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: ~1.4 billion
Official Languages: Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)

Top 10 Tourist Attractions

• Taj Mahal, Agra: An immense ivory-white marble mausoleum, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. A UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of eternal love.
• Red Fort, Delhi: A historic fort in Old Delhi, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Golden Temple, Amritsar: The holiest gurdwara of Sikhism, a stunning golden structure surrounded by a sacred pool. It is a place of pilgrimage and worship for Sikhs worldwide.
• Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: One of India’s most sacred cities, located on the banks of the River Ganges. Known for its spiritual atmosphere, ancient ghats, and vibrant religious ceremonies.
• Amber Palace, Jaipur: A magnificent fort-palace built from red sandstone and marble, located near Jaipur. It’s known for its artistic Hindu style elements and stunning views.
• Kerala Backwaters: A network of serene canals, lakes, and lagoons along the Arabian Sea coast. Houseboat cruises offer a unique way to experience the tranquil rural life.
• Ladakh: A high-altitude desert region in the Himalayas, known for its stunning mountain landscapes, clear skies, Buddhist monasteries, and adventure sports.
• Qutub Minar, Delhi: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this towering minaret is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture, surrounded by several other historic monuments.
• Hawa Mahal, Jaipur: The ‘Palace of Winds’ is a distinctive five-story palace with a unique facade, designed to allow royal ladies to observe street festivals unseen from outside.
• Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Madhya Pradesh: A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its intricate and erotic sculptures, these Hindu and Jain temples represent the architectural brilliance of the Chandela dynasty.

Timeline of History

• c. 2500-1900 BCE: Indus Valley Civilisation flourishes, one of the world’s earliest major urban cultures.
• c. 1500-500 BCE: Vedic Period, foundation of Hinduism and the caste system.
• c. 322-185 BCE: Maurya Empire unifies much of the Indian subcontinent under rulers like Ashoka.
• c. 320-550 CE: Gupta Empire, a ‘Golden Age’ of Indian art, science, and philosophy.
• 1526-1857: Mughal Empire dominates, leaving a rich architectural and cultural legacy.
• 1757-1947: British colonial rule, initially by the East India Company, then by the British Crown.
• 1947: India gains independence from British rule and is partitioned into India and Pakistan.
• 1950: India becomes a federal republic with its own constitution.

Culture

India boasts a rich and diverse culture, deeply rooted in ancient traditions and a tapestry of religions. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Eid are celebrated with immense fervour, showcasing vibrant colours, music, and dance. Indian cuisine is renowned globally for its aromatic spices and regional variations, from the rich curries of the North to the coastal flavours of the South. Classical music forms like Hindustani and Carnatic, along with various folk dances, are integral to its artistic heritage.

Politics

India is a federal parliamentary republic, operating under a democratic system. The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The government structure is bicameral, consisting of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), ensuring representation from various states and union territories.

Film Connection

The film ‘Lagaan’ is set in rural India during the British colonial rule, directly reflecting a significant period in Indian history. It beautifully captures the spirit of resistance and community, showcasing traditional Indian village life, customs, and the passion for cricket, which has become a unifying force in modern India. The film’s narrative of overcoming oppression through collective effort resonates deeply with India’s struggle for independence.

😜Fun Fact: India is home to the world’s largest democratic election, with hundreds of millions of people participating.