The ancient civilization in Indian sub continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without breakdown to the present day. Comment.
Civilizations and empires have risen and fallen like winter wheat, but the ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from others in that there has been continuity and connectivity between the past and present. Indian civilization had institutionalized numerous traditions and practices. This has enabled the cultural continuity to last for such a long period.
Continuity and Connectivity
- Social practices - Social practices followed in ancient times such as marriage institutions, relationship and kinship practices, community control etc have been still prevalent in rural areas. These practices may have evolved over time but their core belief remains the same.
- Religious practices - Ancient Indian religious practices such as animal and plant worship from Indus valley civilization era is still practiced in India. Indus civilization gods such as Pashupati has evolved to take place of Shiva. Vedic practices such as fire sacrifices is still followed today. The teachings of Buddhism and Jainism have managed to keep their existence.
- Linguistics - The languages of ancient civilization is still used in same form or with evolved form. Vedic language like Sanskrit is still prevalent, eventhough of less significance. Prakrit and Pali languages have modified to give rise to subsidiary languages such as Maithili, Bhojpuri, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati etc.
- Crafts - Ancient Indian crafts such as metal sculpture is still prevalent. The method used by Indus valley civilization people, called the lost wax technique, is still used for making metal statues. Stone sculpting has also not lost its significance and is still practiced.
- Art - Ancient Indian art in form of music, dance, paintings etc have been existent till today. Dance form such as Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi have their origin in ancient texts and is still practiced. Carnatic and Hindustani music have evolved but its basis has been preserved. Painting style of ancient India such as Worli, Madhubani is still practiced in households.
- Ability of reformation - The absence of any abhorrent practices such as slavery has led to stability in the society. Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece were hugely dependent upon slavery and this contributed to their downfall. The disintegration of the Varna system into caste system based on birth caused social tension. But the ability of reformation and acceptance to change has prevented breakdown. The assimilation and integration of numerous cultures and traditions to the existing ones has allowed the ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent to be preserved till present day.
Thus, Indian civilization has managed to preserve its cultural practices through oral traditions and social practices. This has been done despite the drastic changes that threatened to destroy the cultural ethos.
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