Nearly one sixth of all the human beings on Earth live in India, the world's most populous democracy. Its borders consist of a vast variety of peoples, practicing most of the world's major religions, speaking many different languages, divided into thousands of socially exclusive castes, and combining the physical traits of several major racial groups. A civilized, urban society has existed in India for well over 4,000 years, and there have been periods when its culture was as brilliant and creative as any in history.

     Divided from the rest of Asia by the Himalayan Mountains, India consists of 2 major land areas, the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the Deccan. The artistic and literary heritage of India is exceptionally rich. Probably most renowned are the country's architectural masterpieces. These date from many different ages. But the roots of classical dance and music go back over 2,000 years and it calls for discipline and intensive practice. India has some of the most diverse and wonderful cultures in the world.