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Sukanya Das, Lovely Professional University Unit 1: Indian Society

Unit 1: Indian Society Notes

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction
1.1 Unity in Diversity in India
1.2 Cultural and Regional Diversities of Indian Society
1.3 Evolution of Indian Society: Socio-Cultural Dimensions
1.4 Socio-cultural Dynamics through the Ages
1.5 Impact of Modern West on Indian Society
1.6 Summary
1.7 Key-Words
1.8 Review Questions
1.9 Further Readings

Objectives

After studying this unit students will be able to:
• Understand Unity in Diversity in India.
• Explain Cultural and Regional diversities of Indian Society.
• Discuss the evolution of Indian Society Socio-cultural dimensions.
Introduction

India is a country of many ethnic groups, over 1,650 spoken languages, dialects, regional
variations—a land of myriad tongues—numerous modes of apparel and countless mannerisms.
For the most part, the continental size of the country accounts for the variations and diversities.
Besides, there are many religions, sects and beliefs. At times the wide differences seem to
predominate, and the resultant disharmony is regarded by many as irremediable, a phenomenon
that the 100 crore people (ours is the second most populous country) have to live with, whether
they like it or not. The cynics even regard the Indian people as quarrelsome, often at each other’s
throat, denouncing others as if they were inveterate enemies holding irreconcilable ideas and
subscribing to ideals totally different from theirs.
But those who stick to this impression ignore a vital factor there is a basic unity which runs
through the Indian mainstream of life and thought. There is a traditional culture which is truly
oriental and which conforms to the teachings and precepts of our saints and sages. Culture and
civilisation are admittedly difficult to define, though both these signify certain identifiable trends
and traits of character, especially restraint, consideration for others and a high degree of tolerance.
The lack of culture becomes evident even from the language and the dialect one uses, the conduct
and manner of living, one’s gestures in social life, the tendency to have a closed mind, with doors
and windows shut as if to disallow the inflow of fresh ideas and other viewpoints.
Every process of exclusion betrays lack of culture, just as every trend indicating a willingness to
broaden one’s outlook shows a commendable cultural trait. The same idea is often put in different
words: static culture envisages decay, just as dynamism ensures survival.
It is the dynamism and the flexibility that have enabled Indian culture to survive despite its many
diversities and heavy odds. Through these diversities runs a common stream, as it were, and the

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