Indian Heritage and

Culture
Prof Dr Rajasekaran
[email protected]
9894614338
Definition of Culture
• 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.
What is culture?
• Culture is a way of life. The food you eat, the clothes you wear, the
language you speak in and the God you worship all are aspects of
culture.
• In very simple terms, we can say that culture is the embodiment of
the way in which we think and do things.
• Culture is the product of society and expresses itself through
language and art, philosophy and religion.
• It also expresses itself through social habits, customs, economic
organisations and political institutions.
What is culture?
• It also 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.
Culture and Civilization
• The word ‘culture’ and ‘civilization’ are often used synonymously.
However, they have clearly defined meanings differentiating them.
• ‘Civilization’ means having better ways of living and sometimes
making nature bend to fulfill their needs.
• It also includes organizing societies into politically well-defined groups
working collectively for improved conditions of life in matters of food,
dress, communication, and so on.
Culture and Civilization
• ‘Culture’ refers to the inner being, a refinement of head and heart.
• One possessing ostentatious wealth may be considered as ‘civlilized’
but he may not be cultured’
• Only when the deeper levels of a person’s intellect and consciouness
are brought into expression can we call him/her ‘cultured’.
Cultural Development
• Cultural development is a historical process. As time goes we
continue to add new thoughts, new ideas to those already existent
and sometimes we give up some which we don‘t consider useful any
more.
• This is how culture is transmitted and carried forward from
generation to next generation.
Cultural Heritage
• The culture we inherit from our predecessors is called our 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.
Heritage
• Architectural creations, monuments, material artifacts, the
intellectual achievements, philosophy, pleasure of knowledge,
scientific inventions and discoveries are parts of heritage.
Types of Heritage
• This heritage exists at various levels. Humanity as a whole has
inherited a culture which may be called human heritage.
• A nation also inherits a culture which may be termed as national
cultural heritage.
Examples – Cultural Heritage
• A few examples would be helpful in clarifying the concept of heritage.
• The Taj Mahal
• Sun Temple
• Mahabalipuram Shore Temple
• Qutub Minar
• Belief in Arranged Marriage
Answer these
• What is the difference between culture and civilization?
• Give two similarities of culture and civilization.
• What is cultural heritage?
• What does culture provide for a decent life?
• Which individual would be called uncultured in society
 Characteristics of Culture
• Culture is learned and acquired
• Culture is shared by a group of people
• Culture is cumulative:
• Culture changes
• Culture is dynamic
• Culture gives us a range of permissible behaviour patterns
Characteristics of Indian culture
• Unity in Diversity
• Sense of Harmony
• Spirituality
• Religious Dominance
• Karma and Reincarnation
• Emphasis on Duty
• The Ideal of Joint Family
• Caste System
We learnt
• Culture
• Heritage
• Civilization
Thank You
• Questions?