Indian Heritage

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.