There is a great variety that India has to offer and each region has its own distinct cultural tradition.

Classical dance styles from the south include Bharatnatyam from Tamil Nadu, Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh and Kathakali from Kerala. Manipuri, which is characterized by limpid graceful movements, is generic to the northeast. Odissi, with elements similar to Bharatnatyam, is from the eastern state of Orissa. Kathak, originally a style adopted by courtesans in the Mughal era, is a typically north Indian style.

In music, classical styles are divided into the north Indian, comprising various gharanas (ateliers) and south Indian - the after loosely classed together under the label, Carnatic. Aside from classical styles in painting, India has a rich contemporary art resource.

Currently, many Indian artists like M.F. Hussain, Raza, Souza have international recognition. India has a rich folk art tradition - in theatre, dance and the visual arts - as much alive today as it was in the past.