The Indian tradition has taught Indians to develop mutual understanding and mutual adjustment on the one hand, and catholicity of outlook, on the other. This attitude of tolerance and accommodation has largely been responsible for the advancement of Indian Culture. This attitude has helped to bring together the divergent races with different languages and religions persuasions. From the earliest times, India followed a policy of "live and let live". She was not averse to contact with foreign cultures. In fact, it is her contacts with the outside elements that have added to the richness and variety of her culture. And this spirit of tolerance explains the existence of a common culture from the Himalayas in the North to Kanya Kumari in the South.
