Page 8 - DSOC201_SOCIAL_STRUCTURE_AND_SOCIAL_CHANGE_ENGLISH

Unit 1: Indian Society

with orthodoxy, as does progressive thought with conservatism, and even reactionary trends. The Notes
broad features of the Hindu culture, (which is not linked to the Hindu religion but is broadly
Indian culture). It is not fixed or static but is constantly adapting itself to changed conditions, thus
responding favourably to new challenges; tolerance of conflicting beliefs, liberalism and
broadmindedness; emphasis on ethical conduct and spiritualism; control of passions and temper;
justice and truth, and disdain of wealth and the pleasures of the senses.
Spiritual perfection is eagerly sought and preached; moral principles, duty and “dharma” are
assiduously propagated, especially at pilgrim centers. Indian culture, in fact, represents a synthesis
on many strains. It contains the best features of many traditions of other lands. Undoubtedly,
certain corrupt influences and distortions have crept in, but these aberrations have not affected the
basis, which is solid, not shaky in any sense. Absorption and assimilation have been responsible
for the lasting qualities of Indian culture; the diversities seem to disappear in course of time,
leaving behind the basic beliefs very much intact. Mahatma Gandhi’s view that veneration for
other faiths is a part of our own system holds well because of the recognition that each religion has
truth and honesty as its basis. Most people have a wide, universal outlook. All these factors
account for the unity in diversity that is an outstanding feature of this country. It is often said that
there is unity in diversity in India. The people of India are united with a common cultural heritage
have a feeling of unity in spite of having external differences. From ancient times it is been seen
that India is divided into various castes, creed , religions, regions but then too they are united as
one whole nation. Nothing in the past have made them broken into pieces. It is an whole of a
nation with a huge population , and will remain united in whatever condition they may put to.
India is a land of diverse physical features. There are snow capped mountains, hilly terrains,
plains, plateaus, and coastal areas. There are deserts and places with extreme and scanty rainfall.
There are regions with extreme and moderate climate. People of India follow different religions
and castes. They follow different customs, traditions and speak different languages. They also
differ in dress and food, inspite of so many differences; people have a feeling of oneness they are
bound by common cultural heritage and they share basic human values. When Indians go abroad,
they call themselves Indians and they are known as Indians. Indian culture is dynamic and tolerant.
Indian culture is more varied and richer. Though the foreign cultures retained their basic character,
they became a part of the Indian culture with the passage of time. The diversity of the Indians
contributes to the variety and richness of Indian culture and strengthens national unity.
But intolerance and narrow mindedness may weaken national unity. We should therefore create
conditions in which people should become conscious of the similarities which make them Indians
rather than the dissimilarities which distinguish them from others. People must be encouraged to
feel proud of India’s cultural heritage, of being called Indians while retaining their distinct features.
India is a live example to the world to show them that they have Unity In Diversity. This country
not only remains together in an emergency but also they remain together in natural calamities
such as famines, floods and earthquakes. This country has become quite inspirational for the
countries who have heavily been divided racially.

1.1 Unity in Diversity in India

India is the seventh largest and the second most populous nation of the world occupying 2.4 per
cent of the total world area. It contains about 15.0 per cent of the world’s population living in a
variety of social, economic, geographical and ecological conditions. It has a long history spanning
over five thousand years of human habitation—3,000 years before Christ and 2,000 years after
Christ. It has a cultural heritage handed down by the immigrant Aryans from across the Himalayas,
the native Dravidians, and the invading civilizations. Its social, economic and cultural diversities
are also reflected in habitat conditions in rural, urban and semi-urban areas. Its total urban
population of 217.18 million (1991 census) or even the total population of four metropolis (Delhi,
Bombay, Madras and Calcutta) exceeds the total population of most of the developing nations.
There are settlements with just 1,000 people and also settlements with 10 million people.

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