Kate Phegley : Exploring India

Exploring India

Many people visit and explore new places all over the world every year. When people think of destinations they want to visit, they usually list places like Paris, New York, London, Hawaii, and others, but what people do not know is that the country of India has many fascinating qualities that could make a trip there the adventure of a lifetime. Brenna Swanston explains that if many would visit and explore this beautiful country, they would have many things to do that would keep their trip far from boring (usatoday.com). People should visit India because of the delicious and diverse food, the agriculture, the fascinating history and historical sites, and the various holidays celebrated with great joy.

India is a country which has a very interesting history. “Cultural India: History of India” states, “Indian history first began with the birth of the Indus Valley Civilization and the coming of the Aryans. These two phases are usually described as the pre-Vedic and Vedic age” (www.culturalindia.net). “India” says that the tribe called the Aryans migrated from central Asia to India around fifteen hundred B.C. In fact, several groups of people migrated to India from different locations in Asia. The descendants created quite a diverse population, which resulted in a unique cultural environment. Before the Aryans arrived in northern India, there was a tribe living there at the time, a tribe known as the Dravidians. When the Aryans arrived, the Dravidians fled to southern India. The people living in southern India today are ancestors of the Dravidians (612 & 622). “Cultural India: History of India” explains that when the Dravidians fled south, the Aryans initiated the economic history of India. They began by experimenting with agriculture and animals, making new tools from copper and wood, and trading with several countries in the Middle East. These experiments are still evolving today. Many improved inventions and designs of the original inventions have been made as well (www.culturalindia.net). Not only did the tribes discover new and easier ways to live, but they also came up with their own language and a method of writing. “India” claims that the Aryans were responsible for the new language and method of writing this language. The language developed is the Sanskrit language (612). Anchal Kandpal explains that still today this ancient language has not been deciphered (www.scoopwhoop.com). “India” describes that not long after developing the language, the Aryan influence slowly spread throughout all of India. Once the Aryan influence grew, the golden age of India blossomed and flourished. The golden age brought several astonishing features, including the emphasis on art, music, agriculture, dance, and other diverse activities. Many schools focused on grammar, mathematics, medicine, and sacred writings (612). All this led to progress, a major part of which was the emphasis on agriculture.

Agriculture in India is very important. Many people go there to learn and improve their farming techniques. Madhusudhan L mentions that agriculture is considered the most prominent sector of the economy. Agriculture provides employment to over fifty percent of the workforce in India, and many families rely on agriculture as their main source of income. Since this has a huge impact on this country, India has become the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables (www.omicsonline.org). India is proud of its farming methods. Along with farming and the introduction of a wide variety of plants, many tourists go to India to try their delicious, juicy fruits. “India” explains that because the altitudes of India are so vastly different, the plant life is varied from region to region. In the tropical regions, plants such as figs and palm trees grow. Places that have higher elevations grow different types of trees, such as pine and deodar trees. Many people say that these fruits and vegetables are out of this world, and they would visit India again only for their spectacular fruits and vegetables (614). Madhusudhan L states, “India is the world’s largest producer of pulses, rice, wheat, spices, and spice products. The Asian country has many prominent areas where dairy, meat, poultry, fisheries, and grains are established” (www.omicsonline.org). Although India is well-known for producing these products, it is famous for its production of spices. Anchal Kandpal says that out of all the countries in the world, India generates the largest variety of spices; as a result, it has been given the name the Land of Spices (www.scoopwhoop.com). A wide range of these spices can only be found in India; this keeps the tourists and business leaders returning and wanting more. Many of these unique spices are used in a wide variety of Indian food.

Many tourists visit India solely for its astonishing food and food combinations. Anchal Kandpal claims the food from India is superior than that of other countries serving Indian dishes. Indian food is popularly described with five words: sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and spicy. These descriptions are often used when describing chutneys. Chutneys is one of India’s most famous side dishes. Many people, from all over the world, try this outstanding, mouth watering dish. People in Britain loved this dish so much that they decided to create their own version called “Major Grey’s”. Another famous Indian dish is called the Payasam. “Payasam, one of the favorite sweet dishes of South India, is a must-serve at many important ceremonies, including weddings. According to southern Indian tradition, a wedding is not over until Payasam is served” (www.scoopwhoop.com). Even though there are many famous Indian foods, the most famous dish is called curry. Amita Vohra Sarin states that many people visit India to experience the famous meat or vegetable curry. This dish, along with many of the other Indian dishes, takes a lot of time and trouble, because many steps must be done by hand. Curry is a dish that includes gravy, which is flavored with a mixture of many Indian spices. It is also interesting to note that many of the traditional recipes are kept secret (108). Many of these Indian foods are served during the holidays of Holi and Diwali in India.

India celebrates many holidays, but the most famous are Holi and Diwali. Brenna Swanston suggests that people can visit India at any time, but the most desirable time is between the months of October and March; this is when the holidays of Diwali and Holi are celebrated (usatoday.com). “Celebrate Diwali and Holi in India” mentions that throughout the two holidays, the people of India come together and enjoy outstanding celebrations. They also create amazing decorations that create joy and happiness. The holiday that is celebrated in March is Holi, a festival of color. “Holi celebrations begins with a huge bonfire and prayers so that evil can be destroyed the way it did in the Hindu legend, by burning a demoness named Holika. Young and old, rich and poor, family and friends, all celebrate this festival by smearing a powdered pigment onto their faces. The festival also marks the end of winter and the abundance of the upcoming spring harvest.” Opposite of Holi, Diwali is celebrated at the end of the year and is considered the Hindu new year. It lasts five days in either October or November, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar (www.swaindestinations.com). Amita Vohra Sarin describes that the holiday of Diwali is a huge festival that is taken very seriously. The president's palace is even decorated in bright shiny lights that almost blind spectators. The people of India celebrate this day to honor the return of the goddess of good fortunes, a goddess called Lakshmi. During this holiday, people exchange gifts and sweets. Everyone spends time decorating houses, making sweets, lighting fireworks, and having lots of fun (85-86). “Celebrate Diwali and Holi in India” states that Diwali is a holiday that many people love and embrace (www.swaindestinations.com). Other than the festive holidays, many visit India because of its historical sites.

Many tourists visit India to explore the many well-known historical monuments. “10 Most Famous Historical Monuments of India” implies, “India is rich in culture, traditions, heritage buildings, temples, forts, and palaces. Famous Indian monuments include the Old Churches of Goa, the Taj Mahal, Mysore Palace, Charminar, Red Fort, and Jantar Mantar. These are only a few of the most visited in the country.” Even though there are several prominent monuments, the Taj Mahal and the Mysore Palace are the most visited. They are toured because of their beauty, splendor, and historical significance (www.walkthroughindia.com). Brenna Swanston mentions that the tourists of India usually start their adventure by visiting the hill forts in Rajasthan, the holy city of Varanasi, or the Taj Mahal (usatoday.com). “10 Most Famous Historical Monuments of India” says that the Taj Mahal is located near the holy river Yamuna in the city of Agra. The Taj Mahal is an attractive monument made of white marble. It combines the elements of the Mughal, Persian, Ottoman, Turkish, and the Indian architectural techniques (www.walkthroughindia.com). “India” states that the many memories of India’s past can be found in the Taj Mahal, an exquisite structure built by a Mongol ruler during the sixteen hundreds. Today, this structure is still one of the most popular monuments in the world (609). Other than the Taj Mahal, the Mysore Palace is also a popular tourist destination. “10 Most Famous Historical Monuments of India” informs that the city of Mysore in Karnataka is the location of the palace. It is situated among the Chamundi Hills in India and is visited the most in the area (www.walkthroughindia.com). Brenna Swanston informs that the miraculous development of tourism does not come in surprise to many. Many tourists prefer to visit India around the months of April, May, or June. During this time, the weather is the most enjoyable (usatoday.com). These monuments in India have unique qualities that should persuade anyone to visit India.

India has several aspects that can make anyone’s trip worthwhile and unforgettable. These aspects could be from India’s agriculture and jaw-dropping food to their unique holidays and historical monuments. Brenna Swanston explains that even though many people visit India each year and explore the country, many natives that live in India are still discovering the beauties of their wonderful country (usatoday.com). This only proves the fact that India has numerous activities that will keep anyone far from uninterested. Hopefully, many people will consider visiting India due to the magnificent qualities that this country holds.

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