The country’s staggering topographical variations is its cultural diversity, the result of the coexistence of a number of religions as well as local traditions. Thus, the towering temples of SOUTH INDIA, easily identified by their ornate sculptured surfaces, are associated with a great many crafts and performing arts of the region. In the desert of KUTCH, GUJARAT, on the other hand, a scattering of villages pit themselves against the awesome forces of nature, resulting in Spartan lifestyles made vibrant by a profusion of jwellery and ornamental embroidery used to adorn apparel and household linen. In the extreme North is the high altitude desert of LADAKH. Local culture is visibly shaped by the harsh terrain. Yet another facet of India culture can be observed in the colorful tribal lifestyles of the north eastern states of Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur with their folk culture. In the central Indian states of Orissa and Madhya Pradesh tribal village life has resulted in a variety of artistically executed handicrafts.