The Cultural Zones of India are seven overlapping zones defined by the Ministry of Culture[1] of the Government of India to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of various regions of India.
[3] Most zonal centres were announced by the then-Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi, in 1985 and formally began functioning in the 1986–87 period.
Their stated goal is "to strengthen the ancient roots of Indian culture and evolve and enrich composite national culture".
[4] The city of Kolkata, formerly the capital of British India and West Bengal, is also known as the "Cultural Capital of India.
In addition to promoting the culture of the zones they are responsible for, each zonal center also works to cross-promote and create exposure to other cultural zones of India by organizing functions and inviting artistes from other zones.