Cultural Heritage Atlas of India/edited by P. Nag. Kolkata, National Atlas
and Thematic Mapping Organisation, 2007, xiv, 146 p., maps, (pbk).
Cultural Heritage Atlas of India/edited by P. Nag. Kolkata, National Atlas
and Thematic Mapping Organisation, 2007, xiv, 146 p., maps, (pbk).
Contents: Preface. Acknowledgement. I. Introductory maps: 1. Ancient India-Physical. 2. Ancient India -- Cultural. II. Religions and philosophy: 3. Hinduism -- origin and spread. 4. Hindu holy places. 5. Jainism. 6. Buddhism. 7. Islam. 8. Christianity. 9. Sikh Panth. III. Bhakti Movement -- the Mediaeval Devotionalism: 10. Nirguna and Saguna Sants. 11. Sufism. 12. Travel routes of Sant Kabir. 13. Kabir Panth -- origin and spread. 14. Chaitanya Dev and Goudiya Vaishnavism. IV. Social Reform Movements: 15. Arya Samaj. 16. Brahmo Samaj. 17. Ramakrishna Math and Mission. 18. Chinmaya Mission. V. Art and culture: 19. Archaeology. 20. Temple architecture. 21. Sculpture. 22. Painting heritage. 23. Fairs and festivals. 24. Food habits and cuisine. 25. Ancient medicine systems. 26. Tribo cultural composition. 27. Scheduled Caste Composition First Order. 28. Scheduled Caste Composition Second Order. VI. Performing Arts: 29. Music Gharanas. 30. Dance forms. 31. Folk musical instruments. 32. Folk theatres. 33. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index.
"What is meant by its cultural heritage? Had it any relevance on present India's progress, success and advancement? These questions are quite pertinent if we study India in a particular historical context. Heritage is that which has been inherited from the past to future, from one generation to following generations. Indian culture is a blending together of different components like religion, spirituality, language, literature, music, sculpture, painting, dance, theatre, different festivals, cuisine and food habits and many more alike which are spatially interrelated.
Indian culture through the ages absorbed outside influences but retained its ancient heritage and evolved a distinct culture which is living and growing. The cultural heritage of India is most ancient, extensive, varied and exclusive. It is vitality, originality and stability. Indian culture has its inner strength in tolerance, amity, respect for faith and beliefs and a general attitude of understanding. Its experience, through centuries, helped in marching towards future with a rich culture. Indian Civilization is based on religious and moral values and there lies its unity and strength. Indian philosophy and ethical systems and a deep sense of oneness make it possible to live in peaceful coexistence with tolerance.
Here an attempt has been made to map the events of origin and spread of different religion and philosophy, evolution of art and culture and spatial distribution of cultural diversity of the country. This atlas has been prepared on the occasion of Golden Jubilee of NATMO."