Indians take more pride in their culture than any other nation in the world, according to a survey by a Washington-based organisation.
In its Global Attitudes Survey 2003, the Pew Research Centre for the People and the Press asked people in 43 countries about the superiority of their culture. A solid 75 per cent of Indians said theirs was the best, against 50 per cent in Pakistan, 23 per cent in the US, 21 per cent in China and 9 per cent in Britain.
Indians were also more concerned than Chinese and Pakistanis about protecting their way of life against overseas influences. And, more alarmingly for its neighbours, 73 per cent of Indians expressed territorial ambitions on neighbouring countries.
The results come as no surprise for some. Indians have always been proud of their ancient civilisation and this trait is common among Hindu nationalists, who are vocal about protecting their culture against the 'debased and decadent' west, expressed in their dislike of Hollywood movies, discos, MTV, McDonald's and Valentine's Day celebrations.
Analyst Yogendra Yadav said past Pew surveys had always shown Indians were patriotic, and argued it was not a negative trait.
Others, like sociologist George Mathew, of the Institute of Social Sciences, say there are more complex forces at play.
