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Indian society is multifaceted to a great extent. There have been no valid generalizations about the different groups that one can find in this diverse society. Indian society has a linguistic and ethnic diversity where different social, regional and economic groups with varied cultural and religious practices live under one roof. There are differences in the north and south India particularly in their social structures. The various religious groups that exist in India are Hindus, Parsis, Jains, Sikhs, Jews, Buddhists and Christians.
Wealth and power are not equally enjoyed by all the groups and there exist socio-economic status differences among the people of India. Rural areas still have a large population of poor and downtrodden people whereas the rich mostly live in urban cities. People in cities generally lead a prosperous and well-fed life as compared to the ones living in rural areas. Every part of India has to bear class differences. There are immense distinctions prevailing in the rural and urban areas. Almost 74% of the total Indian population reside in villages and are forced to support their livelihood with agriculture which is their primary activity. Lifestyles at both the ends are entirely different.
The next thing that predominates our society is gender difference i.e. distinction between men and women. Be it villages or city, both the genders are treated in a different manner and the society is mostly male dominated. In such a case, men enjoy more power and excel in every field as compared to women. Though the scenario is changing nowadays, this change is at a very slow pace. Even though society is surrounded by all these differences of religion, gender, urbanity, status, wealth, language and region, yet people of varying castes and creed stay together in peace. There are many castes and caste-like groups which Indian people belong to. The members of the castes have to marry a girl belonging to their own caste and have to follow certain guidelines for instance ways of worship, ritual activities, diet, clothing etc.
One can also find appealing and fascinating varied textile heritage in the Indian society. Each region enjoys wearing its own unique traditional attire. Indian clothes are very graceful and are full of attractive colours. High society market has been attracted to the rich traditional Indian costumes made of expensive silk. The ancient-styled clothes made of gold threads are still in use in various parts of the country. Though changes in costume designing have dramatically taken place yet rich Indian traditions have been maintained in costumes.
As the Indian society is vastly diverse, a common observation cannot be applied to each and every Indian. There still exist diverse principles of life, accepted widely in the Indian society.
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