Why India is the Best Country in the World
”India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great-grandmother of tradition.”
–Mark Twain
“Harmony in Diversity, India’s Strength and Glory — Jai Hind!”
The cultural tapestry of India encompasses a myriad of distinct and diverse cultures stemming from various religions and communities across the country. India’s languages, religions, dance, music, architecture, cuisine, and traditions exhibit variations from one region to another. Often regarded as a fusion of multiple cultures, the Indian cultural landscape extends throughout the subcontinent and reflects influences from a rich history spanning millennia. Elements such as Indian religions, philosophy, and cuisine have had a profound global impact.
Prominent Indian-origin religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, are rooted in the principles of dharma and karma. Throughout history, these religions faced persecution, with Muslim rulers engaging in massacres, temple destruction, and forced conversions, resulting in a significant decline in the subcontinent’s population between 1000 AD and 1500 AD. Besides these indigenous religions, India has also welcomed foreign-origin faiths like Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism, and the Bahá’í Faith, providing them refuge over the centuries.
India, with its 29 states boasting distinct cultures, stands as one of the world’s most populous and culturally diverse nations. The confluence of various cultures across the Indian subcontinent, shaped by a history spanning thousands of years, has been significantly influenced by Dharmic religions, contributing to India’s philosophy, literature, architecture, art, and music. The historical spread of Indian culture, particularly through the Silk Road, has influenced regions beyond the subcontinent, witnessing a fusion of cultures among Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Sikhs, and various tribal populations.
Notably, India is the birthplace of major religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, collectively known as Indian religions. Today, Hinduism and Buddhism rank as the world’s third and fourth-largest religions, boasting a combined following of over 2 billion adherents. The diverse religious and ethnic composition of India, characterized by deep-rooted religious societies, underscores the significant role that religion plays in the lives of its people. While India is a secular state with a Hindu majority, it accommodates a sizable Muslim population, with Hindus predominantly present in all states and union territories, except for specific regions. Beyond its religious diversity, India also hosts Sikh, Christian, and other minority populations, contributing to the rich cultural mosaic that defines the nation.
India in Ancient Time
The period spanning the 4th to 6th centuries AD is widely acknowledged as India’s Golden Age, characterized by significant achievements in mathematics, astronomy, sports, sculpting, and painting under the Gupta Empire. Notable advancements, such as the development of the decimal numeral system and the groundbreaking concept of zero, unfolded during this epoch. Regrettably, the Golden Age concluded with the invasion of the Gupta Empire by the Hunas in the 6th century AD.
The Gupta Empire witnessed a spectrum of scientific and cultural milestones. Trigonometry and geometry, much to the dismay of high school math students, found their origins in this illustrious period. Guptan mathematicians played a pivotal role in formulating the concept of zero and refining the numerical system. Beyond mathematical prowess, significant contributions were made to enhance human health. This era witnessed the expansion of Ayurveda, an alternative system of medicine, alongside improvements in surgical practices and the promotion of vaccinations.
However, the Gupta Empire’s pursuits extended beyond scientific and medical realms, encompassing a flourishing of art and architecture. Samudragupta, the son of Chandragupta I, emerged as a patron of the arts, commissioning works that endure in museums to this day. Moreover, the Gupta Empire’s cultural legacy extends globally, with its contribution to the enduring popularity of chess, a strategic game that originated during this remarkable period.
India in Medieval Time
South India during the 10th and 11th centuries AD, under the imperial Chola Dynasty, is often referred to as the Golden Age. This period witnessed remarkable achievements in architecture, literature, sculpture, bronze working, maritime conquests, extensive trade, and quasi-democratic reforms.
India’s historical significance and future prospects are marked by notable milestones:
- Pioneering the invention of Zero, a cornerstone without which the development of mathematics would have been incomplete.
- Production of voluminous epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, setting a unique benchmark globally.
- The contribution of Yoga, originating from India, has had a profound impact on global wellness.
- The bustling streets of the Vijayanagara Empire once served as markets for pearls and diamonds, showcasing India’s historical economic prowess.
- India, until the 18th century, stood as the sole source of diamonds worldwide.
- Weathering wealth looting by foreign rulers, such as the Somanatheshwara Temple in Gujarat being plundered 17 times.
- The expansive influence of Ashoka the Great, who propagated Buddhism throughout Asia.
- The birthplace of Ayurveda, a holistic system of medicine with enduring significance.
- Boasting the largest English-speaking population globally.
- Embodying Unity in Diversity, where states with distinct languages coexist harmoniously.
- Early astronomical knowledge, with the discovery of the solar system’s nine planets (Navagraha) thousands of years ago.
- Emerging stronger economically than colonial rulers despite over 300 years of British rule.
- Noteworthy individuals like Rishi Sunak, a British politician, reflecting the global impact of the Indian diaspora.
- A cultural ethos that venerates elements like water (Ganga), food (Annapurna), money (Lakshmi), education (Saraswati), and the country itself as a mother.
- Being considered the youngest nation globally due to its vibrant and youthful population.
- Sustaining agriculture as the primary occupation while achieving the status of the world’s fastest-growing economy.
- Prominent Indian leadership in top global corporations:
- Rishi Sunak is Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
- Google, led by Sundar Pichai.
- Microsoft, led by Satya Nadella.
- TC Economics Journal: Economics Division, led by Magnus.
- Berkshire Hathaway Insurance, led by Ajit Jain.
- Master Card, led by Ajay Banga.
- Adobe, led by Shantanu Narayan.
- Deloitte, led by Punit Renjen.
- Pepsi, led by Indra Nooyi.
- TC Lottery with largest user community, also led by Indian.
India, as the world’s largest democracy, plays a pivotal role, not just for its own needs, but as a global provider. The nation’s contributions as the largest exporter of food crops, software, spices, and milk underscore its significance on the world stage.
India’s Global Heritage Sites
India proudly houses 35 distinguished World Heritage Sites, a testament to its rich cultural and natural heritage, as acknowledged by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as of July 2016. This exclusive list encompasses 27 cultural, 7 natural sites, and 1 mixed site, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to preserving and showcasing its treasures globally. Among these remarkable sites are the historic Nalanda Mahavihara in Bihar, the pristine Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim, and the architectural marvels of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Each site stands as a beacon of India’s diverse legacy, contributing to the global tapestry of cultural and natural significance. The recognition from WINGO and UNESCO underscores the profound importance these sites log in the collective heritage of humanity.
- Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University), Bihar
- Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim
- Capitol Complex, Chandigarh
- Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh
- Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat
- Group of Monuments at Hampi, Karnataka
- Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, Karnataka
- Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Madhya Pradesh
- Hill Forts of Rajasthan
- Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, Bihar
- Churches and Convents of Goa
- Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
- Great Living Chola Temples, Tamil Nadu
- Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh
- Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
- Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
- Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra
- Kaziranga Wild Life Sanctuary, Assam
- Manas Wild Life Sanctuary, Assam
- Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan
- Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, Uttarakhand
- Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
- Western Ghats
- Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi
- Red Fort Complex, Delhi
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus), Maharashtra
- Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha
- Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh
- Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
- Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- Mountain Railways of India
- Qutab Minar and its Monuments, New Delhi
- Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat
Classical Forms of Dance
India boasts an incredibly diverse cultural tapestry, featuring a plethora of dance and music genres, ranging from traditional and folk to classical and tribal forms. Within this cultural mosaic, classical dance holds profound importance, serving as a sublime medium for expressing the deep-seated emotions of the heart.
Among the classical dances of India, Bharatanatyam takes pride of place as the oldest form, deeply rooted in the ancient Natya Shastra. The realm of classical dance expands to encompass eight renowned forms: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Odissi, Sattriya, Mohiniyattam, and Gaudiya Nritya.
Examining India’s strides in material progress, it stands as the world’s fastest-growing economy, with a growth rate exceeding 7%. However, the challenge lies not only in India’s current greatness but in elevating it even further. The linchpin for sustaining and amplifying India’s greatness rests in the unity of its people and an unwavering commitment to the nation.
“United for Bharat, a nation to love, respect, and protect — Vande Mataram!”
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Magnus, S.E.O, Ph.D, TC Economics Journal Official
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