An Introduction to Indian Culture

First Online: February 01, 2000
Last Updated: November 16, 2024

It's presumptuous to create a site on Indian culture. To encapsulate the country's diversity in a few hundred web pages and explain its mystery in user-friendly language, is usually a disappointing attempt. The Kamats didn't attempt anything so ambitious, and succeeded beyond all expectations. -- Rediff Review of Kamat's Potpourri Jan 2001

Topics on Indian Culture

Welcome to India! An introduction to the complexity and diversity of Indian society and culture.	Dances of India The Dances of India have a very long history and constitute many classical styles. Take a tour of the Dance Heritage of India.
Indian Mythology Pictures and tales from the Indian epics of Mahabharat and Ramayan. Includes fables and characters	The Indian Wedding customs, traditions, and localization of weddings in India, including meaning of some of the rituals
Hinduism Potpourri A student of Indian culture must understand the complex intricacies of Hinduism, which pervades all aspects of life in India.	Cultural Diversity of India Enjoy the cultural diversity of India through these exhibits: Indian Attire, Faces of India, Women of India, Children of India, Tribals of India
Boy Becomes Man Pictorial exhibition of the Hindu ordaining ritual known as the Upanayanam or Munji	India's Street Culture India's streets constitute a glorious theater where the drama of life unfolds in all its beauty and ugliness.
India's Subtle Subcultures Discussions on delicate topics deeply embedded in Indian culture, covering topics such as dowry, caste, and mangalya (good luck).	Festivals of India The numerous festivals of India, their relevance, and significance. Includes a calendar and several pictures.

List of Articles on Indian Culture

• Antyeshti - The Last Rites
• Ashtavadahana - Eight Faceted Performance
• The Bhagavad-Gita
• The Bhagavata Purana
• The Call of Yama
• The Concept of Pradakshina
• The Concept of Arati
• Death by Demand in Indian Culture
• The Dowry System
• Eco-Friendly Living in India
• FAQ on Ancient Indian Civilization
• FAQ on Hindu Funerals
• FAQ on Indian Names
• The Gayatri Mantram
• Gold in Indian Culture
• Hindu Samskaras
• The Holy Cows of India
• How I Sent Father to Heaven
• The Human Body as a Medium of Art
• Idolatry in India
• The Indian Namaskar -- Meaning and Gestures
• India's Arranged Marriages
• India's Street Culture
• India's Subtle Sub-cultures
• The Institution of Mutha
• Introduction to Hindu Samskars
• The Khadi (Handspun Cotton) Culture
• The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
• The Sacrament of Marriage
• The Sacred Thread
• Swastika in Indian Culture
• Symbolism of Hindu Samskaras
• Tree and Plant Worship
• Tree of Life
• The Upanayana Samskar
• The Vedanta Treatises
• The Vedas
• What is Fumigation?
• Worship of Vehicles - Car Puja

Frequently Asked Questions on Indian Culture

• Why do the Indians worship idols?
• Why are Indian names so complicated? or are they?
• Why do Indians revere snakes?
• What is the role of women in Indian Society?
• What is the role of sex in Indian society?
• Why do many Indian's don't consume beef? Why are Indian cows holy?
• What is the name of the Indian language?!
• What is the significance of the red dot?
• Why do they burn brides in India?
• Why are Indians called Indians?!!
• Why do some Indians have only one name?

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