(i) The word culture has been given various meanings in different disciplines. For example, in official announcements and news bulletins, the term culture is frequently used to refer to artistic creations and intellectual achievements primarily. Thus Indian culture is showcased through our classical and folk music, dance forms, literature etc., with this usage of the term.

(ii) Anthropologists use the term culture to refer to the whole way of life of a community including its cuisine, dress, work and leisure routines as well as popular customs, festivals etc. In this usage the focus is not so much on the exclusive or classical achievements of great artists and thinkers but on everyday practices which have been traditionally shared or accepted in a community. Thus in the study of Indian culture the focus on our popular festivals, religious traditions and also the caste system would be important according to this definition. 

(iii) In yet another interpretation of the term culture, it is the implicit values, beliefs and attitudes widely shared or understood in a community that are recognized as the core of any culture. Thus Indian culture is supposed to have traditionally valued family bonds and respect for elders much more than the western world where children mostly leave their parents after marriage and the marital bond has also become extremely fragile.

(iv) In contrast to this concern with mentalities or ideals and belief patterns, archaeologists prefer to focus on material culture or commonly used artifacts such as pottery, jewelery, buildings etc., of ancient communities whose remains they try to locate through excavations.