"Ancient South Asian culture was primarily based in Hinduism, which itself formed as a mixture of Vedic religion and indigenous traditions, and later Buddhist influences."
The study of the cultural and artistic creation and manifestations of South Asian communities including literature, visual arts, performing arts and cinema.
South Asian Literature: This topic focuses on the literary works of South Asian writers from different time periods and regions, including novels, short stories, poetry, and plays.
South Asian Art: This topic covers visual arts, including paintings, sculptures, architecture, and other forms of artistic expression in South Asia.
Bollywood: Bollywood is the Hindi film industry, which produces the majority of the movies in the Indian subcontinent. This topic includes insights into Bollywood's history, key figures, genres, and styles.
Indian Mythology: This topic engages with the religious and cultural aspects of the Indian subcontinent, focusing on traditional stories, deities, and beliefs.
Indian Philosophy and Religion: This topic examines the religious and philosophical traditions of South Asian civilizations, including Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, and others.
South Asian History: This topic delves into the rich history of South Asia, addressing the cultural, social, and political developments throughout different periods and regions.
South Asian Folklore: This topic explores various forms of folk traditions, including myths, legends, songs, music, and dance from different regions in South Asia.
South Asian Diaspora: This topic examines the experiences of South Asian communities living abroad, their cultural practices, and how they navigate their identity in foreign contexts.
Gender and Sexuality in South Asia: This topic explores issues related to gender and sexuality in South Asia, including the representation of women in literature and art, same-sex relationships, and traditional gender roles.
South Asian Linguistics: This topic covers the languages of South Asia, including Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, and others, and the ways in which they influence and shape the cultures of the region.
Classical music: South Asian classical music is a rich tradition that includes diverse branches such as Carnatic, Hindustani, and Dhrupad, among others.
Folk art: Different regions of South Asia have distinct folk art forms that feature vibrant colors and intricate designs. Examples include Madhubani painting, Warli art, and Pattachitra.
Dance: Traditional dance forms like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Kuchipudi are a significant aspect of South Asian culture, capturing the essence of mythological stories and social customs.
Literature: South Asian literature has produced a vast array of literary works spanning multiple genres such as poetry, fiction, and drama. Examples include the epic poem Mahabharata, the play Devdas, and the novel Midnight's Children.
Theater: South Asian theater features distinct styles and includes diverse forms, such as Sanskrit Drama, Nautanki, and Yakshagana.
Cinema: The Indian film industry, better known as Bollywood, produces a wide spectrum of films that cater to the diverse Indian audience, ranging from commercial to art house films.
Sculpture: South Asian sculpture is primarily focused on religious themes, portraying rituals and practices that have been an integral part of Indian culture for centuries.
Architecture: South Asian architecture is a distinctive blend of various styles such as Mughal, Rajput, and Dravidian. Iconic buildings such as the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and South Indian temples are prominent examples of this art form.
Textiles: South Asian textiles are renowned for their intricate patterns and designs, such as Banarasi silk, Kanchipuram sarees, and Chikankari.
Calligraphy: South Asian calligraphy is an art form that dates back to centuries ago, featuring different styles such as Nastaliq, Thuluth, and Diwani.
"From the medieval era onwards, influences from the Muslim world (particularly Central Asia and the Middle East) and then Europe (primarily British) also became prevalent."
"Influences from the Muslim world (particularly Central Asia and the Middle East) and then Europe (primarily British) also became prevalent."
"Ancient South Asian culture was primarily based in Hinduism."
"Hinduism itself formed as a mixture of Vedic religion and indigenous traditions."
"Hinduism itself formed as a mixture of Vedic religion and indigenous traditions, and later Buddhist influences."
"Influences from the Muslim world (particularly Central Asia and the Middle East)."
"South Asian culture has influenced other parts of Asia, particularly Southeast Asia (see Greater India)."
"Influences from Europe, primarily British, also became prevalent."
"Hinduism had a significant impact on the formation of South Asian culture."
"Influences from the Muslim world started to become prevalent from the medieval era onwards."
"Hinduism formed as a mixture of Vedic religion and indigenous traditions."
"Hinduism formed as a mixture of Vedic religion and indigenous traditions, and later Buddhist influences."
"Europe, primarily British, also became prevalent."
"South Asian culture has influenced other parts of Asia, particularly Southeast Asia (see Greater India)."
"South Asian culture has influenced other parts of Asia, particularly Southeast Asia (see Greater India)."
"Influences from the Muslim world (particularly Central Asia and the Middle East)."
"Vedic religion and indigenous traditions, and later Buddhist influences."
"Influences from the Muslim world (particularly Central Asia and the Middle East) and then Europe (primarily British)."
"From the medieval era onwards."