(1) The culture of India goes back about 5,000 years. Indeed, it is sometimes called '(2) the first culture in the world'. Language, art and religion all play (3) an important part in India’s (4) (-) extremely rich history, but for (5) (-) modern visitors, it is (6) the food that makes India (7) (-) special. (8) (-) Rice is (9) a basic part of (10) (-) Indian diet, and it is served with (11) a variety of (12) (-) hot and spicy dishes. Many Indians are (13) (-) vegetarians, but (14) (-) lamb and chicken are commonly eaten by others. Meals are often eaten using only (15) (-) fingers, or just (16) (-) bread. (17) A visit to India is not complete without trying as many (18) (-) fabulous dishes as possible.