Indian Culture

India's culture has been evolving for more than five thousand years. It began with the start of human civilization. It's a reflection of human history that carries with it a story of great people and amazing history. Indian culture uses rich and beautiful colors in all aspects of life, whether you see it through rugs and paintings, or through textiles and architecture.

"The Indian culture is rooted in colorful traditions that date back to ancient history."( Kohler, 2000-2011) A civilization known as Harappa, created a religion that is considered the oldest living religion. We know this religion as Hinduism. "India has traditionally been one of the most religiously tolerant in the world."( Robinson, 2012) "However in 1998, a Hindu nationalistic political party the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) controlled the government of India.

The linkage of religion, the national government, and nationalism led to a degeneration of the separation of church and state in India and a decrease in the level of religious tolerance in that country."(Robinson, 2012) An increase of anti-Christian violence was one result of this linkage. With the later change in government, the level of violence has gone down, and India is a country of relative religious tolerance and peace. Culture and food go hand and hand in India. Indian food represents the family and community connecting and sharing socially.

"Indian dishes are commonly cooked with distinct spices and herbs that awaken your senses."(Kohler,2000-2011) Five essential spices, namely mustard, fenugreek seed, cumin seed, aniseed, and black cumin seed are commonly used. The Indian culture survived two hundred years of British rule and held their traditions tight. Family is the most important part of Indian culture.

"A family has a powerful influence over choices made by its members and communities."(Desal, 2009) Older generations stick to traditional core values and do not want them to change while a younger generation has shown interest in western culture and philosophies. Family culture follows a patriarchal structure and generations of families live under the same roof. Older generations take care of grandchildren while the younger generations take care of the elder. Arranged marriages are common in India, even still today.

Garba is a celebration of dance to live music, food, and is performed with decorative sticks. This celebration is common before a wedding and can last for up to three or more days. Arranged marriages serve six functions in the Indian community.

It helps maintain the social satisfaction system in the society, gives parents control over family members, enhances the chances to preserve and continue the ancestral lineage, provides an opportunity to strengthen the kinship group, allows the consolidation and extension of family property, and enables the elders to preserve the principle of endogamy (marriage within the group). Indian business deals are based on behavior, and respect for mutual parties.

In America we base our business beliefs around "time and money." In India, they deal under the belief that examining and debating all aspects of a deal is most important. They are not in a hurry and will make sure all details are in order before moving on. "Regionalism, religion, language and caste are all factors that need to be taken into account when doing business in India.

Behavior, etiquette and approach are all modified depending on whom you are addressing and the context in which they are being addressed."(Desal, 2009) Hinduism is the most followed religion in India, followed by Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Parsism. Diversity in religious practices, as it applies to various regions across the country is another aspect that's taken up very passionately in India. The most striking part of India lies in the diversity of its languages, religious practices, local customs, and traditions.

Remarkably India has as many as 22 official languages across its 28 states and 7 union territories. India's official language though is Hindi, spoken by approximately 337 million people. India places great value on family, and it remains the most important social institution that has lasted through the ages. The fact that India is a huge multicultural society means that public holidays are declared keeping festivals of various religions in mind.

Though religious and cultural factors play a role in the way individual small-sized businesses run in India, they hardly have a negative effect on the business culture of multi-national organizations. Labor organizations are common.