Culture and Customs of India

India and the Indian ways of life in the new century are freshly and comprehensively overviewed in this volume. This one-stop resource enables students and other interested readers to begin to understand the vast country with its population of one billion people representing hundreds of social groups with more than 100 languages spoken. Henderson provides expert insight into a cross-section of society. The caste system Hinduism the sari women''s roles and a dazzling array of festivals are just some of the facets of the culture and customs explained.Although the volume primarily focuses on contemporary India Henderson''s knowledgeable narrative incorporates the progression of culture from the earliest civilization to the nuclear weapons debate. There is no other general in-depth up-to-date reference that provides the coverage on the land people and history; religion; world view; art and literature; landscape and architecture; food and dress; women marriage and family; festivals and leisure activities; music and dance; and social customs and lifestyles. Numerous photos a chronology and glossary complement the narrative.