World Cinema Locations: A Profile of India

This month, our film club is screening a film from India. Here’s a detailed look at the country behind the movie.

Key Facts

Capital: New Delhi
Area: 3,287,263 km²
Population: ~1.428 billion
Official Languages: Hindi, English
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)

Top 10 Tourist Attractions

• Taj Mahal: An iconic white marble mausoleum in Agra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of eternal love.
• Ranthambore National Park: A renowned wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan, famous for its Bengal tigers and diverse flora and fauna.
• Jaipur: The ‘Pink City’ of Rajasthan, known for its historic palaces like the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and the formidable Amer Fort.
• Golden Temple: The holiest gurdwara of Sikhism in Amritsar, an architectural marvel with its stunning golden facade.
• Udaipur: Known as the ‘Venice of the East,’ this city in Rajasthan features beautiful lakes, grand palaces like the City Palace, and picturesque gardens.
• Ajanta Caves: A complex of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves in Maharashtra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing exquisite murals and sculptures.
• Red Fort: A historic fort in Old Delhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a prime example of Mughal architecture.
• Gateway of India: An iconic arch monument in Mumbai, built in the 20th century, overlooking the Arabian Sea.
• Varanasi: One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, famous for its spiritual significance and the sacred ghats along the Ganges River.
• Hampi: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, featuring the captivating ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, including numerous temples and monuments.

Timeline of History

• ~55,000 BCE: Arrival of modern humans on the Indian subcontinent from Africa.
• ~2500-1900 BCE: Flourishing of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
• ~1500-1200 BCE: Diffusion of archaic Sanskrit and early Hinduism.
• ~400 BCE: Emergence of caste system, Buddhism, and Jainism.
• 1st Millennium CE: Establishment of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism on coastal India.
• 1526-1857: Rise and reign of the Mughal Empire, leaving a rich architectural legacy.
• 1858: British Crown rule begins in India.
• 1947: India gains independence from British rule and is partitioned.
• 1950: India becomes a federal republic with a democratic parliamentary system.

Culture

India’s culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from millennia of diverse traditions, religions, and customs. Festivals like Diwali and Holi are celebrated with immense zeal, showcasing the country’s rich spiritual heritage.

Indian cuisine is renowned globally for its aromatic spices and regional variations, offering a culinary journey from north to south. Music and dance, with classical forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak, are integral to daily life and celebrations, alongside a thriving contemporary arts scene.

Politics

India operates as a federal parliamentary republic, characterised by a multi-party system. The government is led by a Prime Minister, who is the head of government, while the President serves as the head of state. It is the world’s most populous democracy, with a robust electoral process and a constitution that guarantees fundamental rights.

Film Connection

The film ‘English Vinglish‘ beautifully captures the cultural nuances of India, particularly the challenges faced by a traditional Indian woman in a globalised world. It subtly highlights the importance of language and self-worth within the context of Indian societal values and the broader international experience, reflecting the country’s evolving identity.

😜Fun Fact: India is home to the world’s largest number of vegetarians.