Question

explain the evolution of indian society

Answer 1

India is said to be a synthesis of diverse social and cultural elements. It is a synthesis of the Aryan and the Dravidian cultures. The unity between the village, the family, and the legal system was the outcome of this synthesis. The synthesis has created continuity from the ancient period till today – continuity from the time of Mohenjo-daro (2500 B.C.) through Jainism, Buddhism and Islam, and from the time of British rule to post-independence India. One finds the process of assimilation and synthesis in the fields of art, painting, music, religion, etc.

K.M. Panikkar (1967), a staunch nationalist, keeping in view the historicity of synthesis and assimilation writes: “I define culture as the complex of ideas, conceptions, developed qualities, and organised relationships and courtesies that exist generally in a society.” He describes it as “a community of thought, a similarity of conduct and behaviour, a common general approach to fundamental problems, which arise from shared traditions and ideals”.

Indian culture has been modified continuously by outside contacts, but remains essentially Indian, based on doctrines and ideas developed indigenously. This form and substance of Indian culture are found in literature, art and architecture. India has had a tradition of religious and social tolerance. This tolerance has contributed to the richness and variety of social and cultural life in India.

Answer 2

India is said to be a synthesis of diverse social and cultural elements. It is a synthesis of the Aryan and the Dravidian cultures. The unity between the village, the family, and the legal system was the outcome of this synthesis. The synthesis has created continuity from the ancient period till today – continuity from the time of Mohenjo-daro (2500 B.C.) through Jainism, Buddhism and Islam, and from the time of British rule to post-independence India. One finds the process of assimilation and synthesis in the fields of art, painting, music, religion, etc.

K.M. Panikkar (1967), a staunch nationalist, keeping in view the historicity of synthesis and assimilation writes: “I define culture as the complex of ideas, conceptions, developed qualities, and organised relationships and courtesies that exist generally in a society.” He describes it as “a community of thought, a similarity of conduct and behaviour, a common general approach to fundamental problems, which arise from shared traditions and ideals”.

Indian culture has been modified continuously by outside contacts, but remains essentially Indian, based on doctrines and ideas developed indigenously. This form and substance of Indian culture are found in literature, art and architecture. India has had a tradition of religious and social tolerance. This tolerance has contributed to the richness and variety of social and cultural life in India.