Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity.

→ The cultural customs traditions shape the social fabric and collective identity. Ex: the festivals like Holi, Diwali, Eid, Christmas shape the identities. → The cultural practices, folk arts, paintings forge solidarity. Ex: the

continutity between Hindustani and Carnatic music

→ The architecture, literature, philosophy shape the social fabric. Ex. Vesara style reflecting fusion of Nagara and Dravidian.

II. Linguistic diversity : → India is the land with diverse language and dialects. Ex: 22 schedule languages (8th schedule) and thousands of regional dialects.

→ However, at times it also creates challenges. Ex: Demand for linguistic reorganisation of states → Tulunadu.

→ It even leads to the idea of regionalism, separatism and 'sons of soil movement'.

III. The religious diversity : → There are about six minority communities and diverse religious practices. Ex: Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, etc.

→ It forges the identity of "collectiveness".

→ However, it also threatens the social fabric with "identity politics" and "communalisation of politics".

→ Its interaction with society, politics, economy results in both cooperation and contestations.