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India brings you the goodness
of India, its culture, festivals, tourist places, nature and
its majestic beauty, captured in vivid images. Capital:
New Delhi
Culture in India, although diverse and varied, still binds the
country together in some form of common identification. Indian
culture, particularly drama and the arts, in
spite of having passed through many changes, is characterized
by an unmistakable unity and continuity. Though
there are diverse languages, religions, traditions,
festivals and attire, the rich heritage
of the culture survives! Indians, even today, are highly
influenced by the traditions and values of the yesteryears
despite the recent movement toward westernization
Religion, in India, is of paramount importance. It plays a
vital part in the everyday life of the Indians. The influence
of various religions can be seen on the streets, in the
architecture, the sculpture and the paintings. Nearly all the
great religions of the world are represented in India. This is
also where the great religions of Hinduism, Buddhism and
Jainism were born.
Hindi is the national language of the country. But that
is not to say that there is a lack of other languages here. A
different language is spoken in every state, in every region
and more or less in every village. There are 18 official
languages and over 1600(!) minor languages and dialects
spoken in the country.
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Gateway of India:
This famous yellow basalt triumphal arch marks the tip of Colaba beach. It
was officially opened in 1924. Today it is a popular evening meeting spot.
Boats depart from the wharf for Elephanta island, famous for the 7th
century rock-cut caves.
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Lotus temple:
New Delhi |

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Kapaleeshwarar
temple:
This is an ancient Shiva temple in Mylapore. Constructed in the
Dravidian style, it has a 37-m high gopuram which is
intricately carved, depicting events of Hindu mythology.
It also has inscriptions from the 13th century. |
Taj Mahal:
The Great Taj Mahal.One of the Seven wonders of the world.Islamic
architecture, in its purest form, is epitomized by the
incomparable Taj Mahal built by the Mughal Emperor
Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Below the dome, in a dimly lit chamber, lie the mortal
remains of Shahjahan and his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal,
reminding the world of their undying love. |

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Qutab Minar:
Built
by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193, it was constructed out of pillars from
Hindu temples. It is a five-storeyed building, the Minar rises over 230
feet and can be ascended by a circular stairway for a view that is
breathtaking. The monument tapers from a 15-meter diameter base to just 2½
metres at the top.To Qutb-ud-din, the tower marked the eastern extremity
of the Islamic faith, casting the shadow of God over east and west. |
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