth, it is termed in Indian literature, 'the
vision” Every Indian school holds, in its own way, that there can be a direct
realization of truth (tattvadarsana).
• Ever since human beings have invented scripts, writing has reflected the culture,
lifestyle, society and the polity of contemporary society.
• In the process, each culture evolved its own language and created a huge literary base.
• This literary base of a civilization tells us about the evolution of each of its languages
and culture through the span of centuries.
• Sanskrit is the mother of many Indian languages. The Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas
and Dharmasutras are all written in Sanskrit.
• There is also a variety of secular and regional literature. By reading about the
languages and literature created in the past, we shall be able to understand our
civilization better and appreciate the diversity and richness of our culture.
• All this was possible because of the language that developed during that time.,
Sanskrit which is the most ancient language of our country
• The ancient period of Indian philosophy is the period of the composition of Vedas and
the Upaniṣads. The earliest Indian religious texts are the Vedas. The main
philosophical themes that the Upaniṣads explore are the nature of the Absolute
(Brahman) as the ground of being and the importance of knowledge of Brahman as
the key to liberation.
Vedas and Upanishads

Now let’s know about Vedas
• The Vedas are the earliest known literature in India. The Vedas were written in
Sanskrit
and were handed down orally from one generation to the other.
• The word ‘Veda’ literally means knowledge. In Hindu culture, Vedas are considered
as
eternal and divine revelations. They treat the whole world as one human family
Vasudev
Kutumbakam
There are four Vedas,
• Rig Veda,
• Yajur Veda,
• Sama Veda and
• Atharva Veda.
Each Veda consists of the Brahmanas, the Upanishads and the Aranyakas.
First let’s have a brief understanding of four vedas.
Rig Veda
• The Rig Veda is the earliest of the Vedas. It is a collection of 1028 hymns in Vedic
Sanskrit. Many of these are beautiful descriptions of nature.
• The prayers are largely for seeking worldly prosperity. It is believed that these
recitations are the natural outpouring of Vedic rishis experiencing a mentally
transcendental stage.
• Some of the well-known rishis are Vasistha, Gautama, Gritasamada, Vamadeva,
Vishvamitra and Atri.
• The prominent gods of the Rig Veda are Indra, Agni, Varun, Rudra, Aditya, Vayu,
Aditi and the Ashwini twins. Some of the prominent goddesses are Usha – the
goddess of dawn, Vak - the goddess of speech and Prithvi - the goddess of earth.
Yajur Veda
• Yajur means sacrifice or worship. This Veda is concerned mostly with rites and
mantras of different sacrifices.
• It gives directions for the performance of the yajnas.
• It has both poetic and prose renderings. Being a treatise on rituals, it is the most
popular of the four Vedas.
• There are two major branches of Yajur Veda, namely Shukla and Krishna Yajur
Veda i.e., Vajasaneyi Samhita and Taitriya Samhita.
• This text reflects on the social and religious condition of India at that time.
Sama Veda
• Sama means melody or songs. This Veda consists of 16,000 ragas and raginis or
musical notes.
• Out of total 1875 verses only 75 are original and others are from the Rig Veda.
• The Sama Veda prescribes the tunes for the recitation of the hymns of the Rig Veda.
It may be called the book of Chants (Saman).
• This book is an evidence of the development of Indian music during this period.
Atharva Veda
The Atharva Veda is also known as the Brahma Veda.

• It contains treatment for ninety-nine diseases. The source of this Veda is traced to
two rishis called Atharvah and Angiras.
• The Atharva Veda is of immense value as it represents the religious ideas at an early
period of civilization.
• This book gives detailed information about the family, social and political life of later
Vedic period.
Brahmanas and Aranyakas
• After the four Vedas, a number of works called the Brahmanas were developed.
• These books gave a detailed explanation of Vedic rituals and instructions and deal
with the science of sacrifice.
• The latter portions of the Brahmanas were called the Aranyakas while the final parts
of the Aranyakas are philosophic books named Upanishads which belong to the later
stage of the Brahmana literature.
• Each of the four Vedas have their own Brahmana books.
• The Arayankas deal with soul, birth and death and life beyond it. These were studied
and taught by men in Vanprastha i.e. Munis and the inhabitants living inside the
forests. All these works were in Sanskrit. Initially they were handed down orally and
were put to writing much later.
Upanishad
• The word Upanishad is derived from upa (nearby), and nishad (to sit-down), that is,
“sitting down near”. Groups of pupils sit near the Guru to learn from him in the Guru
shishya parampara or tradition.
• The Upanishads mark the culmination of Indian thought and are the final parts of the
Vedas. As the Upanishads contain abstract and difficult discussions of ultimate
philosophical
problems, they were taught to the pupils at the end. That is why they are called the
end of
Vedas.
Thank you, learners. In this session, I hope you learnt an introduction to Indian Philosophy,
significance of Sanskrit languages, brief understanding on 4 vedas and upanishads. Next
session we will know about the great Epics of our country, Ramayana and Mahabaratha
Thank you
Indian Science and Technology heritage
The Indian Civilization has a long recorded history of scientific culture that goes back
to more than 5000 years.
This gallery portrays the rich contributions of ancient India in science and technology.
Indians developed one of the earliest written scripts (the Indus Scripts), built urban
towns, with residential complexes and wastewater systems, way back in 2500 BC.
Ancient Indians produced the Delhi Iron Pillar that has remained rust less for more
than 500 years.
They discovered the zero and were the first to use decimal place value number system
way back in 500 AD.
Cotton Gin, an Indian invention, was the fore runner of all geared machines that
subsequently paved the way for the west to bring about an industrial revolution.
Indians also created enduring architectural constructs that have become eternal world
heritages.
They smelted zinc, which requires precise metallurgical knowledge, on industrial
scale and produced thousands of tons of zinc over hundreds of years.
Science and Technology in India- a time line - The Indian Civilization has a long
recorded history of scientific culture that goes back to more than 5000 years.
This gallery portrays the rich contributions of ancient India in science and technology.
Indians developed one of the earliest written scripts (the Indus Scripts), built urban
towns, with residential complexes and wastewater systems, way back in 2500 BC
Technology Traditions of Indus valley - This exhibit is controlled by CPU. This

exhibit gives the idea of the Indus valley civilization at its peak during 2600BC to
1900 BC.
Harappans the World’s first town planners - In this exhibit we can study that
Harappas were the first to adopt systematic town planning. The exhibit consists of the
various models collected during excavation.
Glimpses of Harappan technology - In this exhibit the technological traditions of

Harappans in ceramics, pottery, refined personal ornaments, metallurgy, steatite, agate,
and shell ornaments.
Shell bangle making - This exhibit is a model showing the making of bangles with
help of the shells.
Textiles- Indian origin - It is pointed by the scholars that the Harappans were the first
to grow the cotton and had established Cotton Empire.
Introduction - An attempt is made with this part of the exhibit to show case the
ancient Indian independent contributions in science. Specially focusing on some
important fields of science, mathematics, medicines etc.
Triguna - The gunas though assuming infinite diversity of forms and powers can
neither be created nor destroyed. The idea of conservation of matter was studied long
back in India.
Tanmatra - This exhibit shows about the five subtle infra atomic particles named as
tanmatras.
These five Tanmatras are not exactly the human senses of sound, but they signify
corresponding energy potentials.
The panchabhuta - This exhibit tells about the five basic elements that is sabdha,
sparsha, rupa, rasa and gandha tanmatras.
Atom 2500 years ago - Vaisesika atomism (4th Century BC) four basic elements of
vayu, tejas, ap, and ksiti are considered material and have atomic structure. The study
of atom was done in India in fourth century BC.
a) Gravity - It was regarded that gravity not as a force but as a cause of the act of
falling in 5th century BC.
b) Elasticity - Elasticity was conceived as the property that responsible for a bow or a
branch of tree, which can undergo contraction or expansion.
c) Viscosity - It was conceived as the cause of cohesion and smoothness.
Properties of matter- Vaisesika has laid considerable emphasis on properties of matter.
This exhibit tells about the fluidity property of matter.
Zero the Indian invention - This exhibit shows about the use of zero by Indians in
Mathematics2000 years ago.
Big numbers - This exhibit tells how big numbers were used in decimal system. It
also tells how Aryabhata used big numbers to express revolutions of the earth.
Decimal place value - This exhibit tells us the use of decimal system in the history
of India.
Word numeral - The nine numbers ranging from 0 to 9 were related to physical
realities. In this exhibit you can study how the different numbers were used to express
each number.
Brahmas discs - This exhibit tells about the almighty Brahma’s game of building this
universe. And still how many years he has to play the game of building this universe.
Golden rule of three - This exhibit tells us how the method of ratio and proportion
was freely dealt with in Baksali Manuscript in 2nd AD.
Square root -This exhibit tells you the method of finding the square root and the cube
root by Aryabhata
Rasashala- Ancient Indian chemical lab - This exhibit shows how different kinds of
apparatus were used in extraction of medicines in the chemical lab of Nagarjuna. We
can study the Indian works on alchemy and chemistry
Value of pi - This exhibit tells how accurately the value of π was found out by
Aryabhata in fourth century.
Pythagoras or sulba sutra: This exhibit tells about the sulba sutra or Pythagoras
theorem.
Bidri and lost wax (acclaimed Indian crafts) - This exhibit is explained with help of
a documentary of age old method of making Bidri work. The bidri work is an original
technique which involves inlaying of gold or silver on zinc, steel and copper base.
Area of circle - This exhibit tells how Aryabata gives the area of circle formula which
is known even today.
Mathematical series: This exhibit shows us about the trigonometric operations.
Sushratha (The plastic surgeon) - This exhibit tells how the great Shushruta had used
surgery techniques in olden days. It introduces us about the various surgical
equipment used.
Ayurveda (Ancient Indian medical system) - This exhibit tells about the Ayurveda
science in the Vedic period. It introduces us to the Science of life that originated in
ancient India. Ayurveda elaborately deals with the measures for a healthy life.
Dravyaguna (Harnessing natures gift for human health) -
Crucibles (shapers of metal technology) - This exhibit tells the story of the use of
crucibles in the metal extraction. It gives the idea of the heat resistant crucibles used
in the Indian metallurgy.
Harnessing metals - This exhibit tells us about the old method of mining used in
India. It introduces us the method of mining the ores.
Iron smelting (Exploiting the master metal) - This Exhibit has a model of furnace
used in extraction of iron. A model of Naikund furnace, one of the most ancient iron
furnace in India has been displayed here.
Delhi Iron pillar- The rustless wonder: This exhibit tells us about the making of
one of the rustless wonder in the world. It is 1600 years old .This exhibit introduces us
to the making of this rustless wonder
Legendary Indian wootz steel - This exhibit tells us about that special iron which
was used by Indians to prepare the swords in the olden periods.
This special steel had a great demand from Damascus, where the famous Damascus
swords were produced.
Zinc smelting (An Indian contribution) - This exhibit introduces us to the age old
method of smelting zinc in India.
Ancient Indians were the first to produce zinc on large scale. This exhibit consists of a
furnace used in smelting of zinc called ‘kosthi’.
Indian musical instruments - This exhibit consists of some musical instruments of

Indian origin. Music is very old to India.
Heritage quiz - This quiz programme can be attended by four participants. This
is software produced by Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum
(VITM), Bangalore.
Story of India - This exhibit consists of a TV in which the story of India will be
repeated continually. This story tells us about the Indian past traditions which are still
alive.
Glimpses of science and technology in India - This exhibit is operated by CPU the
visitors can use the mouse and study about the traditional technology of India.
Pottery - The exhibit consists of a still model of making pottery in the past which is
still followed in India.
Pottery (preserving for posterity) - This exhibit tells us the story of pottery which
evolved in Harappan period in India which is still used in the country side.
Architecture - This exhibit is controlled by CPU the visitor can study the various
architecture styles used in India. viz, Jain style, Islamic, Rock cut………etc
Weights and measures - This exhibit tells us about the weights and measures system
used in Harappan period.
Yarghu (The portable cannon cleaner) - This exhibit is a miniature model of the
portable canon cleaner used in the Akbar’s regime. This was invented by Shiraji.
The art and technology of cannons - This exhibit introduces us to the art of making
canons and the use of multi-barrel canons in the past.
Architecture of temple - This exhibit is controlled by CPU the visitor can study the
various architecture styles used in India. viz, Jain style, Islamic, Rock cut………etc
Qutub minar - This is a miniature model of Qutub Minar situated in Delhi.

Ram yantra - This is a model of Ram yantra in Jaipur, which was used to study the
altitude
of the celestial objects in the past
Samrat yantra - This is a model of the Yantra present in Jaipur which was used to
measure time and the position of the stars.
Konark wheel - This is a small model of the wheel in the temple of sun god in konark.
Sun temple of konark - This is a small model of sun god temple in Konark, carved in
stone.
Sun god - This is the miniature stone sculpture of sun god present in Konark Temple.
Excellence in Indian crafts (Traditional knowledge from the past)
Heritage video corner - This is a place for the visitors to sit and relax while watching
the Heritage video of India.
Gharat - This is a model showing the use of hydel power to grind the grains.
Noria and saquia (The art devices of Indian origin) - This is the model of a water
pumping system used in Egypt which was copied from India.
Gharat (Harnessing energy from nature) -This is a model showing the use of
hydel power to grind the grains.
Ancient Indian glass - This exhibit tells us how the use of glass was used in ancient
India since the period of Ramayana.
Metallurgy Heritage - This exhibit tells us the use of metals in various ways in ancient
India like gold, copper, silver, zinc, brass, iron etc.
Techniques of coin making - This model tell us the method used in minting coins in
the olden periods
Dr.V.Vijayalakshmi
Hello learners
 In the last video, we discussed on the Concept of traditional knowledge, its
significance, comparision between tk& SK, understanding of Indegenious knowledge
and comparisons between Tk&WK
 Today in this video, we are going to discuss about Introduction to Culture, Culture
and heritage of India and Characteristics
Culture
• Culture refers to the patterns of thought and behaviour of people. It includes values,
beliefs, rules of conduct, and patterns of social, political and economic organisation.
These are passed on from one generation to the next by formal as well as informal
processes.
• Culture consists of the ways in which we think and act as members of a society. Thus,
all the achievements of group life are collectively called culture.
• Indian culture is the oldest of all the cultures of the world. Culture is the soul of
nation. On the basis of culture, we can experience the prosperity of its past and
present.
• Culture is collection of values of human life, which establishes it specifically and
ideally separate from other groups.
Culture – what it means

• The 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.
Definition
• A common anthropological definition of culture is that of pioneer English
anthropologist
• Edward B. Tylor (Primitive Culture, 1871):
Culture “is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals,
custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of
society.”
• 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. MC includes technologies, instruments,
material goods, consumer goods, household design and architecture, modes of
production, trade, commerce, welfare and other social activities.
• Non-material culture refers to ideas, ideals, thoughts and belief. It includes norms,
values, beliefs, myths, legends, literature, ritual, art forms and other intellectual-
literary activities. The material and non-material aspects of any culture are usually
interdependent on each other.
• Sometimes, however, material culture may change quickly but the non-material may
take longer time to change. This process of lagging behind of Non material culture
from Material culture is referred by William F Ogburn in his work Social Change
with Respect to Culture and Original Nature.
Cultural Lag
• Cultural lag according to Ogburn refers to the imbalance in the rate and speed of
change between these two parts of culture. Changes are quick to take place in the
material culture. These in turn stimulate changes in the non-material culture. But the
non-
material culture may be slow to respond giving rise to a gap or a lag between the
material and non-material culture. This lag is called cultural lag. For example, a
good number of Indians have adopted western technology but they have not changes
their traditional beliefs, customs etc.
• In popular parlance, the material aspects of culture, such as scientific and
technological achievements are seen as distinct from culture which is left with the
non-material, higher achievements of group life (art, music, literature, philosophy,
religion and science).
• Culture is the product of such an organization and expresses itself through language
and art, philosophy and religion. It also expresses itself through social habits,
customs, economic organisations and political institutions.
• “Culture” encompasses objects and symbols, the meaning given to those objects and
symbols, and the norms, values, and beliefs that pervade social life.
The main elements of culture

The main elements of culture are:
1. Cognitive Elements
2. Beliefs
3. Values
4. Symbols
5. Language
Elements
• Cognitive Elements- culture of all societies whether pre-literate or literate include a
vast amount of knowledge about the physical and social world. The possession of this
knowledge is referred to as the cognitive elements.
• Beliefs-Every sect within a culture having some beliefs for cultural refuge. These
beliefs are responsible for the spiritual fulfilment of needs and wants. Beliefs in
empirical terms are neither true nor false for example-Sikh wear bangle in one hand,
keeping a dagger. The water of Ganga is sacred for Hindus.
• Values and norms – Values may be defined as measures of goodness or desirability.
Anything getting importance in our daily life becomes our values. The origin of
values is not biological but it is social production while living in society and values
develop.
• Symbols-Culture is system of symbols. Symbols are anything used to represent
express and stand for and event situation. Sign direct to guide our behaviour. It is
used to show an event of past, present or future. A number of invented or artificial
symbols are used in social life which assumes importance. Bowing head, whistling,
winkling of eyes situational are the symbols, which express a specific object idea
about other. For example flag, anthem, picture, statues are symbols.
• Language- A group of words or ideas having common meaning and is shared to a
social situation Is called language. Language is the entrance to a culture. Language is
a source of communication and to transmit message from one person to another.
Language differs from culture to culture. Language is like vehicle through which we
can carry out our complex social activities.
Characteristics of culture
• Culture is social: culture does not exist in isolation neither it is an individual
phenomenon. It is product of society. It originates and develops through social
interaction. It is shared by the member of society. Man becomes man only among
men.
• Culture is learned behaviour: Culture is not inherited biologically but it is learnt
socially by a man in a society. It is not an in born tendency but acquired by man from
the association of other, e.g., drinking, eating, dressing, walking, behaving, reading
are all learnt by man.
• Culture is transmitted: Culture is capable of transmitted from one generation to next.
Parents pass on culture traits to their children and they in turn to their children and so
on. Culture is transmitted not through genes but by means of language. Language is
the main vehicle of culture.
• Culture gratifying: Culture provides proper opportunities and prescribes means for the
satisfaction of our needs and desires. These needs may be biological or social in
nature but it is responsible for satisfy it. Our need for food, shelter and clothing and
desires are status, fame, money etc. are all for the examples which fulfilled according
to the cultural ways
• Culture varies from society to society: Every society has its own culture and way of
behaving. It is not uniform. Every culture is unique in itself is a specific society. For
example values, customs, tradition, religion, belief are not uniform everywhere.
• Culture is continuous and cumulative: Culture exists as a continuous process. Culture
is the memory of human race. Culture is not a matter of month or year. It is
continuous process and adding new cultural traits.
• Culture is dynamic: It remains changing but not static. Cultural process undergoes
changes but with different speed from society to society and generation to generation.
Thank you Learners.

Dr.V.Vijayalakshmi
Hello Learners, in this video let us discuss about the functions and elements of culture and
significance of culture in Human life.
Functions of Culture
Culture-
1. Treasury of knowledge
2. Defines situation
3. Defines attitude, value and goals
4. Decides our career
5. Provides behavior pattern
6. Moulds personality
Elements of Culture – by H.M.Johnson
1. Cognitive Element: Possession of knowledge is also cognitive element. e.g., how to
travel and transport
2. Beliefs: Tested empirical knowledge and untested beliefs. e.g., Passing the beliefs to
the succeeding generation
3. Values and Norms: Denoted the measure of goodness and standards of behavior
4. Sign: Includes symbols. E.g.: Dove represents peace
Civilization
Etymology
Civilization is derived from Latin word ‘Civitas’ which means a city.
Introduction
 It is referred as device and instrument by which nature is controlled
 It includes technical, material equipment, apparatus of economy and political
background. Eg. radio, school, currency
Meaning
It means having better ways of living and sometimes making nature bend to fulfil their needs.
It also includes organizing societies into politically well-defines groups working collectively
for improved conditions of life in matters of food, dress, communication, and so on.
Definition
Goldenweiser used the term civilization identically with culture to refer to all the human
achievements. Maclver and page civilization is the whole apparatus of life.
Distinction between culture and civilization
 Civilization has a precise standard of measurement but not culture
Example for civilization: Banking system is better than barter system
Example for culture: work of Kalidas is better than Shakespeare- cannot be compared
 Civilization is always advancing but not culture
Example for civilization: Every technical achievement is the improvement of the past
Example for culture: In field of religious and spirituality the Gautham buddha is not
reached by the followers
 The product of civilization is more easily communicated than the product of culture.
Example for civilization: Product of civilization – like Radio
Example for culture: Product of culture – poetic talent
 Civilization is borrowed without loss or change but not culture
Example for civilization: Product of civilization – technical devices
Example for culture: Product of culture – foreigner following Indian culture is
difficult
 Civilization is external, but culture is internal
Example for civilization: material wealth of mankind
Example for culture: refers to intrinsic values
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.
 The culture inherited 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 cultural
heritage
 A nation also includes 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- Taj Mahal.
How important is this culture for the Human life
 Culture is closely linked with life, without culture, there would be no humans.
 Culture is made up of traditions, beliefs, and way of life, from the most spiritual to
the most material.
 A fundamental element of culture is the issue of religious belief and its symbolic
expression.
 Valuing religious identity and be aware of current efforts to make progress in terms of
interfaith dialogue, which is actually an intercultural dialogue.
 The need for coexistence makes the coexistence of cultures and beliefs necessary.
 The three eternal and universal values of truth, beauty and goodness is 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.
 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.
Where all we can find the conservation and promotion of our Indian cultural heritage
 The Ministry of Culture operates plan scheme of Government of India for
preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the country, besides developing
creativity as a social force.
 It has a network of six attached offices:
1. National Museum,
2. National Gallery of Modem Art
3. National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property
4. National Library
5. Central Reference Library
Anthropological Survey of India

It also has two subordinate offices:
1. Archaeological Survey of India
2. National Archives of India
There are thirty – three autonomous organizations under the Ministry of
Culture, Viz. Museums, Academies, Memorials, Libraries, Buddhist &
Tibetan Orgainsation, Science Cities, Zonal Cultural Center, etc. which in
their own ways are preserving, promoting and disseminating India’s vast
cultural heritage.
Thank you Learners

Hello learners. Welcome to the Indian Culture – part 2 session.
You learned about culture, its qualities, and its significance in the last session.
In this chapter, we'll look at how culture has changed over time.
The emphasis will be on Indian culture across the ages of Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India.
Introduction to Culture
Culture is a way of life for many people. Culture includes the foods you consume, the clothes you
wear, the language you speak, and the God you serve. In short, culture is the embodiment of the way
we think and act.
Looking at the map of India we can see the diversity in social and environmental life.
Diversities are seen in speaking different languages, following different religious practices and
rituals, food habits, dress patterns, music, dance, etc.
The distinct traits of Indian culture have been well-regarded from ancient times and are being
followed now.
Culture in Ancient India

We will now have a look at the culture from Ancient India.
Let me post a question?

Do you believe that Indian culture has remained consistent throughout history?
The answer is “NO”
It has gone through numerous changes.
Any idea, how these changes have taken place?
This is because every dynasty, every invader that comes to the land and settles leaves their imprint on
the culture.
Harappan Civilization
Let’s start with the Harappan civilization.
Indus Valley Civilization also known as Harappan Civilization is an ancient Indian civilization that
flourished more than 4000 years ago in the north-western parts of the Indo-Pakistan sub-continent.
It derived its name from the River Indus, which is the main river of the region.
Harappan Civilization is known for urban culture in India.

Agriculture was the main occupation of the Harappans who were living in rural areas.
The transition from rural to urban life took place through remarkable features of Harappan culture.
Here are some of the features of Harappan culture.

Great cities emerged.
They built double storied houses of burnt bricks with a bathroom, a kitchen and a well.
Underground drainage system connecting all houses to the street drains which were covered by
stones or bricks.
Cooking was done in the courtyard.
Women were given respect and treated equally.

Harappan civilization is based on archaeological evidence alone.
Knowledge on personal hygiene.
Worshipped trees and animals.
Believed in ghosts and evil forces and used amulets as protection against the evil spirits.
Slowly, the Harappan culture started declining and there is no evidence of its deterioration.
Aryan Culture
A new culture flourished in the same known as the Aryan culture.
There were significant differences between this culture and the culture which preceded it.
Aryans settled along the banks of the Indus which is Sindhu and Saraswati now extinct rivers.
They wrote hymns in praise of the gods and goddesses they worshipped.
The Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda were the four Vedas that compiled these
hymns.
The Aryans had a major influence on Indian culture in 3 major areas:
Religion: Hinduism
The Aryans carried with them a religion known as Vedism.
This Vedism meshed with the Harappa culture to give a history to the Vedic period.
This Vedic period saw the inception of what has come to be known as Hinduism, one of the largest
religions in today's world.
Written language: Sanskrit

Vedic Sanskrit is the language of the Vedas, the most ancient Hindu script.
Social Structure: Caste system

According to the social-historical theory, the origin of caste system finds its origin in the arrival
of Aryans in India. The four primary castes are Brahmin, the priests; Kshatriya, warriors and
nobility; Vaisya, farmers, traders, and artisans; and Shudra, tenant farmers and servants.
Some people were born outside of and below the caste system; they were called "untouchables"
or Dalits—"the crushed ones.“
This culture was patriarchal in nature.
Men in the family were given power and women lost their political rights.
Women cannot own property.
Child marriage was not prevented, and women’s remarriage was not allowed.
Over a period, Aryan culture merged with the local culture.
Education was given to the upper caste.
Gurukula was famous where pupils stayed with their teachers at gurukula.
Women were not allowed or sent to gurukula.
Religious sacrifice was given importance.
The priesthood became a profession and a hereditary one.

Domination of priests, against sacrifices and rituals, led to the rise of Jainism and Buddhism to
protect against the prevailing Hinduism.
Ancient India
This period of ancient India ended with the rise of the Mauryan empire.
Inscriptions and coins are important sources of information for understanding the early history of
Indian culture.
Archaeology as a source of information yielded considerable data on the material cultures of the
Ganga valley.
The Gupta era is often regarded as the high point of Ancient Indian culture called “a golden age” –
few mentioned this as a period of renaissance.
It was a period of great achievements in art, literature, and science.
It was also a time of transition, as Indian culture progressed from its ancient form to its more modern
one.
India has a stunning culture that astounds visitors from all over the world.
People have admired India's culture for thousands of years.
The culture of ancient India is incredibly diverse and rich.
Medieval Period in India
Let’s now look at the Medieval period in India.
Developments in the field of religion, folk art, and language in India during the medieval times have
been important milestones in the evolution of the composite culture of India.
The composite cultural characteristic of the medieval period is amply witnessed in these fields.
A new style of architecture known as the Indo- Islamic style was born out of this fusion.
The distinctive features of Indo-Islamic architecture were the dome, lofty towers or minarets, arch, and
vault.
The medieval Indian culture represents the synthesis of Indian and Persian philosophy, literature, art,
and architecture.
In the religious sphere, Sufism and Bhakti traditions influenced each other. They provided an
opportunity for understanding the religious traditions of Hindus and Muslims at the people’s level.
The emergence of Urdu as a new language is the best example of interaction and synthesis.
The medieval period represents an important era of dramatic change in the world of religion and art in
South Asia.
The growing popularity of Sufism played an important role in the popular acceptability of Islam and in
the course of establishing unique Islamic traditions in the subcontinent.
Islam had a great influence on Indian society.
There were two important religious movements during this period – The Sufi and the Bhakti
movements.
The Sufis with their attitude of piety, tolerance, sympathy, and concept of equality had a deep impact
on the Indian people.
The Bhakti movement played a similar role in the development of Hinduism.
Another important development during the medieval period was the growth in vernacular literature.
Growing regional identities helped create new literary and art forms.
The growth in regional languages like Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi and Telugu was a very significant
development.
The popularity of translations further widened readership and helped in the exchange of ideas.
During this period, two new religious faiths flourished in India. They were Sikhism and Zoroastrianism.
The exchange of ideas also ushered in the new development in music.
The use of the Sitar and new styles of music further enriched the medieval period.
In the realm of art, one witnesses the development of new styles of painting associated with the
patronage of the Mughal and the Rajput style.
There was a change in the character and stylistic
representation.
The synthesis of the medieval period is best seen in the development of new architectural styles.
Many forts, palaces, temples and Mosques can be dated to this period are examples of the new styles.
The use of decorative motifs and the adaptation of the dome are examples of the architectural traditions
of this period.
The Cholas conquered parts of Bengal and Indonesia. They introduced democratic institutions at the
village level. In the Cholamandalam region, the Tamil language was popular.
On the political front, the thirteenth to sixteenth century saw the decline of an all-powerful state and the
rise of a number of provincial and regional states.
The increase in commerce can be seen in the increase of coinage as a result of the transfer of stored
silver and gold into minted money.
The cultural stream in India continued to assimilate all the newcomers and the resulting cultural
interaction gave Indian culture its characteristic of being multidimensional, multilingual, multireligious
and yet composite in nature.
Modern India
India is a fascinating country that has intrigued Westerners for millennia.
Spices, rich stones, and enigmatic architecture have all come from this area. It boasts a gorgeous and
culturally diverse culture.
Traditional Indian practices, British heritage, and various modern influences from throughout the world
combine to form modern Indian culture.
Language- Hindi and English are the two official languages. However, because they are not spoken by
everyone, over 20 other languages have been given official status. There are about 1,000 dialects
spoken in the area.
Religion- A large number of the population follows Hinduism. About 80 per cent of the population are
Hindus. This faith is a blend of several religious ideas and traditions that is widely seen as a way of life.
Islam is the world's second most popular religion, with Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Christianity, and
other faiths.
Festivals- There is no definitive list of Indian festivals because the country celebrates over 50 festivals
by people of various cultures and religions. Indian festivals are an important element of the country's
rich cultural legacy.
Family- Family structure is changing from joint family culture to nuclear families.
Food - Indian cuisine has gained international recognition. India's cuisine is recognised for its spiciness.
Spices are abundantly used in Indian cuisine, whether in North or South India.
Clothing- In India, modern clothing incorporates both western and indigenous aspects. Many women
also wear a bindi (a colourful dot in the centre of the forehead), and they frequently wear jewellery and
makeup. Traditional henna tattoos are still a popular kind of body art for special occasions.
Social stratification - In India, caste is one of the most essential sets of role cards and still exists.
The most important feature is Urban India and Rural India.
Urban India is the India of modern industry, national politics and foreign policy, government planning,
the national media, the major universities, business, the armed forces, science and technology. Its best
products are frequently as good as the best in the world, its orientation is cosmopolitan.
Rural India is the India of age-old patterns where tradition is the principal dynamic of society, where
outsiders come and go but life continues, often without much change.
When urban and rural India are united, by extending education, reducing illiteracy, improving the
average lifespan, introducing some basic health care, and maintaining a democratic government system,
India would be a flourishing country.
Unity in diversity is one of the major characteristics of Indian culture which makes it unique.
A synthesis of various cultures came about through the ages to give shape to what is recognised as
Indian culture today.
Spirituality and a value-based lifestyle is the core of Indian culture.
The culture of India is the living expression of the simplicity and profundity of the people.
Thus, the distinctive features of Indian culture and its uniqueness are the precious possession of all
Indians
With this, we come to the end of our session. In today’s session, we discussed the culture of
Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India.
I hope you would have got a fair understanding of Indian Culture.

Welcome to the today’s session on Famous culture in India
Every state in India is a "Unity in Diversity," with its own unique cultural heritage
and traditions. Every region of India has its own unique traditions, food, philosophy,
language, and customs.
Thus, Indian culture and tradition are a synthesis of the cultures of various states that
have been woven together. Let's examine the various cultural traditions of India's .
Let's travel from the North to the South and see what each state has to offer.
Greetings:
 The Namaste greeting, also known as namaskar or namaskaram, which translates
to "I bow to the divine in you," is one of the most well-known customs and
traditions in Indian culture.
 The hand motion is made by making a small bow and placing the palms together
in prayer position in front of the chest.
 Another well-known proverb is "Atithi Devo Bhava," which translates to "the
guest is equivalent to god" and is found in Hindu scriptures.
 Guests have always been given the utmost importance in Indian culture.
 Also come across the Indian head shake, which, depending on the context of the
conversation, can signify yes, thank you, or understanding.
Families:
In India, a joint family is one in which all members—which may occasionally include
parents, wives, kids, and distant relatives—reside together.
A "Karta" serves as the family's head and is a senior male or female who makes
financial and social decisions on the group's behalf. Other relationships may be equal,
based on respect, or teasing in nature.
All members gain from the income that goes into a communal pot.
Nowadays, nuclear-like families are more prevalent than joint families due to
economic growth and urbanisation.
Food:
Food is one of our favourite Indian cultural practises and traditions! In India, each
region has a unique cuisine with a signature dish or ingredient.
It's one of the top nations for vegetarian food, which is mainly served in Gujarat and
Rajasthan.
Bengali, Mughlai, North Indian, South Indian and Punjabi cuisine all heavily
emphasise non-vegetarian options, and Kerala in South India is renowned for its
mouthwatering fish dishes.
Plenty of fresh ingredients are always guaranteed, including wonderful herbs and
spices used for flavour, aroma, to enhance colours, and for medicinal purposes.
Religion:
India is a country where people of various religions live in peace with one another.
Hinduism, 14.2% Islam, 2.3% Christianity, 1.7% Sikhism, 0.7% Buddhism, and 0.4%
Jainism are practised by 79.8% of the population, respectively.
Hinduism holds the cow in high regard, and in mythology, many gods—including
Shiva riding his bull Nandi and the cowherd god Krishna—are shown to be
accompanied by cows.
The udder represents the four goals of life—desire, material wealth, righteousness,
and salvation—while the horns stand in for the gods, the four legs for the "Vedas"
(early Hindu scriptures).
Temple:
It's a magical experience to explore an Indian temple, but there are a few things to
keep in mind before you go.
Many of these sacred structures were purposefully erected in areas that were abundant
in the good energy produced by the Earth's magnetic wave lines.
The Garbhagriha or Moolasthan, a copper plate found beneath the main idol in most
temples, absorbs and resonates this subterranean energy.
Before entering a temple, one of the customs and traditions in Indian culture is to
take a bath or shower, or at the very least, wash your hands and feet to purify yourself
of evil spirits and negative thoughts.
Festival:
In India, there are hundreds of occasions to celebrate, so a new occasion occurs every
day.
The enormous variety of festivals, which include statewide, religious, and
community-based celebrations, showcase India's rich culture and traditions.
Hindus observe Diwali, Holi, and Makar Sakranti; Muslims celebrate Eid; Sikhs
celebrate Baisakhi (crop harvesting); Jains remember Mahavir Jayanti; and Buddhists
commemorate Buddha's birthday. Christians also observe Good Friday and Christmas.
Clothing:
In India, regional climate, cultural traditions, and ethnicity all affect clothing choices.
Clothing for men and women has developed from simple coverings for the body (such
as the sari, dhoti, gamcha, kaupina, langota, lungi, etc..) to elaborate costumes worn
for special occasions, rituals, and dance performances.
In urban areas, you'll see people from all social classes wearing western clothing.
Embroidery, embellishment, printing, and other fantastic skills that have been passed
down through the generations are frequently displayed in traditional Indian clothing.
Literature:
In the form of tales, poems, plays, and self-help manuals, India has produced a
number of great epics that date back many centuries.
The Ramayana and Mahabharata, two of the most well-known Hindu epics, both tell
thrilling tales of gods and demons, love and war, chariots and kidnappings.
These legends have been passed down through generations and are deeply ingrained
in Indian culture.
The Ramayana chronicles the fourteen-year exile to the forest that Rama underwent at
his father King Dasharatha's urging. Rama was the prince of the legendary kingdom
of Kosala.
The Mahabharata is the longest Sanskrit poem ever composed. Both epics depict the
triumph of good over evil as well as the virtues of fidelity, sacrifice, and honesty
Dance:
India offers a wide variety of dance forms which vary throughout each state.
The Hindu Sanskrit ‘Natyashashtra’ (text of performing arts) recognises eight Indian
classical dances, which includes Kathak in North, West and Central India, with East
India showcasing Sattriya from Assam, Manipuri from Manipur and Oddisi from
Odhisa.
In South India, you can witness the Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh, Bharatnatyam in
Tamil Nadu, Kathakali and Mohiniyattam in Kerala.
The stories behind Indian folk dances are also passed down through the generations.
These dances are well-liked in rural areas, and performances depict village life.
Culture Of North Indian States

Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand,
and the two union territories of Delhi and Chandigarh are among the states in northern
India.
These states are home to the Himalayas, the tallest mountain in the world, as well as
the agriculturally productive Indo-Gangetic Plains. These areas have also been
invaded by Aryans, Huns, Greeks, and Afghans, and their tradition and culture are
linked to those of the Indo-Aryans.
The majority of north India is Hindu, but there is a stronger Muslim presence in
Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab has a Punjabi culture, and the entire region of north
India is influenced by the Mughal empire. Brahmins, Ahirs, Jats, Rajputs, Gurjars,
Khatris, Tarkhans, Kambojs, Banias, and Dalits make up the majority of the ethnic
groups in North India. Islam, Sikhism, and Hinduism.
The Taj Mahal and Harmandir Sahib are two examples of North India's cultural
heritage in architecture. Numerous holy religious sites, including Vaishno Devi,
Amarnath, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Haridwar, Varanasi, and Harmandir Sahib in
Amritsar, can be found in north India.
The high literacy works of Kalidasa were first written in North India, where he was
born.
The festivals observed in North India vary from one state to the next; in Punjab,
people celebrate Gurupurab, Hola Mohalla, and Baisakhi. Kashmir celebrates Sindhu
Darshan and Urs.
Himachal Pradesh celebrates Phulaich, and Kullu's Dushera is also very well-known.
In addition to the well-known festivals of Teej and Sanjhi in Haryana, Lathmar Holi
in Uttar Pradesh and the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, Dev Deepawali is celebrated in
Varanasi.
Uttar Pradesh celebrates Ramnavami and Janmashtami, while Uttaranchal celebrates
Mata Murti Ka Mela and Magh Mela.
North Indian men wear kurta pyjamas or dhotis and headgear like topis, turbans, or
pagri, while women dress in salwar kameez, sarees, and ghagra cholis.
In North India, wheat is the main food, and Roti is typically served with Sabzi. Non-
vegetarian food is also widely available, particularly in Kashmir.
Hindustani classical music, which is popular in North India, was inspired by chants
used in Vedic rituals.
Each state has its own traditional dance, such as the Giddha and Bhangra of the
Punjab, the Kathak of Uttar Pradesh, the Rouf of Kashmir, and the Nati of Himachal
Pradesh.
Eg: Jammu and Kashmir

North Indian men wear kurta pyjamas or dhotis and headgear like topis, turbans, or
pagri, while women dress in salwar kameez, sarees, and ghagra cholis.
In North India, wheat is the main food, and Roti is typically served with Sabzi. Non-
vegetarian food is also widely available, particularly in Kashmir.
Hindustani classical music, which is popular in North India, was inspired by chants
used in Vedic rituals.
Each state has its own traditional dance, such as the Giddha and Bhangra of the
Punjab, the Kathak of Uttar Pradesh, the Rouf of Kashmir, and the Nati of Himachal
Pradesh.
The embroidery and intricate designs on Jammu and Kashmiri costumes are well
known for reflecting the region's rich culture and landscape. The type of clothing is
intended to combat the area's chilly climate. The majority of clothing is made of
cotton, wool, and silk decorated with elaborate embroidery.
For Kashmiri women, the pheran is a common outfit. Women typically have Zari and
embroidery on the collar, hemline, and areas around the pockets of their pherans. In
the summer, women prefer a suit, while in the fall, they prefer Pheran.
Kashmiri cuisine is a fusion of Mughal, Muslim, and Kashmiri Pandit culinary

traditions. Since the Dogras are Hindus, their diet consists primarily of rice, wheat,
and beans. They consume a lot of vegetables, but the hak or karam sag is the preferred
dish.
Kashmiri cuisine is primarily made of meat and is slow-cooked for a very long time
with numerous exotic spices. Kashmiris detest the use of intoxicating beverages
despite living in a cold country. Kahva, a traditional Kashmiri winter beverage, is a
green tea flavoured with spices and almonds. With a cup of "kahva," a Kashmiri meal
comes to an end.
Using traditional Central Asian instruments and musical scales, the music of the
Kashmiri Valley is more akin to Central Asian music than Jammu's music is to North
Indian music.
Men from the Wattal region dance the Dumhal, which is a well-known dance in the
Kashmir valley. The Rouff is another traditional folk dance that the women perform.
The most popular tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir are the Kashmir Valley,
Srinagar, the Mughal Gardens, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Jammu. Non-Indians must
obtain a special permit to enter certain areas.
The Kashmir valley's tourism industry suffered the most from the state's militancy.
The sacred sites in Jammu are still well-liked destinations for tourism and
Culture of Central Indian States

Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are central Indian states that use Hindi as their
primary language and have many linguistic and cultural traits in common with north
Indian states.
People from these states first settled near rivers like the Narmada, Chambal, and
Betwa in the Iron Age.
The "Heart of India" state of Madhya Pradesh is home to the world-famous Khajuraho
temples in addition to numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Buddhists
travel in large numbers to Sanchi, a stupa in Madhya Pradesh.
While the "Thirty-Six Forts" in Chhattisgarh are a popular tourist destination.
The region is home to numerous royal forts, intimidating topography, fascinating
wildlife, and historic caves and temples.
Hindus make up the bulk of Central India's population. Some of the renowned
Gharanas of Hindustani classical music are located in Central India.
The Maihar Gharana, the Gwalior Gharana, and the Senia Gharana are all found in
Madhya Pradesh.
One distinctive type of silk that was developed here, known as Tussar or Kosa silk, is
made from silkworms that are gathered from rich forests.
Their main food is rice, and Chhattisgarh is known as "the rice bowl of India". Malwa
Utsav, the largest festival in central India, is also known as the Khajuraho Dance
Festival and Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival
Culture of Eastern Indian states
The eastern states, which include Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya,
Mizoram, Nagaland, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Sikkim, and Tripura, are
situated along India's east coast, close to the Bay of Bengal.
Beautiful beaches and a mountainous region known as the Eastern Ghats can be found
in eastern India. It offers a blend of Hindu, Christian, Muslim, and Buddhist cultures,
with Buddhism predominating in the area. Tribal people predominately live in the hill
states of the area, including Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
There is some diversity even among the tribal groups.
The Mongoloid-faced inhabitants of these areas are divided into various tribes, each
of which has its own traditions, way of life, and dialect. The way of life varies from
tribe to tribe. In hill regions, hunting and fishing are the main forms of subsistence,
along with weaving and tea farming.
Fish, vegetables, chicken, mutton, duck, and pigeon are some of the most popular
non-vegetarian dishes from the northeast, along with a variety of rice beers and
The major festivals in the region are Bihu, Assam's Brahmaputra Festival, the
Hornbill and Sekrenyi Festivals in Nagaland, the Torgya Monastery Festival in
Arunachal Pradesh, the Shillong Autumn Festival, Manipur's Chapchar Kut Festival,
the Ningol Chakouba Festival in Manipur, and Tripura's Kharchi Puja.
The seven neighbouring states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur,

Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura make up North East India.
Eg: BIHAR
Bihar is home to Buddhism and Jainism and has a rich cultural history. Gautam
Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, which is why Bihar is referred to as
"The Land of Buddha."
The state with the most cultural diversity is Bihar. Here, people of Hindu, Muslim,
Jain, Buddhist, Sikh, and Christian faiths coexist. Bihar can be proud of its rich
cultural history, which includes the "Samudra Manthan" of the Vedic era, Sita of
Rama, and Karna of the Mahabharata. People are modest, truthful, helpful, and self-
assured.
The people of Bihar take great joy and love in their celebrations of holidays and
religious occasions. Chhath Puja, a festival where the sun god is worshipped, is the
main celebration in Bihar. While Sama-Chakeva, Ramnavami, Makar-Sankranti,
Makhul, Bihul, Madhushravani, Teej, Pitrapaksha Mela, Sonepur fair, and Shravani
Mela are all joyfully observed.
Urdu and Santali are also spoken in Bihar, but Hindi is the primary language. In
addition to Maithili, Bhojpuri, Angika, and Magahi, the state also has Hindi as its
official language.
The food of the Bihari people is both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Because
Buddhism and Jainism encourage vegetarianism, non-vegetarianism is still less
prevalent. Biharis' staple foods are roti, daal, and sabji.
Litti-Chokha, Bihari Kebab, Litti-Chokha, Bihari Boti, Bihari Chicken Masala, Sattu
Paratha, Chokha, and fish curry are some of the popular Bihari dishes.
There are numerous contributions from Bihar to Indian classical music. It has given
birth to poets like Vidyapati Thakur who contributed to Maithili Music, musicians
like Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, and dhrupad singers like the Malliks and the
Mishras. Hindustani classical music is a type of music that is popular in Bihar.
The Chhau dance is very well-liked by tribal people, and Bidesia, a very well-liked
Bihar folk dance, is more common in the Bhojpuri-speaking areas of Bihar. North
Bihar is home to the well-liked dances Jat-Jatin and Jijya, two of Bihar's preeminent
dances.
Bihar is known for its numerous traditional painting techniques. Indian painting in the
Mithila region of Bihar is known as Madhubani art, or Mithali Paintings. Originally
done on mud walls, they are now done on canvas, handmade paper, and cloth. Natural
dye and mineral pigments are used to create the painting, which is done with fingers,
twigs, brushes, nib-pens, and match sticks.
Bihar's name, which derives from the old word "VIHARA," is a clear indication of its
age (monastery). Yes, it is a country of monasteries.
The Ganga's wide and deep passage enriches the plains of Bihar before dispersing into
the deltoid zone of Bengal. Bihar's antiquity is evident from its name; there are
numerous Buddhist, Jain, Ramayana, Sufi, Sikh, and Shiv Shakti sites to visit in this
historic region where India's first significant empires rose and fell.
Bihar is the Indian state that is most closely associated with the life of the Buddha,
leading to a trail of pilgrimages that is now known as the Buddhist circuit.
Culture of Western Indian States
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa, and Maharastra are the westernmost states of India, and they
are distinct from one another in terms of language, culture, and traditions. The most
industrialised states are Gujarat and Maharashtra, while Rajasthan and Goa are well-
known for being tourist hotspots because of their old forts and beaches.
Basic English is spoken in tourist destinations, while Hindi is understood and spoken
in all 50 states. People from Gujarat and the union territories speak Gujarati, while
those from Rajasthan speak Rajasthani and Hindi, Maharashtrians speak Marathi.
Gujarati cuisine is primarily vegetarian, Rajasthani cuisine is similar to Gujarati
cuisine, and Goa and Maharashtra are known for their seafood. Hinduism is the
primary religion practised there, with smaller populations of Muslims, Christians,
Parsees, and Jains.
The ancient Maratha Empire gave rise to the Maharashtrian culture, and many
locations in Maharastra bear Shivaji's name as a tribute to its founder. The Bollywood
industry, which is based primarily in Mumbai, has a significant influence on the
culture and way of life of Indians.
Gujarati culture is a synthesis of Parsi and Indian influences. Indian and Portuguese
cultures are combined to create Goan culture. The Rann Utsav and Garba festivals of
Gujarat are well-known all over the world, while Ganesh Chaturthi is a celebrated
holiday in Maharashtra.
Eg: GOA
The Goan people's culture is a fusion of Indian and Portuguese cultures. People from
Goa refer to themselves as "goans," and they enjoy this label. They are amiable and
vivacious people, and Goa's festive spirit reflects this.
Numerous churches, temples, and mosques can be found in Goa, which is home to a
rich cultural heritage. Portuguese people are passionate about evangelising and were
excellent church builders.
Goa is a multilingual state where people speak Konkani and Marathi dialects. Goa's
official language is Konkani, and it is one of a number of languages spoken there
along with English,
Goa cuisine is a delicious fusion of Portuguese, Muslim, and Hindu cooking

techniques. They contain a lot of seafood that has been expertly spiced and flavoured;
Indian curry and peppers are combined with European spices.
In their cooking, Goans frequently use coconut milk and vinegar. The main dish in
Goa is rice and fish curry. Khatkhate, a Goan vegetable stew with at least five
vegetables, fresh coconut, and unique Goan spices, is very well-liked during festivals.
While Hindu women wear a sari known as a Nav-vari, Goan Catholic women wear
dresses or gowns. Pano Bhaju, Valkal, a string of beads, and leafy loincloths, which
are still worn by tribes, are additional examples of traditional clothing worn by people
in Goa. Kashti is a saree and knotted garment. Catholic brides in Goa usually don a
white gown.
Men in Goa dress in a western-style outfit, while the fisherman's outfit, which is also
a favourite among tourists, consists of colourful shirts, half-pants, and bamboo hats.
The vibrant and well-known Goan clothing is on display at the carnival in Goa.
Goans are innately passionate about music; it is deeply ingrained in their culture and
way of life. Goa embraces many western musical genres in addition to its profusion of
local music.
Goa takes pride in having produced some of the greatest musicians in history. Goa is
home to a number of well-known singers, including Prince Jacob, Souza Boy,
M.Boyer, Alfred Rose, Kid Boxer, Rosario Rodrigues, Tony King, and J. B. Rod.
Shigmo, Kalas, Novidade, Shri Shanta Durga, Bonderam, and the Goa Carnival are
just a few of the Goans' annual festivals.
Goa's performing arts are distinctive and have a strong Goan influence. The materials
used in Goan handicrafts, such as clay, seashells, paper, bamboo, and brass, are all
naturally occurring materials. Tourists love to purchase these items as souvenirs for
fellow Goans.
Culture of Southern Indian states

Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu are some of the
southernmost states in India and are renowned for having a rich cultural history. South
Indian culture is made richer by the dances, vibrant fairs and festivals, cuisines,
ayurveda, and stunning natural surroundings.
Beaches, backwaters, Ayurveda, and hill stations are the main draws of the South
Indian states; Kerala in particular is well-known throughout the world for its
Ayurvedic treatments. Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and other languages are
the most widely used. Here, English is also widely spoken, and these states have the
highest rates of literacy in the nation.
Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Jainism are the main religions practised
here, and people of all other faiths coexist peacefully. The Elephant Festival, the
Natyanjali Dance Festival, the Hampi Festival, the Firewalking Festival, the Pongal,
the Music and Dance Festival, and the Nehru Trophy Boat Race are just a few of the
unique and well-known fairs and festivals.
South Indian cuisine is known for its spicy, coconut-based dishes like Idli and Dosa
with Sambhar. Hyderabadi biryani is also well-known. Their primary food is rice,
which they typically consume with their hands while eating on a banana leaf. Similar
to how Hindustani music is from the north, Carnatic music is the classical music of
the south of India.
Eg.TAMILNADU
Tamil Nadu residents enjoy a wonderful, comfortable way of life that is firmly rooted
in their art and culture. Tamil Nadu residents respect their community's rituals and
traditions and are aware of the ethnicity of their culture.
Music, dance, and literature are all hugely popular among Tamil people. Here,
Bharatnatyam and many other musical genres, including Carnatic music, have
flourished for centuries.
Tamil Nadu is one of the top-performing states in terms of literacy rates in India and
has a long history of producing works of literature, art, music, and dance. It is also an
emerging hub of technology and modern lifestyle in India.
With more than 88% of the population practising Hinduism, it is the most prevalent
religion. The remaining percentage of the state's population is made up of both
Christians and Muslims. The Bharatnatyam dance and the state's historic Hindu
temples are what make Tamil Nadu so well-known. Bharatnatyam, Thanjor painting,
and Tamil architecture have all advanced significantly, and even the locals now strive
to preserve this culture.
The state's official language is Tamil. The language is widely spoken not only in
Tamil Nadu but also in Singapore, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Tamil Nadu has a large
English and Hindi speaking population. In 2004, Tamil was designated as India's first
classical language.
The food of Tamil Nadu is the ideal fusion of sour, tangy, sweet, and spicy flavours.
South Indian favourites like idli sambar and masala dosa, along with expertly poured
coffee, make up its signature cuisine.
Foods made from rice and lentils, such as idli, dosa, and uthappam with sambhar, are
commonly served on a banana leaf and eaten with the right hand in Tamil Nadu.
Tamarind is frequently used as a souring agent along with special spices that are
blended and used in cooking. Curry leaves, mustard seeds, coconut, and other spices
are used to give the food a distinctive flavour.
A mega meal includes Poriyal, Curry, Varuval, Pachadi, Payasam, Rasam, Sambar,
Thokku, Vadai, Appam, Rice, Kuzambu along with a few sweets, buttermilk, and fruit.
Idly, vadai, dosai, pongal, aappam, and paniyaram are consumed daily. Typically,
payasam is consumed as a dessert to complete the meal. Their preferred beverage is
coffee, which is served in a special coffee cup.
Tamil Nadu women typically wear sarees, which vary in style and pattern depending
on the community. Kanchipuram The popular saree is typically worn during festivals.
Young girls typically dress in a long skirt with a blouse and dupatta or a half saree.
Nowadays, girls favour wearing both western clothing and salwar kameez.
Tamil Nadu men typically dress in shirts with lungis and angabastra. An angavastra is
a cloth worn around the shoulder, and a lungi is a cotton cloth tied across the waist.
The harvest festival of Pongal, also known as Tamizar Thirunal or Makar Sankranti,
is observed in the state in January and is marked by fervour.
The beginning of the monsoon season in Tamil Nadu is signalled by the celebration of
Aadiperukku on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi. As the water level of the
Cauvery river rises as a result of the monsoon, we celebrate this festival to express our
gratitude to nature.
The classical dance known as Bharatanatyam was created in Tamil Nadu. In the past,
Bharata Muni regarded Bharatanatyam as a dance. It is a means of expressing Hindu
religious themes and devotion, and it may be the country's oldest classical dance
tradition.
Folk arts and crafts have a long history in Tamil Nadu and have been passed down
through the generations. Soft muslin, fine silk, intricate ivory carvings, and priceless
gems like tortoise shells, diamonds, pearls, and rubies are all produced in the state.
Tamil Nadu is a special state in many ways, but especially when it comes to tourism.
All types of tourists, including those who are literate, illiterate, wealthy, and poor, can
find something to enjoy in Tamil Nadu.
Home to several ancient monuments and temples, a destination in Tamil Nadu are
very popular among tourists from all over the world. Due to the abundance of natural
beauty, Tamil Nadu is the favorite place for tourists. Beautiful beaches, majestic
temples, many historical monuments, breathtaking waterfalls, and panoramic views
and they all make Tamil Nadu the ideal place for tourism
There are several hill towns in Tamil Nadu with names like Ooty, Kodaikanal,
Kothagiri, and Yercaud. The longest beach in India and the second-longest beach in
the world, Marina Beach is a naturally occurring urban beach in Chennai.
The landscape of Tamil Nadu is characterised by temples. The Dravidian style is the
name given to the architectural design of temples. Madurai, Chidambaram,
Kancheepuram, Kanyakumari, Nagore, Palani, Rameshwaram, Thiruvannamalai,
Srirangam, Thanjavur, and Velankanni are a few well-known pilgrimage sites.
Several of the region's heritage sites, including those in Chennai, Gangaikonda

Cholapuram, Gingee, Dindigul, Madurai, Mamallapuram, Poompuhar, Thanjavur,
Tiruchirapally, and Vellore, continue to reflect the region's cultural, social, and ethnic
history.
With this we come to the end of the session. In todays session we discussed about the
famous culture of India. I hope you would have got a fair understanding about the
famous culture of India.
Thank you Happy learning.
Module 5 Ancient fine arts of India are Painting, handicrafts, Indian classic music,
Dance and Drama
Hello Learners,
Today we are going learn about Ancient Fine arts of India
First let see on Indian Paintings
• Of various art forms, painting has always been a very powerful medium of cultural
tradition and expression. It is associated with values, beliefs, behaviour of mankind
and provides material objects to understand people’s way of life, their thought process
and creativity.
• In simple words, painting has become a bridge to our past, reflecting what people
think and want to depict. Painting is also a part of tangible material culture, where
human creations are termed as artifacts and helps in understanding the cultural values.
It is a human way of transforming elements of world into symbol, where each of it has
a distinct meaning and can also be manipulated.
• Compared to sculpture, painting is easier to execute and that is why Stone Age people
chose it as an expression of their beliefs and imaginations. In fact, painting marks an
entirely new phase in the human history and is regarded as a giant cultural leap.
Ancient Indian Painting Tradition

• Painting as an art form has flourished in India from very early times as is evident from
the remains that have been discovered in the caves, and the literary sources.
• The history of art and painting in India begins with the pre-historic rock painting at
caves near (M.P.) where we have drawings and paintings of animals.
• The cave paintings of (Maharashtra) show skins of spotted deer left drying.
Thousands of years ago, paintings and drawings had already appeared on the seals of
Harappan civilization.
• The Buddhist text Vinayapitaka (4th–3rd century) describes the existence of painted
figures in many royal buildings. The play Mudrarakshasa (5th Century A.D.)
mentions numerous paintings or Patas. The 6th Century AD text on aesthetics-
Kamasutra by Vatsyayana has mentioned painting amongst 64 kinds of arts and says
that it was based on scientific principles.
• The best specimens of Gupta paintings are the ones at Ajanta. Their subject was
animals and birds, trees, flowers, human figures and stories from the Jataka.
• Mural paintings are done on walls and rock surfaces like roofs and sides. Cave no. 9
depicts the Buddhist monks going towards a stupa. In cave no. 10 Jataka stories are
depicted. But the best paintings were done in the 5th – 6th centuries AD during the
Gupta age.
• The murals chiefly depict religious scenes from the life of the Buddha and the
Buddhist Jataka stories but we also have secular scene. Here we see the depiction of
all aspects of Indian life.
• We see princes in their palaces, ladies in their chambers, coolies with loads over their
shoulders, beggars, peasants and ascetics, together with all the many beasts, birds and
flowers of India.
• In India both murals are painted on thin coat of limestone mixture dried with glue, and
frescoes are painted on wet lime plaster are found. It is also noticed that in ancient
times the colours used in these paintings are derived from natural organic pigments.
Classical paintings
• One of the best examples of the Classical paintings is from the Ajanta Caves, painted
between circa 200 B.C. and A.D. 600 Ajanta has thirty-one Caves, built in two phases
– first one was around 2nd century B.C. and second was between 4th and 6th
centuries A.D. In both phases, the art was patronized by the Hindu rulers – the
Satvahanas (in the early period) and the Vakatakas (in the later period). The famous
Ajanta caves can be considered as ancient art galleries.
• The Indian art has been inspired by spiritualism and mystical relationship between the
God and man. The earliest recorded art was inspired by religious Hindu background
and it was later replaced by the popular Buddhist art. The philosophy of aesthetics
was closely related to thoughts in the Upanishads and thus art played a very important
role in the Indian religious life. Inward vision, sense of great peace and tranquility –
are the hall marks of Indian art. The early caves of Ajanta are of the Hinayana order,
where the monks worshipped symbols such as stupa, wheel etc.
Painting in the post – classical period

• While studying painting tradition of India, the contribution made by the south Indian
kingdoms of the Cholas, Vijaynagara and Nayakas cannot be ignored. In the Chola
temples there are many fresco paintings seen at Vijayala Colesvara temple at
Narttamalai (A.D. 1100), Brihadesvara temple at Tanjavur (A.D. 1100), Sangita –
Mandapa at Tiruparuttikunram in Kanchipuram (A.D. 1387-88 ) and Vcayapa Matha
at Angundi (about the same date). The Chola frescoes were first discovered in A.D.
1931 within the circumambulatory passage of Brihadeshvara temple
• The Chola frescoes have ardent spirit of Saivism expressed in them. In all paintings,
Chola physiognomical and stylistic forms are apparent. The Classical values of full
roundedness of volume, subtle plasticity are also retained. But at the same time, there
is also strongly perceptible lessening of the consistency of colour modelling and
hence a flattening of surface is there, despite ample curves and colour.
• During the Nayaka period, the Chola paintings were painted over. The latter paintings
belonging to the Vijaynagara period (the Lepakshi wall painting), show general
decline in the art style. Outline became sharper and dedicate modelling of earlier
period is absent.
Medieval Indian Painting
• The advent of Islam and the spread of Islamic influence, initiated a new period in
Indian history ---the medieval period. It also had a direct impact on the realm of
painting.
• The pattern of large-scale paintings, which had dominated the scene, were replaced
by the miniature painting during the 11th and 12th centuries A.D.
• The miniature paintings are small paintings. They were often part of manuscripts
written at the time and illustrated the subjects of the manuscript. Thus, a new kind of
illustration was set during the period under review.
Mughal painting
• Medieval painting is, largely represented by the Mughal School, which developed
during the period of the Mughal empire (16th -19th centuries A.D.). Renowned for
their brilliant colours, accuracy in line drawing, detailed realism, intricacy and variety
of themes – the Mughal paintings were a class by themselves.
• It was distinct from all other styles and techniques of Pre- Mughal and Contemporary
art. Contrary to Delhi sultanate, the Mughal paintings were more popular and
widespread.
• There were several factors responsible for it – urbanization, better administrative
system, exclusive patronage by the rulers and nobility, synthesis of cultural values and
tradition of Central Asia, integration of Mughal economy with world economy, etc. In
fact, painting became a widespread source of livelihood during the rule of Mughals.
• The Mughal painting did not develop in vacuum. It had clear influence of different
tradition of contemporary world, namely, Persian, Timurid, Mongolid, Chinese and
European.
• The diffusion of these styles with the indigenous style created a new living tradition
of painting, popularly known as Indo-Sino-Persian art. Initially, the Mughal style of
painting had dominant Mongolid characteristics but gradually the Mongolid elements
diminished and the Indian characteristics came to the forefront. Thus diffusion of
various styles led to creation of a new cultural element.
• The Mughals used paintings as a tool of display of political power, imperial ideology,
authority, status and economic prosperity. The Mughal paintings were very rich in
variety- in terms of themes and colours. Some of the themes were- illustration of
battles, scenes from court life, wild life, hunting, portraits, etc. Rich use of colours
obtained from precious stones, metals like gold and silver-were also hallmark of the
Mughal paintings.
Modern Indian Painting

• The decline of the Mughal Empire was accompanied by the control of English East
India Company in A.D. 1757 over north-eastern region, thus laying the foundation of
British Raj.
• In the realm of art, Indian art gave into new fashion brought by the English. The art
was no longer confined to court but began to be taught and patronized by art schools,
art societies, etc.
• The new landscape, unusual flora and fauna, stunning monuments, exotic new people
caught the attention of English travelers, Company Sahibs and Mem Sahibs. They
began to hire Indian painters in 18th and 19th centuries A.D. to capture the quaint
oriental images. Thus in the cities ruled by the English East India company, the
Company School of painting emerged under western influence.
• The hub of Company paintings were centers like Calcutta, Delhi, Madras, Varanasi
and Patna, where either the English had a factory or commercial interest. Calcutta was
among the early major center of Company paintings.
• The reaction to the Company School in the mid-19th century was two-fold. On one
hand Raja Ravi Varma adapted a distinct method to evolve a new style of painting of
Indian subjects whereas on the other hand the ‘Nationalist school’ represented by the
nationalist painter preferred to look at Indian themes and manifested it in the works of
the famous ‘Bengal School’.
Raja Ravi Varma (A.D. 1848-1906)

• Raja Ravi Varma of royal family of Travancore received formal training in painting,
before entering the ‘low’ profession of paintings against his family’s objections. His
paintings were inspired by the Victorian art but were more akin to art form of the
royal court. Raja Ravi Varma achieved recognition for his depiction of the scenes
from the epics of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana and thus rose to be a remarkable
portrait painter, prized by both, the Raj and the Indian elite.
• His fusion of Indian tradition with the technique of European Academic art, created a
new cannon of beauty in which characters like Shakuntala, Damyanti, etc. were
portrayed shapely and gracefully.
• His fusion of Indian tradition with the technique of European Academic art, created a
new cannon of beauty in which characters like Shakuntala, Damyanti, etc. were
portrayed shapely and gracefully.
• Bengal School reflected nationalist fervours in the paintings and resistance to British
rule in their own way.
• Various folk-art forms like Mithila paintings (Madhubani), Kalamkari painting, Warli
painting and Kalighat painting took Indian painting to new heights by adding new
dimensions to it.
Division of Indian traditional paintings
FOLK ART
Odisha,
Nirmal paintings of Andhra Pradesh
home decorations, ornaments, cloths-making, and so o
TRIBAL ART
craftsmanship of the tribal people.
on.
y ethnic human tribes
elements of Mother Nature.

region and style to style.
TYPES OF FOLK ART

1. Tanjore Art
Folk art is linked with the forgotten art of storytelling. Paintings are used to depict the
visual counterpoint in narration in every region of India.
Art forms of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Bengal narrate the myths and legends of local
heroes and deities and construct a kaleidoscopic image of our glorious past and rich
cultural heritage.
Each work is a complete narration in itself, giving us a glimpse of the past, which has
been kept alive by talent and devotion of our artists.
2. Madhubani Painting
Madhubani painting, also referred to as Mithila Art (as it flourishes in the Mithila
region of Bihar), is characterized by line drawings filled in by bright colours and
contrasts or patterns.
This style of painting has been traditionally done by the women of the region, though
today men are also involved to meet the demand.
These paintings are popular because of their tribal motifs and use of bright earthy
colours.
These paintings are done with mineral pigments prepared by the artists. The work is
done on freshly plastered or a mud wall
Warli Folk Painting

Maharashtra is known for its Warli folk paintings. Warli is the name of the largest
tribe found on the northern outskirts of Mumbai, in Western India.
Despite being in such close proximity of the largest metropolis in India, Warli
tribesmen shun all influences of modern urbanization. Warli Art was first discovered
in the early seventies.
While there are no records of the exact origins of this art, its roots may be traced to as
early as the 10th century A.D.
Warli is the vivid expression of daily and social events of the Warli tribe of
Maharashtra, used by them to embellish the walls of village houses depicting
agriculture, hunting, fishing, etc. geometric pattern are used.
This was the only means of transmitting folklore to a populace not acquainted with
the written word. This art form is simple in comparison to the vibrant paintings of
Madhubani
Attachitra Painting:
Pattachitra style of painting is one of the oldest and most popular art forms of Odisha.
The name Pattachitra has evolved from the Sanskrit words patta, meaning canvas, and
chitra, meaning picture.
Pattachitra is thus a painting done on canvas, and is manifested by rich colourful
application, creative motifs and designs, and portrayal of simple themes, mostly
mythological in depiction.
Some of the popular themes represented through this art form are ThiaBadhia -
depiction of the temple of Jagannath; Krishna Lila - enactment of Jagannath as Lord
Krishna displaying his powers as a child;
Dasabatara Patti - the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu; Panchamukhi - depiction of
Lord Ganesh as a five headed deity
Rajasthani Miniature Painting

The art of Miniature painting was introduced to the land of India by the Mughals, who
brought the much-revealed art form from Persia.
In the sixteenth century, the Mughal ruler Humayun brought artists from Persia, who
specialized in miniature painting.
The succeeding Mughal Emperor, Akbar built an atelier for them to promote the rich
art form. These artists, on their part, trained Indian artists who produced paintings in a
new distinctive style, inspired by the royal and romantic lives of the Mughals.
The particular miniature produced by Indian artists in their own style is known as
Rajput or Rajasthani miniature.
During this time, several schools of painting evolved, such as Mewar (Udaipur),
Bundi, Kotah, Marwar (Jodhpur), Bikaner, Jaipur, and Kishangarh.
Kalamezhuthu
Names like Rangoli, Kolametc are not new to us, and neither is the tradition of
drawing them at the entrance of homes and temples.
In fact it is part of the domestic routine in Hindu households, who consider it
auspicious to draw certain patterns at the doorstep and courtyard to welcome a deity
into the house.
This art form is a harmonious blend of Aryan, Dravidian and Tribal traditions.Kalam
(Kalamezhuthu) is unique form of this art found in Kerala.
It is essentially a ritualistic art practiced in temples and sacred groves of Kerala where
the representation of deities like Kali and Lord Ayyappa, are made on the floor.
TYPES OF TRIBAL ART:
1. Saura Painting:
‘ ikon’
nted On walls
Pithora Paintings
‘Pithora’
’s images on walls
ceremonies
Pichwali Paintings
’s Temples.
Krishna
Santhal Paintings
harvest,
of Hindu Deities.
Hello Learners,
Today we are going learn about Indian Handicrafts
• India is a virtual treasure house of the most exquisite handicrafts
• Simple objects of daily life have been crafted with delicate design which give
expression to the creativity of the Indian artisan
• Every state of India can boast of some unique creation which is special to the region,
for example,
• Kashmir is famous for embroidered shawls, carpets, namdar silk and walnut wood
furniture. Rajasthan is famous for its tie-and-dye (bandhnï) fabrics,jewellery, using
precious stone and jems, blue glazed pottery and minakari work. Andhra Pradesh is
famous for Bidri work and Pochampalh saris while Tamil Nadu is well known for
bronze sculpture and Kajeevaram silk saris. Mysore is well known for silk,
sandalwood items and Kerala is famous for ivory carvings and rosewood furniture.
Chanderi and kosa silk of Madhya Pradesh, chikan work of Lucknow, Brocade and
silk saris of Benaras, cane furniture and goods of Assam, Bankura terracotta
modelling and handloom items of Bengal are just a few examples of unique
traditional decorative arts and crafts which constitute the heritage of modern India.
These arts have been nurtured for thousands of years and provided employment to a
great number of artisans who carried forward the art to the next generation. Thus, you
see how the Indian artisans with their magic touch can transform a piece of metal,
wood or ivory into objects of art.
THANK YOU LEARNERS
HAPPY LEARNING
Hello learners. Welcome to the module on Indian languages.
In this chapter, we'll introduce Indian Languages and Literature, the role of Sanskrit,
and the significance of scriptures to current society.
Introduction to Indian Languages
Indian languages are languages spoken in India that are classed as Indo-European
particularly the Indo-Iranian branch, Dravidian, Austroasiatic particularly Munda,
and Sino-Tibetan Tibeto-Burman in particular.
Assamese, Bengali or Bangla, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili,

Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, and Urdu are all members of the
Indo-Aryan group of Indo-Iranian languages.
The Dravidian language family includes Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu.
The Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family includes Manipuri

or Meitei spoken in Manipur and Bodo spoken in northeastern India. The Munda
language family includes Santali.
Except for the Khasian languages spoken in Meghalaya, northeastern India, and the
Nicobarese languages spoken in the Nicobar Islands in the Andaman Sea, just to the
northwest of the Indonesian island of Sumatra—both of which are classified as part
of the Mon-Khmer subfamily of Austroasiatic—the other Austronesian languages
are spoken in Southeast Asia.
The Indo-Aryan languages, which are spoken by 78.05 percent of Indians, belong to
multiple linguistic families.
Dravidian languages are spoken by 19.64% of Indians, and both groups are
frequently referred to as Indic languages.
The remaining 2.31 percent of the population speaks Austroasiatic, Sino–Tibetan,

and Tai–Kadai languages.
According to the Census of India of 2001, India has 122 major languages and 1599
other languages.
India has 22 major languages with approximately 720 dialects written in 13 distinct
scripts.
The official languages of India are Hindi which has 420 million speakers and
English which is also widely spoken.
The census of 2011 acknowledges 1369 rationalised mother tongues and 1474
names that were handled as 'unclassified' and consigned to the 'other' mother tongue
category out of 19,569 raw linguistic connections.
Introduction to Literature
Literature is a broad term that refers to any collection of written material, but it is also
used to refer to writings that are considered to be art forms, such as prose fiction,
drama, and poetry.
The term has broadened in recent decades to include oral literature, most of which has
been transcribed.
Literature can have a social, psychological, spiritual, or political purpose in addition
to recording, preserving, and transferring knowledge and amusement.
Nonfiction genres such as biography, diaries, memoir, correspondence, and the essay
can all be considered part of literature as an art form.
Nonfictional books, articles, and other printed information on a particular subject are
included in the broad definition of literature.
The name comes from the Latin literatura/litteratura, which means "learning, writing,
grammar," and was originally "writing produced with letters," from litera/littera,
which means "letter."
In spite of this, the term has also been applied to spoken or sung texts.
Print technological advancements have enabled an ever-increasing diffusion and

proliferation of written works, which now includes electronic literature.
Literature helps us to travel through time and learn about life on the planet from those
who came before us.
It can have a deeper understanding of and appreciation for different cultures. It can
help us to learn about history through the ways it is documented, such as manuscripts
and oral history.
Literature serves as an enormous information base.

Great inventors' research papers and literary works by famous scientists frequently tell
anecdotes about their significant discoveries and inferences.
Current scientific and technological developments are chronicled so that the rest of
the world is aware of them.
Several ancient scriptures presenting accounts of human evolution and narratives of

human life in those times have proven to be extremely beneficial to humanity.
As a result, literature has always been a reliable source of information.
Sanskrit
Sanskrit is considered the oldest language in Hinduism, having been used by the
Hindu Celestial Gods for communication and dialogue, and then by the Indo-Aryans.
In Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, Sanskrit is commonly used. The title 'Sanskrit'
comes from the combination of the prefix 'Sam' meaning 'samyak,' which means
'completely,' and 'krit,' which means 'done.'
Thus, the name denotes communicating, reading, listening, and the use of vocabulary
to transcend and communicate an emotion that is totally or entirely done.
Despite being an extremely complicated language with a large vocabulary, it is still

frequently used in the reading of sacred books and hymns today
In Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, the Sanskrit language has long been
the primary medium of communication.
Sanskrit literature has a long history of use in ancient poetry, drama, science, and
religious and philosophical books.
Let’s now look at the role of Sanskrit.

Many Indian languages have their roots in Sanskrit. Sanskrit is used to write the
Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and Dharmasutras.
A wide range of secular and regional literature is also available. We will be able to
better comprehend our civilization and appreciate the diversity and complexity of our
culture by reading about the languages and literature developed in the past.
Our country's most ancient language is Sanskrit. It is one of the Indian Constitution's
twenty-two official languages.
Sanskrit is maybe the only language that has crossed geographical and cultural
boundaries.
There is no portion of India that has not contributed to or been touched by this
language, from north to south and east to west.
Kalidasa's writings have added to the treasury of Sanskrit writings' beauty.
Significance of Scriptures to the Current Society
Scriptures from the Latin Scriptura, which means "writing" are sacred texts that serve
a range of roles in a religious tradition's individual and collective existence.
Scriptures can be utilised to generate a deeper relationship with the divine,
communicate spiritual truths, foster collective identity, and guide individual and
communal spiritual practice.
The study of Scripture has become an intellectual pursuit in modern times.
Sacred texts from different civilizations are increasingly being studied in academic
settings, mostly to improve understanding of other cultures, whether ancient or
modern.
Even for casual readers, the easy accessibility to scriptures from all faith traditions has
aided mutual understanding and appreciation for the importance of all religions.
Spiritual searchers of all faiths can discover guidance throughout the world's
scriptures to help them on their way.
Scripture plays a range of aspects in a religious community's spiritual life.
In a religion, scripture serves three purposes: personal direction and inspiration,

collective
worship and instruction, and bibliomancy using scripture for magical purposes.
For many years, restricted literacy and crude copying methods impeded the general
circulation of religious books, but scripture has always had a personal dimension—at
least for those who have access to it.
With the advancement of literacy and the invention of printing and

telecommunications, many people can now personally encounter the scriptures from
their own faiths.
The Internet, television, and computers have altered the way and frequency with
which information, especially scriptures, is shared.
Most religious books and masterpieces from throughout the world have been archived
electronically on the Internet and are available to read in a variety of languages.
Conclusion
Language is what allows people to express things, thoughts, and attitudes in a

comprehensible manner and to communicate the results to others.
India has always been a country with many different countries and languages. India,
being a civilisation state, has a vast linguistic diversity, with hundreds of languages
spoken even today.
Modern India gives the right representation in the constitution, respecting the opinions
of people of different languages.
With this, we come to the end of our session. In today’s session, we discussed Indian
Languages and Literature, the role of Sanskrit, and the significance of scriptures to
current society.
I hope you would have got a fair understanding of Indian Languages.

Hello everyone,
Today in this session, we will discuss on the Other Sanskrit literature
Development of Sanskrit literature

The development of Sanskrit grammar began with Panini in 400 BC with his
book Asthadhyayi being the oldest book in Sanskrit grammar.The chaste form of Sanskrit
developed between 300 to 200 BC and was a refined version of Vedic Sanskrit.The first
evidence of the use of Sanskrit can be found in the inscriptions of Rudradaman at
Junagarh in the present Southern Gujarat region. However, The Gupta period when the use
of Sanskrit in poetries can be traced. This is totally a period of creation of pure literature
which is evident in works such as Mahakavyas ( epics ) and Khandakavyas (semi-epics).In
the field of Sanskrit literature, The Gupta period is known as the period of unique creation
because a variety of literary works developed during this reign. Another important aspect of it
is related to the ornate style in literary works. Many of the plays developed during the Gupta
period were also written in Sanskrit. However, it is to be noted that one of the features of
these plays was the use of Sanskrit language by the characters of high varna and the use of
Prakrit language by women and Shudras.
Classical Sanskrit Literature

• Most of the literature in Sanskrit has been divided into the Vedic and Classical
categories.
• The two epics: Mahabharata and Ramayana are also part of the classical category.
Irrespective of their centrality to the Hindu religion, these epics can also be
considered to be the pre-cursors of Sanskrit Kavya ( epic poetry ), nataka ( classical
drama ), and other treatises on medicine, statecraft, grammar, astronomy,
mathematics, etc.
• Most of this Sanskrit literature was bound by the rules of grammar that have been
explained brilliantly in Panini’s Ashtadhyayi, a treatise on the rigid rules which bind
the Sanskrit language.
Ashtadhyayi:
• The only surviving foundational and analytical source of Sanskrit grammar,
Ashtadhyayi (literally, “eight chapters”), was written by Panini and is believed to
have been published in the 4th century BCE.
• Despite the fact that India has more than 5000 spoken languages, everyone agrees that
Sanskrit is the only sacred language and the source of all known sacred literature. The
standardization of the language, which is still used in various forms now, was done by
Panini.
Sanskrit Drama
• One of the most popular genres of lyric poetry and prose is the popular romantic tales
whose sole purpose was to entertain the public or Lokaranjana.
• These were usually written in the form of stories and yet they gave a unique
perspective on life. These were usually written in the form of elaborate dramas.
• The rules regarding performance, acting, gestures, stage direction, and acting have
been illustrated in the Natyashastra by Bharata.
• Major dramas written during the ancient period are:
• Malavikagnimitra-The love story of the maiden of Queen and Agnimitra the son of
Pushyamitra Shunga.
• Kalidasa-Vikramorvasiya-The love story of Vikram and Urvasi.
• Abhigyana Shakunthalam-The recognition of Shakuntala.
• Sudraka-Mricchakatika (The little clay cart)-The love story of young brahmin

Charudatta with a wealthy courtesan.
• Vishakadatta-Mudrarakshasa-Devi Chandraguptam-Is a political drama and

narrates the ascent of king Chandragupta Maurya to power in India-
• Bhavabhutti-Uttara Ramacharitham (The latter life of Rama)-It was written in

700 AD.
• Bhasa-Swapnavasavadatta (Vasavadatta in dream)-Pancharatra-Urubhanga (story

of Dhuryodhana during and after his fight with Bhima).
• Ratnavalli-About the love story of princess Ratnavalli, daughter of the King of

Ceylon and King Udayana. The mention of the celebration of Holi for the first time
can be found here.
• Harshavardhana-Naganandha -Story of how Prince Jimutavahana gives up his
own body to stop a sacrifice of serpents to the divine Garuda. One unique character in
this drama is an invocation to Lord Budha in the Nandi verse.
• Priyadarsika-Union of Udayana and Priyadarsika, daughter of king Dritavarman.
Sanskrit Poetry
• This genre is also called Kavya or poetry.
• Unlike the drama section where the story is the main focus of the text, poetry
concentrates more on the form, style, figure of speech, etc.
• One of the greatest Sanskrit poets is Kalidasa who wrote Kumarasambhava ( the
birth of Kumar or Kariya, the son of Shiva and Parvati ), and Raghuvamsa ( the
dynasty of the Raghus ).
• He also wrote two smaller epics called Meghaduta ( the cloud messenger )
and Ritusamhara
( medley of seasons ).
• One should not forget to mention the contribution of poets like Harisena who wrote
during the Gupta period.
• He wrote several poems in praise of the valor of Samudra Gupta and it was so well
appreciated that it was inscribed on the Allahabad pillar.
• Another extremely popular Sanskrit poet was Jayadeva who wrote Gita Govinda in
the 12th century. It concentrates on the life and escapades of Lord Krishna. The text
combines elements of devotion to Lord Krishna, his love for Radha, and the beauty of
nature.
• Other major poems are Kiratarjuniya written by Bharavi in 6 th century AD

and Sishupalavadha written by Magha in 7 th century AD.
• Other Major Sanskrit texts
• Several books were written about the sciences and state governance in Sanskrit.
• Dharmasutras:
• Historians argue that between 500 to 200 BC, several major books on law were
written and compiled, which are called the Dharmasutras. These were compiled
alongside the smritis that are known as Dharmashastras.
• These are the basis of the laws governing the subjects of most of the Hindu kingdoms.
These not only elucidate the rules according to which property could be held, sold, or
transferred but also elaborate on the punishments for offenses ranging from fraud to
murder.
• Manusmriti ( laws of Manu ):
• Which defines the role of men and women in society, their interaction at a social
plane, and the code of conduct that they were supposed to follow. The Manusmriti
might have been written and compiled between 200 BC and 200 AD.
• Arthashastra:
• One of the most famous texts about statecraft from the Mauryan period is Kautilya’s
Arthashastra.
• It concentrates on the economic and social conditions of the Mauryan empire.
• The due focus was also given to the military strategy which should be employed by
the State.
• The text mentions that ‘ Kautilya ‘ or ‘ Vishnugupta ‘ wrote it. Historians argue both
these names were an alias for Chanakya who was a learned scholar at the court of
Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
• While Sanskrit was the preferred language of the courts in the ancient period, it got an
impetus in the Gupta period, which employed many great poets, dramatists, and
scholars of various subjects. In this period Sanskrit became the preferred language of
communication of cultured and educated people.
• Scientific texts in Sanskrit
• Pingala • Chandasastra (Book on mathematics)
• Charak Samhitha (Book on

• Charak
medicine)
• Sushrutha Samhitha (Book on
• Sushrutha
surgery)
• Madhava Nidana (Book on

• Madhava
Pathology)
• Pancha Sidhantika (Book on

mathematical astronomy)
• Varahamihira • Brihat Samhitha (Book on wide-

ranging subjects like planetary
movements, geology, architecture
etc.)
• Aryabhatiya (Book on astronomy

• Aryabhata
and mathematics)
• Lagadha • Vedanga Jyotisha
Conclusion
• Sanskrit has a long and revered history that is commonly linked to worship and
devotion. It started out as a Vedic language, and it has been modified over time as a
result of different interpretations, precise grammar, and the complexity of its
application.
• Which many people have shied away from because of its indomitable scope and
depth.
• Many ancient books and manuscripts are translated from Sanskrit today despite its
extensive vocabulary and complex grammar and prose because no other language can
offer such a lavish literary grasp of the past while yet acting as a vehicle for faultless
human expression.
3.2 Indian Philosophy
Hello everyone,
Today in this session, we will discuss on the great Epics of our country, Ramayana and
Mahabaratha
• Our two great epics are the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The Ramayana of
Valmiki is the original Ramayana. It is called Adikavya and Maharishi Valmiki is
known as Adi Kavi. The Ramayana presents a picture of an ideal society.
• The other epic, the Mahabharata, was written by Ved Vyas. Originally, it was written
in Sanskrit and contained 8800 verses and was called “Jaya” or the collection dealing
with victory.
• These were raised to 24,000 and came to be known as Bharata, named after one of the
earliest Vedic tribes. The final compilation brought the verses to 100,000, which came
to be known as the Mahabharata or the Satasahasri Samhita. It contains narrative,
descriptive and didactic material, relating to conflict between the Kauravas and the
Pandavas.
• The Mahabharata and the Ramayana have several renderings in different Indian
languages. The Mahabharata contains the famous Bhagavad Gita which contains the
essence of divine wisdom and is truly a universal gospel.
• Though it is a very ancient scripture, its fundamental teachings are in use even today.
• These were raised to 24,000 and came to be known as Bharata, named after one of the
earliest Vedic tribes. The final compilation brought the verses to 100,000, which came
to be known as the Mahabharata or the Satasahasri Samhita. It contains narrative,
descriptive and didactic material, relating to conflict between the Kauravas and the
Pandavas.
• The Mahabharata and the Ramayana have several renderings in different Indian
languages. The Mahabharata contains the famous Bhagavad Gita which contains the
essence of divine wisdom and is truly a universal gospel.
• Though it is a very ancient scripture, its fundamental teachings are in use even today.
Let’s see the significance of these epics one after other
• The characteristics of Hinduism, as just set forth, are best reflected in the Bhagavad-
Gita which may, indeed, be regarded as the principal scripture of this new religious
ideology.
• They are also reflected in the character of Krsna, its enunciator, as portrayed in the
great epic, the Mahabharata
• Mahabaratha and its Reference with 4 purusharthas.
The four purusharthas are Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.
• Mahabaratha, as an epic, Its vastness is aptly matched by the encyclopaedic nature of
its contents and the universality of its appeal.
• The claim is traditionally made, and fully justified, that in matters pertaining to
dharma (religion and ethics), artha (material progress and prosperity), kama
(enjoyment of the pleasures of personal and social life), and moksa (spiritual
emancipation), whatever is found in this epic may be found elsewhere; but what is not
found in it will be impossible to find anywhere else.
• The Mahabharata, which must have assumed its present form in the first centuries
before and after Christ, is traditionally believed to consist of 100,000 stanzas divided
into eighteen parvans.
• The kernel of the Mahabharata story is briefly this:
• The Pandavas, headed by Yudhisthira, and the Kauravas, headed by Duryodhana,
descended from common ancestors.
• Duryodhana becomes jealous and, coveting the crown invites Yudhisthira to a game
of dice.
• As the result of a rash wager, Yudhisthira loses his kingdom to Duryodhana and is
then forced to go into exile, together with his brothers and DraupadJ, the common
consort of the Pandavas, for twelve years, followed by one year during which they
must live incognito.
• But even when the stipulated period is over, Duryodhana refuses to give even a
fraction of his territory to Yudhisthira, the rightful owner.
• A grim battle ensues. The Kauravas are routed and ruined, and the Pandavas regain
their lost kingdom.
of dice.
their lost kingdom.
of dice.
their lost kingdom.
• In the Bhagvad Gita, Krishna explains to Arjuna his duties as a warrior and prince and
elaborates
on different Yogic and Vedantic philosophies with examples and analogies.
• This makes Gita a concise guide to Hindu philosophy and a parochial, self-contained
guide to life.
• In modern times Swami Vivekananda, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi and
many others used the text to help inspire the Indian independence movement.
• This was mainly because the Bhagvad Gita spoke of positiveness in human actions. It
also spoke of duty towards God and human beings alike forgetting about the results.
• You will appreciate the fact that the Gita has been translated nearly in all the main
langauges of the world
Ramayana
• If the Mahabharata (with the Harivamsa) glorifies the Krsna incarnation, the other
epic, the Ramayana, gives an account of the Rama incarnation.
• This incarnation is traditionally believed to have been earlier than the Krsna
incarnation; composition of the Ramayana, however, which is largely the work of a
single poet named Valmiki, seems to have begun after that of the Mahabharata, but
ended before the Mahabharata assumed its final form
• It has seven kandas-the entire seventh kanda evidently is a later interpolation. It
contains several sections of religious significance, such as the Surya-stava (which is
also called Aditya-hrdaya- stotra) by Agastya and the Rama-stuti by Brahma (both in
the Yuddha-kanda).
• Its principal religious appeal, however, springs from the idealized domestic and social
virtues which its characters embody. Indeed, this appeal has, through the centuries,
proved to be direct and sustained
• Dasaratha, king of Ayodhya, is about to install his eldest son, Rama, on the throne.
• Kaikeyi, Rama’s step-mother, wants her own son Bharata to be crowned king, and
Rama to be sent into exile for fourteen years.
• The old and infirm king, though reluctant, has to agree.
• Rama goes to live in the forest, accompanied by his consort, Sita, and his brother,
Laksmana.
• The demon-king of Lanka, Ravana, abducts Sita.
• Rama, determined to rescue Sita, wages a dour war against Ravana who is ultimately
vanquished and killed.
• Rama comcs back to Ayodhya and assumes his position as king, with Slta as queen.
The story of the genuine portion of the epic ends here.
• In the last Book, which is suspected by many modern scholars to be spurious, it is
narrated that the people of Ayodhya speak ill of Rama for taking back Sita from
Ravana’s custody and Rama banishes her in deference to public opinion.
• The Ramayana and the Mahabharata represent the ethos of our nation.
• Tradition places the Ramayana earlier than the Mahabharata.
• The Puranas are a very important branch, of the Hindu sacred literature. They enable
us to know the true import of the ethos, philosophy, and religion of the Vedas.
Dear Learners, in this session we learnt about the great epics of our country, in the next
session we will discuss on the literatures of south india
Famous Tamil Literature of South India.
Hello Everyone,
In the last session, we discussed on Introduction to Indian Philosophy and Famous
Sanskrit literatures of India. Today in this session, we will discuss on Famous Tamil
Literature of South India.
• South India, with its rich history and stunning landscapes, has provided the setting for
some of the greatest epics in the ancient world.
• In ancient times the association or academy of the most learned men of the Tamil land
was called ‘Sangam’ (or ‘Cankam’), whose chief function was promotion of
literature. Later Tamil writers mention the existence of three literary academies
(Sangams) at different periods. The last academy is credited with the corpus of
literature now known as ‘Sangam Works
Let’s see the ancient and famous literatures of South India, starting with Tolkappiyam
• Tolkappiyam, the name signifying the ancient book or ‘the preserver of ancient
institutions’, was written by Tolkappiyanar and is the oldest extant Tamil grammar
dating back to 500 B.C.
• It lays down rules for different kinds of poetical compositions drawn from the
examples furnished by the best works available at that time.
• Iyal is elucidated clearly and systematically in Tolkappiyam.
• Containing about 1,610 suttirams (aphorisms), it is in three parts-ezhuttu
(orthography), Sol (etymology), and porul (literary conventions and usages)-each with
nine sections.
• While the first two parts are interesting from both linguistic and philological points of
view, the third, poruladhikdram, is most valuable as it gives a glimpse of the political,
social, and religious life of the people during the period when the author of this
treatise lived.
• The principal works of the third Sangam have come down to us in the shape of
anthologies of poems. The two compilations forming the corpus of the poetry of the
third Sangam are Ettuttogai (eight anthologies) and Pattuppattu (ten idylls),
• The anthologies of the third Sangam consist of poems divided into two broad
categories-aham or interior and puram or exterior. The former concerns all phases of
love between men and women. An allegory of the different stages through which the
soul of man passes from its manifestation in the body to its final unification with the
Supreme Being is seen in aham. The puram covers varieties of distinctive poems,
mostly relating to man’s social behaviour.
• corresponding to five major regions of Tamil Nadu, these poems describe five types
of tracts with their distinctive features. These are: kurinci (mountainous region),
mullai (forest region), marutam (agricultural region), neytal (coastal region), and
pallai (desert region). True love, which is either karpu (wedded) or kalavu (furtive), is
considered under five aspects, namely, punartal (union), pirital (separation), irutal
(patience in separation), irangal (bewailing), and udal (sulking), and these are made to
correlate with tinai, the fivefold physiographical divisions.
• The delineation of the early Tamil society in these poems is remarkably clear and a
great deal of light is thrown on the civilization of the Tamils.
• Sangam works provide us with valuable information regarding religion, social life,
government, commerce, arts, music, dance, courtship, manners and customs, and the
daily life of the Tamils.
One another notable piece of work by Tiruvalluvar’s '(c. first century B.C.) is
Tirukkural or Kural,
• Tirukkural which is in the form of couplets and deals with the three aims of life-aram
(righteousness), porul (wealth), and inbam or kamam (pleasure).
• It consists of 133 chapters each containing ten couplets. Conveying noble thoughts
couched in concised language, each couplet is a gem by itself. The first part of Kural
(arattuppal) gives the essentials of Yoga philosophy. Besides, it deals with the happy
household life as well as guiding towards the path of renunciation. The thoughts of
Kural in its second part (porutpal) centre on polity and administration, including
citizenship and social relations, in an admirable way. The third part (inbattuppal or
kamattuppal), consisting of couplets in dramatic monologues, treats of the concept of
love.
Post-Sangam period: The Epics
• The five major epics-Silappadikaram, Manimekalai, Jivaka-cintamani, Valaiyapati,
and Kundalakesi-are the outstanding contributions of the post-Sangam period.
• In this session we will explore two of the ‘Five Great Jewels’ of Tamil literature: The
Lay of the Anklet (Cilappatikāram) and The Dancer with the Magic Bowl
(Maṇimēkalai). These epics were composed sometime between the 1st and 8th
centuries CE and present a view of the societies, religions, and cultures of ancient
South India. The central narratives of both epics follow the adventures of female
protagonists: Kaṇṇaki, a devoted wife turned goddess, and Maṇimēkalai, a dancer-
courtesan turned renunciant.
• These two epics are also connected through their female characters, as Maṇimēkalai is
the daughter of Kaṇṇaki’s husband Kōvalaṉ and his mistress Mātavi. In conjunction
with reading these fascinating tales, we will also explore their literary and historical
contexts and their significance within the Jain and Buddhist religious traditions.
• Silappadikaram - contains all the three aspects of Tamil literature, viz. iyal, isai, and
natakam, it has been designated as a muttamizhk-kappiyam. It is, therefore, invaluable
as a source-book of ancient Tamil dance and classical music-both vocal and
instrumental. The author of this work is the ascetic-poet Ilanko Adikal.
• Manimekalai, a direct sequel to Silappadikaram, is also a great source of information
on ancient Tamil society. Written by Cittalai Cattanar, this epic marks a new
development in Tamil literature by presenting philosophical and religious debates in
mellifluous style.
With this, I hope you had a brief understanding of Sangam Literature, i.e, Tamil Literature
which is the ancient literatures of South India.
Thank you
Tamil Literature
Tamil literature goes back to the Sangam Era, named after the assembly (sangam) of poets.
Sangam Period
• The period roughly between the 3rd century B.C. and 3rd century A.D. in South India
(the area lying to the south of river Krishna and Tungabhadra) is known as Sangam
Period.
• It has been named after the Sangam academies held during that period that flourished
under the royal patronage of the Pandya kings of Madurai.
• At the sangams, eminent scholars assembled and functioned as the board of censors
and the choicest literature was rendered in the nature of anthologies.
• These literary works were the earliest specimens of Dravidian literature.
• South India, during the Sangam Age, was ruled by three dynasties-the Cheras,
Cholas and Pandyas.
Three Sangams
According to the Tamil legends, there were three Sangams (Academy of Tamil poets) held in
the ancient South India popularly called Muchchangam.
• The First Sangam, is believed to be held at Madurai, attended by gods and legendary
sages. No literary work of this Sangam is available.
• The Second Sangam was held at Kapadapuram, only Tolkappiyam survives from this.
• The Third Sangam was also held at Madurai. A few of these Tamil literary works
have survived and are a useful source to reconstruct the history of the Sangam period.
Sangam Literature
The Sangam literature includes Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, Pattuppattu, Pathinenkilkanakku,
and two epics named – Silappathikaram and Manimegalai.
• Tolkappiyam: It was authored by Tolkappiyar and is considered the earliest of Tamil
literary work.
• Though it is a work on Tamil grammar, it also provides insights on the
political and socio-economic conditions of the time.
• It is a unique work on grammar and poetics, in its three parts of nine sections
each, deals with Ezhuttu(letter), Col (word) and Porul (subject matter).
• Almost all levels of the human language from the spoken to the most poetic lie
within the purview of Tolkappiyar’s analysis as he treats in exquisitely poetic
and epigrammatic statements on phonology, morphology, syntax, rhetoric,
prosody and poetics.
• Ettutogai (Eight Anthologies): It consists of eight works – Aingurunooru, Narrinai,
Aganaooru, Purananooru, Kuruntogai, Kalittogai, Paripadal and Padirruppatu.
• Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls): It consists of ten works – Thirumurugarruppadai,
Porunararruppadai, Sirupanarruppadai, Perumpanarruppadai, Mullaippattu,
Nedunalvadai, Maduraikkanji, Kurinjippatttu,Pattinappalai and Malaipadukadam.
• Pathinenkilkanakku: It contains eighteen works about ethics and morals.
• The most important among these works is Tirukkural authored
by Thiruvalluvar, the tamil great poet and philosopher.
• Tamil Epics: The two epics Silappathikaram is written by Elango
Adigal and Manimegalai by Sittalai Sattanar.
• They also provide valuable details about the Sangam society and polity.
Medieval Tamil literature
• The medieval period, spanning from the 11th and 13th centuries, was one of harmony
amongst Tamil people. Avvaiyar, a female poet whose name translates to ‘respectable
woman’, created poems during this era that continue to be taught in Tamil schools
today. Avvaiyar is one of the most crucial poets of Tamil history, as her poems appeal
to children. Her well-known poem, Aathichoodi, demonstrates to children how to live
a life full of moral genuineness with the use of the Tamil alphabet.
Vijayanagar and Nayak period
• The Vijayanagar and Nayak period, reigning from approximately 1300 to 1650 C.E.,
was a period in Tamil history where the Tamil country would be affected by an
invasion, and ultimately conquered. As a result, the rise of the Vijayanagar kingdom
and Nayak governance came about. Exemplary works in Tamil literature were still
produced in this era. For example, Thiruppugazh by Arunagirinathar.
Thiruppugazh
• Thiruppugazh, created in the 15th century, is a work of religious songs praising Lord
Murugan. The background behind Arunagirinathar’s reason for
writing Thiruppugazh is quite intriguing. According to Arunagirinathar, Lord
Murugan saved him when he was going to end his life at a temple. Ultimately, this
reformed his life. Consequently, Arunagirinathar decides to make devotional songs to
thank Lord Murugan for saving him.
• This period demonstrated the devotionality to religion prominently, especially with
the use of literature. As seen throughout this article, the Hindu religion is prominently
valued among Tamil people.
The modern era of Tamil literature
• The late 18th to 19th centuries brought the Modern era in Tamil literature. This gave
us the works of Subramanya Bharathi, who was a writer and an important member in
terms of social reform. Bharathi was very influential, both with his literature and
activism.
• Bharathi’s work is often cited as the inspiration for modern Tamil literature. His work
is said to involve both modernist and classical techniques. Additionally, his poems
show how outspoken he was about social issues, and often display rebellious remarks.
Bharathi covered a variety of topics in his works, from children’s songs to praising
those fighting for India’s independence.
Here is Bharathi’s commentary on the Indian caste system:
There is no caste system.
It is a sin to divide people on caste basis.
The ones who are really of a superior class are the ones
excelling in being just, wise, educated and loving.
The rise of Tamil novels
• The modern era of Tamil literature was accompanied by a rise in novels.
Ramanichandaran would contribute to this rising trend with the composition of
modern romance novels in the 20th century. She is currently the best-selling author in
Tamil literature, with 178 novels written.
• Ramanichandran’s focus on romance novels does not include the idea of caste
systems, which is a common controversy within South Asia because the caste system
is still used to this day.
• One of her famous books, Kanney Kanmaniey, illustrates Madura and her lover,
Sathyan. Madura’s brother loses money while betting on horses, causing her and her
brother to work at Sathyan’s hotel. Sathyan unknowingly believes that Madura
betrayed him and ends up marrying another woman, but his wife ends up dying.
Conflicted with revenge and undying love, Sathyan is confused about how to act
towards Madura. In sum, the story follows Sathyan’s journey of love and figuring out
his feelings towards Madura.
• As a result, these types of stories are very popular among Tamil women because it
allows them to live through these stories.
Cultural and linguistic significance in anthropology
• Tamil, being one of the oldest recorded languages in linguistic history, has a diverse
library of literature. With commentaries on ethics and struggles, to songs depicting the
beauty of nature before the rise of demolition of the environment, Tamil literature
gives us a deep insight into the values of South Asian culture.
• Some of these values are still appraised today. In retrospect, the Tamil people were
seemingly advanced in terms of thought and transcribing it into literature.
• The exploration of this language allows for a better understanding of the Tamil
culture and its customs.
• In addition, there is linguistic significance when looking at the history of Tamil
literature as well. Though most, if not all, literature from the 6th Century BCE does
not remain today, it is still evident that the Tamil people took time to record their
thoughts.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THIRUKURAL
INTRODUCTION:
• Tirukkural, (Tamil: “Sacred Couplets”) also spelled Tirukural or Thirukkural, also
called Kural, the most celebrated of the Patiren-kirkkanakku (“Eighteen Ethical
Works”) in Tamil literature and a work that has had an immense influence on Tamil
culture and life.
• It is usually attributed to the poet Tiruvalluvar, who lived in India in the sixth
century, though some scholars place it earlier (1st century BC)
• The Tirukkural (Tamil) also known as the Kural, is a traditional Tamil sangam
treatise on the art of living. There are 133 chapters in total, with 1330 couplets or
kurals.
• The Tirukkural has been compared to the great books of the world's major religions
for its practical concerns, poetic insights into daily life, and universal and timeless
approach.
ABOUT TIRUVALLUVAR:
Little is known about Tiruvalluvar, the work's author, except that he was born in
Mylaopore (Chennai, Tamilnadu) and belonged to the weaver community. He is also
known by many other names, including Nayanar, Theivappulavar, and Perunavalar. The
work is frequently referred to as Tamil Marai, a reference to its association with the
Vedas.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION:
 It is believed that Valluvar wrote the work in response to a request from his close
friend and student Elela Singan. When the work was finished, Valluvar took it to
Madurai, as was the custom of reading new compositions in public in front of
critics and scholars.
 The conceited scholars of Madurai insisted on measuring the greatness of the work
by placing it with other works on a plank kept afloat in the tank of the great temple
and seeing if the plank remained afloat. The significance of this is that the
greatness of a work is realised based on the divine qualities of the work rather than
the weight of its manuscript (written on Palm leaves).
 The Sangam Plank is said to have shrunk in size to hold only the Kural
manuscript, throwing out the rest, much to the surprise of the critics.
 Idaikkadar had praised Kural, saying that his greatness was such that Valluvar had
packed the essence of all knowledge from the vast world spanned by seven seas
inside a mustard seed. Anu had substituted the term kadugu (mustard) for
Auvaiyar (meaning an atom).
 It is interesting to note that the concept of Atom had already been established in
the Tamil country two thousand years ago.
THREE DIVISIONS IN THIRUKURALS:
• BOOK I – Aram (அறம் ):Book of Virtue(Dharma), dealing with moral

values of an individual and essentials of yoga philosophy(Chapters 1-38)
• BOOK II- Porul (ப ொருள் ):Book of Polity(Artha), dealing with socio-
economic values polity, society and administration(Chapters 39-108).
BOOK III- INBAM (இன் ம் ): Book of Love (Kama), dealing with
psychological values and love (Chapters 109-133).
STRUCTURE OF THIRUKURAL:
Tirukkural is a collection of 1330 couplets, each of which follows the structure
of "Kural Venba," a grammatical construction consisting of two lines of four
and three words. The piece is divided into 133 Adhikarams, each with ten
couplets.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THIRUKURAL:
 Thirukkural equally emphasizes the vital principles of vegetarianism,
castelessness, and brotherhood. The Thirukkural's lessons are so powerful
that they can be regarded as a source of inspiration for people of all ages.
 The sage Valluvar, who was unanimously elevated to the rank of
Thiruvalluvar, observed both the goodness and the weaknesses of
governance at various levels and encouraged men and women to lead moral
lives based on strong values such as righteousness, justice, truth, love,
honesty, courage, and compassion through various couplets. He described
the lives and characteristics of ordinary citizens, wives, husbands, and kings,
among others.
 Thirukkural has become a research topic in many universities and learning
institutions around the world. It has been translated into over 40 languages,
and its universality has been universally acknowledged and praised.
Tamil Literature
Tamil literature goes back to the Sangam Era, named after the assembly (sangam) of poets.
Sangam Period
• The period roughly between the 3rd century B.C. and 3rd century A.D. in South India
(the area lying to the south of river Krishna and Tungabhadra) is known as Sangam
Period.
• It has been named after the Sangam academies held during that period that flourished
under the royal patronage of the Pandya kings of Madurai.
• At the sangams, eminent scholars assembled and functioned as the board of censors
and the choicest literature was rendered in the nature of anthologies.
• These literary works were the earliest specimens of Dravidian literature.
• South India, during the Sangam Age, was ruled by three dynasties-the Cheras,
Cholas and Pandyas.
Three Sangams
According to the Tamil legends, there were three Sangams (Academy of Tamil poets) held in
the ancient South India popularly called Muchchangam.
• The First Sangam, is believed to be held at Madurai, attended by gods and legendary
sages. No literary work of this Sangam is available.
• The Second Sangam was held at Kapadapuram, only Tolkappiyam survives from this.
• The Third Sangam was also held at Madurai. A few of these Tamil literary works
have survived and are a useful source to reconstruct the history of the Sangam period.
Sangam Literature
The Sangam literature includes Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, Pattuppattu, Pathinenkilkanakku,
and two epics named – Silappathikaram and Manimegalai.
• Tolkappiyam: It was authored by Tolkappiyar and is considered the earliest of Tamil
literary work.
• Though it is a work on Tamil grammar, it also provides insights on the
political and socio-economic conditions of the time.
• It is a unique work on grammar and poetics, in its three parts of nine sections
each, deals with Ezhuttu(letter), Col (word) and Porul (subject matter).
• Almost all levels of the human language from the spoken to the most poetic lie
within the purview of Tolkappiyar’s analysis as he treats in exquisitely poetic
and epigrammatic statements on phonology, morphology, syntax, rhetoric,
prosody and poetics.
• Ettutogai (Eight Anthologies): It consists of eight works – Aingurunooru, Narrinai,
Aganaooru, Purananooru, Kuruntogai, Kalittogai, Paripadal and Padirruppatu.
• Pattuppattu (Ten Idylls): It consists of ten works – Thirumurugarruppadai,
Porunararruppadai, Sirupanarruppadai, Perumpanarruppadai, Mullaippattu,
Nedunalvadai, Maduraikkanji, Kurinjippatttu,Pattinappalai and Malaipadukadam.
• Pathinenkilkanakku: It contains eighteen works about ethics and morals.
• The most important among these works is Tirukkural authored
by Thiruvalluvar, the tamil great poet and philosopher.
• Tamil Epics: The two epics Silappathikaram is written by Elango
Adigal and Manimegalai by Sittalai Sattanar.
• They also provide valuable details about the Sangam society and polity.
Medieval Tamil literature
• The medieval period, spanning from the 11th and 13th centuries, was one of harmony
amongst Tamil people. Avvaiyar, a female poet whose name translates to ‘respectable
woman’, created poems during this era that continue to be taught in Tamil schools
today. Avvaiyar is one of the most crucial poets of Tamil history, as her poems appeal
to children. Her well-known poem, Aathichoodi, demonstrates to children how to live
a life full of moral genuineness with the use of the Tamil alphabet.
Vijayanagar and Nayak period
• The Vijayanagar and Nayak period, reigning from approximately 1300 to 1650 C.E.,
was a period in Tamil history where the Tamil country would be affected by an
invasion, and ultimately conquered. As a result, the rise of the Vijayanagar kingdom
and Nayak governance came about. Exemplary works in Tamil literature were still
produced in this era. For example, Thiruppugazh by Arunagirinathar.
Thiruppugazh
• Thiruppugazh, created in the 15th century, is a work of religious songs praising Lord
Murugan. The background behind Arunagirinathar’s reason for
writing Thiruppugazh is quite intriguing. According to Arunagirinathar, Lord
Murugan saved him when he was going to end his life at a temple. Ultimately, this
reformed his life. Consequently, Arunagirinathar decides to make devotional songs to
thank Lord Murugan for saving him.
• This period demonstrated the devotionality to religion prominently, especially with
the use of literature. As seen throughout this article, the Hindu religion is prominently
valued among Tamil people.
The modern era of Tamil literature
• The late 18th to 19th centuries brought the Modern era in Tamil literature. This gave
us the works of Subramanya Bharathi, who was a writer and an important member in
terms of social reform. Bharathi was very influential, both with his literature and
activism.
• Bharathi’s work is often cited as the inspiration for modern Tamil literature. His work
is said to involve both modernist and classical techniques. Additionally, his poems
show how outspoken he was about social issues, and often display rebellious remarks.
Bharathi covered a variety of topics in his works, from children’s songs to praising
those fighting for India’s independence.
Here is Bharathi’s commentary on the Indian caste system:
There is no caste system.
It is a sin to divide people on caste basis.
The ones who are really of a superior class are the ones
excelling in being just, wise, educated and loving.
The rise of Tamil novels
• The modern era of Tamil literature was accompanied by a rise in novels.
Ramanichandaran would contribute to this rising trend with the composition of
modern romance novels in the 20th century. She is currently the best-selling author in
Tamil literature, with 178 novels written.
• Ramanichandran’s focus on romance novels does not include the idea of caste
systems, which is a common controversy within South Asia because the caste system
is still used to this day.
• One of her famous books, Kanney Kanmaniey, illustrates Madura and her lover,
Sathyan. Madura’s brother loses money while betting on horses, causing her and her
brother to work at Sathyan’s hotel. Sathyan unknowingly believes that Madura
betrayed him and ends up marrying another woman, but his wife ends up dying.
Conflicted with revenge and undying love, Sathyan is confused about how to act
towards Madura. In sum, the story follows Sathyan’s journey of love and figuring out
his feelings towards Madura.
• As a result, these types of stories are very popular among Tamil women because it
allows them to live through these stories.
Cultural and linguistic significance in anthropology
• Tamil, being one of the oldest recorded languages in linguistic history, has a diverse
library of literature. With commentaries on ethics and struggles, to songs depicting the
beauty of nature before the rise of demolition of the environment, Tamil literature
gives us a deep insight into the values of South Asian culture.
• Some of these values are still appraised today. In retrospect, the Tamil people were
seemingly advanced in terms of thought and transcribing it into literature.
• The exploration of this language allows for a better understanding of the Tamil
culture and its customs.
• In addition, there is linguistic significance when looking at the history of Tamil
literature as well. Though most, if not all, literature from the 6th Century BCE does
not remain today, it is still evident that the Tamil people took time to record their
thoughts.
Indian Languages and its Significance in International Context
Indian Literature: Vedas from India
Four Vedas-Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva are from most ancient text available from
India, which have reached throughout the world through mostly English, but through
other languages like German translations as well
Ancient Texts-Philosophical and Creative

Vedas, particularly Rig-Veda is known for its creative and aesthetic poetry as well.
Upanishads and texts of Shaddarshanas-Six Schools of Indian philosophy, including
non believer Samkhya philosophy, Buddhist, Jainism, Atheist Lokayata are more of
theoretical texts. These are all known to the world through translations. Apart from
these philosophical texts, there is a rich heritage of Sanskrit creative literature as well.
Creative Sanskrit Literature

Sanskrit has been language of philosophical and creative literature-both. Apart from
Mahabharta, Ramayana and texts like Panchtantra and Hitopadesh, Sanskrit literature
is known world over for its poetry and drama with Kalidas as most known name.
Shakespeare and Kalidas!aa

It is common refrain among literary critics in India to refer Kalidas as ‘Shakespeare of
India’, though Kalidas lived nearly one thousand years before Shakespeare, that is
why some critics will put it in reverse order as well-’Shakespeare as Kalidas of
England’! Whatever way, but it reflects the concept of ‘World Literature’ and also
Comparative study of literature, which would never have been possible without
translations of the texts.
Shakuntala Translation
Translation of Abhigyan Shakuntalam in English was first done by William Jones in
1789 and after that by Sir Monier Williams in prose form in 1853, later more than 46
translations in twelve European languages appeared and now complete dramas and
poetry collections of Kalidas are available in many English translations. English and
other languages translations of many other Sanskrit classic writers are also available
like that of Bhavbhuti , Kiratarjun etc.
Contribution of Indian Creative Writing to World Literature

Apart from classical Sanskrit literature, medieval period Indian literature is also
known to the world, particularly Indian Bhakti movement poets like Kabir, Guru
Nanak, Akka Mahadevi and many more through their translations. In modern period,
big number of translations were done from Indian languages literatures. India has 22
national languages in 8th schedule of Indian constitution and 24 recognised by
Sahitya Akademi-Academy of Letters for purpose of awarding annual best book
prizes.
Translations of Mirza Ghalib(Mirza Beg Asadullah Khan also known as Mirza Ghalib
was an Urdu and Persian poet of the 19th century Mughal and British era in the Indian
Subcontinent)
Many scholars, even from non literary background have been fascinated by Ghalib’s
philosophical Urdu ghazals. Aijaz Ahmad and many other scholars and translators
have rendered Ghalib’s poetry and prose in English. Mirza Ghalib lived during 1857’s
first war of Independence of India and went through lot of hard times as well, but his
poetry is claimed to be as national heritage by both India and Pakistan, though there
was no Pakistan during Ghalib’s times
Role of Translation in First Noble Prize of Literature to India
Rabindranath Tagore, most eminent Indian writer of Bengali language got Noble prize
for literature in 1913, till now only Indian to receive this award for literature.
Interesting part of this narrative is that Tagore himself translated 103 of his Bengali
poems in English and took them to England.
Geetanjali...
Tagore recited his translations in many gatherings and W.B Yeats, the great English
poet was so impressed that he wrote forward to these poems and the small collection
was published in English.
Tagore received the award for his Bengali poetry, but facilitated by his own English
translation of the poems.
Tagore’s example of his own translation and Noble prize on it, underlines the
significance of Translation as tool of literary communication in the world. Now
almost all the Bengali writings of Tagore are available in English and many Indian
languages translation, some in other world languages translations as well.
Premchand and his novel ‘Godan’

Premchand, a Hindi and Urdu writer published his classic novel-Godan in Hindi and
Urdu both, few months before his death. The novel based on the real life of Indian
peasantry became Indian classic and has been twice translated into English.
Godan (Novel wriiten by Premchand)

Jai Rattan and P. Lal did first English translation of Godan in 1957, which became
quite popular. Later Gordon C Roadarmel did English translation of Godan in 1968,
which is considered better than earlier one.
The novel was selected by UNESCO to be translated into many world languages and
so it has been.Apart from Godan, many other fiction writings of Premchand are now
available in English and other languages. Ghalib,Tagore and Premchand represents
India as the best faces of Indian literature on world literary scene.
Importance of Translation in Indian literary Scenario

As mentioned earlier, India itself is storehouse of huge literature written in various
Indian languages, which reaches other Indian languages through translation among
Indian languages. There are two major source languages of inter Indian literary
translation-Hindi and English. Text of any Indian language is first translated into
either Hindi or English and then through that medium it is translated into many more
Indian languages.
Inter Indian Translations
Generally literature of North, West and East Indian languages like-Punjabi, Urdu,
Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Assamese etc. is first translated into Hindi and then from
that medium to many other Indian languages.
Translations from South Indian languages are generally done first in English and then
from that medium, these are translated into other Indian languages. Southern
languages are part of Dravidian group and other three regions languages are from
Indo-Aryan group of languages
Inter Indian Languages Translations

These translations are done sometimes without the help of a medium language like
Hindi or English too, like Tamil to Bengali or Marathi to Assamese etc.
Sahitya Akademi by instituting National Translation Prize among inter Indian
languages translations has encouraged this process as well. This author has also
received National Translation Prize from Sahitya Akademi-Indian Academy of
Letters for Inter-Indian language translation.
Revolutionary poet Pash and his poetry

Pash created a niche for himself as trendsetter poet in the seventies as a radical poet.
As he was against both Khalistani terrorism and state terrorism, he was assassinated
by Khalistani terrorists on 23rd March, his Punjabi poetry in Hindi, which was
published in different volumes, one of which mentioned above-Samay O’Bhai
Samay’(Time O’ Brother Time) ,published in 1993, was awarded National
Translation Prize by Sahitya Akademi in 2002.
Hindi translation of Pash clicked so much that poet became more popular in Hindi
than his own mother tongue Punjabi. Many more translations were done from Hindi
translation of the poet in Marathi, Guajarati, Urdu, Bengali, Malayalam, Telugu etc.
Indian languages and thus designating him as major Indian poet rather than being just
a Punjabi poet. His poetry was compared to Pablo Neruda (got noble prize in
Literature, 1971) by some critics, so bringing him to the scenario of world literature as
English translation of his poetry were also done.
4. Religion and Philosophy in Ancient India
Hello learners,
In this session, let us discuss on the Religion and Philosophy in Ancient India
• In classical India, philosophy was understood as contributing to human well-being by

freeing people from misconceptions about themselves and the world. Ultimate well-
being was conceived as some sort of fulfilment outside the conditions of space and
time. Philosophies, as well as religious traditions, understood themselves as paths to
that final goal
Let’s start with Vedic philosophy
• Religion of the Rig Vedic people was very simple in the sense that it consisted mainly
of worship of numerous deities representing the various phenomena of nature through
prayers.
• It was during the later Vedic period that definite ideas and about the true nature of
soul or Atman and the cosmic principal philosophies or Brahman who represented the
ultimate reality were developed.
• These Vedic philosophical concepts later on gave rise to six different schools of
philosophies called shada darshana. They fall in the category of the orthodox system
as the final authority of the Vedas is recognised by all of them. Let us now find out
more about these six schools of Indian philosophy.
• Samkhya System:
• Yoga
• Nyaya
• Vaisheshika
• Mimamsa
• Vedanta:
• Charvaka school
Let’s learn on each school briefly
Samkhya System:
• The Samkhya philosophy holds that reality is constituted of two principles one female
and the other male i.e. Prakriti, Purusha respectively.
• Prakriti and Purusha are completely independent and absolute. According to this
system, Purusha is mere consciousness; hence it cannot be modified or changed.
Prakriti on the other hand is constituted of three attributes, thought, movement and the
change or transformation of these attributes brings about the change in all objects.
• The Samkhya philosophy tries to establish some relationship between Purusha and
Prakriti for explaining the creation of the universe. The propounder of this philosophy
was Kapila, who wrote the Samkhya sutra.
• In fact Samkhya school explained the phenomena of the doctrine of evolution and
answered all the questions aroused by the thinkers of those days.
Yoga:
• Yoga literally means the union of the two principal entities. The origin of yoga is
found in the Yogasutra of Patanjali believed to have been written in the second
century BC. By purifying and controlling changes in the mental mechanism, yoga
systematically brings about the release of purusha from prakriti.
• Yogic techniques control the body, mind and sense organs. Thus, this philosophy is
also considered a means of achieving freedom or mukti.
• This freedom could be attained by practising self-control (yama), observation of rules
(niyama), fixed postures (asana), breath control (pranayama), choosing an object
(pratyahara) and fixing the mind (dharna), concentrating on the chosen object
(dhyana) and complete dissolution of self, merging the mind and the object
(Samadhi). Yoga admits the existence of God as a teacher and guide.
Nyaya
• Nyaya is considered as a technique of logical thinking. According to Nyaya, valid
knowledge is defined as the real knowledge, that is, one knows about the object as it
exists.
• For example, it is when one knows a snake as a snake or a cup as a cup. Nyaya system
of philosophy considers God who creates, sustains and destroys the universe.
Gautama is said to be the author of the Nyaya Sutras.
Vaisheshika
• Vaisheshika system is considered as the realistic and objective philosophy of
universe. The reality according to this philosophy has many bases or categories which
are substance, attribute, action, genus, distinct quality and inherence.
• Vaisheshika thinkers believe that all objects of the universe are composed of five
elements–earth, water, air, fire and ether. They believe that God is the guiding
principle.
• The living beings were rewarded or punished according to the law of karma, based on
actions of merit and demerit. Creation and destruction of universe was a cyclic
process and took place in agreement with the wishes of God.
Mimamsa
• Mimamsa philosophy is basically the analysis of interpretation, application and the
use of the text of the Samhita and Brahmana portions of the Veda.
• According to Mimamsa philosophy Vedas are eternal and possess all knowledge, and
religion means the fulfilment of duties prescribed by the Vedas. This philosophy
encompasses the Nyaya-Vaisheshika systems and emphasizes the concept of valid
knowledge.
• Its main text is known as the Sutras of Gaimini which have been written during the
third century BC. The essence of the system according to Jaimini is Dharma which is
the dispenser of fruits of one’s actions, the law of righteousness itself. This system
lays stress on the ritualistic part of Vedas.
Vedanta
• Vedanta implies the philosophy of the Upanishad, the concluding portion of the
Vedas.
• Shankaracharya wrote the commentaries on the Upanishads, Brahmasutras and the
Bhagavad Gita. Shankaracharya’s discourse or his philosophical views came to be
known as Advaita Vedanta.
• Advaita literally means non-dualism or belief in one reality. Shankaracharya
expounded that ultimate reality is one, it being the Brahman. According to Vedanta
philosophy, ‘Brahman is true, the world is false and self and Brahman are not
different, Shankaracharya believes that the Brahman is existent, unchanging, the
highest truth and the ultimate knowledge.
• He also believes that there is no distinction between Brahman and the self. The
knowledge of Brahman is the essence of all things and the ultimate existence.
Ramanuja was another well known Advaita scholar. Among different schools of
philosophy was found one philosophy which reached the climax of philosophic
thought that the human mind can possibly reach, and that is known as the Vedantic
philosophy.
Charvaka school
• Brihaspati is supposed to be the founder of the Charvaka School of philosophy. It
finds mention in the Vedas and Brihadaranyka Upanishad.
• Thus, it is supposed to be the earliest in the growth of the philosophical knowledge. It
holds that knowledge is the product of the combination of four elements which leaves
no trace after death. Charvaka philosophy deals with the materialistic philosophy.
• It is also known as the Lokayata Philosophy – the philosophy of the masses.
According to Charvaka there is no other world. Hence, death is the end of humans and
pleasure the ultimate object in life. Charvaka recognises no existence other than this
material world.
• Since God, soul, and heaven, cannot be perceived, they are not recognised by
Charvakas. Out of the five elements earth, water, fire, air and ether, the Charvakas do
not recognise ether as it is not known through perception. The whole universe
according to them is thus consisted of four elements.
Jain philosophy
• Like the Charvakas, the Jains too do not believe in the Vedas, but they admit the
existence of a soul. They also agree with the orthodox tradition that suffering (pain)
can be stopped by controlling the mind and by seeking right knowledge and
perception and by observing the right conduct. The Jaina philosophy was first
propounded by the tirthankar Rishabha Deva
• There were twenty-four tirthankaras who actually established the Jaina darshan. The
first tirthankar realised that the source of Jaina philosophy was Adinath.
• The twenty fourth and the last tirthankar was named Vardhaman Mahavira who gave
great impetus to Jainism. Mahavira was born in 599 BC. He left worldly life at the age
of thirty and led a very hard life to gain true knowledge.
• After he attained Truth, he was called Mahavira. He strongly believed in the
importance of celibacy or brahamcharya.
Jain Theory of Reality:
• Seven Kinds of Fundamental Elements: The Jainas believe that the natural and
supernatural things of the universe can be traced back to seven fundamental elements.
• They are jiva, ajivaa, astikaya, bandha, samvara, nirjana, and moksa. Substances like
body which exist and envelope (like a cover) are astïkaya. Anastikayas like ‘time’
have no body at all. The substance is the basis of attributes (qualities). The attributes
that we find in a substance are known as dharmas.
• The Jainas believe that things or substance have attributes. These attributes also
change with the change of kala (time). From their point of view, the attributes of a
substance are essential, and eternal or unchangeable. Without essential attributes, a
thing cannot exist. So they are always present in everything. For example,
consciousness (chetana) is the essence of the soul; desire, happiness and sorrow are its
changeable attributes.
Philosophy of the Buddha

• Gautama Buddha, who founded the Buddhist philosophy, was born in 563 BC at
Lumbini, a village near Kapilavastu in the foothills of Nepal. His childhood name was
Siddhartha. His mother, Mayadevi, died when he was hardly a few days old. He was
married to Yashodhara, a beautiful princess, at the age of sixteen. After a year of the
marriage, he had a son, whom they named Rahul. But at the age of twenty-nine,
Gautama Buddha renounced family life to find a solution to the world’s continuous
sorrow of death, sickness, poverty, etc.
• He went to the forests and meditated there for six years. Thereafter, he went to Bodh
Gaya (in Bihar) and meditated under a pipal tree.
• It was at this place that he attained enlightenment and came to be known as the
Buddha. Buddha presented simple principles of life and practical ethics that people
could follow easily.
• He considered the world as full of misery. Man’s duty is to seek liberation from this
painful world.
• He strongly criticised blind faith in the traditional scriptures like the Vedas. Buddha’s
teachings are very practical and suggest how to attain peace of mind and ultimate
liberation from this material world.
• Realization of Four Noble Truths
• There is suffering in human life.
• There is cause of suffering,
• There is cessation of suffering
• Path of Liberation
Eight-fold Path to Liberation (Nirvana)
• Right Vision
• Right Resolve
• Right Speech.
• Right Conduct.
• Right Means of Livelihood
• Right Effort.
• Right Mindfulness
• Right Concentration
Introduction of Vedanta Philosophy and Upanishad
Vedanta (derived from veda, knowledge; anta, end), literally means end or completion of
knowledge. Veda is also the term that designates the ancient scriptures (Shastras) of India, the
earliest of which date to circa 1,500 – 1,200 BCE. Vedanta, then also means “end of the
Veda”, and in this technically to the final sections of the four-fold Vedas, the so-called
Upanishads (600-300 BCE).
Vedanta Philosophy
“Vedanta” most commonly refers to one of the six schools of Orthodox Indian Darshanas
(viewpoints or ways of seeing) that emerged between the 7th and 8th century CE.
This wad the period of an important revival of “Hinduism” in India in response to the
increasing pluralism of traditions rooted in the Vedas and others – Buddhism and Jainism –
that were not.
“Hinduism” here is an umbrella term for a great diversity of religious traditions that share an
allegiance to the Vedas as authoritive scripture.
At the popular level, the revival of Hinduism took the form of various movements of intense
religious devotion (bhakti), for example, the Vishnu-Krishna worship of the Alvars of South
India.
At the scholarly level, the revival of Hinduism took the form of Vedanta: the attempt to unify
and systematize the teachings of the insights of the Vedic scriptural heritage of India.
Gaudapada, 7th or 8th century, is regarded as the earliest formulator of Vedanta, but Sankara,
8th century, is considered the first great expounder of Vedanta. Gaudipada allegedly taught
Govinda, Sankara’s guru.
Multiple Schools of Vedanta emerged between the 8th and 6th century under the guidance of
highly influential gurus.
Advaita Vedanta
Sankara 8th – 9th century.
Sri Sampradaya
Ramanuja 12th Century
Brahma Sampradaya
Madhva 13th Century
Hamsa Sampraday
Nimbarka 13th Century
Rudha Sampraday
Vallabha 15th and 16th Century
Caitanya Sampraday
Caitanya 16th Century
Each school of Vedanta aimed to systematically explain the nature of ultimate reality and the
goal of human life in accordance with the teachings of the Upanishads.
All schools of Vedanta maintain that the goal of human life is to realize Brahman (the
ultimate reality), to be united with the transcendental ground of the universe.
Schools of Vedanta differ with respect to how they conceive of Brahman, what realization of
and union with Brahman involves, and how this is achieved.
Exploring the Updanishad
Upanishad
Upa –(Near), Ni- (Down), Sad (to sit): Sitting near the teacher
The Upanishads
Composed between 600-300 BCE by various rishis (seers)
Added as the final sections of the division of Veda texts. (Vedanta=end of the Veda)
Upanishads are classified as sruti (“that which is heard”) and are authoritative texts.
Philosophical commentary on the early portions of the Vedas but grounded in the direct
experiences of the rishis.
Vedanta Philosophy and Upanished
Hello learners, in this session, let us discuss on the six primary concepts of Upanished
I. Brahman
Beyond Maya, there is an unchanging reality called Brahman (lit. “to expand”)
The Upanishads emphasize the impermanence of the empirical world, physical reality as we
experience it through our sense. MAYA
Four Claims About Brahman
Brahman is the fundamental principle of the universe. ( Kena Upanishad IV and V)
Brahman is the reality in all, and all things are in Brahman. (Svetasvatara Upanishad, IV.2-4)
Brahman is the state of non-duality. (Brhadaranyaka Upanishad, IV.v.14-15)
Brahman is Ineffable. (Kena Upanishad, 1.5-9)
BRAHMAN AS THE IMPERSONAL ABSOLUTE
These central claims of the Upanishads about Brahman suggest that Brahman is not a personal
being, not a being with attributes that characterize “persons” (e.g., self-awareness, perspectival
experience, deliberative rationality, and being the subject of intentional states).
On this view, Brahman is formless or attributeless (nirguna) and not a personal God.
If Brahman is without from, then “gods” represent different provisional manifestations of

brahman in maya. The trimurti (three forms) represent Brahman manifested in the processes of
creation, preservation, and dissolution and recreation of the cosmos.
BRAHMAN AS CREATOR?
The Upanishads speak of Brahman as creator. However even where brahman is conceived of in
personal terms, “Creation” refers to a necessary emanation of the universe from the being of
Brahman, like the flowing of a web from a spider.
The Upanishads affirm eternal, cyclical processes of the origination of order, its evolution,
eventual dissolution.
“Bliss (Ananda) is Brahman, for from bliss all beings are born; by bliss, when born, they live; and
into bliss they enter at their death” (Taittiriyaka Upanishad, III.6)
II. ATMAN
The True Self (Atman)
The Upanishads teach the existence of a true Self called Atmen.
Atman is distinguished from the individual personality or ego formed through attachments to
sense objects.
The true self of each person is not identical with the body or person’s mind as conditioned by
sense experience.
“That Self (Atman) is not this, it is not that (neti,neti). It is unseizable, for it cannot be seized;
indestructible, for it cannot be destroyed; unattached, for it does not attach itself; is unbound,
does not tremble, is not injured” Brhadaranyaka Upanishad, iv.v.15
III AVIDYA
The human perspective is characterized by ignorance (avidya) of the true nature of reality and
the self.
Human persona identify themselves with their body or with their individual states of
consciousness formed through contact with and attachment to sense objects. This is the false
ego or false self.
IV SAMSARA AND KARMA
The Upanishads teach that all life forms move through repeated cycles of birth, death, and
rebirth, until final liberation from this cycle.
The cycle o the death and rebirth is called Samsara
Its fuel or energy is called Karma
The termination of the cycle is called Moksha
Rebirth is fueled and directed by Karma (Sanskrit root kri, meaning “action”)
Broadly stated, karma is a law od cause and effect according to which actions in one lifetime
influence action in a subsequent life.
Attachment to material forms of existence (modes of false ego) is the basic karmic energy that
fuels samsara. The form of one’s karma is shaped by the specific nature of one’s attachments.
Rebirth is not restricted to rebirth as a human being, but it extends to the animal world and
other realms of existence. The form of one’s karma (good or bad) determines the realm of
existence into which one is reborn.
Rebirth is not desirable. It implies that a person is still trapped in ignorance about the nature of
reality through various attachments to sense objects.
VI MOKSHA
Moksha is the state of release from samsara.
Attachments=>False Ego=>Karma=>Samsara
What is required is a dismantling or dissolution of the false ego. Therefore, we must let go of our
attachments to sense objects or materials forms of existence.
DESTRUCTION OF THE FALSE EGO
Spiritual discipline dismantles the false ego:
Spiritual Practice Consists in Observing Moral Laws (aimed at renunciation of material

attachments) and Meditation.
Meditation
Having heard and reflected on the word of Brahman in the scriptures, one must practice
concentration on the truth of Brahman and the self, repeating mantras such as OM ( which
signifies the cosmic power of Brahman) or Aham Brahmasmi (I am Brahman)
THE UTIMATE STATE (MOKSHA)
Spiritual practice leads to moksha (Liberation)
Moksha is freedom from samsara and thus freedom from suffering.
Moksha is absolute consciousness; “Brahman realization” and “Self-realization” since the true
nature of reality (Brahman) and the true self (Atman) is perceived.
Realization of Brahman and the self
Sat-chit-ananda
Being (sat)
Consciousness (chit)
Bliss (Ananda)
Satchitananda is also the name of Brahman.
So, moksha is union with Brahman.
Review: Six Primary Concepts in the Upanishads
1. Brahman
2. Atman
3. Avidya
4. Samsara
5. Moksha
6. Karma
4.1 Religion and Philosophy in Mediaval Period
Hello learners,
In this session, let us discuss on the Religion and Philosophy in Mediaval Period
• Do you know the medieval period in India saw the rise and growth of the Sufi
movement and the Bhakti movement. The two movements brought a new form of
religious expression amongst Muslims and Hindus. The Sufis were mystics who
called for liberalism in Islam.
• They emphasised on an egalitarian society based on universal love. The Bhakti saints
transformed Hinduism by introducing devotion or bhakti as the means to attain God.
For them caste had no meaning and all human beings were equal.
• The Sufi and Bhakti saints played an important role in bringing the Muslims and
Hindus together. By using the local language of the people, they made religion
accessible and meaningful to the common people
The Sufi movement

• Islam was founded by Prophet Muhammad. Islam saw the rise of many religious and
spiritual movements within it. These movements were centered mainly around the
interpretation of the Quran. There were two major sects that arose within Islam – the
Sunnis and Shias. Our country has both the sects, but in many other countries like
Iran, Iraq, Pakistan etc. you will find followers of only one of them. Among the
Sunnis, there are four principal schools of Islamic Law, these are based upon the
Quran and Hadis.
• The greatest challenge to orthodox Sunnism came from the rationalist philosophy or
Mutazilas, who professed strict monotheism. According to them, God is just and has
nothing to do with man’s evil actions. Men are endowed with free will and are
responsible for their own actions.
• Sufism in India: The advent of Sufism in India is said to be in the eleventh and twelfth
centuries.
• In the beginning, the main centers of the Sufis were Multan and Punjab. By the
thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, the Sufis had spread to Kashmir, Bihar, Bengal
and the Deccan.
• It may be mentioned that Sufism had already taken on a definite form before coming
to India. Its fundamental and moral principles, teachings and orders, system of fasting,
prayers and practice of living in khanqahs had already been fixed.
• The Sufis came to India via Afghanistan on their own free will. Their emphasis upon
a pure life, devotional love and service to humanity made them popular and earned
them a place of honour in Indian society.
The importance of the Sufi movement
• The Sufi movement made a valuable contribution to Indian society. Like the Bhakti
saints who were engaged in breaking down the barriers within Hinduism, the Sufis too
infused a new liberal outlook within Islam. The interaction between early Bhakti and
Sufi ideas laid the foundation for more liberal movements of the fifteenth century.
You will read that Sant Kabir and Guru Nanak had preached a non-sectarian religion
based on universal love. A notable contribution of the Sufis was their service to the
poorer and downtrodden sections of society.
• While the Sultan and ulema often remained aloof from the day-to-day problems of
the people, the Sufi saints maintained close contact with the common people. The Sufi
movement encouraged equality and brotherhood.
The Bhakti movement

• The development of Bhakti movement took place in Tamil Nadu between the seventh
and
• twelfth centuries. It was reflected in the emotional poems of the Nayanars (devotees
of Shiva) and Alvars (devotees of Vishnu). These saints looked upon religion not as a
cold formal worship but as a loving bond based upon love between the worshipped
and worshipper.
• They wrote in local languages, Tamil and Telugu and were therefore able to reach out
to many people. In course of time, the ideas of the South moved up to the North but it
was a very slow process. Sanskrit, which was still the vehicle of thought, was given a
new form. Thus, we find that the Bhagavata Purana of ninth century was not written
in the old Puranic form
• A more effective method for spreading of the Bhakti ideology was the use of local
languages. The Bhakti saints composed their verses in local languages. They also
translated Sanskrit works to make them understandable to a wider audience.
• Thus, we find Jnanadeva writing in Marathi, Kabir, Surdas and Tulsidas in Hindi,
Shankaradeva popularising Assamese, Chaitanya and Chandidas spreading their
message in Bengali, Mirabai in Hindi and Rajasthani.
• In addition, devotional poetry was composed in Kashmiri, Telugu, Kannad, Odia,
Malayalam, Maithili and Gujarati.
• The Bhakti saints believed that salvation can be achieved by all. They made no
distinction of caste, creed or religion before God.
• They themselves came from diverse backgrounds. Ramananda, whose disciples
included Hindus and Muslims, came from a conservative brahman family. His
disciple, Kabir, was a weaver. Guru Nanak was a village accountant’s son. Namdev
was a tailor
• The saints stressed equality, disregarded the caste system and attacked
institutionalised religion. The saints did not confine themselves to purely religious
ideas.
• They advocated social reforms too. They opposed sati and female infanticide. Women
were encouraged to join kirtans. Mirabai and Lalla (of Kashmir) composed verses that
are popular even today.
• Amongst the non-sectarian Bhakti saints, the most outstanding contribution was made
by Kabir and Guru Nanak. Their ideas were drawn from both Hindu and Islamic
traditions and were aimed at bridging the gulf between the Hindus and the Muslims.
Let us read in some detail about them.
• Kabir (1440-1518) is said to have been the son of a brahman widow, who abandoned
him. He was brought up in the house of a Muslim weaver. Kabir believed that the way
to God was through personally experienced bhakti or devotion.
• He believed that the Creator is One. His God was called by many names - Rama,
Hari, Govinda, Allah, Rahim, Khuda, etc. No wonder then that the Muslims claim
him as Sufi, the Hindus call him Rama-Bhakta and the Sikhs incorporate his songs in
the Adi Granth.
Altogether, when we see in medieval period
• The Bhakti movement was a socio-religious movement that opposed religious bigotry
and social rigidities. It emphasised good character and pure thinking.
• . At a time when society had become stagnant, the Bhakti saints infused new life and
strength. They awakened a new sense of confidence and attempted to redefine social
and religious values.
• Saints like Kabir and Nanak stressed upon the reordering of society along egalitarian
lines. Their call to social equality attracted many a downtrodden. Although Kabir and
Nanak had no intention of founding new religions but following their deaths, their
supporters grouped together as Kabir panthis and Sikhs respectively
• The importance of the Bhakti and Sufi saints lies in the new atmosphere created by
them, which continued to affect the social, religious and political life of India even in
later centuries. Akbar’s liberal ideas were a product of this atmosphere in which he
was born and brought up. The preaching of Guru Nanak was passed down from
• This resulted in the growth of a separate religious group, with its separate language
and script Gurmukhi and religious book, Guru Granth Sahib. Under Maharaja Ranjit
Singh, the Sikhs grew into a formidable political force in the politics of North India.
• The major religious movements ca be traced in medieval period of India and They
contributed to the religious ideas and beliefs.
RELIGIOUS REFORMS MOVEMENT IN MODERN INDIA
In the first part of the nineteenth century, Indian society was caste-ridden,
decadent, and rigid.
Certain practises were followed that were not in line with humanitarian
attitudes or beliefs, but were still followed in the name of religion.
Some enlightened Indians, such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chand
Vidyasagar, Dayanand Saraswati, and others, began to reform society in
order to prepare it to face the challenges of the West.
Reformist movements such as the Brahmo Samaj, Prarthana Samaj, and
the Aligarh Movement fall into one of two groups.
Arya Samaj and the Deoband movement are examples of revivalist
movements. Both the reformist and revivalist movements relied, to
differing degrees, on an appeal to the religion's lost purity in order to
reform it.
BRAHMO SAMAJ MOVEMENT:
Brahmo Sabha, which was later renamed Brahmo Samaj, was founded in
1828 by Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
Its primary goal was to worship the eternal God. Priesthood, ceremonies,
and sacrifices were all condemned.
It centred on prayers, meditation, and scripture reading. It thought that all
religions should be together.
It was modern India's first intellectual reform movement. It resulted in the
growth of rationalism and enlightenment in India, which aided the
nationalist movement indirectly.
It was the progenitor of all modern India's social, religious, and political
movements. In 1866, the Brahmo Samaj of India, led by Keshub Chandra
Sen, and the Adi Brahmo Samaj, led by Debendranath Tagore, split up.
Debendranath Tagore, Keshub Chandra Sen, Pt. Sivnath Shastri, and
Rabindranath Tagore were prominent leaders.
PRARTHANA SAMAJ:
Dr. Atma Ram Pandurang founded the Prarthana Samaj in Bombay in

1876 with the goal of rational worship and social reform.
R.C. Bhandarkar and Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade were two of the
Samaj's most prominent members.
They devoted themselves to social reform efforts such as inter-caste
dining, inter-caste marriage, widow remarriage, and the betterment of
women's and lower-class lives.
Prarthana Samaj's four-point social programme was: The caste system is
disliked, Education for women , remarriage of a widow, to raise the
marriage age for both men and women.
Mahavdev Govind Ranade founded the Widow Remarriage Association
(1861) and the Deccan Education Society He also founded the Poona
Sarvajanik Sabha.
Religious change, according to Ranade, was inextricably linked to social
reform.
He also believed that inflexible religious notions would lead to failure in
the social, economic, and political realms.
Despite being heavily influenced by Brahmo Samaj's principles,
Prarthana Samaj did not insist on a strict prohibition of idol worship and a
complete rupture from the caste system.
SATYASHODHAK SAMAJ:
Jyotiba Phule led a successful campaign against upper-caste dominance

and brahminical supremacy.
In 1873, he established the SatyashodhakSamaj (Truth Seekers' Society).
The movement's key goals were:
Service to the community
Women and others from lower castes are becoming more educated.
Sarvajanik Satyadharma and Ghulamgin, two of Phule's works, became
sources of inspiration for the common people.
In contrast to the brahmins' sign of Rama, Phule adopted the Rajah Bali
symbol.
The caste system and socioeconomic inequities were to be abolished
completely, according to Phule.
This movement provided depressed communities a feeling of class
identification in opposition to the Brahmins, who were considered as
exploiters.
ARYA SAMAJ MOVEMENT:
As a reaction to Western influences, the Arya Samaj Movement was

revivalist in appearance but not in content.
Dayananda Saraswati created the first Arya Samaj organisation in
Bombay in 1875, and the Samaj's headquarters were eventually
established in Lahore.
The Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (D.A.V.) schools, which began in Lahore in
1886 and attempted to emphasise the importance of Western education,
supplied the nucleus for this movement.
The Arya Samaj was able to instil self-esteem and confidence in Hindus,
helping to debunk the notion of white superiority and Western civilization.
The Arya Samaj initiated the shuddhi (purification) drive to bring
Christians and Muslims back into the Hindu fold.
During the 1920s, this resulted in a growing communalisation of social
life, which subsequently snowballed into communal political
consciousness.
Lala Hansraj, Pandit Gurudutt, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Swami
Shraddhanand, among others, continued the Swami's work after his death.
The thoughts of Swami Dayananda were written in his well-known work,
Satyarth.
YOUNG BENGAL MOVEMENT:
The Hindu College of Calcutta's ideas were at the forefront of the

emerging Bengal movement. Derozians was another moniker for these
intellectuals. This name was given to them in honour of Henry Louis
Vivian Derozio, a professor at the same college.
Through his teaching and the organisation of an association for debate
and discussion on literature, philosophy, history, and science, Derozio
pushed radical ideals.
They believed in the ideals of the French Revolution (1789 A.D.) as well
as British liberal ideas.
Women's rights and education were equally important to the Derozians.
The fundamental reason for their limited success was the social climate at
the time, which was not conducive to radical ideas being adopted.
RAMAKRISHNA MOVEMENT:
Ramakrishna Paramhansa was a mystic who sought religious redemption

via renunciation, meditation, and devotion in the conventional ways.
He was a saint who recognised the underlying unity of all religions and
highlighted that there are numerous paths to God and salvation, and that
man's service is God's service.
The Ramakrishna Movement was founded on the teachings of
Ramakrishna Paramhansa.
In 1987, Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission, which
was named after his Guru, Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa. In India, the
institute accomplished a lot of educational and social activity.
In 1893, he also represented India at the first Parliament of Religion,
which was held in Chicago, Illinois.
He used the Ramakrishna Mission to help people in need and to do social
work.
Religious and social transformation are the goals of the mission.
Vivekananda preached the philosophy of service, which he defined as
"serving all beings."
Shiva is worshipped through the service of jiva (living objects). Life is
religion in and of itself. The Divine resides inside man via service.
Vivekananda advocated for the use of technology and modern science to
benefit humanity.
THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY AND ANNIE BESANT
In the history of modern India's religion, society, and culture,

theosophical society has played a significant role. It was formed in 1875
in the United States by Madame H.P. Blavatsky, a Russian spiritualist,
and Col. H.S. Olcott, an American.
Its goal was to promote old faiths, philosophies, and science studies, as
well as the development of man's divine powers and the formation of a
universal brotherhood of man.
The Theosophical Society's headquarters in Adyar became a knowledge
centre with a collection of rare Sanskrit texts.
The society battled untouchability and campaigned for women's
empowerment. Annie Besant spent her entire life working for the
betterment of Indian society.
"The Indian effort is first and foremost the restoration, strengthening, and
uplifting of the traditional religions," she said of her goal.
Religion as a means of informal social control in India
Social control: Social control is a concept found in social science disciplines. Social
control is defined as a set of rules and standards in society that keep people bound to
traditional standards and the use of formalised mechanisms. The disciplinary model
foreshadowed the control model.
Formal means of social control:
Formal means of social control are those used by the government and other
organisations to enact social control through law enforcement mechanisms and
sanctions such as fines and imprisonment.
The goals and mechanisms of formal social control in democratic societies are
determined by elected representatives through legislation.
This provides the control mechanisms with a measure of public support and
voluntary compliance. The mechanisms used by the state to impose formal social
control range from the death penalty to curfew laws.
Sanctions are penalties or other forms of enforcement used to provide incentives for
compliance with the law, or rules and regulations.
Criminal sanctions may include severe punishment, such as corporal or capital
punishment, imprisonment, or heavy fines. In the context of civil law, sanctions are
typically monetary fines.
Max Weber's work on the use of violence by the state adds to our understanding of
formal control. In his essay "Politics as Vocation," Weber discusses the definitional
relationship between the state and violence in the early twentieth century. Weber
comes to the conclusion that the state has a monopoly on violence.
Informal means of social control:
Peer and community pressure, bystander intervention in a crime, and collective

responses such as citizen patrol groups are examples of informal social control, or the
reactions of individuals and groups that bring about conformity to norms and laws.
When informal social control is weaker, criminal justice system agents exercise more
control (Black, 1976).
People who know each other informally control each other subconsciously in subtle
ways.
Functions of religion:
Emile Durkheim's work emphasised the benefits of religion for society regardless of
how it is practised or which particular religious beliefs a society prefers.
The ideas of Durkheim still have an impact on contemporary sociological thinking
about the role of religion.
First, religion gives life direction and significance. Many things in life are challenging
to comprehend.
That was undoubtedly the case in ancient times, as we have seen, but even in today's
highly scientific age, many aspects of life and death remain a mystery. Many people
use their religious faith and beliefs to make sense of the things that science is unable
to explain.
Second, religion promotes social stability and cohesion. One of Durkheim's most
significant insights was this.
Social stability is strengthened by religion in at least two ways. First, it provides
people with a shared set of beliefs, making it a crucial socialisation tool.
Second, the communal practise of religion, such as that found in places of worship,
strengthens social ties by physically bringing people together and facilitating
communication and other forms of social interaction.
Related to the previous purpose, religion also serves a third purpose. Religion acts as
a social control mechanism, bolstering social order.
People who practise religion learn moral principles and how to behave in society. The
Ten Commandments are arguably the most well-known set of moral guidelines in the
Judeo-Christian tradition.
One area of informal social control, religion, is still controversial in terms of how it
affects deviance.
A fourth benefit of religion is improved mental and physical health. Religious belief
and practise can improve psychological health by providing consolation in difficult
times and by fostering social interaction with others in places of worship.
Numerous studies show that being religious makes people happier and more satisfied
with their lives overall, not just the elderly.
Additionally, it appears that religion fosters physical health, and some studies even
indicate that those who practise religion have a tendency to live longer than those who
do not (Moberg, 2008).
Religion as a means of informal social control
Depending on the metaphysical claims and moral code of a particular tradition,

religion's power as a social control mechanism may differ. For instance,
reincarnation-affirming Eastern religions hold that the merits one accrues through
good deeds in this life can determine one's existence in the next.
This idea held that leading a good life and helping the unfortunate could secure one a
noble birth in the afterlife, while leading a wicked and depraved life would result in
reincarnation as a miserable cockroach or pig.
People may adhere to normative standards as a result of such beliefs, even in the
absence of official social control mechanisms or outside observation.
Because of this, many people in Indian, Nepalese, and Sri Lankan societies where
these beliefs are prevalent may honour their parents, help the underprivileged, take
care of their children, and respect other people's property even in the absence of any
legal coercion.
According to Karl Marx, the use of religion by the oligarchy to uphold its power and
perpetuate inequality is a tactic. They defend capitalism's guiding principles and put
an end to the proletariat revolution.
Marxists contend that significant scientific advancements are driven by the desire to
make enormous profits, which only serves to strengthen capitalism.
Hinduism in India
Hello learners welcome to the session on Major religion in India
Hinduism in India
Hinduism is the religion of the Hindus, a name given to the Universal Religion which
hailed supreme in India.
It is the oldest of all living religions. This is not founded by any prophet.
Buddhism, Christianity and Mohammedanism owe their origin to the prophets. Their
dates are fixed.
But no such date can be fixed for Hinduism. Hinduism is not born of the teachings of
particular prophets.
It is not based on a set of dogmas preached by a particular set of teachers.
It is free from religious fanaticism.
Hinduism is also known by the names Sanatana-Dharma and Vaidika-Dharma.

Sanatana-Dharma means eternal religion. Hinduism is as old as the world itself.
Hinduism is the mother of all religions. Hindu scriptures are the oldest in the world,
Sanatana-Dharma is so called, not only because it is eternal, but also because it is
protected by God and because it can make us eternal.
Vaidika-Dharma means the religion of the Vedas. The Vedas are the foundational
scriptures of Hinduism.
The ancient Rishis and sages of India have expressed their intuitive spiritual
experiences (Aparoksha-Anubhuti) in the Upanishads. These experiences are direct
and infallible.
Hinduism regards the spiritual experiences of the Rishis of yore as its authority.
The priceless truths that have been discovered by the Hindu Rishis and sages through
millennia constitute the glory of Hinduism. Therefore, Hinduism is a revealed
religion.
Hinduism allows absolute freedom to the rational mind of man. Hinduism never
demands any undue restraint upon the freedom of human reason, the freedom of
thought, feeling and will of man.
It allows the widest freedom in matters of faith and worship.
Hinduism is a religion of freedom. It allows absolute freedom to the human reason
and heart with regard to questions such as nature of God, soul, creation, form of
worship and the goal of life.
Hinduism does not condemn those who deny God as the creator and ruler of the
world, who do not accept the existence of an eternal soul and the state of Moksha or
state of liberation.
Hinduism does not render the upholders of such views unfit to be recognised as pious
and honourable members of the Hindu religious society.
The religious hospitality of Hinduism is proverbial. Hinduism is extremely catholic

and liberal.
This is the fundamental feature of Hinduism. Hinduism pays respects to all religions.
It does not revile any other religion. It accepts and honours truth—wherever it may
come from and whatever garb it may put on.
That part of the great Aryan race which migrated from Central Asia, through the
mountain passes into India, settled first in the districts near the river Sindhu, now
called the Indus, on the other side of the river.
The Persians pronounced the word Sindhu as Hindu, and named their Aryan brethren
Hindus.
Hindu is only a corrupt form of Sindhu.
The Hindu Aryans spread themselves over the plains of the Ganga.
Hindu culture and Hindu civilisation were at their zenith in the days of yore.
Greeks and Romans imitated the Hindus and absorbed Hindu thoughts.
Even now Hindu culture and Hindu civilisation stand foremost in the world.
No religion has produced so many great saints, sages, Yogins, Rishis, Maharshis,
prophets, Acharyas, benefactors, heroes, poets, statesmen and kings.
Each and every province of the country has produced intellectual giants, poets and
saints.
Even now India abounds in Rishis, philosophers, saints and high intellectuals.
Even now she abounds in sages and great souls.
No religion is so very elastic and tolerant like Hinduism.
Hinduism is very stern and rigid regarding the fundamentals.
It is very elastic in readjusting to the externals and non-essentials.
That is the reason why it has succeeded in living through millennia
The glory of Hinduism is ineffable. It has within it all the features of a universal
religion.
Its Dharmas are universal. Its doctrines are sublime. Its philosophy is grand. Its ethics
is soul-elevating.
Its scriptures are wonderful. Its Sadhanas or Yoga-Vedantic practices are unique.
Glorious has been the past of this religion; still more glorious is its future.
It has a message to give to a world rent asunder by hatred, dissension and war—the
message of cosmic love, truth and non-violence, the gospel of unity of Self or
Upanishadic oneness.
More than nine-in-ten of the world’s Hindus live in India.

There are more than 1.1 billion Hindus in the world and roughly 94% of them live in
India, according to Pew Research Center projections for 2020. Eight-in-ten Indians
(79.8%) identify as Hindu, according to the country’s 2011 census.
Far fewer Indians are of other religions, including Islam (14.2%), Christianity (2.3%)
and Sikhism (1.7%).
The vast majority of India’s Hindus believe in God (98%), including eight-in-ten who
say they believe in God with absolute certainty.
Even though Hinduism is sometimes referred to as a polytheistic religion, very few
Hindus (7%) take the position that there are multiple gods.
The prevailing view, held by 61% of Hindus, is that there is one God “with many
manifestations.” About three-in-ten Indian Hindus (29%) say simply: “There is only
one God.”
Many Indian Hindus regularly perform puja – a worship practice that often involves
prayer and giving offerings to deities.
Most Hindus in India perform puja at home daily (55%). Fewer Hindus perform puja
at temples daily (20%).
Hindu women are much more likely than men to perform puja in their home daily
(64% vs. 47%), but there is no gender gap when it comes to performing puja at
temples.
Christianity in India
Introduction
In India, after Muslims, Christians make up the second-largest religious minority.
In India, there are 21 million Christians, or 2% of the country's overall population.
Roman Catholics make up the largest single Christian community in India with 16.5 million
people.
The number of Protestants worldwide is about 4.5. (Europa 1740). Kerala, one of the oldest
Christian communities in the world, has the highest concentration of Christians.
A Brief History
The history of the beginning of Christianity in India has generated debate among historians
because there is a paucity of documentary evidence.
The church was founded in India by the apostle Thomas in 52 A.D., according to legend and
tradition. He converted many people to Christianity by travelling along established trade
routes, including members of the royal family (Mundadan 25).
Many more foreign missionaries followed his lead and converted a large number of people to
Christianity.
Evangelizing to those from the lower castes and outcasts, Jesuit Saint Francis Xavier
expanded the Christian community westward in the 16th century.
The early Christians were drawn to Christianity's ideals of humility and renunciation of
material possessions. Christianity was viewed as "the poor man's religion" (Kooliman 102)
Protestant missionaries started working in India in the eighteenth century, which resulted in
the expansion of Christian communities (Bogard; Mayhew 47). "These new Christians were
almost entirely drawn from the most underprivileged and deplorable sectors of society"
(Kooliman 5).
Christianity and trade
The East India Trading Company's trade with India sparked a lifelong fascination with the
country. The trading corporation expanded its scope beyond simple commercial concerns and
rose to power in India.
During the period of 1770–1818, "almost a third of India was to come under the control of
the Company through wars and annexations" (Pathak 3).
It's interesting to note that numerous St. Thomas Christians were pepper harvesters. Growing
peppers was practically their only monopoly (Mundadan 155). The majority of the pepper
that was sent to Portugal was grown by church members.
IMPACT OF CHRISTIANITY IN INDIA

EDUCATION
The majority of Christian missionary work in India entailed opening top-notch educational
institutions. Of course, the influence of the Christian community does not stop there.
Printing presses came along with the schools, which helped in the spread of all sorts of
literature. In actuality, English and modern vernacular education were pioneered by early
overseas missionaries.
In his History of Indian Education, R. L. Rawat makes the argument that India will always be
grateful to the missionaries for the creation of textbooks, dictionaries, and grammars as well
as for their fervent efforts to expand education.
Observing the masses of individuals from all socioeconomic groups and religious affiliations
who use whatever power they can muster to get their kids into Christian schools is
undoubtedly one way to gauge the influence of Christianity in India.
Lower kindergarten is where the rush starts, and it continues through university institutions.
This happens even when parents—whether Hindu, Muslim, or Sikh—have to consent to
having their kids study the Bible as a required subject in school.
Language and Literature
In India, Christians have significantly influenced the fields of languages, literature, and
journalism. Tamil alphabetic characters were changed by Constanzio Beschi (1680–1747) to
make them more appropriate for printing.
In addition, he created a four-volume Tamil dictionary with sections for words, synonyms,
classes, and rhymes.
Notable translations of classic Tamil literature into English include those by G. U. Pope
(1820–1908) and Bishop Robert Caldwell (1815–1891), respectively.
Other Christian authors who created some of the earliest Tamil novels are Vedanayagam
Pillai (1824-1889) and H. A. Krishna Pillai (1827-1900).
In his book The Discovery of India, Jawaharlal Nehru recognises the role that the early
missionaries, particularly the Baptists of Serampore, had in the country's transition away
from the sway of Persian and Sanskrit.
According to Nehru, the publishing of books and newspapers by the missionaries and the
spread of English-language schooling undoubtedly reduced the influence of the classics and
facilitated the emergence and development of regional languages.
Nehru says that although missionaries dealing with the major languages had little trouble,
"they struggled with the dialects of the prehistoric hill tribes and forest tribes. Many Indian
languages were created as a result of Christian missionaries' ambition to translate the Bible
into as many languages as they could.
Although Christian mission work in India has not always been admirable or praiseworthy, it
has clearly been of immense benefit to India in this regard as well as in the preservation of
folklore " (Nehru, pp. 317–318).
Field of Medicine
Finally, an order banning sati in East India Company properties was signed by Lord William
Bentinck in 1829.
Another area where Christians have significantly impacted India's welfare and general well-
being is the realm of medicine.
Late in the sixteenth century, Jesuits built infirmaries next to their residences.
In 1799, John Thomas, a collaborator of William Carey, started his work.
Almost every missionary group established medical facilities of various types in India during
the nineteenth century. Two have received recognition on a global scale.
The Christian Medical College Hospital in Vellore developed from Dr. Ida Scudder's
roadside clinics, which she initially started in 1895.
The first, the Christian Medical College Hospital in Ludhiana, was established by Dr. Edith
Brown in 1893.
Despite the influx of missionaries throughout the colonial era, there are still few Christians in
India, especially when compared to the country's 846,302,688 overall population (Europa
1726).
The establishment of the Church of South India and Church of North India in 1947 and 1970,
respectively, reduced ties among Protestant churches.
However, there are still representations of minor fundamentalist sects all over India, resulting
in a kaleidoscope mixture of ethnic groups, languages, cultures, viewpoints, theologies, and
customs.
Christians and churches interact with surrounding society in a wide range of ways, from
being a powerful minority in the state of Kerala to having a big impact on other southern and
northeastern states (Europa 1740).
Islam in India
INTRODUCTION:
• Islam is a prominent international religion that was established by the Prophet
Muhammad in Arabia in the 7th century CE.
• The Arabic phrase islam, meaning "submission," illustrates the core religious concept of
Islam—that the believer (called a Muslim from the active form of islam) accepts
surrender to Allah's God will.
• Allah is regarded as the one God—the world's creator, sustainer, and restorer.
• The sacred texts, the Qurn (commonly written Koran in English), which Allah revealed to
his prophet, Muhammad, convey Allah's will, to which humans must submit.
• In Islam, Muhammad is regarded as the final in a line of prophets (along with Adam,
Noah, Abraham, Moses, Solomon, and Jesus), and his message both consummates and
completes the "revelations" credited to prior prophets.
• The religion taught by Muhammad to a small group of followers grew fast over the
Middle East to Africa, Europe, the Indian subcontinent, the Malay Peninsula, and China,
while maintaining its emphasis on absolute monotheism and rigorous obedience to some
basic religious traditions.
• By the early twenty-first century, there were about 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide.
• Despite the fact that several religious movements have emerged within Islam, all Muslims
are united by a shared religion and a sense of belonging to a single community.
HISTORY OF ISLAM:
• Islam is considered to have originated in 610 CE, when Muhammad, a profoundly
spiritual and righteous man who spent months praying and contemplating himself in a
solitary cave near the town of Mecca, is said to have received heavenly
communications.
• According to legend, one morning Muhammad heard the voice of the angel Gabriel,
through whom Allah communicated words of wisdom. The words were originally
spoken by Muhammad, then by his students, and ultimately written down as the Holy
Qur'an.
• Thus, Muslims see the Qur'an as direct revelations from Allah rather than the creation
of Muhammad.
• Islam, which literally means "resignation," was based on the Prophet Muhammad's
teachings as a statement of surrender to Allah's will.
• The sacred scripture of Islam, the Qur'an, includes the Prophet's teachings that Allah
revealed to Muhammad.
• Traditional Muslims believe that Allah is the one real God, without a partner or equal,
and that the inspiration for this belief system comes directly from God and the
Prophet Muhammad, the vehicle selected by God to communicate these teachings to
the entire people.
• Muhammad is said to have returned from the cave enlightened. On his return, the first
person he preached to was his wife Khadija, who became the first disciple of this new
religion.
• This inspired Muhammad to begin preaching the revelations to the general people
through his speeches.
• Many people were moved by Qur'anic passages and converted to Islam of their own
free will. However, because the rising popularity of Islam threatened the lives of
Muhammad and his students, the whole community relocated from Mecca to Medina
around 622 CE.
• This journey became known as Hijra and became a significant event in the history of
Islam.
• The day of this migration marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. With the
acceptance of Islam by the inhabitants of Medina, the expansion of this new religion
gained speed.
• Muhammad later captured and converted Mecca with well-organized finances and a
large army. He did not stop there, but dispatched ambassadors to many areas of
Arabia.
• Today, Islam is the world's second most populous religion, with over 23% of the
world's population identifying as Muslim.
• The main message of the Qur'an is faith in Allah, the one and only real God. Islam's
believers are typically classified into two groups: Sunni and Shia. Despite adhering to
the same faith, each group interprets some Islamic events and teachings differently.
• Many medieval Muslim thinkers pursued humanistic, rational and scientific
discourses in their search for knowledge, meaning and values.
• A wide range of Islamic writings on history and philosophical theology show that
medieval Islamic thought was open to the humanistic ideas of individualism,
secularism, skepticism and liberalism.
ISLAM UNIVERSAL VALUES:

• Islam supports some universal ideals that must influence our current ethical frameworks
and legal perceptions.
• The term "universal" refers to overarching and general ideas and concepts that the Qur'an
and Prophet's traditions uphold for all human beings, not only Muslims, regardless of
colour, ethnicity, gender, or religion.
• The four principles become more than just a set of regulations; they become a religious,
moral, legal, individual, and communal responsibility.
DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN BEING:
• This ideal applies to all people, regardless of their views, religion, colour, or ethnicity.
• Certain faculties, most notably reason and free choice, display this dignity. Dignifying
humanity necessitates the respect and preservation of the individual's well-being and
freedom of choice.
PLURALISM AND TOLERATION OF DIVERSITY:
• Another fundamental Islamic principle is the equality of all persons, regardless of
colour, race, or ethnicity.
• Recognition of variety enables for mutual acceptance, toleration, and appreciation of
difference, which goes beyond simply tolerance or resignation."
•
JUSTICE AND EXCELLENCE:
Like human dignity, it (justice) is a universal, irreducible value that applies to everyone.
Justice implies diversity of sides, differing views, and thus requires impartiality.
INDIVIDUAL AND PUBLIC LIBERTIES:
 Individual rights include the security of life and property, the protection of honour and
dignity, the sanctity and security of private life against state violation, the security of
personal freedoms, the protection of religious sentiments, and the equality of all
Muslims and non-Muslims before the law.
 The right to protest against tyranny, freedom of expression, freedom of association,
freedom of conscience and conviction, protection against arbitrary detention, and the
right to participate in public life are all examples of political rights. The right to the
needs of life (food, housing, clothes, and education) is included in socio economic
rights.
Hello Learners, In this session, we are going to discuss on the Indian music and its
divisions.
Indian Music and its divisions
• Art is an expression of all characteristics of the human mind aesthetically”. These
characteristics, i.e., the varied human emotions, are known as ‘RAS’. In Hindi,
‘ras’literally means a sugary juice. It signifies the ultimate satisfaction of ‘aanand’.
Human emotions can be categorized into nine sub-headings or ‘navras’.
• The three art forms - music, dance and drama - have been an integral aspects of Indian
culture
• Art reflects human emotions and human beings spontaneously express their frame of
mind through various art forms.
• Singing, dancing, acting are attributes of performing arts. Music from time
immemorial has been the most popular art form of India. They are Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa,
Dha, Ne the earliest tradition of Indian music may be traced to Sama Veda which
contained the slokas that were put to music. Chanting of Vedic hymns with prescribed
pitch and accent still form a part of religious rituals. The earliest text dealing
exclusively with performing arts is Bharata’s Natyashashtra (compiled between
second century BC and second century AD) which has six chapters on music.
• Many rulers such as Samudragupta, King Bhoja of Dhara and King Someshavra of
Kalyana patronised music. The Gupta monarch Samudra Gupta was himself an
accompolished musician.
• Music was also associated with the worship of Gods and Goddess in the temples. In
the twelfth century, Jayadeva of Orissa produced the most brilliant raga kavya, the
Gita Govinda, each song of whichwas set in a raga and was composed on the theme of
love of Radha and Krishna.
Divisions of Indian Classical Music
• During the medieval period Indian classical music was broadly based on two
traditions, the Hindustani classical music prevalent in North India and the Carnatic
music of South India.
Hindustani Classical Music
• Hindustani classical music may be traced back to the period of the Delhi Sultanate
and to Amir Khusrau (AD 1253-1325) who encouraged the practice of musical
performance with particular instruments. He is believed to have invented the sitar and
the tabla and is said to have introduced new ragas. Most of the Hindustani musicians
trace their descent to Tansen. Different styles of Hindustani music are Dhrupad,
Dhamar, Thumri, Khayal and Tappa. It is said that Tansen’s music had the effect of
magic. He could stop the rising waves of the Yamuna and by the force of his ‘Megh
Rag’ he could cause the rain to fall.
• Amongst the stringed instruments the most famous are sitar, sarod, santoor and
sarangi. Pakhawaj, tabla and Mridangam are precussion or tal giving instruments.
Likewise, flute, shehnai and nadaswaram are some of the chief wind instruments.
• The musicians of Hindustani classical music are usually associated to a gharana or a
particular style of music. Gharanas refer to hereditary linkages of musicians which
represent the core of the style and distinguish them from the other. The gharanas
function in gurushishya parampara, that is, disciples learning under a particular guru,
transmitting his musical knowledge and style, will belong to the same gharana. Some
famous gharanas are Gwalior gharana, Kirana gharana, and Jaipur gharana.
Carnatic music
• The compositions in Carnatic music may be attributed collectively to three composers
who lived between AD 1700 and 1850. They were Shyam Shastri, Thyagaraja and
Mutthuswami Dikshitar. Purandardasa was another great composer of Carnatic music.
Thyagaraja is revered both as a saint and an artist and epitomises the essence of
Carnatic music. The main compositions are known as kriti and are devotional in
nature. The three great musicians experimented with new forms.
• Flute, veena, nadaswaram, mridangam, ghatam is some of the instruments to
accompany Carnatic music.
• Despite contrasting features between Hindustani and Carnatic music, one can find
some similarities
• for example, the Carnatic alapana is similar to alap in Hindustani classical. Tilana in
Carnatic resembles Tarana of Hindustani. Both lay stress on tala or talam.
Modern Indian Music
• With the British rule came Western music. Indians adopted some of their instruments
such as violin and clarinet to suit the demands of Indian music. Orchestration of
music on stage is a new development. Use of cassettes replaced oral transmission of
tunes and ragas. Music education no longer depends on the master-disciple system but
can be imparted through institutions teaching music.
Folk Music
• Besides classical music India has a rich legacy of folk or popular music. This music
represents the emotion of the masses. The simple songs are composed to mark every
event in life. They may be festivals, advent of a new season, marriage or birth of a
child. Rajasthani folk songs such as Mand and Bhatiali of Bengal are popular all over
India. Ragini is a popular form of folk songs of Haryana. Folk songs have their
special meanings or messages. They often describe historical events and important
rituals. Kashmir’s Gulraj is usually a folklore and Pandyani of Madhya Pradesh is a
narrative put to music.
Hello Learners, in this session, we will discuss on the Indian Dance and Drama
Dances of India
• Like music, Indian dance has also developed a rich classical tradition. It has a great
power of expression and emotions while telling a story. In India, the art of dancing
may be traced back to the Harappan culture. The discovery of the bronze statue of a
dancing girl testifies to the fact that some women in Harappa performed dances.
• In traditional Indian culture the function of dance was to give symbolic expression to
religious ideas. The figure of Lord Shiva as Nataraja represents the creation and
destruction of the cosmic cycle. The popular image of Shiva in the form of Nataraja
clearly shows thepopularity of dance form on the Indian people.
• There is not a single temple atleast in the southern part of the country which does not
show the sculptures of the dancers in their different forms. In fact, classical dance
forms like Kathakali, Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, Kuchi pudi and Odishi are an
important part of our cultural heritage.
• Gradually dances came to be divided as folk and classical. The classical form of
dance was performed in temples as well as in royal courts. The dance in temples had a
religious objective whereas in courts it was used purely for entertainment. In both
cases for the artists devoted to this art form, it was no less than praying to God.
• In southern India Bharatanatyam and Mohiniattam developed as an important aspect
of the rituals in temples. Yakshagana, a form of Kathakali in Kerala, tells us stories of
Ramayana and Mahabharata whereas Kathak and Manipuri are mostly related to the
stories of Krishna and his leela (exploits). Performance of Odissi is related to the
worship of Lord Jagannath.
• Manipuri dance was also performed for religious purposes. Folk dances evolved from
the lives of common people and were performed in unison. In Assam people celebrate
most of the harvesting season through Bihu. Similarly, Garba of Gujarat, Bhangra and
Gidda of Punjab, bamboo dance of Mizoram, Koli, the fisherman’s dance of
Maharashtra, Dhumal of Kashmir, and Chhau of Bengal are unique examples of
performing arts that gave expression to the joys and sorrows of the masses.
• In the last few decades, the status of dance as well as its performers has changed.
Young people have started learning dance to enrich their personal qualities. In some
of the schools, colleges and universities separate departments have been established
for imparting training in dance. Several renowned classical dancers have been
awarded national awards like the Padmashree and the Padmabhusan.
• Throughout the different periods of history starting from the dancing figure found in
the Indus valley civilization to the present, Indian people have expressed their joys
and sorrows by singing and dancing through various art forms. This art form has been
used to express their love, hatred, their aspirations and their struggle for survival
which ultimately led to the enrichment of our culture.
Drama: Indian Theatre
• Indigenous tradition as well as modern research trace the origin of Indian drama to the
Vedas. In the Ramayana we hear of drama troupes of women while Kautilyas
Arthshastra mentions musicians, dancers and dramatic shows. Drama is a performing
art, which has also been practised since times immemorial. Drama could spring from
a child’s play. The child enacts, mimics, and caricates which was definitely the
beginning of drama.
• While referring to drama, Bharata has mentioned nat (male artists), and nati (female
artist), music, dance, musical instruments, dialogues, themes and stage. Thus, we find
that drama achieved a great level of perfection during the age of Bharata. For Bharata,
drama is a perfect means of communication. He also started the concept of an
enclosed area for drama. There is mention of a community called’ shailoosh’ which
had professional drama companies. The practice of singing heroic tales became
popular. As a result, professional singers called kushilavas came into existence.
• During the age of the Buddha and Mahavira, drama was a means of communicating
the principles of their respective religions. Short skits and long plays were enacted to
preach and educate the masses. Music and dance also played a vital role in increasing
the appeal of drama. In the ancient period till the tenth century, the language of the
educated, was Sanskrit. So, dramas were performed mostly in this language.
• In the context of drama, two types developed- the classic drama, which had intricacies
of theme and subtle nuances of dramatic traits and folk theatre. It was of spontaneous
and extempore nature. Local dialect was used in folk theatre and hence in different
provinces many types of folk theatres developed. Acting with accompaniment of
music and dance was the popular practice. Many names were given to the forms of
folk theatre in different provinces like:
• Bengal - Jatra, Kirtania Natak, Bihar-Bideshia, Rajasthan - Raas, Jhumar, Dhola
Maru, Uttar Pradesh - Raas, Nautanki, Svaang, Bhaand, Gujarat – Bhawaii,
Maharashtra - Larite, Tamasha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka - Kathakali,
Yakshagana
• Modern Indian theatre emerged during British rule. It began as an outlet to vent
frustration against the rulers. Soon enough it became the medium through which
various socioeconomic issues like secularism, nationalism and casteism were
highlighted.
• The association of people with these art forms definitely makes them better human
beings as the very nature of music, dance and drama elevates human soul and creates
a pleasant atmosphere. The knowledge and practice of these art forms help in the
development of one’s personality. The people involved in these art forms can attain
balance and peace of mind, self-restraint and love for all. Their performance makes
them self-confident and capable of adapting to all circumstances. Negative feelings
vanish as the soul of music, dance and drama teaches us all about loving and caring.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN INDIA
Hello learners welcome to the session SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN INDIA
Indians, like people in other parts of the world, have a rich tradition of scientific ideas.
The urge to know the unknown, along with experimentation and observation, has
always produced a scientific temper.
This has led to the idea that truth may be found in the real world, with all of its
diversity and complexities.
Indians, like people in other parts of the world, have a rich tradition of scientific ideas.
The urge to know the unknown, along with experimentation and observation, has
always produced a scientific temper.
This has led to the idea that truth may be found in the real world, with all of its
diversity and complexities.
On the following slides, you will learn about India's ongoing quest for knowledge and
truth, which has resulted in discoveries and inventions, as well as their application in
daily life.
DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN ANCIENT INDIA
Ganita is the broad word for mathematics, which covers arithmetic, geometry, algebra,
astronomy, and astrology. Arithmetic has various names, including Anka Ganita
(calculations on board), Pattin Ganita (calculations with numerals).
Geometry is referred to as Rekha Ganita (line works), and Algebra, Bija Ganita (seed
analysis), Astronomy, and Astrology are all referred to as Jyotisa.
India has a rich scientific and technological background. Science advancements may
be able to alleviate our reliance on nature. Religion and science collaborated closely
in ancient India.
Let us investigate the advancements in several disciplines of knowledge throughout
the ancient times.
ASTRONOMY:
Astronomy has made remarkable strides. Planetary motion became emphasised and
extensively monitored.
The Jyotishvedanga texts established systematic categories in astronomy, while
Aryabhatta dealt with the more fundamental issue (499 AD).
In ancient India, astrology and horoscopes were studied. Aryabhatta's theories marked
a significant change from astrology, which emphasised beliefs above scientific studies.
MATHEMATICS:
Harappa's urban planning demonstrates that the residents were well-versed in
measurement and geometry.
By the third century AD, mathematics had evolved into a distinct field of study. The
Sulvasutras are thought to be the source of Indian mathematics.
In the second century BC, Zero was found in India.
Brahmagupta's Brahmasputa Siddhanta was the first text to mention 'zero' as a number;
thus, Brahmagupta is known as the one who discovered zero.
He explained how to use zero with other numbers. Aryabhatta discovered algebra as
well as the area of a triangle, which led to the development of trignometry.
MEDICINE:
Takshila and Taranasi evolved as medical and educational hubs.
Charaksamhita by Charak and Sushrutsamhita by Sushruta are two prominent texts in
this topic.
The fact that their work spread as far as China and Central Asia through translations
in several languages demonstrates the significance of their efforts.
The plants and herbs that are used for medical purposes are listed in the
Charaksamhita. Around the fourth century AD, surgery was listed as a separate stream.
Sushruta was a forerunner in this field.
METALLURGY
By the first century AD, mass manufacturing of metals such as iron, copper, silver,
and gold, as well as alloys such as brass and bronze, was underway.
The iron pillar in the Qutub Minar complex demonstrates the exceptional level of
alloying that took place.
Alkali and acids were created and used to make medications.
This process was also employed in other crafts such as dyeing and colouring.
Dyeing textiles was popular. The quality of colour is reflected in the Ajanta frescoes.
These artworks have survived to the present day.
GEOGRAPHY:
People were compelled to study geography as a result of the ongoing interplay
between man and nature.
Though the people were aware of their own physical geography, as well as that of
China and Western countries, they were unaware about their position on the globe and
the distances between countries.
Indians also helped with shipbuilding. The Indians were unfamiliar with travel and
navigation during the ancient period.
DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN MEDIEVAL INDIA:
During the medieval era (the eleventh to the seventeenth centuries), science and technology
in India progressed along two lines: one concerned with the previously defined trajectory of
earlier traditions, and the other with new influences that emerged as a result of Islamic and
European influence.
There were maktabs and madrasas that followed a fixed curriculum. These institutions used
to be patronised by the monarch.
Sheikh Abdullah and Sheikh Azzizullah, Rational Sciences (Magulat) specialists, led the
madrasas in Sambhal and Agra.
In these madrasas, learned individuals from Arabia, Persia, and Central Asia were invited to
teach.
The kings and nobility maintained a huge number of karkhana (workshops) to supply
provisions, stocks, and equipment to the royal household and government offices.
The karkhanas not only acted as manufacturing agencies, but also as technical and vocational
training centres for young men.
The karkhanas trained and produced artisans and craftsmen in various fields, who ultimately
established their own independent karkhanas (workshops).
Muslim monarchs attempted to improve primary school curricula. Some key disciplines,
including as arithmetic, mensuration, geometry, astronomy, accountancy, public
administration, and agriculture, were included in the primary education curriculum.
Attempts were made to achieve a form of synthesis between Indian traditional scientific
culture and the prevalent scientific approach in other nations.
MATHEMATICS:
Brahmagupta, the renowned 7th century mathematician, described negative numbers as debts
and positive numbers as riches,
demonstrating that ancient Bharatiyas recognised the use of mathematics in practical trade.
CHEMISTRY:
The Mughals were well-versed in the manufacturing of gunpowder and its application in
firearms.
Indian artisans learned the technology and developed appropriate explosive formulations.
They were aware of the procedure of preparing gunpowder in various ratios of saltpetre,
sulphur, and charcoal for use in various sorts of cannons.
The most common types of fireworks were those that pierced the air (rockets), generated
sparks of fire, flared with varied colours, and finished in an explosion
ASTRONOMY:
A variety of remarks on already established astronomical conceptions occurred in astronomy.
The principal observatories were in Ujjain, Varanasi, Mathura, and Delhi. Firoz Shah
Tughaq set up monitoring points in Delhi.
Firoz Shah Bahmani established an observatory in Daulatabad under the supervision of
Hakim Hussain Gilani and Syed Muhammad Kazimi.
There were both lunar and solar calendars in use.
MEDICINE:
There was an attempt to create specialised treatises on various ailments. For diagnostic
purposes, pulse and urine tests were performed. Opium is recommended for medicinal
purposes by the Sarangdhara Samhita.
The rasachikitsa method was primarily concerned with a wide range of mineral medicines,
including metallic preparations. The Tuhfat-ul-Muminin was a seventeenth-century Persian
treatise composed by Muhammad Munin that discussed the viewpoints of physicians.
AGRICULTURE:
The pattern of agricultural activities in the mediaeval period was similar to that of early and
early ancient India. However, foreigners were responsible for some significant modifications,
such as the introduction of new crops, trees, and horticulture species. Wheat, rice, barley,
millets, pulses, oilseeds, cotton, sugarcane, and indigo were the main crops.
The Western Ghats continued to produce high-quality black pepper, and Kashmir retained its
saffron and fruit traditions. Tamilnadu's ginger and cinnamon, as well as Kerala's cardamom,
sandalwood, and coconuts, were becoming increasingly popular.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN MODERN INDIA
The government of India has recognised the importance of science and technology in national
growth.
The Second Five Year Plan emphasised that "the community's readiness to apply modern
science and technology is the most significant single component in supporting economic
development.
" The Department of Research and Technology (DST) was established in 1971 to encourage
new areas of science and technology.
State Science and Technology Councils have also been established at the state level.
AGRICULTURE:
The application of contemporary science and technology in agriculture has enabled India to
produce 135 million tonnes of foodgrains now, up from 50 million tonnes thirty years ago.
These applications span from hybrid seed cultivation to agricultural energy management and
post-harvest technology.
The Indian Council for Agricultural Research has taken the lead in these initiatives. The
agricultural colleges include 73 agricultural, 32 veterinary, eight agricultural engineering, and
one dairy institution.
ICAR has played an important role in the scientific education of farmers as well as those
involved in agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and forestry.
INDUSTRY:
Modern science and technology made their first and most significant impact in the realm of
industry. The government of India has continually attempted to utilise modern science and
technology for economic development.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) are two government organisations that handle a wide
variety of science and technology research for civil and defence reasons.
NUCLEAR ENERGY:
The goal of India is to use nuclear energy for peaceful reasons.
India has achieved substantial advances in nuclear technology over the last sixty-three years,
since the formation of the Atomic Energy Commission in 1948.
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) was established in Trombay in 1957. It is the
country's largest single scientific establishment.
SPACE TECHNOLOGY:
The Indian space programme is aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in the utilisation of space
technology for national development.
The space programme has established itself through a series of accomplishments over the
years. They include the first launch of Aryabhatta, an Indian space satellite, was launched in
1975, followed by Bhaskara I and Bhaskara II from the Soviet Union.
MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES:

Many advances have been made in the world of medicine. Significant progress has been
made in the prevention and treatment of different diseases.
The small pox virus has been eradicated. The treatment of diseases such as tuberculosis,
malaria, filaria, goitre, and cancer has improved significantly.
Apart from the major areas mentioned above, India has made much progress in several other
fields as well.
These include the activities of the Oil and Natural Gas Commission oil exploration and
refining and of the National Committee Environment Planning in environment protection and
production of solar energy.
A Central Ganga Aurthority has been set up to check pollution in the river Ganga by using
sewage treatment plants.
WITH THIS WE COME TO THE END OF OUR SESSION.

I HOPE YOU WOULD HAVE GOT A FAIR UNDERSTANDING ABOUT SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY IN INDIA
THANK YOU AND HAPPY LEARNING
INDIAN MUSIC
India is the inheritor of one of the oldest and most evolved musical systems in the world.
Its music is considered as the oldest unbroken musical tradition with the most intricate
musical system that contains highly developed polyrhythms, delicate nuances, ornamentation,
and microtones.
Remember
• India is the inheritor of one of the oldest and most evolved music system in the world. The
study of Indian music begins with the religious and philosophical beliefs of its culture.
• The Guru, the Vinaya, and the Sadhana form the "heart" of musical tradition in India.
• The development of Indian music emerged from the religious chants called Vedas.
• Indian musical history is divided into three periods. The ancient, the medieval, and the
modern period.
Ancient
Medieval Development of Indian Music
Modern
ANCIENT (1000-300 BC)

Vedas and Upanishads were used to create musical expressions.
MEDIEVAL (Fifth and Seven Centuries)

Ragas were classified by seasons and the different time of the day.
Hindustani- northern Indian Style (foreign elements).
Carnatic- southern Indian Style.
Both are basically the same of their spiritual characteristics.
MODERN PERIOD
Marked by the efforts of individuals who contributed much to the development of seventy-
two Melakartas or parents scales.
Elements of Indian Music
Indian Music: Musical Background

The music of India includes multiple varieties of folk, popular, pop, classical music and
R&B. India's classical music tradition, including Carnatic and Hindustani music, has a history
spanning millennia and, developed over several eras, it remains fundamental to the lives of
Indians today as sources of spiritual inspiration, cultural expression and pure entertainment.
India is made up of several dozen ethnic groups, speaking their own languages and dialects,
having very distinct cultural traditions.
Classical Music Tradition: Carnatic Music
Carnatic music is a very complex system of music that requires much thought, both
artistically and technically.

The basis of Carnatic music is the system of ragas (melodic scales) and talas (rhythmic
cycles). There are seven rhythmic cycles and 72 fundamental ragas. All other ragas are
considered to have originated from these. An elaborate pattern exists for identifying these
scales, known as the 72 Melakarta Raagas.

The basis of Carnatic music is the system of ragas (melodic scales) and talas (rhythmic
cycles). There are seven rhythmic cycles and 72 fundamental ragas. All Other ragas are
considered to have originated from these. An elaborate pattern exists for identifying these
scales, known as the 72 Melakarta Raagas. Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama
Shastri, the three saint composers of the 19th century, have composed thousands of krithis
that remain fresh among musicians and rasikas. The most important specialty of Karnatic
music is its highly devotional element. The concept of the compositions is set entirely against
a devotional outline. The notes of Carnatic music are "sa-ri-gaa-ma-pa-da-ni". These are
abbreviations of the real names of swaras which are Shadjam, Rishabham, Gandharam,
Madhyamam, Panchamam, Dhaivatam and Nishaadam.
Classical Music Tradition: Hindustani Music

It is unclear when the process of differentiation of Hindustani music started. The process may
have started in 14th century courts of the Delhi Sultans. However, according to Jairazbhoy,
the North Indian tradition likely acquired its modern form after the 14th or after the 15th
century. The Hindustani music development reached a peak in the Indian subcontinent during
the reign Of Akbar. During this 16th century period, Tansen studied music and introduced
musical innovations, for about the first sixty years of his life with patronage of the Hindu
king Ram Chand of Gwalior, and thereafter performed at the Muslim court of Akbar. Many
musicians in northern Indian subcontinent consider the 16th century Tansen as the founder of
Hindustani classical music.
Classical Music Tradition: Hindustani Music

Hindustani music style is mainly found in North India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It exists in
four major forms:Dhrupad, Khyal (or Khayal), Thumri and Tappa. Dhrupad is ancient, Khyal
evolved from it, Thumri evolved from Khyal. Dhrupad is solemn music, uplifting and heroic,
pure and spiritual. Khyal adds ornamental notes, shorter, moody and celebratory. Thumri
goes one step further in their brevity, and are graceful songs. There are three major schools of
Thumri: Lucknow gharana, Banaras gharana and Punjabi gharana. These weave in folk music
innovations Tappa is the most folksy, one which likely existed in Rajasthan and Punjab
region before it was systematized and integrated into classical music structure. It became
popular, with the Begali musicians developing their own Tappa.
Genres of North Indian vocal music
• Dhrupad (several centuries old)
Less popular today; religious themes
• Khayal (prominent in last 200 years)
— Most widely sung form of classical music; heavy on virtuosic improvisations
• Bhajan (generic name for devotional songs)
Could be lighter or more heavy classical (i.e. dhrupad/khayal)
• Thumri (semi-classical romantic songs to Krishna)
— Famous in Lucknow/Varanasi area
• Ghazal (Indo-Persian-Arabic poetry)
• Songs with theme of separation and love
• Rabindrasangeet + Nazrulgeeti (Bengali language)
— Music of Rabindranath Tagore / Kazi Nazrul Islam
Genres of Carnatic music
Composed music Improvised music /

 Varnam Manodharma
 Kriti • Alapana
 Pada • Nervel
• Kalpana Swara
 Javali
 Thillana • Tana
• Pallavi
 Bhajan
Vocal Music of India

Vocal music, from the very beginning of human civilization, has been the leader and the
kingpin of all forms of music. Without doubt it has been the greatest single purveyor of the
deeper artistic and musical urges of man and the means through which these urges have
found artistic expression. As against vocal music, however, instrumental music is a derived
form of music. Nevertheless, instrumental music is perhaps the finest extrapolation of the
creative and inner urges of the artist and musical composer. In point of fact there is such a
deep complimentary between vocal and instrumental music that it is impossible to visualize
any musical performance without both of them existing together.
 Vocal music is considered very important and the most ancient of all its musical
traditions. It is also well regarded and well appreciated by its people.
 Samaveda — the old musical texts in India which have crude musical notations.
 The performance of vocal music is a form of prayer and communication to the
Supreme Being.
 For them, a song is a vehicle or medium for communication and interaction process
between the worshipper and the deity.
 Vocal music in India is a way to express deep devotion to God.
 It is manifested through the art of vocalization, which becomes more than just a vocal
warm-up but an act of worship. It is accompanied by long hours of physical practice
and yoga.
Most notable songs of North India:

 Dhun or Kirtan for Hindus
 Bhajan
 Shabad for Sikho
 Kawali for Muslims
Gangal — one style known for its rich romantic and poetic content.
Lakshan Geet — a style oriented toward musical education.
Swarmalika — used for pedagogic purposes and sargam is used instead of words.
Tamil Nadu — songs to describe the scenic beauty particular region in the country.
Vijaya — song used to bid a person farewell.
Instrumental Music of India
Instrumental music is presented in a highly abstract form and also in easily understandable
and readily enjoyable fixed compositions. In both instrumental music and vocal music there
is a bewildering variety of musical forms in which such music is presented. There are not
only a large variety of musical instruments, but also different categories corresponding to the
octaves and types of male and female voice. In vocal music, for instance, we have the form of
abstract alap, dhrupa music, kheyal music, tappa music, thumri music, devotional music,
regional music a wide-ranging variety of folk music and so on and so forth. In instrumental
music also there are similar variations and if we construe even the main musical instruments
of India, we have formidable number of musical forms, compositions and styles.
a) Non-membranous Percussion (Ghan)
1. Ghatam — a percussion instrument that is made out of clay. Actually, a clay

pot and played striking with the hands.
2. Chimpta — fire tong with small brass jingles. It is played by clicking the tongs
with the hand following a rhythmic pattern.
b) Membranous Percussion (Avanadoh)

1. Tabla — a pair of drums most common and popular in Northern India. It is made
of wood and has head made of stretched animal skin. Both drums have a black
spot at the center that is made of manganese and iron dust. It is made by tapping
the fingers on the surface of the drums.
2. Mridangam — a classical drum of Southern India. It literally means clay-body and
was originally made of clay. It is a double-headed drum that is barrel shaped and
is played between the thighs of the drum players.
Udukkai
Is an hourglass shaped, membranous drum used in devotional and folk music throughout
India.
Thavil
Is a percussion instrument used for accompanying the nadaswaram, a wind instrument used in
Hidu religious music and as a solo instrument in Carnatic music.
Blown or Wind Instrument (Sushir)

1. Venu — flute found in the southern part of India. It has 8 holes.
2. Bansuri — flute from the northern part of India and holes.
3. Nagaswaran — a double-reed instrument with a conical bore that enlarges towards the
end. It has 7 finger-holes with 5 additional holes drilled at the bottom that are used as
controllers. it is played in temples, procession, festivals, and wedding ceremonies.
Plucked Stringed Instruments (Tat)

1. Veena — most distinctive instrument in Southern India. it is carved from a single block of
jackwood which continues as a long-fretted neck from which another resonator is
attached. 4 strings are used to play the melody while the remaining 3 strings are used to pl
2. Sarod — a musical instrument that is smaller the sitar. It has a metal finger board with no
frets. The strings are plucked or played with a pick made of coconut shell.
3. Tambura — a drone instrument at is made of jackwood. it has a long unfretted neck
which has 4-6 tuning pegs inserted o the upper end resonator.
4. Sitar — most popular string instrument in Northern India. It is made of a teakwood and
seasoned gourds. It has a long neck with 20 metal frets and 6-7 main strings. It is used for
solo parts in a position.
Bowed-Stringed Instruments (Vitat)

1. Sarangi — the most popular stringed instrument at is used to accompany vocal music. It
is shaped like a squashed guitar and is made from a block of hollowed-out wood that is
covered with parchment. This instrument has no frets and is played with a bow.
2. Saringda — a bowed fiddle similar to sarangi. It as either a round or pointed head,
unlike the sarangi that has a square head. It is usually one to two feet in length. It is
played with a bow made from horse hair.
Violin
In Carnatic music, the tuning is the same. The tuning is slightly modified for the Hindustani
violin, but the playing style remains the Same— Sitting cross legged on the floor with the
scroll of the violin resting on the right foot of the player.
Tar Shehnai
The Tar Shehnai IS an esraj (bowed String instrument) with an added mechanical amplifier.
This amplifier fixed to the sound board of the instrument is modeled on the gramophone
sound box to project a stronger, more directional sound.
Mandolin
A mandolin is a musical instrument in the lute family and is usually plucked with a plectrum
or 'Pick". It commonly has four courses of doubled metal Strings tuned in unison, although
five and Six course versions also exist.
Elements and Features of Dance
Dance as an Art
Dance is a rhythmic and expressive movement of the body in successive movement usually
accompanied by music. It has been said to be the mother of the arts, for it’s the oldest of the
art which actually reflects man’s age old need to communicate different emotions such as joy,
grief, excitement and others. Dance simply started as man’s own life for almost all occasions,
in whatever aspects, as birth, death, healing of the sick, asking for forgiveness, war, marriage-
were celebrated by dancing. There are dance that express thankfulness for a good harvest, in
celebration of religious festivities, or just a mere pleasurable expression of the body. It
uniquely intensifies different moods and emotions that somehow deepen everybody’s
feelings.
Reasons why do people Dance
 It has been used in worship.
 It plays a role in courtship.
 It serves as a form of acquaintance for a man and woman.
 It is an expression of the joy one feels.
 As in old times, it brings magical powers to people.
 It brings victory or somehow restores health to life.
 It even breaks the monotony of the daily activities.
 It serves to entertain others.
 It gives beauty and inspiration to others.
 It provides personal and effectiveness of communication.
Significant features of the dance as a form
Two kinds of movement
1. Movement within the body which includes the hand and arms.
2. Movement from one space to another.
Features of dance
1. Music – It is closely related to dance for it plays a significant role in it. It used as
accompaniment that somehow motivates the dancer’s movement.
2. Movement- It refers to action of dances with the use of their bodies to create
organized patterns.
3. Theme- It pertains to the content or main ingredient of the dance. It actually conveys
the message of the dance.
4. Techniques- It refers to the skill in executing movement. As a dancer, one needs to
have a complete control over the muscles of her/his body for her/him to be said
technically proficient.
5. Design- It refers to the arrangement of movements according to pattern in time (either
fast or slow) and space (one’s position in relation to his background).
6. Properties and Costume- These contribute to the visual effect of dance. The
costumes can somehow relate closely to the beliefs and environment of people.
Kinds of Dance
1. Ethnologic Dance- This dance that is indigenous to a certain race or country. The
term ethnic is used to distinguish religious dances, and designed as hymns of praise to
a god, or to bring on good fortune in peace and war. They are symbolic in meaning
that can’t be understood easily by persons who don’t belong to the ethnic group.
2. Social Dance- These are popular type of dancing for pleasure as generally performed
by pairs of groups of people following a definite step or pattern. Most of these have
specific rhythms and coordinated with the movement and steps of the body, hand, foot
and head.
a. Ballroom Dance- It actually originated as square dance which was followed
by waltz, tango, foxtrot, swing, etc.
b. Folk Dance- It usually derived from ethic dance. People all over the world
have their own folk dances as distinct to their specific culture.
3. Spectacular or Theatrical Dance- These are dances which are intended for viewing
audience. Usually, these are performed for the entertainment of spectators.
a. Ballet- It’s the ultimate expression of art in dance which originated in the
royal courts during the Middle Ages. The term ballet refers to series of solo
and converted dances with poses and steps combined with light flowing
figures, music accompaniment and expressive scenic accessories of a dramatic
atmosphere. The movement of the dance is subject to definite of the body,
hands, legs and others. Usually a ballet includes staging, scenery, costumes
dancing and music; but no singing and dialogue.
b. Modern dance- It is often characterized as something natural and free. It is
also been called as expressional dance. This dance emerged as a form of a
revolt against the strictness governing the old forms of dance. It has varied
styles of movements based on the new trend; therefore, it doesn’t stick to
conventions. The major emphasis of this dance is on the expression through
the dancer’s execution.
The elements of dance
Time
 Speed: slow, medium, fast, freeze, suspend
 Rhythm: pulse, beat, pattern, syncopation
Space
 Place: personal, general
 Size: small, medium, big
 Level: low, middle, high
 Direction: forward, backward, left, right, up, down, diagonal
 Pathway: straight, curved, zigzagged, turning.
Energy
 Light, strong, weak, sharp, smooth
Weight
 Light, medium, heavy
Body
 Shape: lines, curves, angles, various shapes
 Parts: head, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, back, stomach, bottom, legs, fingers, toes.
Movement Concepts
 Locomotor: walk, run, leap, hop, jump, gallop, slide, crawl, roll, creep, slither.
 Nonlocomotor: bend, twist, stretch, reach, swing, push, pull, fall, melt, sway, turn,
spin, dodge, kick, poke, carve, curl, lunge, slash, dad, punch, flick, float, glide, press,
shake, rise, shrink, burst, wiggie, explode.
Forms of Indian Dance
History of Dance of India
Bharatnatyam
 Brahma, the supreme creator.
 The natya shastra written by baratha
 Considered to be the fifth veda-any of the oldest and most authoritative Hindu sacred
texts, composed in Sanskrit and gathered into four collections.
 This Bharata Natyam dancer’s right hand is in the katakamukha hasta, the 3 joined
fingers symbolizing the sacred syllable aum. The left hand’s fingers are in alapadma
hasta, the rotating lotus of spiritual light. The eyes are directed towards the supreme
lord. The left leg is lifted, symbolizing the swift ascent of the consciousness in one
step from the earth to the heaven.
Kathakali
Kathakali has its origin in the courts of the kings of Kerala. It is one of the most refined and
most scientific dance forms of kerala. Its present form is not more than 300 years old. This art
demands complete control over every part of the body. Kathakali draws heavily from drama,
utilizing elaborate masks and costumes. The stories or attakathas, which are depicted via
kathakali are selected from epics and mythologies. These are written in a highly sanskritised
verse form in Malayalam. Here, the dancer expresses himself through highly complicated
mudras, closely following the text being sung.
Kuchipudi
 South – East Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
 Started by an orphan from Srikakulam.
 He vowed to become a sanyasi.
 Instructed brahmin boys in the art of devotional dance based upon religious themes.
 Dances were offerings to God.
 The government gave them land.
 The dancers had political power (raja) and at one point had to be protected by the
army.
Odissi
 Northern India
 Performed in temples by boys
 Resembles sculpture in India.
 Repeated use of the tribhangi, body is bent in three places to mirror the shape of a
helix.
 Nritta or non-representational dance, in which ornamental patterns are created using
body movements in space and time.
 Abhinaya, or stylized mine in which symbolic hand gestures and facial expressions
are used to interpret a story or theme.
 Divine love tales of Radha and the cowherd God Krishna are themes for
interpretation.
Forms of Indian Dance – 2
Mohiniyattam
 Originated in kerala
 It is closely related to Bharathanatyam
 Originated as the temple dance performed by Devadasis, it portrays feminine love in
its myriad forms – carnal, devotional and maternal – with accent more on lasya and
bhava. In the main items cholkettu, padavarnam and padam, mudras and facial
expressions are more important than the rhythmic steps.
 Costumes and ornaments of mohiniyattam have much in common with female
characters of koodiyattam and kathakali.
 The language used in lyrics is a pleasant mixture of Malayalam and Sanskrit, known
as manipravalam.
 Mohiniyattam gives more importance to gestural and facial acting.
Yakshagana
 From the rural areas of Karnataka.
 400 years old themes based on Hindu epics.
 Has the characters sutra dhara (conductor) and the Vidhushaka (the jester)
Kathak
 Performed by band of storytellers who were connected with temple.
 Northern Kathak.
 Katha means story.
 Later added mime and gestures to accompany their storytelling.
 The dance focuses on rhythm mostly but also concentrates on erotic steps.
 An interesting piece of cross-cultural reference and tidbit of information.
 Kathak was primarily associated with an institution known as the tawaif. This is a
much-misunderstood institution of female entertainers, very much like the geisha
tradition of Japan. It was a profession which demanded the highest standards of
training, intelligence, and most important, civility. It is said that it was common for
royalty to send their children to the tawaifs for instruction in etiquette. Unfortunately,
when the British consolidated their hold over Indian during the Victorian era, this
great institution was branded as mere prostitution and was a reawakening in interest in
traditional Indian artforms.
Manipuri
 Very ritualistic – heavy on the folklore and mythology
 Costumes are colorful and bright
 Music is slow and rhythmic
 Drums and cymbals are the main instruments
 There are very specific guidelines of this style of dance not like the others.
 The dance was comprised of two dances lai haraoba and rasa leela. The former deals
with the creation of the world and the latter deals with intimacy between krishna and
his consort – radha.
Tribal dance forms of India
Hello Learners, in this session let us discuss on the Tribal Dance forms of India
A complete list of Folk and Tribal dance in India
India is a rich country of cultural and folk art. There are all kinds of dance forms from kathak
to behu. From Indian Classical Dances to traditional dances. All traditional dance has long
been a sacred expression of faith.
Indian folk and tribal dances are simple, and they are performed to get pleasure from them.
Dancing is part of daily life and religious rituals; Indian folk dances have eternal forms and
rhythm.
Traditional dancing is organized on every time, i.e., the births of children, festivals, marriage
opportunities and the arrival of seasons. Folk and tribal dances of India are dance with
minimal steps or movements. These folk dances of India are full of vibrancy, enthusiasm and
energy.
Today, HTOI going to introduce you to some of the top Indian folk and tribal dance forms of
India. So, for what you are waiting let’s explore the famous Indian folk and tribal dances.
Bagurumba, Assam
Many folk and tribal dances have orginated from Assam. Bagurumba is one of the popular
dances in Assam, which is performed by the bodo women. During this festival, they wear
some colorful dresses such as dokhna, jwmgra and aronal and they perform with some
instrumental music.
Even some instruments are made with local bamboo and animal skins and they are specially
made for this occasion, and you can find the perfect hilly flute music mixed with drum, serja,
gongwna and tharkha. This is a purely folk-dance form in India.
Bihu Dance, Assam
This is a famous Indian folk dance, which is conducted during the bihu festival in assam.
Local assamese men & women dancers wear some regional assamese cloth and perform their
local dance with brisk steps and fastest hand movements. They perform their dance with
some local instruments including dhol, pepa, baahi, gagana.
Most of these instruments are made with local bamboo and this festival is one of the most
colorful dance festivals in assam. You can find some male dancers wearing dhoti and mustard
color headband and women in mustard and red color sari. During this festival, the sound of
flute and dancing to the beat of the drum goes to such a powerful level, that people cannot
resist themselves to join these groups.
Bhortal Dance, Assam
This is a classical Indian dance form, which was developed by famous satriya artist narahari
burha bhakat. This is one of the most popular dance forms in assam which is conducted in
barpeta district in assam every tear.
Jhumur Dance, Assam
Jhumur is basically known as a folk-dance form, which has originated from assam and now
this dance form become very popular in Bangladesh and eastern Indian parts. This dance is
performed by young girls and men and they basically perform on the beat of musical
instruments and vocals.
Bardo Chham, Arunachal Pradesh
This is a religious folk dance in Arunachal Pradesh and this dance is specially performed by a
small community in west kameng district, sherdukpens, a community in Arunachal Pradesh
performs this dance every year to protect its community from the evil forces. They believe
that every month of year has some kind of evil power, and the community members wear
some animal masks and dance with the beating of drums.
Raut Nacha, Chhattisgarh
This is one of the most popular folk-dance forms in Chhattisgarh along with ghotul dance
performed by ghotul village community that you can enjoy on madai festival during rajim
kumbh mela tour and you can find some picturesque memories of the Hindu religion through
these dances. This dance is basically performed by yadavas which are known as descendants
of lord Krishna, and they perform with some girls and dramatize some scenes of lord
Krishna’s lifestyle with his gopis.
You can find some similarity with Raas Leela with this Raut Nacha because both dance
performances are dedicated lord krishna, and both of these dance forms imitate the lifestyle
of lord krishna only. You can enjoy this beautiful dance on our Chhattisgarh Tour.
Fugdi, Goa
This dance form basically originated from Goa and people perform this dance during several
festivals in Goa. But Fugdi is basically performed during the month of bhaadrapada, which is
a special occasion for women, and during this time they usually take some break from their
normal monotonous lifestyle.
Women in villagers create a group in circle position during this dance performance. and tribal
women perform in a row on this dance. This dance is started in a slow motion and it ends
with some fast movements. Local musical accompaniments are also there to compliment the
dance steps. Fugdi dance is one of the can’t miss attractions of Goa.
Dandia Raas, Gujarat
This is a vibrant and popular dance form in India, which originated from Gujarat. Some
colorful polished sticks or Dandia are used for this dance and this mainly represents the fight
between Hindu Goddess Durga and king Mahishasura. This is Garba Dan which is popular in
other states of India.
These sticks are mainly used as a representation symbol of sword used by Devi Durga and
you can find many similar dance forms and competitions in India as Dandia Dhamaka, Garba,
Dandia on fire and lots more. Even people stay in western countries also perform on this
dance form during Festival. You can enjoy the same with our Gujarat Tour Packages.
Garba, Gujarat
Garba is mainly performed by women and women dance in a circular motion and clapping on
the rhythms. During the Navaratri, people lighted their temples with some perforated pot
style lam and they used to carry these lamps or deep during their Garba dance also. This
traditional folk dance is mainly performed during the Navaratri and along with the Gujarat
many other states in India also conduct some celebration programs on this festival.
Apart from this, you can also find some tribal dance forms in Gujarat such as Tippani Dance
and Padhar Dance. Tippani dance is an interesting dance form, which is performed by tribal
men and women, and they carry some bamboo and wooden rods and beat on the floor with
these sticks. Garba is as much famous as it’s local tribes. Witness the lifestyle and local
dances with Gujarat Tribal Tour.
Nati, Himachal Pradesh
Nati is one of the most traditional folk dances in India, which is mainly originated from kullu
district of Himachal Pradesh. This dance form is listed as largest folk dance in Guinness book
of world records in 2016. Apart from that kullu, you can also find the same dance in
Chandigarh and Uttarakhand.
This dance form is also known as “Losar shone chukson” which indicate the local new year
celebration in Himachal. There are seven different forms of Nati dances performed by
Himachali youth such as lahauli Nati, Kinnauri, Sirmauri, Mahasuvi and Himachali Nati
dance.
Ras Leela, Haryana
Ras Leela is a traditional dance form in India, which is based on a mythological Story of
Hinduism. According to Bhagavata Purana and Gila, lord krishna was fond of dancing with
Radha and Sakhis throughout the night and this was called as Raslila of Braj.
Rasa means aesthetics and leela means dance. So the meaning of Ras Leela is play of
aesthetics or Dance of divine love. You can find different art ad dance forms performed by
the theme of Ras leela such as kathak, Odissi, Meite, Bharatanatyam and kuchipudi. Apart
from that, you can also find some regional drama performances in Mathura and brindavana in
Uttar Pradesh during the krishna janmasthami and holi festivals which are conducted with the
dance.
Dumhal, Jammu and Kashmir
This is a classical folk dance, which is performed by the men only and this originated by the
wattal tribe in Kashmir region. They wear some colorful dress with tall caps made with some
beads and shells during this dance performance and they carry some banner with some dance
movements. Basically, men begin this dance performance with some musical instruments and
they dance in a circular position.
Chakyar Koothu, Kerala
This is one of the traditional Hindu dances in India where performers narrate some Hindu
epic like, Ramayana and Mahabharata. This is also considered as a comedy act where
audience can place their comments directly and through these acts, people can also project
some social-economic problems of the nations. They are basically related the current socio
problems with our ancient lifestyles and narrate some dramatic dance forms on the stage.
Duffmuttu, Kerala
This is also known as Arabanmuttu and this is a traditional dance performance, which is
conducted by some Muslim community. This dance is basically originated from Arabian
country and still nmow people dance on the dance on the Arabian music only. Special
instruments are used for this dance performance, which is called duff or tap. This instrument
is like a drum and people dance on the rhythm of these drums. Hidden treasures of India also
offer Kerala Tour Packages to watch out this beautiful traditional dance of Kerala.
Margamkali, Kerala
Syrian Christians of Kerala perform this dance in an artistic form and this dance is mainly
conducted during the festival time and marriage ceremony in Kerala.
The dance is purely performed by women of Kerala. Margatnkali dance of Kerala can be seen
during all the small festivals in Kerala. Onam festival is one of the major occasions where
you can see people enjoy this traditional dance everywhere. You can also opt in for Onam
festival tour packages.
Oppana, Kerala
This is a dance form, which is conducted by the Muslim community, and they mainly
conduct this dance performance a day before their marriage ceremony. This is a very popular
dance in Malabar region of Kerala and this is basically done by the women. The women
relatives of the bride perform oppana and they celebrate the marriage by clapping around the
bride during their dance. You can enjoy this traditional dance on your Kerala Tour.
Padyani, Kerala
This is a purely fork art which is related to the famous temples situated in southern kerala.
Padyani means military foundation and during this dance performance, people use to wear
some popular masks, which is also called as kolams. Through this dance, people try to project
some acts derived from the Hindu epic and they wear popular masks such as Bhairavi, kalan,
Yakshi and Pakshi. So when you See this dance performance, you can see some dramatic act
done by the local artist and dress up with some colorful stalks.
Theyyam, Kerala
It is a temple ritual dance form and also known as Kaliyattam and this is a sacred dance form
which is projected as Hindu Goddess Kali. Kaliyattam is a Malayalam work which means
Daivam or God
You can find this dance performance in some villages in Kerala where people perform some
ritualistic acts through this dance during their festive sessions and in temples daily. There are
different types of theyyams in Kerala.
Thirayattam, Kerala
This is a purely fork art which is related to the famous temples situated in southern kerala.
Padyani means military foundation and during this dance performance, people use to wear
some colorful masks, which is also called as kolams.
Through this dance, people try to project some acts derived from the Hindu epic and they
wear some popular masks such as Bhairavi, kalan, Yalshi and Pakshi. So, when you see this
dance performance, you can see some dramatic act done by the local artists and they dress-up
with some colorful stalks.
Matki dance, Madhya Pradesh
Matki is a solo dance which is performed by the women only. Women perform this dance
during the wedding ceremony in their village, they use to place a pot on their head, and a
group of women surrounds the main dance during their dance performance.
This is a tribal dance form, which is mainly conducted in some countryside villages in
Madhya Pradesh, and you can also find some similar dance forms in the same state, which are
known as Aada and Khada Nach.
Chang Lo, Nagaland
Chang Lo is also known as Sua Lua and it is a dance form performed by chang tribe in
Nagaland. Earlier people used to perform this dance as a symbol of their victory over
enemies, but now tribal people perform this dance during their community Naga warrior
costumes during their performance.
Cheraw dance, Mizoram
This is a folk dance is Mizoram and you can see many local folk and tribal communities in
Mizoram who perform this dance during their festive sessions.
Four people hold some bamboo sticks that are clapped together, and the main dancer starts
the performance in the center position of the group.
Lavani Dance, Maharashtra
Lavani is a combination of tribal dance and song where people used to dance on the beats of
Dholki. Dholki is a percussion instrument, which is also used in the marathi folk theatre.
Female dancers perform this dance and they wear some saris in marathi style during this
performance, and they start their dance with slow movement and increase their movement
with some quick tempo. You can enjoy this energetic dance on Central India Tour.
Parvi Nach, Maharashtra
If you want to see some tribal dance of hilly regions, then you can visit the hilly regions of
Maharashtra and here you can find the beautiful tribal dance form performed by kokna tribal
community. This dance is performed with some instrumental music and all of this music
originated by some handmade musical instruments. Parvi Nach is popular tribal and folk
dance in India.
Bhangra, Punjab
This is a most popular folk dance in Punjab, and dancers wear some classical style Punjabi
dresses during their performance. Along with that, they also create some loud music through
several instruments such as dhol, chimta and algoza. Earlier, people used to perform this dace
during their harvesting seasons, but now people in Punjab conduct some dance shows in their
every festival including their marriage ceremony.
This dance is also very popular among the teenagers and you can find some Bhangra dance
shows in foreign countries like USA, UK and Canada. Apart from this folk dance in Punjab,
you can find some other similar folk dances such as dhamaal, fulka, siakoti, mirzi, fumnian,
jhummar and sammi.
Giddha, Punjab
This is a similar dance form of Bhangra, which is performed by female dancers in Punjab.
This is an energetic dance form which is also known as ring dance and this dance is also
similar to bolliyan dances. On the other part, when male dancers perform the same dance, it is
generally renamed as Malwai Giddha.
KIkkli, Punjab
Two girls hold their hand and twirl each other in a circular position and they also lift their
feet from the floor and synchronize the dance between two dancers. This is a popular folk
dance in Punjab and dancers this dace with their own groups. Local folk songs and clapping
are used during this dance performance.
Chhau dance, Odisha
Chhau is one of the most traditional and popular dance forms in India which is originated
from nilagiri region of baleswar district. This is an elegant dance form where two groups of
dancers wear costumes imitating soldiers, and they attack each other with sword and shields.
These dancers enhance the movement of their dance, with the accompaniment of some
instrumental music, and a large group of musicians is involved with this dance. The dancers
usually try to accompany with the rhythm of dhola, mahuri, dhumsa and chanchadi.
Goti Pua, Odisha
Goti means ‘one’ and Pua means ‘boy’ and Goti Pua is a dance form which is performed by a
male dancer in a form of female avatar. A boy who dresses up as a girl called as goti pua and
this is an ancient Indian dance from which was performed by the students of the akhadas
This dance is a popular folk dance where you can find some ornamental presentation of male
body, and many musical instruments are associated with this dance form such as pakhawaj,
geeni and harmonium. Here the boys can sing during the dance performance or else they can
also appoint a group of singers to provide the background music.
Baagh Naach, Odisha
This dance form is also known as tiger dance and it originated from binka and sonepur
district of odisha. Some male dancers also perform this dance, and male dancers first paint
their bare body with some black yellow stripes and attach a false tail ai their back portion.
Then they used to move from one house to another house of their village and gather the
audience for their dance. Drummer and a bell player constantly provide background music
during this dance performance and this is just like the acrobatic movements of male
performers in rhythm. They also use to make some hissing sounds during their performance
and this dance is also performed during the thakurani jatra in Berhampur.
Dalkhai, Odisha
Odisha is a place of performing arts and you can find many folk and tribal dance forms in
odisha. Dusserah is one of the biggest Indian festivals and you can see this dalkhai dance in
odisha during this festival.
Apart from that, this dance is also performed during other festivals too and you can see the
dame dance performance during bhaijintia phagun puni and nuakhai. This is a tribal dance,
which is performed by many tribal communities like kuda, mirdha, balangir, sundargarh,
naupada and sama.
Dhap, Odisha
Basically, unmarried boys and girls from different villages participated in this dance
performance and they conduct some couple dances. Dhap is a Sambalpuri folk dance and you
can this dance performance in kosal regions and the dance is performed by kandha tribe.
Dhap is a musical instrument, which is made with wood, and one side of this instrument is
covered with some animal skin. The dancers used to hold this dhap instrument in their hand
and perform with rhythm.
Gumra, Odisha
This is also a Sambalpuri dance form, which is also known as vira-badya. Earlier people used
to perform on this dance form to encourage the soldiers. Dancers can easily perform some
social act through this dance form, and they can also generate some social messages through
their dances.
In this dance, yo can find a special drum, which is made with some reptile skin, and this
sounds very uncanny. The dance is basically performed during the ghumra puni festival of
odisha and dancers create some circle and do some slow circular movement at the beginning
of the dance. The drum players use to stay in the center od these circles, and they use to
control the dancers with their rhythm.
Karman Naach, Odisha
Karma means the “Fate” and this dance is mainly performed during the festival in
Sambalpuri. An occasion started from Bhadra Shukla Ekadashi or the eleventh day of full
moon and people used to dance on their folk music to remove their bad fortune, and this
dance is performed for the god and goddess named karam devta and karmas ani devi.
This is a local folk dance in odisha and it is also performed during different festivals in
separate regions of the state.
Garadi, Puducherry
This dance form has a mythological background and according to the Hindu epic Ramayana,
when God rama defeated ravana, then the vanars or monkeys performed this dace as a symbol
of victory. The dance performed in every festival in and dancers act like monkey during this
dace performance.
They hold some sticks and dance on the rhythm of drums. These drums are known as
‘Ramadolus’, and dancers wear some ankle rings called ‘anjali’ during this dance
performance. You enjoy this amazing mythological background-based dance on Tamil Nadu
Temple Tour with hidden treasures of India.
Ghoomar, Rajasthan
The female dancers perform this dance and they wear some long colorful skirt and Rajasthani
dresses during their performance. Men and Women together Sing Some folk Songs as the
background music. and dancers dance in a circle position.
The performers on the folk music, beating their palm on the ground during the low tone of the
music and they also do somebody inclination during at the end of their performance. You can
also find this dance performance during your travel time, and if you request for this dance
performance to your travel guide then they can also organize the same. You can enjoy this
royal dance with our royal Rajasthan tour.
Kalbelia, Rajasthan
This is one of the ancient tribal dance forms in Rajasthan, which is performed by the kalbelia
community or Snake charmers. This is a tribal women’s group of the kalbelia community and
the main occupation of this community was catching snakes and trade their venom.
But they don't follow this profession and instead more into dancing as professionals. Dancers
black long Skirts along with some Rajasthani heavy ornaments and they also dance with
some community groups. The background music is basically done by ‘been’ or folk
instruments and people can enjoy this tribal dance during their community festival or during
special occasions. Be a part of a kalbelia dance on our Exotic Rajasthan tour.
Kachchhi Ghodi, Rajasthan
This dance mainly originated from the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan and dancers wear
some horse costumes during this performance. Singers generally sing some folk tales with
local music, and dancers perform on the beats of these songs.
This dance is commonly performed during community marriage ceremonies, and dancers
perform this dance to welcome the bridegroom’s party on their marriage day. The dance
movements signify liveliness and a welcome gesture during the marriage ceremonies.
Parai Attam, Tamil Nadu
This is one of the oldest traditional folk dances in Tamil Nadu, which is performed by trained
dancers only. Through this dance performance, people used to deliver some social messages
such as warning for upcoming wars, battlefield, Victory and save water body of Tamil Nadu.
This dance performance is conducted several reasons such as for protecting animals,
encouraging farmers to do the better harvesting and people perform this dance during several
festivals including their marriage ceremonies, and social gatherings.
Kolattam, Tamil Nadu
The women dancers perform this dance and they hold some sticks in their hand and beat these
sticks to make some rhythm. You can find some colorful laces, which have been used by the
dancers, and they use deft dance movements skip over these laces with their planned dancing
steps.
This dance is basically conducted for ten days starting from the amavasi or new moon night
after Diwali. Most of the dancers from different villages and they also wear some colorful
local dresses during their performance.
Mayil Attam, Tamil Nadu
This is also known as peacock dance and dancers used to wear some dresses decorated with
peacock feathers and they used to cover their head with glittering dress materials. You can
find some other similar dance in Tamil Nadu such as Kaalai Attam Which is performed by
the local dancers and they used to some bull dress. And karadi Attam, where dancers dressed
as a bear.
Paampu Attam, Tamil Nadu
This is also known as snake dance and rural people think that snake can protect their life from
severe diseases, and local young girls mainly perform this dance and they used to wear some
snake like dresses. These dancers try to imitate the writing and creeping of snakes making
some biting movement with their head and hands.
Oyilattam, Tamil Nadu
This is a dance of grace and this traditional dance is mainly performed by the men in Tamil
Nadu. Men used to stand in a row and perform this dance according to the rhythm, but due to
huge popularity of these dancers shows, now many women dancers also participate in these
dance performances. Dancers used to perform this dance with some colorful handkerchiefs
and they used to wear some ankle bells also. The folk background music which is
accompanied with this dance is called as Thavil.
Puliyattam, Tamil Nadu
Earlier people used to conduct some folk dancers in Tamil Nadu, which was known as Puli
Attam and this dance form was also known as a play of the tiger. In this dance form, people
used to act some tiger steps and their bodies are painted by yellow and black color, and this is
symbolized the replica of a tiger only. There are various musical instruments performed with
this dance such as tharai, thappattai and lots more, and this dance is mainly performed during
the temple festival of Tamil Nadu.
Poikal Kudirai Attam,
This folk dance is known as false legs dance in Tamil Nadu where dancers wear some dresses
and they act like a horse. This is a traditional folk dance which is based on the theme of ‘raja
sedingu’, who was known as a popular Rajput ruler. Apart from that, you can also find
another interesting traditional dance form in Tamil Nadu which is known as Bommalattam.
This is basically a poppet show which is conducted during the festivals of Tamil Badu
villages. Through these poppet shows, people can generate some social message and they can
also conduct their shows on some Hindu epics and mythological stories.
Theru Koothu, Tamil Nadu
This dance basically conducted during the village festival and you can find the greatest theru
kootu dance performances during Panguni and Aadi festivals. Only men can perform this
dance and they wear some women dresses to play the roles of women. Dancers do some
heavy make-ups and they wear some traditional dresses as well as dramatic costumes.
Through this dance performance, they do some story telling dialogue rendering and sing
some background songs also. Most of the stories, which are performed through this dance
forms derived from Hindi epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata. You can find different
forms of Theru Koothu dance in Tamil Nadu such as Vali koothu and Kuravai Koothu.
Hojagiri, Tripura
This is one of the oldest traditional dance forms of the reang community of Tripura. Men and
women both participate in this dance performance and during this dance, they move their
lower body, and clap their feet on the earth. Along with that, dancers also hold some bottle
lamps on their head during this performance, and they fine-tune their bodies to balance these
bottles on their head throughout their dance performance. The colorful tamps and the
ornaments and gorgeous dresses enrich this dance performance to some highest level, and
you can find this dance on every occasion conducted by the respected community.
Mayur Nritya, Uttar Pradesh
This dance is also known as peacock dance and girls use to dress as peacocks and they place
some peacock’s feathers on their head. Through this dance performance, dancers basically
imitate the love story of Radha and Krishna. According to ancient Hindu mythology, when
Radha wanted to see the Mayur Nritya, Lord Krishna used to portray himself as the peacock
and he danced in front of Radha. Get unforgettable moments of Mayor Nritya with our
Classical India Tour.
Charukala, Uttar Pradesh
This is a traditional Indian folk dance, which mainly originated from Brij region of Uttar
Pradesh and the local women perform the dance only.
They use to hold some large multi-colored wooden pyramid on their head and lighten more
than 108 lamps on the ground, and then they then start dancing on ‘raisa’ songs. The song is
dedicated to lord krishna and you can see this dance shoe in various festival of India.
Gamghira, West Bengal
Gambhira is a theatre cum folk dance performing art which was mainly originated from
maldah in west Bengal. After the partition of Bengal, people started performing some local
theater to presented sole hindu folk cultures, and after that Gambhira has undergone some
changes in the term of presentation.
Now Muslim communities also perform the dance in different forms and muslim dancers
used to wear some local dresses such as lungi and kurtas. Through this theater and dance
form, people highlight some social problems and encourage the audience to avoid such issues
to save their future and health from social evils.
Singhi Chaam, Sikkim
This is a mask dance of Sikkim, which also presents the symbol of a state through the dance
performance. This dance is dedicated to the guardian deity of Sikkim guru padmasambhava
and through this dance form, people also represent their hill folks by wearing some furry
costumes, you can find this coloful mask dance during the state festival of Sikkim.
Kaaragattam, Tamil Nadu
This folk dance in Tamil Nadu is basically performed by the villages to praise to the rain
goddess mari amman. The dance performed in two different ways such as Aatta Karagam and
Sakthi Karagam. Dancers use to hold some decorated water pots on their head during the
performed of Atta Karagam and this is purely dedicated to the goddess. On the other part,
Sakthi Karagam is performed inside the temple for the entertaining purpose. Earlier these
dancers were performed with the Naiyandi Melam and now these dancers performed with
several songs and music. Some trained artists from different regions including Thanjavur,
Ramanathapuram, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Pattukottai come to perform this dance during
the annual festival of Tamil Nadu.
Keisabadi, Odisha
This is a folk dance in Odisha which is performed by men only, and they used to hold some
long sticks and striking these sticks according to their song and rhythms. The leader used to
sing the main song, which is called as ‘Kosli’ and people used to follow the rhythm and
pronounce ‘haido’ after stanza of the song. This song is mainly dedicated to the love of
Radha and Krishna.
Phulpati Dance, Madhya Pradesh
This dance is conducted during the holi festival and semi-rural unmarried girls mainly
perfrom this dance with some musical instruments. They dance to the rhythmical vibration of
drums.
Maanch, Madhya Pradesh
This is lyrical folk drama and this dance basically originated from Malwa region of Madhya
Pradesh. Maanch , means the stage where people can perform different acts such as drama,
dance, music and lot more. People from villages in Madhya Pradesh perform this dramatic
dance and they perform the acts of the play and dance, making it into some small groups.
Grida dance, Madhya Pradesh
Rabi is a popular crop in Indian and farmer from remote village in Madhya Pradesh
harvesting this crop throughout the year. When the first Rabi crops sway in the fields, the
nearby villages conducted the Grida dance. They start their dance performance with some
small groups, and this program starts from morning and ends at midnight. This dance from
has three different phrases such as sela, selabhadoni and selalarki.
Hello Learners,
In this session we will discuss on the Traditional knowledge in engineering
• It is clear that there is always a deep influence of Indian culture and tradition on Indian civil
and architect.
• By which Indian civil has sparkled with rich customs and traditions.
• Modern civil can be more efficiently applied by understanding our Indian traditions because
they are always related to science and for welfare of human beings.
• By studying ancient techniques, we can easily understand different facts of science
• At present science has uncovered secrets. Even everything is before us but it seems that
there is body but not the spirit. There is an adage “Old is Gold”.
• Despite of reaching to the highest point in the field of architecture still we found ourselves
speechless watching the ancient structures.
• As the law is incomplete without evidence in the same our memory is incomplete without
history. History means our past.
• In Indians our elders always told us not to sleep with our head in south direction. Whereas
dead body is kept in that way. Now the science behind this is that the earth acts as a
magnet.
• In villages elders advised children not to go near Ficus and banyan tree sometimes elder
scars kids saying ghost are there, but science says these trees produces CO2 at night which is
not good for health.
• It is told to Indians that keep your face in north direction. Now scientific reason behind this is
that magnetic waves flow from north to south direction. This magnetic energy activates the
brain cells and increase the memory power.
• It is well acknowledged that we were familiar to science just time is changes and the same
thing is in front of us in new form.
• Our ancient saint and scholars were able to measure the distance between the sun and
earth which is written in “hanuman chalisa” as jug sahastr jojan par Bhanu which is proven
right by “Nasa” and the whole world then accepted.
• The concept of zero, square roots, cube roots, values of π were known to Indians. A book
“vimanashastram” shows the procedures to make an aeroplane.
• The iron pillar of Delhi is famous Indian place it has 99% resistance to corrosion and almost
1600-1700 years old.
• A study concluded that a corrosion-resistance agent iron hydrogen phosphate was applied
on it which shows advanced chemical knowledge of our ancestors.
• Harrappa and Mohanjo-Daro are best examples of this architecture and mature urban
civilization.
• In Harappan civilization the underground drainage system was from small to big sewer then
to channel and then channel to river.
• It has also a remarkable town planning system.
• Better system then this has never seen till today.
Jagganath Temple:
• The shadow of the main dome is not visible whatever be the time it shows architecture feat.
• Also, the Sudarshan chakra on the top seems always facing you. Irrespective of whatever
you stand.
• When you enter the temple by sighdwara after first step you cannot hear any sound of
ocean but when you exit it can be clearly heard.
• The Konark sun temple is one of the UNESCO heritage sites.
• The main attraction of the temple is its twelve pairs of wheels located at the base of the
temple.
• These wheels are not ordinary wheels but tell time as well the spokes of the wheels create a
sundial.
• One can calculate the precise time of the day by just looking at the shadow cast by these
spokes.
• Kailash temple of Ellora caves is carved from a massive rock structure. The whole rock is cut
by manpower.
• Now these facts prove that our ancestors had knowledge of civil and science in fact their
technology was highly advanced than of the modern.
Ancient Building Materials
• Mud, bricks, lime, stones, wood, metals and precious stones should be used in construction
of houses.
• Soil: It is an aggregate of inorganic and organic grains which can be separated by simple
mechanical action such as agitation in water or by sieving.
• Clays: Clays are finest particles of soil with a size smaller than 75 microns.
• Mud: It is a workable mixture of clay soil and water.
Gadi soils-white soil
• The main constituents are local soil, fine sand, cow dung, quick lime, extracts of Belphal,
fibres of jute and water for mixing.
• The mixture is allowed to mature for a minimum period of 30 days and kneaded every day.
Mud flooring (Padmanabhapurum palace 1601 A.D in Kerala)

• The floors were made of a material that is unique blend of burnt coconut shells, quick lime,
palm toddy, the whites of eggs and extracts of certain barks of trees and nuts.
Lakshmana Temple, Sirpur Chhattisgarh

• Lakshmana Temple build by Queen Vasata, in 7th century AD is world heritage structure.
• Brick temple stands on high massive platform.
• This temple is one among the best examples of brick temples of ancient India.
Cave paintings
• Ajanta caves: Clay, cow dung, stone powder, rise husk and lime.
• Sirgirea caves: Tempered clay, kaolin, rice husk, Coconut shell fibres and lime.
• Bagh caves: red clay, green gram, lime and jute.
Uses of stones:
• Making sculptures.
• Building blocks for construction.
Preservation of wood:
The wood should be painted to avoid the losses of oily substance. An oil coat should be
applied every year after rainy season.
Frames and door shutters:

Wood for frames and door shutters should be of same type so that the action of weather
may be same on both. Unequal action produces unequal strains and it is detrimental to
architecture.
Conclusion:
• The study of ancient civil, architecture, structure and culture and its combination with
modern civil will lead to sparkle the modernity. Today we need to make a home not just a
house.
• By understanding ancient and old techniques Vaastu etc. We can easily understand the facts
of science.
• If we want to understand science then we need to understand Indian tradition because our
tradition our customs and practice is our science.
• So our tradition and science both mean same to protect human beings and to ameliorate
but their way is different our ancestor selected the way so we Indians and all the peoples of
our community of different classes even if they are illiterate or literate, rich or poor, can
easily understand and that was our culture but now we think it is limitation or obstacle for
us.
Hello Learners,
IN this session, we are going to discuss on the Traditional Knowledge in Agricultural Sector.
Indigenous Knowledge
Local or indigenous knowledge refers to the cumulative and complex bodies of knowledge, know
how, practices and representations that are maintained and developed by local communities who
have long histories of interaction with the natural environment-UNESCO, 2012.
Importance of ITK
 In the emerging global knowledge economy, a country’s ability to build and mobilize
knowledge capital, is equally essential for sustainable development as the availability of
physical and financial capital (World bank, 1991).
 The bases component of any country’s knowledge system is its indigenous knowledge.
 It encompasses the skills, experiences and insights of people, applied to maintain or improve
their livelihood.
 Significant contributions to global knowledge have originated from indigenous people for
instance in medicine and veterinary medicine with their intimate understanding of their
environments.
 Indigenous knowledge is also the social capital of the poor, their main asset to invest in the
struggle for survival.
 Accordingly, indigenous knowledge is of great relevance for the development process in the
following sectors: Agriculture, Animal husbandry and ethnic veterinary medicine, Use and
management of natural resources, Primary Health Care (PHC), preventive medicine and
psychosocial care. Saving and lending, Community development and Poverty alleviation.
Indigenous Knowledge System- Sustainability
 Indigenous knowledge plays an important role in sustainability through farming system

approach (FSA).
 In FSA, researchers and farmers meet together on a common platform to diagnose the
problems that farmers are facing and to develop suitable technologies to solve the priority
problems of the farmers using both indigenous and scientific knowledge.
 The knowledge that researchers are bringing is referred to as scientific knowledge, while the
technical knowledge of farmers is collected under the term indigenous technical knowledge
(ITK).
 ITK includes, information, practices and technologies, beliefs, tools, experimentation, human
resource and materials.
Integration of ITK’s with Scientific Knowledge
Farmers comparative vis-à-vis scientists it often includes:
 The experience and discipline from actual farming system and its physical, social and
economic development.
 Continuous observation of changing processes of natural resources.
 Freedom to make progressive change, managing and adapting sequences, unrestricted by
rapid experimental design.
 Development and adaptation of technology for diverse local condition.
 The understanding, development and management of technology with many elements and
linkages.
 A long-time horizon (unless insecure and desperate).
Scientists’ comparative competence vis-à-vis farmers usually include:
1. Processes where reductionism and precise measurement work well.

2. Breeding and biotechnology.
3. Minute and microscopic phenomena.
4. Developing package technology for uniform and widespread conditions.
5. Access to knowledge and genetic material from other environment.
ITKs may provide solutions for low external input but intensive agricultural production.
A systematic documentation of available ITK facilitate a process in which researchers and farmers
learn from each other. In this way, researchers may be facilitated to build on to existing ITK
(Chambers, 1991:82).
Integration of ITK, with scientific knowledge system is vital for sustainable agriculture.
The efficacy and efficiency of locally available treatments can also be improved significantly through
modern science.
Scientific procedures can identify the active ingredients and could come up with appropriate
recommendations in terms of effective application rates.
Role of indigenous knowledge in development
 The very basic fact that sustainable development relies upon participatory approach makes IK an
important ingredient for development.
Indigenous knowledge is relevant on three levels for the developmental process:
 Local community in which the bearers of such knowledge live and produce.
 Development agent (CBOs, NGOs, government, donor, local leaders and private sector
initiatives) need to recognize it, value it appreciates it in their interaction with the local
communities. Before incorporating it in their approaches, they need to understand it and
critically validate it against the usefulness for their intended objectives.
 Indigenous knowledge form part of the global knowledge. Indigenous knowledge can be
preserved, transferred or adopted and adapted elsewhere.
Documentation is the conversion of traditional knowledge information provided by communities

into written documents, drawings or audio recordings.
The main aim of documentation is to ensure information is not lost and to protect communities by
presenting information is prior art.
Reasons for documentation of ITK in agriculture sector
 To understand scientific rationale

 To accelerate technological change.
 To enable better understanding technology development and development of newer concept.
 To increase awareness among the younger generation and development appreciation of
traditional system.
 To revive and restore pride among the farmers and other practitioners themselves.
Module 6 Traditional Knowledge in different sectors
Dependence of Traditional Societies on food and healthcare needs
• According to Indian Philosophy, Anna or food is an aspect of Brahman. It is a gift
from Paramatma. So, it should be treated with great respect. The physical body is
called AnnamayaKosha, i.e., food body, because body nourished and grows by
absorbing the energies from food.
• Food should be eaten for the survival and strength of the body, but not for pleasure.
Fasting is another aspect of traditional food system. It is meant to purify the mind and
the body. These traditional food concepts have been changed drastically in our society
because of our contemporary lifestyle. Traditional food system plays a significant role
in maintaining the well-being and health of Indigenous People.
• Awareness created on traditional food system can contribute to create a healthy
society to build strong nation. The traditional knowledge of food is considered to be
the best for particular geographical condition. Changing food pattern can damage the
good health of the society. So, it is vital to know the importance of good food habits
of our own tradition and balanced diet. In this session, importance of traditional foods
like staple, special, seasonal, region specific and their methods will be discussed.
• According to our traditional knowledge, region and season specific foods which have
been prepared by means of local fiber roots, roots, fruits, leafy vegetables, vegetables
and grass are necessary for us.
• Radiationally, Indian foods are classified into three main categories. Cooked
vegetables, milk, fresh fruits, and honey are meant for the truly wise and are
considered as Satvika foods. Foods that bring out the lowest, crass qualities of human
behavior such as meat, liquor, garlic, and spicy and sour foods are classified as
Tamasika foods. Foods that give enough energy to carry out daily work are
categorized as Rajsika foods. Aryans classified food materials on the basis of their
nature and use such as Sukhadhanya (cereals), Samidhanya (pulses), Phala (fruits),
Shakna (vegatables), Payovarga (milk products), Madhyavarga (alcoholic beverages)
and Mamasavarga (animal products).
• Food is specific to season. India has six different seasons, namely vasanta
ritu (spring), grishma ritu (summer), varsha ritu (monsoon), sharad
ritu (autumn), hemanta ritu (fall winter), and shishira ritu (winter). Studying and
knowing about seasons is important to make an efficient diet plan for an individual
and hence in this review, effort is made to provide the details of individual foods and
their seasonal usage.
1.2. Concepts of Ayurveda in health foods
• Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicines native to India. In Ayurveda, regulation
of diet is crucial, since it examines the whole human body as the product of food.
• According to ayurvedic concepts, food is responsible for different aspects of an
individual including physical, temperamental, and mental states. To stay healthy,
maintaining a stable healthy diet routinely is essential. The body absorbs the nutrients
as the result of digestion.
• But Ayurveda states that the food first converts into rasa (plasma), and then followed
by successive conversion into blood, muscle, fat, bone marrow, reproductive
elements, and body fluids. Imbalance of mind, body, and spirit are referred to as
diseases. Ayurveda has different treatments for different diseases, which are well
established and consistent over the period.
Grain-based traditional health foods
• Rains are the primary staple food of India. Grains are a nutritionally rich product and
deliver recommended nutrients to the body. Consumption of grains in different
civilizations of India can be observed from the literature. In Indian history we can
discover distinctive grains used by our ancestors.
• Traditional processing techniques such as fermentation, soaking, and cooking help to
remove these antinutritional factors. In view of health, resistant starch received
attention because of its potential health benefits and functional properties. Many
traditional Indian grain products may contain higher amounts of resistant starches
because of higher proportions of whole grain ingredients and less intensive
processing. Examples are Idly, Dosa, Ambali, Ragi hurihittu, Enduri pitha, Dhokla,
selroti etc.
Fruit and vegetable-based traditional health food
Fruits are good sources of flavonoids, minerals, vitamins, carotenoids, electrolytes and
other bioactive compounds that have impact on human health. Some of the traditional health
foods prepared in India using fruits and vegetables example
Banana (Bale dandu palya)
• Bale dandu palya is a food made from the stem of banana plants, Banana stem juice
used for treating hypoglycemia.
Jackfruit
It is an ancient fruit consumed in Southeast Asia. The edible part of jackfruit includes
fruits and seeds. The bioactive compounds such as antioxidants, carotenoids, phenolic
compounds and other phytonutrients improve the medicinal value of jackfruits and its
seeds.
• Jackfruit seed chutney
• Monkey jack
Mango- Mango pachadi, Mango peel chutney
• Mango is a rich source of antioxidants,
Jamun fruit
• It is a potential nutraceutical fruit and contains many phytochemicals. Due to the
presence of these phytochemicals, it is used to treat diabetes in India. Different parts
of the tree including leaf, bark, seed, and pulp, are used in the treatment of diabetes,
allergies, viral infection, inflammation, and gastric ulcer [60]. Meanwhile all the parts
of Jamun tree have medicinal value. Jamun seed powder is produced commercially by
herbal manufacturers in India and is very useful for patients suffering from diabetes.
Jamun seeds are used in Ayurveda to treat digestive ailments. Jamun fruit juice is
prepared in homes and it is also available commercially.
Papaya
• The parts of the tree are used in treating one or more diseases. Latex papaya tree is
used to relieve dyspepsia, ripe fruits are used in treating chronic diarrhea, unripen
fruits are diuretic in nature. Papaya seed juices are used in treatment of bleeding piles
and enlarged liver, and young leaf paste is used to treat jaundice.
Bitter gourd
• Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is a vegetable having medicinal properties. Bitter
gourd possesses antidiabetic activity due to the presence of chrantin, vicine and
polypeptide-p. The juice of bitter gourd pulp enhances glucose tolerance in diabetic
patients. Bharwan karela is a health product prepared from bitter gourd.
Spinach roti
• Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. Preparation
of roti using spinach is very common in south India. Method of preparation includes
boiling the spinach in water followed by kneading dough with boiled spinach. Small
balls of dough are made into tortillas and roasted. Spinach is a good source of protein
and iron . It is recommended for girls during menstruation and for lactating women.
Milk-based health food
• Cattle were an integral part of the Vedic culture. Literature before 800 BCE refers to
cow, buffalo, and goat milk, which were consumed either fresh or boiled.
• The major processing products of milk include ghee, curd, paneer, cheese and
buttermilk. Buttermilk was in wide use; it was turned into a seasoned dish known
as saga. Curds were eaten with rice and barley. After 800 BCE, the use of colostrum
became prevalent and was mixed with boiled milk, crystal sugar, and fragrant herbs.
According to the Ayurvedic system, milk has unique nutrition that cannot be provided
by any other foods.
Ayurvedic health foods
• Based on the dominant constituent of the body, doshas are classified into kapha, pitta,
and vatta.
• Ayurveda groups five basic elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth). Essential
humors known as tridosha, namely vata, pitta, and kapha are composed of these five
basic elements. From the ether and air components, the bodily air principle known
as vata is manifested, which regulates breathing, mobility, and central and
sympathetic nervous systems. The fire and water components in the body constitute
the fire principle known as pitta, which regulates the digestion and assimilation
process in the body. The earth and water components known as kapha functions in
heat regulation, lubrication, and formation of mucus and synovia. These
three doshas govern all physiopathological, psychological, and biological functions of
the body, mind, and consciousness. Imbalance in these tridoshas leads to disease or
disturbance in body function. For example, air element encourages fire element in the
body. Therefore, to control fire element, water element is necessary. For restoration of
the balance, dietary recommendations are given according to the individual's body
constitution (vata, pitta, or kapha).
Conclusion
There is so much diversity in traditional health foods of India because the regional
health foods have evolved according to the climate, culture, and cropping practices of
a particular region. Moreover, certain foods have become more popular in certain
region according to the health condition of a population
Hello learners. Welcome to the video on the Importance of Conservation &
Sustainable Development of Environment, Management of Biodiversity and
Protection of Traditional Knowledge.
In this chapter, we'll introduce the Importance of Conservation & Sustainable

Development of Environment, Management of Biodiversity and Protection of
Traditional Knowledge.
Introduction to the Importance of Conservation & Sustainable Development of

Environment
Environmental conservation is a practice that opens the door for governmental,

organisational, and individual protection of the environment and natural resources.
Numerous fundamental environmental problems are severely affecting human
existence. All of these problems, including overpopulation, hydrological problems,
ozone depletion, global warming, deforestation, desertification, and pollution,
represent a serious threat to humankind's continued survival.
It is pointless to anticipate positive progress until environmental protection turns into
a powerful mass movement, particularly in the era of digital media, which has the
power to spark a revolution and prevent the destruction of our world.
Importance of Conservation & Sustainable Development of Environment
Working for environmental protection has become increasingly vital in modern times.
The necessity to protect the environment from further damage is illustrated by the
following considerations:
To eliminate pollution of the air, water, and land.

To make it easier to protect natural resources for future generations.
To make sure that biodiversity is protected.
To put sustainable development into action.
To establish ecological harmony.
To protect the environment from the harmful effects of global warming.
India is the second largest country in Asia and the seventh largest country overall,
with a total size of 329 million hectares.
India's rich and diversified flora was supported by the wide variety of habitats that
result from different climates and altitudes.
Fortunately, India is blessed with a variety of agro-climatic conditions that foster the
development of a vast range of plant and animal species.
However, the country is facing a very serious issue with the loss of biodiversity.
More species of living things are going extinct than ever before, and biodiversity is
under greater threat than ever.
According to global consensus, deforestation is the primary factor contributing to the
current catastrophe. Other major factors include global climatic change, shifting
agriculture, soil erosion, uncontrolled urbanisation, etc.
A determined effort must be made right now to protect biodiversity for future
generations due to the current rate of extinction.
It is common knowledge that productive and valued biological resources are essential
for long-term economic growth.
The rural populace has long held the belief that biodiversity is crucial to their survival
and means of subsistence.
Industries including construction, pharma, cosmetics, pulp and paper, agriculture and
agro-industries, horticulture, and waste treatment depend on biological resources,
therefore protecting and conserving biodiversity is in our own interest.
In poor nations, between 70 and 80 per cent of the populace relies only on plants for
medical care.
Importance of Traditional Knowledge
The preservation of biodiversity and its traditional uses depends heavily on

traditional knowledge:
The authorized healthcare system in India includes Indian Systems of Medicine
(Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani), which rely on a variety of biological resources and
conventional knowledge.
Over many years, farmers and livestock keepers have cultivated and enhanced a wide
range of domesticated plant and animal species.
This has been crucial for ensuring food security as well as for offering clothing,
healthcare, and housing.
Local communities have autonomously protected wild spaces throughout India,
including natural ecosystems that are occasionally regarded as sacred, such as 'sacred
groves,' some of which are tens of thousands of years old and devoted to a regional
deity.
Protection of Traditional Knowledge
The protection of traditional knowledge innovations and practices of indigenous and

local communities has received increasing international attention since the adoption of
the Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD) in 1992.
It is now clearly established that Traditional Knowledge is valuable to contemporary
business and agriculture in addition to those who depend on it for their daily needs
and plays a significant part in the global economy
The majority of traditional civilizations rely on this knowledge to meet their needs for
food and medical care. As a large portion of the world's crop diversity has been kept
and preserved by indigenous/local peoples, which has aided in the protection and
conservation of biodiversity, the protection of Traditional Knowledge is crucial for
the conservation and sustainable development of the ecosystem.
Their expertise is essential for preserving and conserving Genetic Resources (GR) and
other bioresources. .
With this, we come to the end of our session. In today’s session, we discussed
Importance of Conservation & Sustainable Development of Environment and
Management of Biodiversity and Protection of Traditional Knowledge.I hope you
have got a fair understanding of the topic.
Management of Biodiversity
Importance of Traditional Knowledge
The preservation of biodiversity and its traditional uses depends heavily on

traditional knowledge:
The authorized healthcare system in India includes Indian Systems of Medicine
(Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani), which rely on a variety of biological resources and
conventional knowledge.
Over many years, farmers and livestock keepers have cultivated and enhanced a wide
range of domesticated plant and animal species.
This has been crucial for ensuring food security as well as for offering clothing,
healthcare, and housing.
Local communities have autonomously protected wild spaces throughout India,
including natural ecosystems that are occasionally regarded as sacred, such as 'sacred
groves,' some of which are tens of thousands of years old and devoted to a regional
deity.
Protection of Traditional Knowledge
The protection of traditional knowledge innovations and practices of indigenous and

local communities has received increasing international attention since the adoption of
the Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD) in 1992.
It is now clearly established that Traditional Knowledge is valuable to contemporary
business and agriculture in addition to those who depend on it for their daily needs
and plays a significant part in the global economy
The majority of traditional civilizations rely on this knowledge to meet their needs for
food and medical care. As a large portion of the world's crop diversity has been kept
and preserved by indigenous/local peoples, which has aided in the protection and
conservation of biodiversity, the protection of Traditional Knowledge is crucial for
the conservation and sustainable development of the ecosystem.
Their expertise is essential for preserving and conserving Genetic Resources (GR) and
other bioresources. .
With this, we come to the end of our session. In today’s session, we discussed
Importance of Conservation & Sustainable Development of Environment and
Management of Biodiversity and Protection of Traditional Knowledge.I hope you
have got a fair understanding of the topic.
Scheduled tribes and other traditional forest dwellers act
Forest landscapes cover over 23% of the country.

Around 200 million i.e., 20% of population live in and near India's forest lands.
Source: Citizens' report 2013 on Community Forest Rights under Forest Rights Act
But They had no legal right to their homes, lands or livelihoods. Result?
Both forests and people were suffering.
In 2006, "Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest
Rights) Act was passed which granted legal recognition to the rights of traditional forest
dwelling communities. It entitles.
1. Individuals & Families or communities to a right over their own land, and
importantly,
2. Empowers the Gram-sabha, or village assembly, with initiating the process of
recognition.
What Kind of Rights?
1. Land rights
2. Use rights
3. Right to Protect and Conserve
Till Sept 2013, the government had received around 3.3 million claims, but only 40 % had
resulted in land titles.
Community forest rights (CFR) constituted just two per cent (approx.) of all claims, and only
29 % of such claims had resulted in land titles.
Source: Ministry of Tribal Affairs (2013), Status report on implementation of the Scheduled
Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
Issues in the Implementation
1. Less awareness among government bureaucrats about the FRA has resulted in poor
implementation of its provisions.
2. Participation at Gram Sabha level is poor.
3. Recognition of rights of Other Traditional Forest Dwellers has been grossly neglected
in terms of their eligibility.
4. Poor recognition of CFR rights and community rights
5. There is no clear boundary of community rights area, where multiple villages are
dependent on the same forest.
6. Right holders and the Gram Sabhas are not empowered enough to protect wildlife,
forest and biodiversity, and to regulate access to their forest areas.
7. Large scale interference by the Forest Department in the rights recognition process.
8. Issues relating to preparation of conservation and management plans.
Source: Report on REGIONAL CONSULTATION ON IMPLEMENATTION OF FOREST
RIGHTS ACT; 'Issues implementation of community rights with focus on management and
governance of CFR’ 23rd_24th September 2013, of BHUBANESW AR. ODISHA
Our Work
• Land resource mapping
• Workshop for leaders of Gram sabhas and Forest Wild Life Management
Committee on NREGA, FRA, PESA, Biodiversity the different
government programmes, gender concepts and institution building.
• Capacity building of all eligible communities and helpline them in
claiming for their rights.
• Advocacy on FRA through participation in state and National level
networks, meetings with government officials, consultation.
• Promoting meetings of FMC and NTFP cultivator groups.
• Facilitating public hearing on NREGS, FRA and other issues.
• Enabling inclusion of women in decision making process for management
of forests and other natural resources.
2013 Highlights
1. 18725 tribal people benefitted from our work
2. 1,430 tribal men and women from across three states have received individual land
titles under FRA.
3. The gram sabha of Panchgaon village earned Rs. 148000/-by selling Bamboo from
the village forest for which the CFR has been granted.
4. 34 communities from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh who have received
management rights have formed committees and are enforcing rules agreed in the
community meetings to stop illegal felling prevent forest fires, conserve biodiversity
etc.
PROTECTION OF PLANT VARIETIES AND FARMERS RIGHTS ACT
PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION AND THE PURPOSE
1. Plant variety protection provides legal protection of a plant variety to a breeder in the
form of Plant breeder's rights.
2. Plant Breeder's Rights are intellectual property rights that provide exclusive rights to a
breeder of the registered variety.
THE PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION AND FARMERS RIGHTS ACT 2001
1. a sui generis system, is an attempt by the Indian Government to recognize and protect
the rights of both commercial plant breeders and farmers in respect of their
contribution made in conserving, improving and making available plant genetic
resources for development of new plant varieties and to encourage the development of
new plants varieties.
2. Protection of the plant varieties under the Act accelerates agricultural development
and stimulates investment for research and development for the development of new
plant varieties which in turn facilities the growth of the seed industry and ensures the
availability of high-quality seeds and plant in material to the farmers.
WHY PROTECTION FOR PLANTS IS REQUIRED IN INDIA?
1. The Agreement on TRIPS requires WTO members to introduce an "Effective
system" for the protection of plant varieties. Article 27 (3) of the TRIPS
agreement reads
2. Member countries may exclude "plants and animals other than micro-
organisms and essentially biological processes for the production of plants and
animals other than nonbiological and micróbiological processes. However,
Members shall provide for the protection of plant varieties either by Patents or
by an effective sui generis system or by any combination thereof.
3. India is among the first countries in the world to have passed legislation
granting Farmers Rights in the form of the Protection of Plant Varieties and
Farmers Rights Act, 2001 (PPVFR).
4. Nine rights are given to farmers under the Act including: the rights to save,
exchange and (to a limited extent) sell seeds and propagating material, to
register varieties, to recognition and reward for conservation Of varieties, to
benefit sharing, to information about expected performance of a variety
compensation for failure of variety to perform, availability of seeds Oi
registered variety. free services for registration, conducting tests on varieties,
legal claims under the Act, and protection from infringement.
PLANT VARIETY
 A variety is a plant grouping within a single botanical taxon of the lowest
known rank, defined by the expression of the characteristics resulting from a
given genotype or combination of genotypes. The variety should be
distinguished from other plant grouping by expression and should be
considered as a unit with regard to its suitability for being propagated
unchanged.
REGISTERABLE PLANT VARIETIES IN INDIA

a. New Varieties: A Variety which is not in public domain in India earlier than
one year before the date of filing or outside India, in the case of trees or vines
earlier than six years or in any other case earlier than four years.
b. Extant Variety: A Variety which is notified under Seed Act, 1966 or a variety
about which there is common knowledge or a farmer's variety or any other
variety which is in public domain is considers as an Extant Variety.
c. Farmer's Variety: A Variety which has been traditionally cultivated and
evolved by the farmers in their fields or a variety which is a wild relative or
land race of a variety about which farmers possess common knowledge.
d. Essentially Derived Variety (EDV): i) Predominantly derived from such initial
variety, or from a variety that itself is predominantly derived from such initial
variety, while retaining the expression of the essential characteristics that
result from the genotype or combination of genotypes of such initial variety.
ii) Is clearly distinguishable from such initial variety; and
iii) Conforms to such initial variety in the expression of the essential
characteristics
NON-REGISTERABLE PLANT VARIETIES IN INDIA
• All plant varieties cannot get legal protection in India. Certain Plant varieties are
excluded from the protection under PPVFR Act 2001. Any variety where prevention of
commercial exploitation of such variety is necessary to protect public order or public
morality or human, animal and plant life and health or to avoid serious prejudice to the
environment or any varieties which has terminator technology or any variety belonging to the
species or genera which is not listed in the notification issued by the Central Government
cannot be registered for the protection under the Act.
CRITERIA FOR PROTECTING A PLANT VARIETY The plant variety must be:
1. Distinct: A variety should be clearly distinguishable by at least one essential
characteristic from existing or commonly known varieties in any country at
the time of filing of the application.
2. Uniform: A Variety must be sufficiently uniform in its essential
characteristics.
3. Stable: Essential characteristics of a variety must be stable after repeated
propagation or in the case of a particular cycle of propagation at the end of
each cycle.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR THE REGISTRATION OF A PLANT VARIETY?
a. any person claiming to be the breeder of the variety;
b. any successor of the breeder of the variety;
c. any person being the Assignee or the breeder of the variety in respect of the
right to make such application;
d. any farmer or group of farmers or community of farmers claiming to the
breeder of the variety;
e. any person authorized to make application on behalf of farmers; and
f. any university or publicly funded agricultural institution claiming to the
breeder of the variety.
WHERE TO FILE THE APPLICATION FOR THE REGISTRATION OF A PLANT
VARIETY?
• For the purposes of Protection of Plant
• Varieties and Framers Right Act, 2001 Protection of Plant Varieties and
Farmers Right Authority was established in October 2005 and its Head
Quarters is located at NASC Complex, DPS Marg, Opp-Todapur, New
Delhi - 110 012.
• Any information regarding protection, application, fee structure etc can be
obtained from the office or at http://www.Plantauthority.gov.in/
PREREQUISITES FOR FILING AN APPLICATION FORM FOR REGISTERATION
OF PLANT VARIETY
• Denomination assigned to such variety
• An affidavit that variety does not contain any gene or gene sequence
involving terminator technology
• Complete passport data of parental lines with its geographical location in
India and all such information relating to the contribution if any, of any
farmeref) village, community, institution etc in breeding and dev oping the
variety
• Characteristics of variety with description of Novelty, Distinctiveness,
Uniformity and Stability
• A declaration that the genetic material used for breeding of such variety
has been lawfully acquired
• A breeder or other person making application for registration shall disclose
the use of genetic material conserved by any tribal or rural families for
improvement of such variety
DEPOSITION OF SEED OR PROPAGATING MATERIAL BEFORE
REGISTRATION
• Deposition of seeds is necessary for DUS test conducted by PPV FR authority. The
applicant needs to deposit the fixed amount of seed or propagating material with prescribed
germination percentage and physical purity along with the seed quality test report to the
authority.
DURATION OF PROTECTION FOR A REGISTERED PLANT VARIETY
• Trees and Vines: 18 Years
• Other crops: 15 Years.
• Extant Varieties: 15 Years from the date of notification of that variety by
the Central Government under Seed Act, 1966.
EXEMPTIONS PROVIDED UNDER THE ACT

1. Farmers Exemption: Farmer shall be entitled to produce, save, use, sow, resow,
exchange, share or sell his farm produce including seed of a variety protected under
this Act.
2. Researchers Exemption: Researchers are allowed to (i) use the registered variety for
conducting experiment (ii) use the variety as an initial source of variety for the
purpose of creating other varieties.
PLANTS THAT ARE COVERED UNDER THE PPVFR ACT
1. As of now following 18 plant species can be registered under the Act.
2. Cereals: Rice, Wheat, Maize, Sorghum, Pearl Millet.
3. Legumes: Chickpea, Mungbean, Urdhean, Field Pea, Rajmash, Lentil, Pigeaon Pea.
4. Fibre Crop
5. Four species of cotton namely Gossypium Arboreum L and G. Herbaceum L (Diploid
Cotton) and G. Barbadense L. and G. Hirsutum L (Tertaploid Cotton)
6. Two species of Jute (Corchorus Olitorius L. and C. Capsularis L)
THE RIGHTS ENJOYED BY THE OWNER OF VARIETY/BREEDER'S RIGHTS

The owner of the protected variety has the following rights
I. To produce
II. To Sell
III. To market
IV. To distribute
V. To import and
VI. To export the variety.
The knowledge of the indigenous people and the traditional farmers has made a significant
contribution in the development of new crop types and biodiversity conservation.
1. Monsanto sued farmers for re-sowing GM seed62: Monsanto Company is suing
dozens of American and Canadian farmers for infringement of its patent on
genetically modified (GM) crops. Investigators hired by the company keeps an eye on
the farmers and collect evidence of the illegal planting of the Monsanto's GM crops of
cotton, maize, rapeseed and soybean. Farmers who used Monsanto's crops to produce
seed for planting have been fined thousands of dollars for patent infringement and
some face bankruptcy. The company also advertises a toll-free telephone number for
people to inform on farmers who use unlicensed seed.
2. BENEFIT SHARING The Plant Variety Act of India has benefit sharing mechanisms
which requires sharing the benefits arising from commercialization of traditional
knowledge. The bio-diversity has a great economic value and hence need to be
conserved. Unless there is adequate incentive for conserving the bio diversity for
future generations, there will be genetic erosion that will ultimately be detrimental to
the interests to the society.
3. Case Study of Jeevani: The Miracle Drug The drug Jeevani is developed from the
perennial plant Arogyapaacha. Four patent applications were filed on Jeevani. The
technology was then licensed to the Arya Vaidya Pharmacy Ltd. an Indian
pharmaceutical manufacturer pursuing the commerciahzation of ayurvedic herbal
formulations. A trust was established to share the benefits arising from the
commercialization of the traditional knowledge-based drug called ecwani'. The
rationale attributed beillg, if the local communities ad not conserved the biodiversity,
the probability of scientists making any selection at all would have been remote or nil.
Forest Rights Act 2006

• Forest landscapes cover over 23% of the country.
• Around 200 million i.e., 20% of population live in and near India’s forest land.
But They had no legal right to their homes, lands or livelihoods. Results? Both forest and
people were suffering.
Source: Citizen’s report 2013 on community forest rights under Forest Rights Act.
• In 2006, “Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of the
Forest Rights) Act was passed which granted legal recognition to the rights of
traditional forest dwelling communities.
• It entitles, Individuals & Families or communities to a right over their own land, and
importantly.
• Empowers the Gram-sabha, or village assembly, with initiating the process of
recognition.
What kind of Rights?
• Land rights.
• Use rights.
• Rights to protect and conserve.
• Till Sept 2013, the government had received around 3.3 million claims, but only 40%
had resulted in land titles.
• Community forest rights (CFR) constituted just two per cent (approx.) of all claims,
and only 29% of such claims had resulted in land titles.
Source: Ministry of Tribal Affairs (2013), Status report on implementation of the scheduled
Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
Issues in the Implementation
• Less awareness among government bureaucrats about the FRA has resulted in poor
implementation of its provisions.
• Participation at Gram Sabha level is poor.
• Recognition of rights of others traditional Forest Dwellers has been grossly neglected
in terms of their eligibility.
• Poor recognition of CFR rights and community rights.
• There is no clear boundary of community rights area, where multiple villages are
dependent on the same forest.
• Rights holders and the gram sabhas are not empowered enough to protect wildlife,
forest and biodiversity, and to regulate access to their forest areas.
• Large scale interreference by the Forest Department in the rights recognition process.
• Issues related to preparation of conservation and management plans.
Source: Report on REGIONAL CONSULTATION ON IMPLEMENATTION OF FOREST
RIGHTS ACT: ‘Issues in implementation of community rights with focus on management
and governance of CFR ‘ 23rd_24th September 2013, BHUBANESWAR, ODISHA.
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY ACT, 2002 AND THE RULES 2004
India's efforts to realize the goals outlined in the United Nations Convention on
Biological Diversity (CBD) 1992, which affirms the sovereign rights of states to
utilise their own biological resources, gave rise to the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Section 2 (b) “biological diversity” means the variability among living organisms
from all sources and the ecological complexes of which they are part and includes
diversity within species or between species and of eco-systems;
Section 2 (c) “biological resources” means plants, animals and micro-organisms or
parts thereof, their genetic material and by- products (excluding value added products)
with actual or potential use or value, but does not include human genetic material;
Section 2 (g) “fair and equitable sharing” means sharing of benefits as determined by
the National Biodiversity Authority under section 21;
The Biological Diversity Act, 2002

The act was enacted in 2002, it aims at the
 conservation of biological resources,
 managing its sustainable use and
 enabling fair and equitable sharing benefits arising out of the use and knowledge
of biological resources with the local communities.
 The act envisaged a three-tier structure to regulate the access to biological
resources:
 The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
 The State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs)
 The Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) (at local level)
Salient Provisions of the Act

 Transmission of Indian genetic material outside of India is prohibited without
express government of India consent;
 Anyone claiming an Intellectual Property Right (IPR), such as a patent, over
biodiversity or associated knowledge is prohibited from doing so without the
Indian Government's consent.;
 Regulation of the acquisition and use of biodiversity by Indian citizens, but
exempting local populations from such regulations;
 Measures for distributing the benefits of biodiversity utilisation, such as
technological transfers, financial rewards, shared R&D, joint IPR ownership, etc;
 Measures to protect habitats and species, conduct environmental impact analyses
before projects, and include biodiversity into various agencies' and sectors' plans,
programmes, and policies are all examples of ways to conserve and sustainably
utilise biological resources.
 Making provisions for local communities to have a say in how their resources and
expertise are used and charging fees for this.
 Protection of traditional or indigenous knowledge by proper legislation or other
steps such as registering such knowledge.
 The usage of genetically modified organisms must be governed;
 Establishing national, state, and local biodiversity funds to aid in benefit-sharing
and conservation.
 Creation of a National Biodiversity Authority, State Biodiversity Boards, and
Local Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) at the local village level
(NBA).
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY RULES 2004

The Central Government hereby promulgates the Biological Diversity Rules, 2004 in
accordance with the authority granted by section 62 of the Biological Diversity Act,
2002, and in supersession of the National Biodiversity Authority (salary, Allowances
and conditions of service of Chairperson and other Members) Rules, 2003, with the
exception of actions taken or not taken prior to such supersession.
Hello learners welcome to the session on Protection of Traditional
Knowledge,2016
 Traditional knowledge refers to the foundational knowledge, abilities, and

customs created and upheld by regional, indigenous, and native cultures. It has
functioned as the community's spiritual and cultural identity and has been kept
and passed down from one generation to the next.
 Dr. Tharoor introduced the Protection of Traditional Knowledge Bill to ensure
the protection, preservation, promotion, and development of India's Traditional
Knowledge as well as for subjects related to or incidental to it.
Traditional Knowledge Protection

When analysing traditional knowledge protection, three factors are crucial:
1. The requirement to safeguard traditional knowledge

 Preservation of ancient knowledge is crucial, especially in these rapidly evolving
times.
 Protecting traditional knowledge can prevent its unauthorised, commercial
exploitation.
 Indigenous people who are responsible for bringing it to light could end up
incurring enormous losses, both emotionally and financially, if it is left
unprotected. Ancient practises can be safeguarded and preserved through
preserving traditional knowledge.
2. How can traditional knowledge be safeguarded?

 Intellectual property rights typically uses two strategies to protect traditional
knowledge: positive protection and defensive mechanism.
 Positive Protection Giving traditional knowledge holders the freedom to take the
appropriate precautions and pursue remedies in the event that their knowledge
base is misused is referred to as positive protection. It entails the adoption of
particular laws, norms, and regulations as well as access to benefit-sharing
clauses, royalties, and other payments.
 Defensive mechanism Conversely, defensive mechanisms relate to the measures
taken by holders of traditional knowledge to stop the appropriation of their
intellectual property rights. This type of knowledge protection aids conventional
knowledge owners in defending their IP rights against unauthorised third-party
acquisition.
3. The threat to traditional knowledge

 People who possess traditional knowledge frequently run across a number of
issues. If it isn't safeguarded, it could endanger community cultures and
undermine the very existence of knowledge.
 Many social and environmental variables, such as encroaching modern lifestyles,
migration, etc., impair traditional methods of preserving and transmitting
knowledge to future generations.
 Additionally, those who possess traditional knowledge do not get respect or
recognition for it.
 Traditional knowledge is frequently ignored when science and technology move
so quickly. Even though contemporary ideas have taken the place of our
understanding of conventional wisdom, we nevertheless need to acknowledge its
contributions. Traditional knowledge must be protected and preserved at all
costs.
Reasons to Protect Traditional Knowledge (TK)

 Equity,
 Biodiversity conservation,
 Preservation of traditional practices,
 Prevention of biopiracy, and.
 TK's significance in development.
Biopiracy:
Theft of traditional knowledge (TK) with the intention of obtaining a patent on it

exclusively.
The method through which the ownership of genetic resources and knowledge is
"erased and taken over by those who have abused indigenous knowledge and
biodiversity."
Example of Biopiracy of Traditional Knowledge - Colgate Case
 The biggest toothpaste manufacturer in the world, Colgate, has a patented tooth
powder.
 A major American retailer of home products received a patent in June for what it
called a revolutionary "red herbal dentifrice.“
 Indian activists assert that the patent is invalid since the components, such as
clove oil, camphor, black pepper, and spearmint, have been employed for the
same function on the subcontinent for hundreds, "if not thousands," of years. Its
patent application claims that red iron oxide, which is less abrasive than the
components in conventional toothpaste, is a novel constituent.
 Colgate claims that an ancient recipe has been updated and that by using this
"legal contrivance," the American company will avoid having to pay royalties.
 To stop the "biopiracy" of its historic folk medicines, which records the methods
and claims them as Indian property, India is in the midst of producing 34 million
web pages.
The United States Patents and Trademark Office is still considering the case.
National Attempts to Protect Traditional Knowledge-India
National Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Patents Act, 1970 through its amendments in 2005
Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers‟ Rights Act, 2001
Geographical Indications Act, 2003
Hello learners welcome to the session on Biodiversity Conservation and
Indigenous people
India has managed to conserve such a diversity of wildlife despite its large population
and development challenges. The reverence that local communities have for Nature
has been vital for the government’s sustained success and other agencies’
conservation efforts.
However, the government’s conservation activities have created fear amongst the
indigenous people for losing their existence in lands that they had inhabited for
decades.
In this context, proper implementation of the Forests Rights Act, 2006 is required, as
the Act envisages protecting the indigenous people’s interests and balancing the right
to the environment with their right to life and livelihood.
Role of the Indigenous People In Conservation:

Conserving Natural Flora: The magico-religious belief of plants’ tribal communities
as a god and goddess habitat leads to their conservation in their natural habitat.
Further, a wide variety of plants such as crop plants, wild fruits, seeds, bulb, roots and
tubers are conserved by the ethnic and indigenous people as they have to depend on
these sources for edible purposes.
Application of Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous people and biodiversity

complement each other.
Over time, the rural communities have gathered a pool of indigenous knowledge for
the cultivation of the medicinal plants and their propagation.
These plants conserved are antidotes to snake bites and scorpion bites or even for
broken bones or orthopaedic treatments.
Conserving the Sacred Groves: India’s ethnic people have played a vital role in
preserving the biodiversity of several virgin forests and have conserved flora and
fauna in sacred groves of tribals. Otherwise, these flora and fauna might have
disappeared from the natural ecosystem.
Plight of Indigenous people:
Disruption After Designation of the Status of World Heritage Site: The approach
adopted to isolate the indigenous people from their natural habitats to protect
biodiversity is the root cause of conflict between them and conservationists.
With the announcement of natural habitat as a World Heritage Site, UNESCO takes
charge of the region’s conservation.
This leads to an infusion of many outside people and technological equipment, which
in turn disrupt the lives of the Indigenous people.
Lax implementation of the Forest Rights Act: Many states in India have a dismal
record in implementing the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
This can be reflected with the fact that states like Karnataka had recognised only 5.7%
of the total claims made.
Further, the FRA’s constitutionality has been challenged in the Supreme Court several
times by various conservation organisations.
One of the petitioners’ key arguments has been that it is beyond the legislative
competence of Parliament to enact the FRA as ‘land’ is a state subject.
Development vs Conservation: Often, the combined stretch of land claimed by

Indigenous people has been taken away for building dams, mining, laying railway
lines and roads, power plants, etc.
Moreover, forcibly removing tribal peoples from their land will only result in
environmental damage and violate human rights.
Illegal Encroachment of Land: The government records also reveal that 43 lakh
hectares of forest land encroached legally and illegally until 1980 when the Forest
Conservation Act came into force.
The Forest Rights Act (FRA):
A dramatic shift in the Indian conservation paradigm came in 2006 through the Forest
Rights Act that went beyond sanctioning local usage, to conferring local communities’
rights over forest land and produce.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs was mandated to operationalise the Act, while
conservation remained under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change.
The Forest Rights Act (FRA) is legislation which aims to address the historical
injustice that our forest-dwelling communities have had to face for nearly 150 years
by providing them with the security of tenure over land for cultivation and habitation
through individual rights.
It also provides access to various resources through more than a dozen types of
community forest rights.
The FRA also empowers forest-dwelling communities to protect, regenerate, conserve
and manage any community forest resource which they have been traditionally
protecting and preserving for sustainable use.
It has the provision for creating critical wildlife habitats within protected areas which
currently is the most robust conservation provision among existing laws of the
country.
The FRA does not sanction any fresh clearance of forest, as individual rights over
land will only be granted if the forest dweller owned that parcel of land on December
13, 2005.
Way Forward:
Recognition of the Rights of the Indigenous People: For preserving the rich
biodiversity of the region, the recognition of the rights of the forest dwellers who
depend on the forests is as important as the declaration of natural habitat as a World
Heritage Site.
Effective Implementation of the FRA: The government must make an effort to build
trust between its agencies in the area and the people who depend on these forests by
treating them as equal citizens like everyone else in the country.
The FRA’s loopholes have already been identified; all it needs is to work on
amending it.
Traditional Knowledge of the Tribal People for Conservation: The Biodiversity Act,
2002 mentions about the equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use and
knowledge of biological resources with the local communities.
Therefore, all the stakeholders should realise that indigenous people’s traditional
knowledge is a way forward for more effective conservation of biodiversity.
Tribals, The Forest Scientists: Tribal peoples are generally regarded as the best
conservationists, as they connect with nature more spiritually.
The cheapest and quickest way to conserve areas of high biodiversity is to respect
tribal peoples’ rights.
Conclusion
As the indigenous people are integral to conservation as they relate with it in a more
integrated and spiritual way, a sense of respect needs to be developed for the
indigenous people; their presence helps in the conservation of biodiversity.
Indigenous knowledge transmission in india
Education programmes provide important tools for human development, but they may
also compromise the transmission of indigenous knowledge.
With formal education, children spend much time learning passively in classroom
settings, rather than engaged in hands-on learning on the land.
Teachers replace parents and elders as the holders of knowledge and authority.
National languages become the medium of instruction, while vernacular languages are
sidelined.
Formal education may, therefore, contribute to an erosion of cultural diversity, a loss

of social cohesion and the alienation and disorientation of indigenous youth.
There is an urgent need to enhance the intergenerational transmission of indigenous
knowledge, as a complement to mainstream education.
Efforts are now being made to bring indigenous language and knowledge into school
curricula and to move learning back into the community, thus reaffirming the status of
elders as knowledge holders.
Conclusion
Hello Learners
India possesses the world's oldest civilization. Throughout our 5000-year journey, we
have been ruled by many rulers from various religions and cultures. Furthermore, a
large number of people migrated from other countries, and India welcomed them with
open arms. As a result of this exchange, we can see a lot of diversity in our country in
terms of religion, culture, race, and religion. Despite these differences, India remained
united even during dark times and faced all crises with a united spirit. "Unity among
diversity" is the thread that binds all Indians together.
In this session, we will look at the meaning of unity in diversity in India, the different
types of diversity in India, what diversity is, the provisions for unity in the
constitution, the importance of unity, and the obstacles to achieving unity.
India is diverse in terms of its religions, ethnicities, customs, and social structures.
India's secular and pluralist stance from the country's inception may have aided India
in realising a "Diversity Dividend."
From Jammu and Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Indians practise a variety of cultures,
religions, languages, and traditions. However, living together with love and peace
despite these differences describes India's concept of unity in diversity.
The Indian Constitution allows individuals the freedom to live by their religious
beliefs and practices as they interpret these.
Secularism is important for a country to function democratically.
The Indian constitution mandates that the Indian state be secular. According to the
constitution, only a secular state can realize its objectives to ensure the following:
That one religious community does not dominate another;
That some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community;
That the state does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious
freedom of individuals.
The Indian state works in various ways to prevent the above domination. First, It uses
a strategy of distancing itself from religion. The Indian state is not ruled by a religions
group and nor does it support any one religion. In, India government spaces like law
courts, police stations, government schools and offices are not supposed to display or
promote any one religion.
Conclusion
Indian culture is a synthesis of many different human cultural trends that is organic an
d harmonious.
India is an excellent example of the one in many philosophies despite having a diverse
culture.
There is a deeper unity in diversity than that produced by either geographic seclusion
or political suzerainty.
There is a unity in India that transcends the countless differences in race, colour,
language, dress, manners, and sects.
The continuity of religious practises and the spirit of tolerance displayed by its people
throughout history is what makes Indian culture, civilization, and its history
distinctive.
In this course, I hope you all understood the essence of Tradtional knowledge. Indian
traditional knowledge is widespread as we have seen. It is there in our culture,
languages and literature, it is spreaded through our religion, it is in expressed in our
fine arts in the form of music, dance, paintings, drama, handicrafts and it is inherent in
our medicinal system of practice. Also the deep traditional knowledge can be seen in
different sectors like engineering, architecture, bio diversity and sustainable
development. As we all know it is our responsibility to protect and preserve this novel
indigenous knowledge legally. Hope you have enjoyed learning the course. Thank
you

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Essence of Traditional Knowledge

• Traditional knowledge refers to the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous

What is Traditional Knowledge?

Artesanat Spiritual Expression

Comparisons between indigenous and scientific knowledge

Thank you Learners

Let’s see the definition of indigenous knowledge.

Commercialisation and economic instability can destroy indigenous knowledge

 Indigenous knowledge is a visual representation of oral knowledge whereas, western

Thank you Learners

Traditional knowledge of Kani tribals

Author name M.Ayyanar and S.Ignacimuthu

Year of the study 2005

To study the importance of medicinal plants in the primary health

Objectives care of the people.

Ethno botanical survey

Author name S. K. Panda , S. D. Rout , N. Mishra and T. Panda

Methodology Field Survey

The inventoried species comprise 62 families. The most important medicin

Traditional knowledge system is important for modern societies, not only b

It is an urgent task to record the posterity, whatever is valuable in the traditi

Author name Mangala Hirwade and Anil Hirwade

Year of the study 2012

To analyse the features of indigenous knowledge, protection of traditional

India has taken misappropriations of its traditional knowledge by develo

Sharma Arti, Santvan Virender Kumar , Sharma Pooja and Chandel Sa

Year of the study 2014

To explore traditional medicinal knowledge of plants of Jawalamukhi s

Methodology Ethnobotanical survey

Though this knowledge is passing orally from one generation to anot

All these plants need to be evaluated through phyto and pharmaco in

Name of the Rese Traditional knowledge on poisonous plants of Udhampur district of Ja

Year of the study 2014

Methodology Qualititaive and Quantitative

Further phytochemical and pharmacological studies are required to

Author name Sanjit Kumar Chakraborty

Year of the study 2017

Name of the Res

Year of the study 2020

Technical advice is required to be circulated among community mem

Year of the study 2020

To investigate zootherapeutic uses among two tribes who inhabit differ

Methodology Field Survey from May 2015 to March 2016

The Wancho informed us of using 20 species, of which birds and thei

The tribal people must understand that preserving their traditional kn

Declaring certain species, threatened by extinction, taboo by elders o

Year of the study 2020

Assessment was done with the help of semi-

We believe that mass production, proper commercialization, and ma

Author name Shambhu Prasad Chakrabarty and Ravneet Kaur

Year of the stu

The methodology adopted in this paper incorporates drawing of conclusion usi

Indigenous Knowledge Scientific Knowledge

Indigenous Knowledge Scientific Knowledge

 a mix of ecological and  based on phylogenic

Thank you Learners.

6. Dharana – Concentration and cultivating inner perceptual awareness

Vedas and Upanishads

The Atharva Veda is also known as the Brahma Veda.