traced.

Historically, more is known about diffusion than origin of cul-

ture.

In history, certain societies or places have served as centres from

where cultural traits have spread to other parts of the world. These
centres of cultural diffusion were more progressive societies and had
developed rapidly by invention and discovery. Egypt was, for many cen-
turies a cultural centre from where culture traits in the field of arts and
political organisation spread to north-west in Europe and to east as far
India.’ Subsequently, Rome was a great cultural centre, from where
Roman law spread in most countries of Europe. In Asia, Chinese middle
kingdom was, from early times, a dominant cultural centre, from where
culture traits spread throughout the Asiatic main land. From India, Bud-
dhist Religion diffused in other Asiatic countries. About 4th century
B.C., Western Europe became the dominant cultural centre. At present,
United States and other developed counries are exporting its culture to
other countries. Indian decimal system crossed to Arabia and Europe.

It may not, however, be supposed that the centres of cultural diffu-

sion have always been the places of cultural development. In some cases,
they have been mere a trader in culture than originator of culture. It
deals with cultural migration. Thus, early Greeks were more trader in
culture than originator of culture. In ancient time, when territory of In-
dia was extended up to Afghan, Kabul was an important centre of trade,
where merchants of different countries used to meet and exchange their
goods as well as ideas. The following factors are influential in process of
diffusion:

(i) Relation and communication

(ii) Need for and desire for new traits
(iii) Competition with old traits and their opposition
(iv) Respect and recognition of those who bring new traits.