CULTURAL IDENTITY OF INDIA: SOCIO-LEGAL ASPECTS

Abstract

Indian Culture and traditions are very distinguished and renowned all across the world. We all refer to India and its culture as something very diverse and unique. Most of the diverse features of our culture originate from the ancient Indian scriptures and religious texts, which have dictated the way of life in India for thousands of years. This is why Indian culture is respected being ethical value based, unique and variant. It includes intellectual and social aspects of any human being. It also takes account of the aesthetic instinct as well as the spiritual impulses of a human being. India is a vast country with a lot of diversity in her physical and social environment. Its people speak in different dialects and follow different religions. In India, the role of variety in languages, religions, cultures, lifestyles, cuisines, climatic conditions, architecture, traditions, scenic beauty, saints, seers, reformers, leaders and their messages to humanity are very significant and praiseworthy. The Unity of all the diversities makes India a very beautiful country. It is a credit which goes to not only our great achievers, scientists, artists, musicians, technocrats, sports persons, champions , professionals in fields more than many, but also the common people, peasants, masons, workers, adults, men, women, others, youths children that strive to make it better day-by day. There are enough mentions in the world literature, about India’s important discoveries, inventions, Mouth-watering spices, Arts and crafts, Technological genius, Military valour, Great sacrifices, media, film, advertising, medicine, finance, fashion, textiles, and agriculture. Self-confidence, reliability, and democracy are their qualities. We are proud to be Indians because of its rich tradition and world heritage. The unity in diversity is unique to our nation. Incredible India is shining at the world map with magnificent qualities, natural resources, rivers, different seasons, festivals, agricultural production, and advancement in information technology. However, despite enumerable positive points of Indian culture there are certain negative aspects like – casteism, patriarchy or misogyny, false sense of pride, blind faith to follow outdated rituals and bad practices in the name of culture, conservative attitude towards privacy or lack of private space, herd mentality (log kya kahenge), aversion to change, and carelessness towards protection of physical heritage. The main purpose of this research paper is to highlight the social aspects of Indian culture and to emphasize legal intervention to condemn certain anti-people practices. The author has also made endeavour to seek sociological definition of culture and to explain concept of ethnocentrism- 'false- feeling of pride', which is not in the interests of the people’s welfare. Through this study, the author also tries to depict legal provisions to protect the cultural heritage of India and suggests ways to preserve them.