UNIT 5 INDIAN CULTURE AND HUMAN VALUES

 Introduction to Unity in Diversity and Indian Culture

Unity in Diversity

• Not just a phrase; crucial for India’s rich culture, heritage, and values.
• India: a blend of many religions, beliefs, and faiths forming a unique cultural mosaic.
• India’s culture: over 5000 years old, survives due to deeply rooted values.

Objectives

• Define values.
• Discuss Indian culture's history and its influence on values.
• Identify values in the Indian Constitution.
• Identify components of Indian culture and values.
• Recognize value integration across the curriculum.
• Relate values and life skills to Indian culture.
• Identify conflict areas between Indian culture and values.

Understanding Culture

Definition and Origin

• Origin: Latin word ‘cultura’ from ‘colere’ meaning ‘to cultivate’.
• Tylor (1974): Culture as a set of activities in all human societies.
• UNESCO (2001): Culture includes spiritual, material, intellectual, and emotional features of society.
• Encompasses art, literature, lifestyles, value systems, traditions, and beliefs.

Components of Culture

• Ideas, beliefs, values, knowledge, behavior, education.
• Spiritual, material, emotional, and intellectual aspects.
• Includes language, literature, arts, music, dance, customs, and traditions.
• Acquired through socialization and learning.

Notes Summary

Unity in Diversity and Indian Culture

• Unity in Diversity:

  • Key to India's survival and rich cultural mosaic.
  • Incorporates various religions, beliefs, and values.
  • Indian culture is resilient due to deeply rooted values.

• Objectives:

  • Define and understand values.
  • Explore history and influence of Indian culture on values.
  • Identify constitutional values and components of Indian culture.
  • Recognize curriculum integration of values.
  • Relate values and life skills to Indian culture.
  • Identify conflicts in Indian culture and values.

Definition and Components of Culture

• Origin:

  • Latin origin: ‘cultura’ from ‘colere’.

• Tylor’s Definition (1974):

  • Culture as a wide-ranging set of human activities.

• UNESCO Definition (2001):

  • Spiritual, material, intellectual, and emotional features of society.
  • Includes art, literature, lifestyles, value systems, traditions, and beliefs.

• Components:

• Ideas, beliefs, values, knowledge, behavior, education.
• Language, literature, arts, music, dance.
• Customs and traditions acquired through socialization.

Influence of Geography on Indian Culture

Geographical Divisions of India

• Peninsula with five main geographical divisions:
  1. Northern Mountains: Himalayan mountain range.
  2. Northern Plains: River valleys of the Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra.
  3. Central Indian Plateau.
  4. South Indian Plateau.
  5. Coastal Regions.

Impact on Culture

• Art, architecture, spirituality, music, and dance are influenced by geography.
• Distinct cultural development south of the Vindhyas (Dravidian culture) different from northern Aryan culture.
• Indian culture has influenced Asia, South-East Asia, and other parts of the world.

Historical Evolution of Indian Culture and its Influence on Values

Ancient Period

• Harappan Civilization (circa 2800 B.C.): Highly developed urban civilization.
• Aryan Civilization: Rural-based, followed Harappan civilization.

Foreign Invasions and Influences

• Greeks, Sakas, Kushanas, Huns: Influenced Indian culture.
• Guptas and Mauryas: Significant ancient civilizations.
• Arab Invasion (8th century A.D.): Influenced Indian culture.
• Sultanate and Mughal Period: High flowering of Indian Muslim civilization (Basham, 2007).
• British Rule: Western influence during the modern period.

Assimilation and Absorption

• Gandhara School of Art: Greek style on Buddhist themes.
• Indo-Islamic Synthesis: Seen in regional schools of art (Kangra, Deccan, Mughal) and architecture.
• Urdu Language: Result of Persian influence.

Cultural Integration and Values

• Universal Brotherhood: ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The world is one family).
• Linguistic and Religious Diversity: Coexists with a fundamental unity (Smith, 1981).
• National Culture: Despite subcultures, there is a unified Indian culture that has influenced many parts of the world.

Geographical Influence

• Divisions: Northern mountains, northern plains, central plateau, southern plateau, coastal regions.
• Cultural Impact: Geography shapes art, architecture, spirituality, music, and dance.
• Cultural Diversity: Dravidian vs. Aryan cultures, influence on Asia and beyond.

Historical Evolution

• Ancient Civilizations: Harappan (urban), Aryan (rural).
• Invasions: Greeks, Sakas, Kushanas, Huns; Guptas, Mauryas; Arabs, Sultanate, Mughals; British.
• Cultural Assimilation: Greek influence on Buddhist art (Gandhara), Indo-Islamic art and architecture (Kangra, Deccan, Mughal), Persian influence on Urdu.

Values and Integration

• Universal Brotherhood: ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
• Diversity and Unity: Coexistence of subcultures with a unified national culture.
• Global Influence: Indian culture's impact on Asia, Southeast Asia, and the world.

DIFFERENT COMPONENTS OF INDIAN CULTURE

Values Underlying Indian Culture

Definition and Importance of Values

• What is a Value?
  • Derived from Latin word 'valere' meaning ‘to be strong, to prevail, to be of worth’.
  • Milton Rokeach: Value is ‘an enduring belief about the way things should be done or about the ends we desire’.
  • Values influence actions and goals.

Influences on Values

• Formed by circumstances, family, friends, age, gender, environment, tradition, and culture.
• Important in decision-making.

Core Universal Values in Indian Culture

• Indian Parliamentary Committee on Value Education (1999) identified five core universal values:
  1. Truth
  2. Righteous Conduct
  3. Peace
  4. Love
  5. Non-violence

Sources of Values

• Derived from Indian tradition and culture.
• Represent different areas of human personality:
  • Truth: Intellectual
  • Righteous Conduct: Physical
  • Peace: Emotional
  • Love: Psychological
  • Non-violence: Spiritual

Values and the Indian Constitution

• Preamble of the Indian Constitution: Enunciates values of justice, liberty, equality, fraternity within a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.
• Pluralism: Keystone of Indian culture.
• Religious Tolerance: Bedrock of Indian secularism.
• Key Articles Promoting Values:
  • Articles 14(4) and 16(4): Remove social and economic inequality, ensure equal opportunities.
  • Articles 14, 15, 16, 21, 38, 39, 46: Improve life quality of poor, disadvantaged, and disabled citizens.

Integration of Values and Education

• Values in Education:
• Truth: Knowledge
• Righteous Conduct: Skill
• Peace: Balance
• Love: Vision
• Non-violence: Identity

Religion in India

Secular State

• India is a secular state with no official state religion.
• Citizens have the freedom to follow their own religion.
• Atmosphere of religious tolerance.

Major Religions in India

• Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism: Originated in India.
• Christianity: Introduced in 52 BC.
• Islam: Arrived by the 8th century A.D.
• Judaism: Introduced by persecuted Jews seeking shelter in India.
• Zoroastrianism (Parsis): Refugees from Iran after Arab conquest.

Religious Tolerance and Mysticism

• Mysticism seen in Sufism and Bhaktism.
• Religious Books: Continue to inspire with values of tolerance, peace, detachment.
  • Bhagavad-Gita: Values of peace and detachment.
  • Gurugranth Sahib: Values of service and equality.
  • Bible: Love and compassion.
  • Quran: Charity.

Key Values

• Tolerance: Acceptance of diverse religious beliefs.
• Piety: Devoutness in religious practices.
• Peace: Promoted across various religious teachings.
• Detachment: Emphasized in spiritual texts.

Society in India

Family

• Basic Unit: Family is the fundamental unit of society.
• Joint Family System: Multiple generations live together; now replaced by nuclear families in cities.
• Nuclear Family: Consists of parents and children only.
• Patriarchal Society: Predominantly, the father is the head of the family.
• Matriarchal Societies: Garo, Khasi, Jaintias (Meghalaya), Nairs (Kerala).
• Role of Family: Preserves and transmits culture, values, beliefs.
• Key Features: Unity, loyalty, integrity, interdependence, and concern for others.
• Support System: Family supports dependents like the elderly, unmarried adults, widows, disabled, etc.
• Modern Changes: Modified extended family system replacing traditional joint family.

Marriage

• Arranged Marriages: Predominantly arranged by parents.
• Love Marriages: Still less popular.
• Child Marriage: Persisting despite the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006) - girls under 18, boys under 21 cannot marry.
• Family Bonding: Marriages create bonds between families, not just individuals.
• Extended Family: Newly married couples often live with in-laws.
• Sacred Ceremonies: Religious rituals are integral.
• Diverse Celebrations: Different regions have unique wedding ceremonies.

Festivals

• Frequent Celebrations: Festivals celebrated almost year-round.
• Religious Significance: Most festivals have religious importance; prayers are essential.
• Family and Community: Celebrations involve family gatherings, shared meals, music, singing, dancing.
• Economic and Social Impact: Opportunities for craftsmen, artists, and musicians to showcase talents and earn.
• Cultural Diversity: Festivals highlight India's cultural diversity.
• Examples of Festivals: Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Sankranti, Pongal, Onam, Holi, Id-ul-Fitr, Bakri-Id, Christmas, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Republic Day, Independence Day.

Educational Implementation

• Festival Day in Schools: Students celebrate various festivals, arrange common worship, special prayers, and sing devotional songs.
• Cultural Activities: Students bring festival delicacies, dress in colorful costumes, promoting values of tolerance, sharing, cooperation.
• Skill Development: Planning, organizing, analyzing, prioritizing, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills are developed.

Food and Clothes in Indian Culture

Food

• Cultural Significance: Food is valued as a gift from God.
• Training from Childhood: Parents teach children not to waste food and to share with others.
• Eating Habits: Food is usually eaten with the right hand for hygienic reasons.
• Festive Delicacies: Special foods are prepared for festivals, varying by region.
• Feeding the Hungry: An important practice in major religions; charitable organizations and individuals organize feeding programs.
• Feeding Animals: Belief in the souls of animate and inanimate objects.
• Vegetarianism: Popular due to the principle of ahimsa (non-violence).
• Freedom of Choice: Individuals are free to choose their dietary practices.
• Fasting: Common in all communities.
• Diversity of Cuisine: Rich variety of spices; common foods like rice, wheat, dal vary by region.
• Educational Activities:
  • Food Festivals: Students prepare and share diverse dishes.
  • Recipe Books: Students maintain and exhibit recipe books.
  • Community Kitchens: Students assist in charitable food programs.
  • Fasting Participation: Students join friends in fasting during religious observances.

Clothes

• Traditional Clothing for Women: Sari, Ghaghara, salwar kameez, varying by state.
• Traditional Clothing for Men: Dhoti-kurta, kurta-pyjama, with regional variations.
• North-Eastern States: Men and women wear colorful traditional clothes with diverse patterns.
• Cultural Association: Clothes symbolize tradition, cultural diversity, and family pride.
• Modesty in Women's Clothing: Covering the body is common, reflecting the belief in the body as sacred.
• Innovative Hairstyles and Accessories: Women have been creative with hairstyles, jewelry, and cosmetics since ancient times.
• Educational Activities:
• Fashion Exhibitions: Students create new fashions by fusing traditional and modern styles.
• Cost-Effective Creations: Use of recycled materials for fashion projects.

Castes and Tribes in Indian Culture

Tribal Culture

• Enrichment: Diversity in tribal culture, music, dance, and handicrafts.
• Protection: Preservation of tribal traditions is essential.
• Rights Preservation: Ensuring compassion and social justice for all.

Constitutional Safeguards

• Abolition of Untouchability: Article 17 of Fundamental Rights.
• Educational and Economic Interests: Article 46 of the Directive Principles of State Policy mandates special care for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
• Protection from Injustice and Exploitation: Safeguards against social injustice and all forms of exploitation.

Protective Reservation

• Education and Employment: Reserved seats and opportunities for SCs, STs, and Other Backward Castes (OBCs).

Educational Responsibilities

• Awareness: Teachers should educate students on:
• Fundamental Rights: Rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
• Fundamental Duties: Responsibilities of Indian citizens.
• Directive Principles of State Policy: Guidelines for the state to promote welfare.
• UN Declaration of Human Rights: Global human rights standards.
• Rights of the Child: Specific rights for the protection and care of children.

Music and Dance in Indian Culture

Overview

• Integral to festivals, creates unity.
• Appeals to aesthetic sense.
• Encouraged from childhood to respect regional variations.

Music

Classifications

• Classical:
  • Carnatic (South India)
  • Hindustani (North India)
• Folk:
  • Bauls (Bengal)
  • Lavani (Gujarat)
  • Rudaali (Rajasthan)
  • Rabindra Sangeet (Bengal)
• Popular:
  • Filmi geet (Indian film industry)

Musical Instruments

• Stringed: Sitar, Sarod, Sarangi, Esraj, Tanpura, Santoor, Vichitra Veena, Violin.
• Percussion: Tabla, Pakhawaj, Mridangam, Dholak.
• Wind: Flute, Shehnai.
• Unique: Jal Tarang (water wave instrument).

Famous Singers and Musicians

• Classical:
  • Ghulam Bade Ali (Hindustani)
  • M.S. Subalakshmi (Carnatic)
• Ghazal: Jagjit Singh
• Filmi Geet:
  • Lata Mangeshkar
  • R.D. Burman
  • Rafi Ahmad
  • Kishore Kumar
• Modern:
  • A.R. Rahman (Oscar winner for "Jai Ho")
  • Ravi Shankar (sitar)
  • Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma (santoor)
  • Abida Parveen (Sufi)
  • Hariprasad Chaurasia (flute)

Dance

Classifications

• Classical:
  • Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu)
  • Kathak (northern India)
  • Sattriya (Assam)
  • Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)
  • Kathakali (Kerala)
  • Mohiniattam (Kerala)
  • Manipuri (Manipur)
  • Odissi (Orissa)
• Folk:
  • Purulia Chhau (West Bengal)
  • Rangoli Bihu (Assam)
  • Bhangra (Punjab)
  • Dandiya Raas (Gujarat)
  • Garba (Gujarat)
  • Ghoomar (Rajasthan)

Famous Dancers

• Classical:
  • Guru Bipin Singh (Manipuri)
  • Birju Maharaj (Kathak)
  • Kalamandalam Ramankutty Nair (Kathakali)
  • Rukmini Devi Arundale (Bharatnatyam)
  • Kelucharan Mohapatra (Odissi)
• Modern:
  • Uday Shankar (pioneer of modern Indian dance)
  • Mrinalini Sarabhai
  • Mallika Sarabhai
  • Sonal Mansingh

Drama and Theatre

• Classical:
  • Kutiyattam (Kerala, 2000 years old)
• Folk:
  • Puppet theatre in rural India
  • Dance dramas of Rabindranath Tagore
• Group Theatre:
• Gubbi Veeranna
• Utpal Dutt
• Khwaja Ahmad Abbas
• K. V. Subbanna
• Nandikar
• Badal Sarkar
• Ninasam
• Prithvi Theatre

Indian Art and Architecture

Overview

• Unique features enriched by foreign influences.
• Evolved through various historical periods and cultural exchanges.

Indian Art

Ancient Indian Art

• Buddhist Paintings: Ajanta and Ellora.
• Regional Styles:
  • Madhubani
  • Mysore
  • Rajput
  • Tanjore

Mughal Influence

• Began in 1549 under Humayun.
• Significant influence during Aurangzeb’s reign (1659-1707).

British Influence

• Adaptation of Western styles.
• Revival of Patua scroll painting in the 20th century.

Nationalist Influence

• Emergence of Bengal School:
  • Rabindranath Tagore
  • Nandalal Bose
  • Jamini Roy

Notable Artists

• Amrita Sher Gil
• Ram Kinker
• Chintamoni Kar
• Raja Ravi Varma
• B. Venkatappa
• Amina Ahmad

Indian Architecture

Ancient Architecture

• Harappan Civilization: Advanced town planning, Great Bath, Great Granary, bronze dancing girl, bearded man of Mohenjo-daro.
• Buddhist Architecture: Asoka pillar, Sanchi Stupa.
• Schools of Art: Gandhara, Mathura, Amaravati.
• Hindu Temples: Iron pillar, Konarak Sun temple, Chola temples, Mahabalipuram rock-cut temples, Meenakshi temple of Madurai.
• Historical Forts: Golconda, Jaisalmer, Gwalior, Ajmer.

Islamic Architecture

• Began during the Delhi Sultanate.
• Notable examples:
  • Qutub Minar
  • Humayun’s tomb
  • Agra fort
  • Fatehpur Sikri
  • Taj Mahal (constructed during Shah Jahan’s reign, 1628-58)
  • Red Fort (built during Jahangir’s time, notable for its marble use)

British Architecture

• Best examples:
  • St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • St. John’s Church
  • St. Andrew’s Church
  • St. George’s Church
  • Bycullah Church
• Colonial architecture and Bombay’s bungalow style houses.

Language and Literature

Language

• Key component of culture; medium for effective communication.
• First learned in the family, then developed in school.
• Essential for personal and social development.
• Education closely linked to language and literature development.
• Knowledge of the mother tongue is crucial for transmitting culture and tradition.

Indian Literature

• One of the oldest literatures globally.
• Earliest works were sung or recited, later written down.
• Began with the Rig Veda.

Sanskrit Literature

• Includes: Vedas, Upanishads, Manusmriti, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Kalidasa’s ‘Abhijanam Shakuntalam’.

Classical Indian Literature

• Tamil Sangam Literature
• Pali Canon
• Jatakas
• Dhammapadas
• Vaastu Shastra: Details of architecture and town planning.
• Arthashastra: Treatise on political science.

Medieval Literature

• Regional literature of Kannada, Telugu (9th-11th centuries).
• Later development in Marathi, Bengali, Hindi, Persian, Urdu.

British Influence

• Introduction of the printing press.
• Literary revolution influenced by Western thought.
• Growth of Indian literature during the freedom struggle and socio-religious reform movements.

Notable Figures

• Rabindranath Tagore: Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913 for “Gitanjali”.
• Other Important Writers:
  • Dinkar
  • Subramania Barathi
  • Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
  • Munshi Premchand
  • Muhammad Iqbal
  • Devaki Nandan Khatri

Modern Indian Writers

• Famous Names:
  • Girish Karnad
  • Indira Goswami
  • Mahasweta Devi
  • Amrita Pritam
  • Qurratulain Hyder
  • T.S. Pillai
  • Vikram Seth
  • Arundhati Roy

Linguistic Diversity

• 22 officially recognized languages.
• Numerous dialects.

National Symbols of India

Importance

• Represent Indian culture and tradition.
• Symbolize unity, truth, and patriotism.
• Distinctive to the country.
• Should be treated with love, respect, and appreciation.

National Symbols

• National Flag:
  • Colors: Saffron, white, and green.
  • Feature: Twenty-four spoke wheel (Ashoka Chakra) in the center.
• National Bird: Peacock.
• National Flower: Lotus.
• National Tree: Fig tree.
• National Anthem: ‘Jana Gana Mana’.
• National River: Ganga.
• State Emblem: Lion Pillar of Asoka.
  • Inscription: 'Satyameva Jayate' (Truth Alone Triumphs).
  • Symbolism: Four lions representing power, courage, and confidence.

Activities for Students

• Drawing/Sculpting/Model Making: Create representations of national symbols.
• Brainstorming Sessions: Discuss the importance of national symbols.
• Discussion/Debate: Explore how students would feel if there were no national symbols.

Integrating Values in Curriculum

Overview

• Teachers should integrate values into all subjects.
• Values should be elicited from prose, poetry, history, civics, geography, science, technology, and mathematics.

Language and Literature

• Example:
  • "The Selfish Giant": Love, forgiveness, repentance.
  • "The Night of the Scorpion" by Nissim Ezekiel: Mother’s stoicism and love for her children.
• Activities:
  • Creative writing exercises to foster authenticity and self-reflection.

History

• Focus:
  • Appreciation of past heritage.
  • Relating past to present and future.
  • Awareness of corruption of power and exploitation in society.

Civics

• Values:
  • Citizenship.
  • Rights and duties.

Geography

• Topics:
  • Sustainable development.
  • Environmental protection.
  • Interdependence and sharing of natural resources.

Science, Technology, and Mathematics

• Values:
  • Discipline.
  • Verification.
  • Perseverance.

Teaching Methods

• Storytelling Techniques
• Excursions to Educational Sites
• Debates and Discussions
• Dramas and Role Plays
• Collaborative Work
• Opportunities for Self-expression and Analysis

Assessment

• Observation:
  • Behaviour and responses in and out of school.
• Self-assessment and Peer Assessment:
• Encouraging students to assess themselves and their peers.

Application of Values: Inspirational Stories

Nache Mayuri: Sudha Chandran

• Incident:
  • Sudha Chandran, a Bharatnatyam dancer, lost her leg in a bus accident in 1981.
  • Despite the tragedy, she continued practicing dance with an artificial leg.
  • Her determination led to successful public performances in 1984.
• Value Demonstrated:
  • Courage, determination, perseverance.
• Support System:
  • Family provided unwavering support throughout her journey.

Ludwig van Beethoven

• Incident:
  • Became deaf due to tinnitus at age 20.
  • Continued composing using special hearing tubes and feeling vibrations.
  • Composed extensively through Classical, Heroic, and Romantic periods.
• Value Demonstrated:
  • Perseverance, creativity, adaptation.
• Influence:
  • One of history’s most renowned composers despite deafness.

Helen Keller

• Incident:
  • Overcame blindness and deafness with help from tutor Annie Sullivan.
  • Graduated college and became an influential speaker and author.
  • Advocated for women’s rights, pacifism, and birth control.
• Value Demonstrated:
  • Resilience, advocacy, intellect.
• Legacy:
  • Subject of the play "The Miracle Worker," symbol of overcoming adversity.

Stephen Hawking

• Incident:
  • Diagnosed with ALS, gradually paralyzed, communicated via speech synthesizer.
  • Contributed groundbreaking theories on black holes and authored "A Brief History of Time."
• Value Demonstrated:
  • Intellectual curiosity, determination, scientific achievement.
• Impact:
  • Elevated to the stature of scientific giants like Galileo and Einstein.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

• Incident:
  • Paralyzed from the waist down due to polio or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • Led the U.S. through the Great Depression and World War II.
  • Implemented New Deal policies and was the only president to serve more than two terms.
• Value Demonstrated:
  • Leadership, resilience, empathy.
• Historical Impact:
• Considered one of America's greatest presidents despite physical challenges.

Value Conflict and Resolution

1. Nature of Value Conflict:

   • Values often conflict due to ingrained prejudices or unexamined beliefs.
   • Long-standing customs or beliefs may be unquestioned until a conflict arises.

2. Resolution Strategies:

   • Communication: Enhance understanding through respectful dialogue and empathic listening.
   • Seek Common Ground: Identify shared values amidst differences.
   • Negotiation: Establish a mutually agreeable compromise or solution.

Example of Value Conflict Resolution

• Ganesh and Ustadji:
  • Conflict: Ganesh’s mother initially opposed his training under Ustadji due to religious prejudice.
  • Resolution: Overcame prejudice through:
    • Persuasion by family members.
    • Recognizing Ganesh’s passion for the flute.
    • Appreciating Ustadji’s skill and commitment.
  • Outcome: Ganesh’s mother eventually supports his training, valuing her son's passion and Ustadji’s expertise.