Four things one can't help but LOVE about India are:
It's the world's largest, oldest, continuous civilization. India never invaded any country in her last 10000 years of history. Varanasi, also known as Benares, was called "the ancient city" when Lord Buddha visited it in 500 B.C.E, and is the oldest, continuously inhabited city in the world today. India invented the Number System. Zero was invented by Aryabhatta. The World's first university was established in Takshashila in 700BC. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects. The University of Nalanda built in the 4th century BC was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education. Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to humans. Charaka, the father of medicine consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago.
The art of Navigation was bornin the river Sindhu 6000 years ago. The very word Navigation is derived from the Sanskrit word NAVGATIH. The word navy is also derived from Sanskrit 'Nou'. Algebra, trigonometry and calculus came from India. Quadratic equations were by Sridharacharya in the 11th century. The largest numbers the Greeks and the Romans used were 106 whereas Indians used numbers as big as 10**53(10 to the power of 53) with specific names as early as 5000 BCE during the Vedic period.
Like I said, Indian history is full of unbelievable stuff.
I have no idea where to start. India has 18 official languages, with Hindi, Telugu and Tamil being the first three most-spoken ones. It has about 9 different classical dances [for more about them: http://quazen.com/arts/dance/classic-dance-forms-of-india/] and numerous folk dances, so many you can hardly count. Then there are the states, each with different food, clothing style and arts of its own. India is just a treasure trove, when it comes to culture.
Hu Shih, former Ambassador of China to USA: "India conquered and dominated China culturally for 20 centuries without ever having to send a single soldier across her border."
^_^
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The History
The history of India is so enchanting, when one really gets down to study it. Right from the ancient Harappan Civilzation to the medieval kings, India's rich history always is mind-boggling. The India from the second millenium BC to the fifteenth century AD has always been a wonder to travellers.
It's the world's largest, oldest, continuous civilization. India never invaded any country in her last 10000 years of history. Varanasi, also known as Benares, was called "the ancient city" when Lord Buddha visited it in 500 B.C.E, and is the oldest, continuously inhabited city in the world today. India invented the Number System. Zero was invented by Aryabhatta. The World's first university was established in Takshashila in 700BC. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects. The University of Nalanda built in the 4th century BC was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education. Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to humans. Charaka, the father of medicine consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago.
The art of Navigation was bornin the river Sindhu 6000 years ago. The very word Navigation is derived from the Sanskrit word NAVGATIH. The word navy is also derived from Sanskrit 'Nou'. Algebra, trigonometry and calculus came from India. Quadratic equations were by Sridharacharya in the 11th century. The largest numbers the Greeks and the Romans used were 106 whereas Indians used numbers as big as 10**53(10 to the power of 53) with specific names as early as 5000 BCE during the Vedic period.
Like I said, Indian history is full of unbelievable stuff.
The Culture
I have no idea where to start. India has 18 official languages, with Hindi, Telugu and Tamil being the first three most-spoken ones. It has about 9 different classical dances [for more about them: http://quazen.com/arts/dance/classic-dance-forms-of-india/] and numerous folk dances, so many you can hardly count. Then there are the states, each with different food, clothing style and arts of its own. India is just a treasure trove, when it comes to culture.
Hu Shih, former Ambassador of China to USA: "India conquered and dominated China culturally for 20 centuries without ever having to send a single soldier across her border."
The Architecture
Indian architecture is one of great beauty and is also diverse like the country's culture. Right from the Taj Mahal to the Mosques to the Temples to the Stupas and the Monastries, India has so many beautiful monuments that show it's medieval might and its ancient glory.Religions
This is one thing I really take pride on. There is possibly no place on Earth where you can find such a complicated religious situation. Though a few places in India have that fanatic religious zeal, almost all of India is the best place for all religions. Nowhere is the world are religious communities given so much freedom nor can anyone see such events of religious unity as one can see in India. One can't help but wonder at the 2004 general elections, where a Catholic lady stepped down to let a Sikh Member of Parliament become the Prime Minsiter, to be sworn in by a Muslim President. Has there ever been a more secular environment in the leadership levels?^_^
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India rocks. I am proud to be an Indian. I will build up the same spirit in my kids also.
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