Culture and Natural Heritage of India
Culture means a way of life. Culture is the sum of habits, values, customs, traditions, and conduct of lifestyle of human. India is a land of ancient culture. Culture is made of changes that occur in life, social rules and regulations of various societies.
Our motherland has bestowed Indians rich and varied heritage and so as to the world. Indian culture has been trade-oriented and peace loving. ‘Sat’, ‘Chit’, and ‘Anand’ are realized from Indian culture. Indian culture has prospered with the mutual exchange of different cultures of other countries that came to India and settled here. They have accepted the values of non-violence and peace. People right from the beginning of Indus Valley Civilization till today, have made our country rich and wealthy with their intellectuality, ability, talent, and skill. Innumerable scholars, thinkers, artists, artisans, sages, etc. have contributed to the growth and development of our culture.
HERITAGE OF INDIA
Heritage means a valuable gift given to us by our forefathers. Indian history is thousands of years old. Heritage is a precious gift from our motherland to the world, about the mysteries of human life.
We have divided heritage into two parts:
- Natural Heritage
- Cultural Heritage
NATURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA
The result of the close relationship between nature, environment and human life is natural heritage. The natural heritage of India is unique and varied. It includes mountains, forests, deserts, rivers, streams, seas, plants, vegetation, wildlife, etc. The examples of our close relationship with nature are stories of ‘Panchtantra’ and ‘Jataka Tales’ of the Buddhist religion. Indian folk songs, classical songs, and various ragas are based on ‘Prahar’(Period of the day). Similarly, Ayurveda, Unani, and Nature care are also totally based on nature.
Landscape:
Beautiful landscapes are generally formed by different shapes of the land. Like the Himalayas. It has endowed Indians abundantly with minerals and vegetation. Strange birds and animals and mountain peaks covered by snow and brimming rivers are the gifts of Himalayas. Thus, from ancient times the Himalayas are very useful to Indians.
Rivers:
Rivers have been providing natural ways since ancient times. Indian culture has been flourished on banks of rivers Indus and Ravi. The rivers like the Narmada, the Yamuna, the Saraswati, the Godavari, etc. have profoundly inspired the people of India. Rivers are the source of drinking water, domestic use, irrigation, electricity, and waterways. In ancient times, people were dependent on rivers for making clay utensils, plastering, and building of houses. Landscapes scenes at dawn and dusk are very fascinating on the side.
Vegetation:
People of India are environment lovers since ancient times. Banyan, Pipal tree and Basil are worshipped in India. Cereals, pulses, oilseeds, green fields, prosperous herbs, and medicinal plants have ultra enriched our lifeform from ancient times. Harde, amla, baheda, aloe- vera, ardusi, neem, etc. medicines and flowers like rose, lotus, mogra, damro, sunflower, Champa, jui, etc.have made human life very beautiful, fragrant, healthy and prosperous. Thus, the social and religious life of India is greatly influenced by vegetation.
Wildlife:
Tiger, Lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, rhino, python, foxes, bear, deer, sambhar, rabbit, snake, mongoose, lizard, porcupine-like many such organisms are found and seen in India. Asian lions in the world are only found in the Gir Forest of Gujarat in India. Indian religious belief has given the status of gods and goddesses vehicle to some of the wild animals- lion, tiger, alligator, eagles, etc. Indian national currency is highly valued by having the figure of four lions, a bull, and a horse. Further to protect the wildlife reserves are created and even laws for the protection of their life have been enacted
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