
India
is a land of world's oldest living civilization, making it an nonparallel
treasure house of cultural heritage. Myriad cultures, faiths, languages and
customs blend with each other so harmoniously to form a truly composite
whole. India has contributed a lot besides often cited concept of zero, the
primordial sound Aum, Yoga, Taj Mahal, Kama Sutra and Buddhism. Some of the
most popular religious faiths originated here during never-ending spiritual
inquiry. One of the oldest literature on music was written here. Classical
and local dance forms of this country mesmerize all. Tradition of painting
in India is believed to be oldest on the planet. Even the country houses the
most sublime architectural masterpieces throughout the world.
Music
Indians have been fond of music throughout the ages. Besides numerous
classical dance forms, the richness of folk music in India varies according
to locality. Classical music requires a lot of training and practice and
folk songs also follow the same base. Music sound in India is called 'Nada',
which is considered as Brahma or Divine Reality itself. Classical Indian
music is divided into two different categories, North Indian or Hindustani
and South Indian or Carnatic music. But, essential features and basis of
both the styles are the same, the reason is that both of them are spiritual
to the core. Tradition of Indian music was also influences by foreign
influences.
Dance

A number of folk and classical dance forms are a significant highlight of
Indian cultural heritage. All the dance forms have their own set pattern of
costumes and make-up, along with specialty and grace. Well laid rules have
been followed traditionally in classical dance forms over the years. Based
on these model, numerous gurus have incorporated their own innovations,
which led to originating various schools within a particular dance form.
Dancers have to acquire the skill of portraying various emotions faithfully
in each expression on their face and each fluid movement of their hand, legs
and whole body apart from the gracious hand and leg postures and movements.
Each and every part of the body conveys some meaning in their graceful
motion.
Painting
This form of art has flourished in India from very early periods which is
evident from literary sources and historical remnants. Paintings in India
can broadly be classified as the murals and miniatures. Murals means huge
works executed on the walls of solid structures. Some of the classic
examples include the paintings in Ajanta Caves and Kailash Temple. The
paintings executed on a very small scale on perishable material such as
paper and cloth etc. are called as Miniature paintings. Although this style
had been perfected by artisans under the various rules, not many remain
today. Prime examples are Rajasthani and Mughal miniatures.
Architecture

Greatness of any civilization can be scaled by the magnitude of its
architectural heritage. The country has a lot to boast about its
architectural legacy spreading across the history. India has several
priceless monuments including the magnificent Taj Mahal, Ajanta Elora, Char
Minar, Khajuraho Temple and Umed Bhawan Palace. Indian architecture is a
fine combination of various architectural styles representing the influences
of regional variations, dynastic control and cultural background. Hindu
architecture focuses on religiosity and the fact is well depicted in the
forms of the temples spread in every nook and corner of India. Grand in form
and creation, Islamic architecture concentrated on building massive
mausoleums, forts and mosques.