Indian society is an exemplification of multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-ideological constructs, which co-exist, at once striving to strike harmony and also to retain its
individuality. Based on the generous concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam (the world is one family), Indian society possess a great cultural heritage. During the course of its evolution, it has accommodated and integrated many communities and their ways of life from time to time.

Characteristics of Indian Society

• Multi-ethnic society- Indian society is multi-ethnic in nature due to co-existence of wide variety of racial groups in India. India is home to almost all the racial profiles prevalent in the world like Aryan, Negritoes, Caucasus etc.
• Multilingual society- Across the length and breadth of the country, more than 1600 languages are spoken. Among them the major languages are Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali etc. North-east is the highest per capita linguistic region of world.
• Multi-class society- Indian society is segmented into multiple classes. This division can be on the basis of birth as well as financial and social achievements during one's lifetime.
• Patriarchal society- Indian society is largely a patriarchal society where men tend to enjoy greater status than women . However, some tribal societies are matrilineal societies where women have the dominant decision making power. The sex ratio in India is 940 according to 2011 census. Also Female labour force participation rate in India is nearly 25%.
• Unity in diversity- This is an inherent feature of Indian society. Diversity in India exists at various levels in different forms. However, beneath this diversity, there is fundamental unity in social institutions and practices.There are:-About 6 major religions; More than 1500 spoken languages(2);5 major racial groups; Number of sects within the religion
• Co-existence of traditionalism and modernity- Traditionalism is upholding or maintenance of core values. Whereas modernity refers to questioning the tradition and moving towards rational thinking, social, scientific and technological progress. Due to the spread of education and technological advances, modern thinking among Indians has increased. However, the family life is still bound by traditional value and belief systems. Also while many modern gyms have opened across the nation, yoga has only gained more popularity in the recent time as evident from the declaration of 21st June International Yoga Day by UN
• Balance between spiritualism and materialism- Spiritualism's main focus is to promote an individual's experience with God. Whereas materialism is a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values. Indian society is largely possess spiritual orientations. However due to increased Westernisation, materialistic tendencies have also become quite visible.
• Balance between Individualism and collectivism- Individualism is a moral, political or social outlook that stresses human independence, self-reliance and liberty. Whereas collectivism is the practice of giving a group priority over each individual in it. There exists a fine balancebetween them in Indian society.
• Blood and kinship ties- Blood relations and kinship ties enjoy a stronghold over other social relationships. They continue to govern the political and economic spheres of life.

Indian society is dynamic in nature.The present Indian society is the culmination of long drawn process involving both assimilation and accommodation. While many tribes have over the years lost their indigenous culture as a result of assimilation into the Hindu society, many new practices have emerged from contact of different cultures. It is also dynamic since it is ever changing. The recent example of it is the changes in the social values after globalization.

However there has been rise in intolerance, fundamentalism, right-wing extremism etc in recent times. India need to go back and revive its cultural values to rejuvenate coexistence, love and harmony in society.