Culture of India

Indian Society & Culture 

The influences of Hinduism and the tradition of the caste system have created a culture that emphasizes established hierarchical relationships.

Indians are always conscious of social order and their status relative to other people, be they family, friends, or strangers.

All relationships involve hierarchies. In schools, teachers are called gurus and are viewed as the source of all knowledge. The patriarch, usually the father, is considered the leader of the family. The boss is seen as the source of ultimate responsibility in business. Every relationship has a clear- cut hierarchy that must be observed for the social order to be maintained.

languages in India

 The different states of India have different official languages, some of them not recognized by the central government. Some states have more then one official language. Bihar in east India has three official languages - Hindi, Urdu and Bengali - which are all recognized by the central government. But Sikkim, also in east India, has four official languages of which only Nepali is recognized by the central government. Besides the languages officially recognized by central or state governments, there are other languages which don't have this recognition and their speakers are running political struggles to get this recognition. Central government decided that Hindi was to be the official language of India and therefore it also has the status of official language in the states.

Indian Etiquette and Customs

 

Meeting Etiquette

• Religion, education and social class all influence greetings in India.
• This is a hierarchical culture, so greet the eldest or most senior person first.
• When leaving a group, each person must be bid farewell individually.
• Shaking hands is common, especially in the large cities among the more educated who are accustomed to dealing with westerners.
• Men may shake hands with other men and women may shake hands with other women; however there are seldom handshakes between men and women because of religious beliefs.

Gift Giving Etiquette

• Indians believe that giving gifts eases the transition into the next life.
• Gifts of cash are given to friends and members of the extended family to celebrate life events such as birth, death and marriage.
• If invited to an Indian's home for a meal, it is not necessary to bring a gift, although one will not be turned down.
• Do not give frangipani or white flowers as they are used at funerals.
• Yellow, green and red are lucky colours, so try to use them to wrap gifts.
• Hindus should not be given gifts made of leather.
• Muslims should not be given gifts made of pigskin or alcoholic products.
• Gifts are not opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

• Much Indian food is eaten with the fingers.
• Wait to be told where to sit.
• If utensils are used, they are generally a tablespoon and a fork.
• Guests are often served in a particular order: the guest of honour is served first, followed by the men, and the children are served last. Women typically serve the men and eat later.
• You may be asked to wash your hands before and after sitting down to a meal.
• Always use your right hand to eat, whether you are using utensils or your fingers.
• In some situations food may be put on your plate for you, while in other situations you may be allowed to serve yourself from a communal bowl.
• Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates that you are satisfied. Finishing all your food means that you are still hungry.

Dress Etiquette

• Business attire is conservative.
• Men should wear dark coloured conservative business suits.
• Women should dress conservatively in suits or dresses.

Titles

• Indians revere titles such as Professor, Doctor and Engineer.
• Status is determined by age, university degree, caste and profession.
• If someone does not have a professional title, use the honorific title "Sir" or "Madam".