Salient Features of Indian Society – Indian Society Notes

Introduction

Indian society is known for its tolerance, acceptance, and social cohesion, making it exceptional in preserving its culture. The preamble of the Constitution highlights the importance of brotherhood and the responsibility that comes with it for every citizen.

The diversity of Indian society, encompassing cultural, regional, and other differences, requires each individual to uphold the ideals and objectives in the Preamble for the benefit of the collective.

India has long sought to create a national identity that is not solely based on universalism or the interests of specific groups. The country’s multicultural composition has been both a blessing and a challenge throughout its history.

India’s rich and diverse civilization, including its geography, religion, language, caste, customs, cuisine, and ethnicity, make it a unique and vibrant society. Despite the challenges posed by this diversity, the core values of tolerance and multiculturalism define the distinctiveness of India’s civilization compared to others.

India has always been a land of immigrants and invaders, resulting in a fusion of diverse cultures that has made the country a united society. This integration is depicted as a “salad bowl model” rather than the “melting pot” of Western societies. The principles of “Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam,” “Sarva Dharma Sambhavah,” and “golden mean” in all dealings make Indian society welcoming, especially in a world where “clashes of civilizations” are becoming more frequent.

Indian society is currently in transition and is known as a “prismatic society,” caught between tradition and modernity. It is marked by the simultaneous existence of poverty and wealth, ascetic spirituality and materialism, and is impacted by external forces such as globalization, though not equally across all groups.

Salient Features of Indian Society

• Diverse and Distinct Identities: Indian society is known for its diversity in terms of ethnicity, language, religion, and cuisine.
• Microcosmic Societies: Indian society is a conglomerate of microcosmic societies that exist within it, each differing in their societal set-up and way of life. For example, the Andaman Nicobar tribe living in primitive areas and the ultra-modern coterie of metropolitan Mumbai.
• Caste System: A significant feature of Indian society, the caste system determines an individual’s status and occupation.
• Religious Diversity: India is home to a diverse array of religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
• Linguistic Diversity: India has more than 22 officially recognized languages and numerous dialects, making it a linguistically diverse country.
• Ethnic and Racial Diversity: India is home to diverse ethnic groups with their unique cultural practices and traditions.
• Orthodoxy/Superstition: Despite modernization, certain beliefs and practices in Indian society still follow traditional and superstitious practices.
• Transitional Society: India is in a state of transition, balancing its traditional roots with modern developments.
• Family and Kinship System: Indian society places a strong emphasis on the family and the relationships within it.
• Tribal Society: India has numerous tribes with unique cultures and customs, living across the country.
• Art and Culture: Indian society is rich in art and culture, with a long history of cultural achievements.
• Geography as a Unit of Diversity: India’s geography also plays a role in the diversity of its society, with different regions having distinct cultural practices.
• Philosophical/Ideological Diversity: India has a rich history of philosophical thought, with different schools of thought coexisting in the society.
• Tolerance, Love, and Compassion: Indian society values tolerance, love, and compassion for all individuals, regardless of their background.
• Interdependence: Indian society is interdependent, with individuals relying on each other for support and survival.
• Unity in Diversity: Despite its diversity, Indian society is characterized by a sense of unity, where individuals respect and celebrate each other’s differences.
• Balance between Spiritualism and Materialism: Indian society balances its traditional spiritual roots with the pursuit of material success.
• Balance between Individualism and Collectivism: Indian society values both individualism and collectivism, striking a balance between the two.
• Co-existence of Traditionalism and Modernity: Indian society is a blend of traditional practices and modern developments, coexisting and influencing each other.

Caste System in India

The caste system in India is a hierarchical social structure that has been in existence for centuries and still affects the lives of many Indians today. The caste system is based on a notion of purity and impurity, where people are divided into different castes based on their birth and occupation. The caste system is not limited to Hinduism, but also exists among other religions like Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.

The caste system in India is divided into four main categories: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (traders and merchants), and Shudras (servants and laborers). There is also a fifth category known as “Untouchables” or Dalits, who are considered to be outside of the caste system and considered impure.

Despite efforts to abolish the caste system in India, it still has a significant impact on the lives of many Indians. The caste system can limit a person’s educational and career opportunities, restrict their access to resources and social networks, and reinforce patterns of discrimination and inequality.

• Impact on Education and Career Opportunities: The caste system can limit a person’s educational and career opportunities by affecting their access to resources and social networks. For example, members of lower castes may not have access to the same quality of education and resources as those from higher castes, which can affect their ability to compete for the same jobs and opportunities.

• Discrimination and Prejudice: The caste system reinforces patterns of discrimination and prejudice, with members of lower castes facing significant social, economic, and political disadvantages. For example, Dalits are often subjected to violence, exploitation, and discrimination in many parts of India.

• Reinforcement of Social Hierarchies: The caste system reinforces social hierarchies and power structures, which can affect the distribution of resources and opportunities. For example, members of higher castes may have more access to resources, social networks, and political power, while members of lower castes may not.

• Persistence of the Caste System: Despite efforts to abolish the caste system in India, it remains persistent, with many Indians continuing to use the caste system to identify themselves and others. This can lead to discrimination and prejudice, even in the absence of overt caste-based laws or policies.

Religious Pluralism: A Sociological Phenomenon

Religious pluralism refers to the coexistence of a diverse range of religious beliefs and practices within a society. It is a sociological phenomenon that is evident in many countries around the world, including India.

Definition of Religion:

• Religion is a set of beliefs and practices that deal with the nature and purpose of the universe.
• Max Muller, a renowned scholar in the field of religion, defined religion as “a mental faculty or disposition which enables humans to apprehend the infinite.”

Religion in India:

• India is a secular country that is home to many different religions from around the world.
• These religions are further divided into various sects and cults, adding to the religious diversity of the country.
• India is distinguished by the wide range of religious beliefs and practices that are prevalent in the country.

Impact of Religion on Indian Society

Religion has played a significant role in shaping Indian society on various levels, including politics, culture, and economics. India’s rich religious history is a source of pride for its people, with traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism emerging from the country.

Religious Diversity in India:

1. Despite a majority of Indians identifying as Hindu (79.8%), the country is home to a diverse range of religious beliefs and practices.
2. This religious diversity continues to impact contemporary society in various ways.
3. In India, religion is more publicly visible than it is in most English-speaking Western countries.
4. This is evident in the numerous spaces that are considered sacred and holy, such as ashrams, temples, shrines, and specific landscapes like the Ganges river.
5. India’s rich religious history is reflected in its architecture, with various places of worship like Hindu temples, Muslim mosques, and Christian churches often located in close proximity to each other.
6. This coexistence of different religions in a single space is a testament to India’s religious tolerance and diversity.

Demographic Dimensions of Different Religions in India

Religion plays a crucial role in the lives of many Indians, and it is reflected in the country’s demographics. According to the 2011 Indian census, the major religions in India are as follows:

• Hindus: 79.8% of the population
• Muslims: 14.2% of the population
• Christians: 2.3% of the population
• Sikhs: 1.7% of the population
• Buddhists: 0.7% of the population
• Jains: 0.37% of the population

Significant Religious Minorities:

• Despite the low percentage of religious minorities, their numbers still amount to a substantial portion of India’s population due to its vast size.
• For instance, even though only 0.37% of the population practices Jainism, it still amounts to nearly 4 million people.

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