India

India is a country located in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan to the west, China and Nepal to the north, Bhutan to the northeast, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. India has a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years, with a diverse range of religions, languages, and traditions.

India is known for its iconic landmarks, including the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum in Agra that is considered one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements. The country is also famous for its cuisine, which varies from region to region and includes a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. India has a vibrant economy, with a rapidly growing technology sector and a large workforce employed in industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Despite its economic progress, India faces challenges related to poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. Overall, India is a fascinating and complex country with a rich history, diverse cultural traditions, and a rapidly changing modern identity.

 

Books

1

1

4.1/5

A Suitable Boy

by Vikram Seth

2

2

4.4/5

The White Tiger

by Aravind Adiga

3

3

3.9/5

Sacred Games

by Vikram Chandra

4

4.2/5

The God of
Small Things

by Arundhati Roy

4

5

4.1/5

The Shadow
Lines

by Amitav Ghosh

“A Suitable Boy” is a novel by Vikram Seth that follows the story of four families over a period of 18 months in post-independence India. It explores themes of love, family, politics, and societal norms in a changing India.

“The White Tiger” is a novel by Indian author Aravind Adiga, published in 2008. The book is a satirical take on contemporary Indian society, and tells the story of a poor driver from rural India who rises to become a successful entrepreneur in modern-day Bangalore. The book won the Man Booker Prize in 2008.

“Sacred Games” is a crime thriller novel by Vikram Chandra, published in 2006. Set in Mumbai, the story follows police officer Sartaj Singh and gangster Ganesh Gaitonde as they navigate the criminal underworld and political corruption of the city. The novel explores themes of religion, politics, and the struggle for power.

“The God of Small Things” is a novel by Arundhati Roy published in 1997. It tells the story of a family in the southern Indian state of Kerala, focusing on the relationship between fraternal twins Rahel and Estha and the events that lead to their separation as children. The novel explores themes of love, caste, social hierarchy, and colonialism.

“The Shadow Lines” is a novel by Indian author Amitav Ghosh. It is a multi-layered narrative that explores the interconnectedness of different people and places, spanning multiple generations and continents. The story is set in Calcutta, Dhaka, and London, and touches on themes such as memory, identity, and history.

Movies

A1MKQD+sn2L._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_
Play Video

1

3.7/5

PK

81313k5ZKUL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_
Play Video

2

3.9/5

3 Idiots

51P5wuwP7+L._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_
Play Video

3

3.7/5

Dangal

61vkjrQTS7L._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_
Play Video

4

3.6/5

RRR

41ZNLMfCc6L._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_
Play Video

5

3.7/5

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

PK is a 2014 Indian satirical comedy-drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, starring Aamir Khan in the lead role. The film follows an alien who comes to Earth on a research mission and finds himself stranded in Rajasthan. It explores themes such as religion, spirituality, and the flaws of the Indian society.

“3 Idiots” is a 2009 Indian coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani. It follows the story of three engineering students and their adventures as they navigate the pressures of academic and societal expectations. The film explores themes of friendship, individuality, and the pursuit of happiness, and has become one of the most successful and beloved Bollywood movies of all time.

“Dangal” is a 2016 Indian biographical sports drama film directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The film tells the inspiring story of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler who trains his two daughters to become world-class wrestlers despite facing societal pressures and gender stereotypes. The film received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and themes of female empowerment.

“””RRR”” is an Indian Telugu-language period action film directed by S.S. Rajamouli, released in 2022. Set in the 1920s pre-independence era, “”RRR”” is a fictionalized retelling of the lives of two Indian freedom fighters, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, who come together to fight against the British Raj and their oppressive rule. The film also explores their personal struggles, challenges and sacrifices in their quest for independence. Starring N.T. Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, Alia Bhatt, and Ajay Devgn, “”RRR”” is an epic action film that showcases stunning visuals and exhilarating action sequences.”

 

“Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” is a 2011 Indian coming-of-age film directed by Zoya Akhtar. The film follows the journey of three friends who go on a bachelor trip to Spain, where they engage in various adventures and confront their fears. The film stars Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Katrina Kaif, and Kalki Koechlin in lead roles. The movie explores themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery.

 

Music

Music has a long and rich tradition in India, with a history that dates back over 5,000 years. Indian classical music is perhaps the most well-known style of Indian music, and it is characterized by its intricate melodies and rhythms. It is often performed on instruments such as the sitar, sarod, and tabla. In addition to classical music, India has a rich tradition of folk music, which varies from region to region. These styles often incorporate traditional instruments and have a strong connection to the culture and history of the area. Bollywood music is another popular style of Indian music, known for its catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms. It is often associated with the Indian film industry and has become popular around the world.

 

Articles

Cultural Reads

Would you like to receive a bi-weekly movie, music & book recommendation from all around the world?