"So far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked." --Mark Twain, from Following the Equator
Bordered by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by stretch of golden beaches, India is like a kaleidoscope of landscapes, historical sites and cities, mountain ranges, lively people, rich culture, traditions and festivities. The various facets of the Indian beauty are best explored by visiting the land. Holiday has many a meaning to it in India – sea side, mountains, plains, valleys, historic exploration, royal treatment…the list is long. Nowhere on Earth does humanity present itself in such a dizzying, creative burst of cultures and religions, races and languages. It has been a favourite with many a famous travelers.
With nearly 1 billion citizens, India is the second most populous nation in the world. And it is interesting to note the variation in culture, cuisine, traditions and languages. English is the major language of trade and politics, but there are fourteen other official languages as well. There are twenty-four languages that are spoken by a million people or more, and countless other dialects. With so much culture to offer on a platter, it definitely scores a high in the travel wish list for people across the globe.
Background
The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world, dates back to 5,000 years. Aryan tribes from the northwest infiltrated onto Indian lands about 1,500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier Dravidian inhabitants created the classical Indian culture. Arab incursions starting in the 8th century and Turkish in the 12th were followed by those of European traders, beginning in the late 15th century. By the 19th century, Britain had assumed political control of virtually all Indian lands. Indian armed forces in the British army played a vital role in both the World Wars. Resistance to British colonialism led by Mohandas Karamchand GANDHI and Jawaharlal NEHRU and others brought independence and subcontinent was divided into the secular state of India and the smaller Muslim state of Pakistan.
TOP
|
