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Bba 407 SM04

The document outlines the study of Indian civilization, emphasizing its cultural diversity, historical geography, and unifying elements despite regional differences. It discusses various approaches to understanding Indian culture, including the impact of geography and social structures on its identity. Ultimately, it portrays India as a unique civilization characterized by both unity and diversity.

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2 views10 pages

Bba 407 SM04

The document outlines the study of Indian civilization, emphasizing its cultural diversity, historical geography, and unifying elements despite regional differences. It discusses various approaches to understanding Indian culture, including the impact of geography and social structures on its identity. Ultimately, it portrays India as a unique civilization characterized by both unity and diversity.

Uploaded by

vaibhavbasera4
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Indian Culture and Ethics

Program: BBA, II SEM 2024-2025


Subject Teacher: Dr. Navnit Kumar Shukla
Culture
and
Civilization
A Detailed Study on Indian Civilization and
Cultural Aspects
Objectives
• Elaborate on different approaches to the study
of Indian Civilization.
• Discuss India’s cultural and historical
geography and its role in diversity.
• Explain India’s unity despite its plurality.
• Examine unifying elements in Indian
civilization.
Introduction
• India is one of the oldest civilizations, known
for its diversity in culture, geography, and
history.
• With numerous historical migrations, India has
developed a rich and pluralistic society.
• Understanding Indian civilization requires
multiple approaches, including geographical and
sociological analyses.
Approaches to the Study of
Indian Civilization
• 1 Cataloguing of Traits: Identifying distinct
traits and institutions that define Indian
civilization.
• 2 Cultural Essence: Understanding the essential
cultural spirit of India.
• 3 Cultural Communication: Examining the
interaction between Great and Little
Traditions.
• 4 Civilization as a Type: Viewing India as a
distinct civilization compared to others.
Understanding the Geography of
India
• India’s diversity is influenced by its
geography, which is divided into:
• 1. Perennial/Nuclear Zones: Fertile regions with
dense populations and historical significance.
• 2. Route Zones: Connecting pathways for trade
and migration.
• 3. Zones of Relative Isolation: Remote areas
with distinct cultural identities.
Viewing India from a Structural
and Cultural Perspective
• India’s society is deeply influenced by its
religious, economic, and political history.
• Its structure is stratified by varna and jati
systems, influencing social interactions.
• Even external religious influences have absorbed
and adapted to India’s social structure.
Discourses on India’s
Civilizational Unity
• Three perspectives on India’s unity:
• 1. Some scholars argue India lacks unity due to
regionalism.
• 2. Nationalists argue India has always been a
unified civilization.
• 3. A balanced view considers India a composite
civilization, displaying ‘unity in diversity’.
In the last…
• Indian civilization is characterized by
diversity yet maintains a strong sense of unity.
• Its historical experiences, religious
traditions, and socio-political structures have
shaped its distinct identity, making it one of
the world’s most unique civilizations.
References
• Cohn, B. (1971). India: The social anthropology of a civilization. Oxford University Press. Chapters 1, 3, 5 & 8, pp. 1-

7, 24-31, 51-59, 79-97.

• Dube, S. C. (1990). Indian society. National Book Trust. Chapters 1 and 2, pp. 1-46.

• Embree, A. T. (1989). Imagining India. Oxford University Press. Chapter 1, Brahmanical Ideology and Regional

Identities, pp. 9-27.

• Kakkar, K. (n.d.). Civilization and culture. Delhi University, pp. 1-20.

• Marriott, M. (1955). Little communities in an indigenous civilization. University of Chicago, pp. 12-34.

• Redfield, R. (1956). Peasant society and culture: An anthropological approach to civilization. University of Chicago

Press, pp. 45-67.

• Smith, V. A. (1919). Oxford history of India. Oxford University Press, pp. 110-145.

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