Heritage is everything we inherit from the past. India’s heritage is of two kinds—natural (rivers, mountains, forests and wildlife) and cultural (buildings, arts, crafts, music, dances, languages, food and festivals). Buildings made by earlier rulers are called monuments. They show our architecture and history. Paintings, coins, sculptures and tools are also important sources to know about the past.

Indian music has two classical styles—Hindustani in the north and Carnatic in the south. We also enjoy many folk dances like Bihu, Garba, Ghoomar and Bhangra. Crafts such as Rangoli and Kantha embroidery add colour to daily life. Games like Polo have been played in India for centuries. Ancient books like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata form our epic literature. India is a land of many languages; the Constitution recognises 22 Scheduled Languages.

People who lived long before us are our ancestors. They left behind stories, songs and customs. These are passed from one generation to another through oral traditions. Heritage makes us proud and gives us identity. We must preserve it by keeping monuments clean, respecting languages and cultures, learning classical/folk arts and protecting natural sites. In this way, we pass India’s rich heritage to our future generations.

विरासत (Heritage) वह सब है जो हमें पुरखों से मिला है। भारत की विरासत दो प्रकार की है—प्राकृतिक (नदियाँ, पर्वत, वन्यजीव) और सांस्कृतिक (इमारतें, कला-संगीत, नृत्य, भाषाएँ, भोजन, त्योहार)। पुराने शासकों द्वारा बनवाई गई इमारतें स्मारक (Monuments) कहलाती हैं। चित्रकला, मूर्तियाँ, सिक्के और औज़ार भी अतीत की जानकारी देते हैं।

भारतीय संगीत की दो शास्त्रीय शैलियाँ हैं—उत्तर की हिंदुस्तानी और दक्षिण की कर्नाटक शैली। बिहू, गरबा, भांगड़ा, घूमर जैसे अनेक लोकनृत्य लोकप्रिय हैं। रंगोली और काँथा कढ़ाई जैसी कलाएँ घर-घर की पहचान हैं। पोโล जैसा खेल भी पुरानी परंपरा का भाग है। रामायण और महाभारत हमारे महाकाव्य हैं। भारत में अनेक भाषाएँ बोली जाती हैं; संविधान में 22 अनुसूचित भाषाएँ मान्य हैं।

बहुत पहले रहने वाले परिवारजन हमारे पूर्वज हैं। उनकी कहानियाँ, गीत और रीतियाँ पीढ़ी-दर-पीढ़ी मौखिक परंपरा से चली आती हैं। विरासत हमें पहचान और गर्व देती है। हमें स्मारकों को स्वच्छ रखना, भाषाओं-कलाओं का सम्मान करना, प्राकृतिक धरोहर की रक्षा करना और बच्चों को अपने इतिहास-संस्कृति से जोड़ना चाहिए ताकि यह संपदा आने वाली पीढ़ियों तक सुरक्षित पहुँच सके।

1) What do you mean by heritage?

All the natural and cultural things passed on to us from the past—monuments, arts, languages, customs and natural sites.

2) Name the two kinds of heritage with two examples each.

Natural: rivers, mountains. Cultural: monuments, music/dances.

3) What are oral traditions?

Stories, songs, proverbs and customs that people remember and pass by speaking—not by writing.

4) What are the two classical styles of Indian music?

Hindustani (North India) and Carnatic (South India).

5) Why should we preserve our heritage?

It gives us identity and pride, teaches history and unites people; we must save it for future generations.

6) Write two examples of folk dances.

Bihu (Assam) and Garba (Gujarat). (Others: Bhangra, Ghoomar.)

7) What is Rangoli used for?

For decorating floors at festivals and special occasions.

8) What is Kantha work?

A traditional embroidery of Bengal done with running stitches on cloth.

9) What do monuments tell us?

They show the art, culture, rulers and technology of the past.

10) How can students help protect heritage?

Keep monuments clean, avoid scribbling, learn & respect local arts and speak politely about all cultures.

1) What do you mean by heritage?

Heritage is all that we inherit from the past—natural and cultural wealth such as rivers, monuments, arts, music, languages and customs.

2) What are the different classical dances of India?

Examples: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam and Sattriya.

3) What are the two styles of classical music in India?

Hindustani (North India) and Carnatic (South India).

4) What are oral traditions?

Knowledge passed by speaking—stories, songs, sayings and customs remembered and told from elders to children.

5) Why is it important to preserve our heritage?

It gives identity and unity, teaches history and values, attracts tourism and must be protected for future generations.