Photo of the Taj Mahal courtesy of Nikolaz Godet

The world’s most fascinating culture

India fascinates. People are fascinated by its history, culture, architecture, wildlife, topography and spiritual traditions. They are dazzled by Bollywood, saris, jewelry and art forms such as classical music and dance. They are intrigued by yoga, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and the many other faiths and traditions. And their senses are stimulated by the crowds, chaos, traffic, heat, sounds, smells and spices.

India is the world’s largest democracy, and home to the world’s largest employer (India Railways). It has the second-largest population (after China), is one of the most diverse nations on earth and one of the most ancient, extant cultures.

The country has a very long history, marked by waves of invaders and conquerors — each leaving behind monuments and societal change. The Mughal empire left behind some of the world’s most stunning architectural achievements — most notably the Taj Mahal.  The most recent colonizer was the British of course, who left behind English, the planned city of New Delhi, the tea industry, an extensive railway system, and many educational and bureaucratic institutions  — and the tragedy of a divided nation. India attained independence from colonial rule on August 15, 1947. The Punjab and Bengal were partitioned and Pakistan was born.

And nowadays, India is commanding an increasingly large share of the world’s attention and the world’s stage due to a sizzling economy, an educated and English-speaking work force, a vibrant film industry and the world-wide popularity of yoga.

“India always changes people, and I am no exception,” Ruth Prawer-Jhabvala wrote. And maybe, in the end, that is what fascinates people the most about India: India’s power to transform.

If you need travel advice, start here, with my post Planning to go to India?, a round-up of posts on Breathedreamgo about travel tips, advice, etiquette and a packing list.

[Photo of Taj Mahal courtesy of Nikolaz Godet.]