Indian society is multifaceted to an extent perhaps unknown in any other of the world's great

civilizations. Virtually no generalization made about Indian society is valid for all of the nation's
multifarious groups.
India is a land of unity in diversity. Its large size has given rise to different types of regional
diversities and they are flourishing. The physical features of the country and its climate have
contributed to the development of these diversities. Each region has its own distinct style and
flavor in its folk form of music and dance, and mutual influences are not rare. Distinct style and
character can be seen in paintings, sculpture architecture, poetry and other traditions of the
country. Indian culture is one of the richest in the world. This richness is the result of the freedom
which every region and community has enjoyed to develop its genius through mutual interactions.
Nearly 74 percent of India's population dwells in villages, with agriculture providing support for
most of these rural residents. Gender distinctions are pronounced. The behavior expected of men
and women can be quite different, especially in villages, but in urban centers. Prescribed ideal
gender roles help shape the actions of both sexes as they move between family and the world
outside the home.

The Indian society is not a uniform one. From region to region, diversity in the social structure is
prominently seen. The north Indian social traditions and customs are markedly different and so
those of the eastern India from those of other parts of the country. And here lies the tantalizing
element of mystery associated with India. Comprehending the complexities of Indian social
structure has challenged scholars and other observers over many decades.

The diversity factor notwithstanding, there is a common thread running through the Indians. Unity
in diversity is best seen in India in a maze of seemingly disparate peoples. One social unifier is the
Indian system of caste-ism adhered to by all racial groups belonging to the Hindu religion fold.
Though caste rigidity was prevalent in the olden times, now it has become flexible to a large
extent.

The gender inequality is a phenomenon causing concern in the Indian society. The Indian society
is highly prejudiced against the female gender. Basically a male dominated society, decision
making at family and political level is almost single handedly handled by the men. Customs such
as Dowry are worsening the process of subjugating women in the society. Of late, with social
awareness about women's vital role in the development of a community or the country, there has
been a change in the perception of gender equations in favor of women. Education of women,
giving the women a greater say in decision making in the family and the governance are
emphasized. With the liberalization of economy, women are in top managerial position at par with
the best men.

In spite of significant leaps made by India in the economic front, poverty is still a dominant social
reality. A majority of the population of India lives in utter poverty without access to health care,
housing, drinking water and education. Major policy change has to be enforced to better the lives
of these millions souls if India is to become a truly desirable place to live in.

Education is still a privilege in this country of over one billion people. Providing Primary
education has been the motto of the government. So far the government has not lived up to its
promises with the results that there are more illiterate people than functionally literate people in
India. Lack of education is the primary obstacle to the nation's development. India should educate
the masses if its hope of becoming the global knowledge superpower is to become a reality.

India has a rich cultural and artistic heritage. The fact that India was invaded and ruled by various
kings down the ages is already reflected by its impact on India culture. The Gupta dynasty, the
Mughal dynasty and many other dynasties influenced and contributed to the Indian culture.

Music, inspired perhaps by the whistles of the wind or the splash of the waves, chirping of the
birds or may be falling of the rain, exists on this land since the existence of humanity. They
designed many musical instruments and innumerable ragas. Then developed different notes for
different times, seasons and feelings. Different regions developed their own style of singing, not
following the ragas but their own tunes and taking the lyrics in their own language and themes
from their day-to-day life. One of the powerful attractions in India is the colorful and diversified
attire of its people. The silk saris, brightly mirrored cholis, colorful lehangas and the traditional
salwar-kameez have fascinated many a traveler over the centuries.

For a single length of material, the sari must be the most versatile garment in existence. It is only
one of the many traditional garments worn by women, yet it has somehow become the national
dress of Indian women. A sari is a rectangular piece of cloth which is five to six yards in length.
The style, color and texture of this cloth vary and it might be made from cotton, silk or one of the
several man-made materials. The sari has an ageless charm since it is not cut or tailored for a
particular size. This garment can fit any size and if worn properly can accentuate or conceal. This
supremely graceful attire can also be worn in several ways and its manner of wearing as well as its
color and texture are indicative of the status, age, occupation, region and religion of a woman.

Another popular attire of women in India is the salwar-kameez. This dress evolved as a
comfortable and respectable garment for women in Kashmir and Punjab, but is now immensely
popular in all regions of India. Salwars are pyjama-like trousers drawn tightly in at the waist and
the ankles. Over the salwars, women wear a long and loose tunic known as a kameez. Though the
majority of Indian women wear traditional costumes, the men in India can be found in more
conventional western clothing. Men from all regions in India wear shirts and trousers. However,
men in villages are still more comfortable in traditional attire like kurtas, lungis, dhotis and
pyjamas.

The traditional lungi originated in the south and today men and women wear it alike. It is simply a
short length of material worn around the thighs rather like a sarong. A dhoti is a longer lungi but
with an additional length of material pulled up between the legs. Pyjama-like trousers worn by the
villagers are known as the lenga.

Indian dressing styles are marked by many variations, both religious and regional and one is likely
to witness a plethora of colors, textures and styles in garments worn by the Indians. Indian dance is
a blend of nritta - the rhythmic elements, nritya - the combination of rhythm with expression and
natya - the dramatic element. Most Indian dances take their themes from India's rich mythology
and folk legends. Hindu gods and goddesses like Vishnu and Lakshmi, Rama and Sita, Krishna
and Radha are all depicted in classical Indian dances. Each dance form also draws inspiration from
stories depicting the life, ethics and beliefs of the Indian people.

There is a multiplicity of festivals in India. Most of the festivals owe their origin to legends, gods
and goddesses and mythology. As many communities there are, there are as many festivals unique
to them. Color, gaiety, enthusiasm, feasts and a variety of prayers and rituals characterize festivals
here. There are number festivals celebrated in India too numerous to count. Some important
festivals are: Deepawali, Krishna Janmashtami, Onam, Dussehra, Pongal, Ramzan Id, Baisakhi
Easter, Ganesha Chaturthi Holi, Raksha, Bandhan, Ram Navmi, Christmas, Good Friday, Makar
Sankranti, Moharrum Shivratri, Durga Puja and many others.