CULTURE STRATEGY

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• Current Affairs
• History
• Geography
• Polity
• Economics
• Culture
• Environment
• Science and Technology

1. Introduction
2. Sources to Prepare
3. Visual Art
4. Performing Art

Introduction

Indian culture is a diverse topic. It encompasses cultural aspect from ancient, medieval to modern times. Coming to questions from this section, aspirants finds them difficult to solve. There are many reasons for this.

Quite understandably culture is quite factual and not an easy dish to prepare. Moreover, it has unending aspects to be covered that is beyond anyone’s capability unless born with luck factor. Joke’s apart :-).  Again, the best way to prepare is from analysis of past year papers and following a simple strategy. What can be a simple strategy if the subject is tough?

Indian culture comprises of Art, Architecture and Literature. Almost every single book available in the market will explain in length and breadth about the syllabus and domains. So, can you memorize everything given? To tell you frankly even if you memorize everything, you cannot solve the questions as some of them are analytical and probably one in a million will be gifted with such a beautiful memory (actually none, unless he/she possess such supernatural power like our superstar chitti’-Rajinikanth in the movie Robot  

Hence, the very purpose of this article here is to create an easy mind map for your preparation.

We will go chronologically and sometimes by division like Art, Architecture and Literature.

Sources to prepare

• Class 11th NCERT (Old)- Textbook on fine arts-Specific book on Art and Culture
• New NCERT-Class 12th-Themes in Indian History
• Tamil Nadu edition -11th and 12th
• CCRT Website
• NIOS material
• The Hindu

Now, hell of lot of resources, Isn’t it?

All you have to do is be selective in reading the books (Remember Baba’s mantra- not to read a book from cover to cover). Following the strategy given here will make sure that you have prepared culture without much difficulty. Also, a standard source to prepare culture is Current Affairs.

Since this section, overlaps with Ancient, Medieval and Modern History, you will see certain topics repeated here.

From Mauryan Empire the developments in the above field became prominent.

If we start dividing and covering each and every ruler’s domains based on them, then we will end up writing a book that we definitely don’t want. Let us make it simple.

ART Forms: Art forms are divided into- Visual Art and Performing Art

 

Visual Art

Visual Art can be broadly divided into Paintings, Architecture, Sculpture and Pottery.

Focus:

Indus Valley Civilization: Architecture

• Focus on town planning and various sites associated with architecture like Lothal, Kalibangan and Harappa etc. – their significance and location

Sculptures– male and female figurine Dancing girl, Bearded Male and terracotta figurine etc; Pottery

Buddhist Architecture

• Chaitya and Viharas, Sanchi Stupa, Ashokan Pillars,Location of stupa and pillars, Why were they built?
• Sculpture: Lion Capital, Bull capital, yaksha and Yakshi, various Buddha’s sculpture- Its significance like seated Buddha and Standing Buddha, significance of different postures

Example (2012 Prelims Questions Paper):

Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes (a) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation (b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara (c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory (d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context Solution (b)

Example (2013 Prelims Questions Paper):

Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two? (a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks (b)Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks (c) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it (d) There is no material difference between the two Solution (b)

Architecture:  

Focus:

• Famous Temples constructed during the reign of different Empires
• Their location
• Different styles of Temples like Dravida, Nagara, Vesara, Panchayatan
• Rock cut temples, specific features of temples- Garbgriha, Shikhara etc.
• Gupta Era– Golden age of Indian Architecture- Caves- Ajanata and Ellora- Religious aspects of these caves
• Temple Architecture in South India– Nayaka, Vesara, Dravidian and Vijayanagara etc
• Sculpture– Chola- Nataraja etc.
• Other school of arts– Pala, Rashtrakuta and Hosala etc. Their religious themes
• Indo-Islamic Architecture– Decoration, Dome etc, Difference between Indo-Islamic and ancient architecture

 Example (2014 Prelims Questions Paper):

With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to 1.      an assembly of village elders 2.      a religious sect’ 3.      a style of temple construction 4.      an administrative functionary Solution: C

Post Mauryan Art

Focus

• School of Art- Gandhara, Mathura, Gupta, Amravati
• Difference and similarities among them
• Significant features associated with each School

Paintings

Focus

• Prehistoric Paintings like Bhimbetka Rock paintings
• Wall Paintings
• Mural Paintings (Badami)
• Cave Paintings at Ajanta and Ellora
• Themes associated with these paintings
• Special features/styles associated with different
• Their locations

Miniature Painting

Focus

• Pala School of Painting
• Western Indian Paintings ( Rajasthan, Gujrat and Malwa)
• Mughal School of Painting
• Deccan School of Painting (Tanjore, Ahemadnagar, Bijapur etc)
• Pahari School of Paintings (Basholi, Kangra and Guler etc)
• Special features/styles associated with different paintings
• Similarities and Differences
• Their Location

Modern Painting

Focus

• Bengal School of Painting
• Santiniketan school
• Specific personalities like Raja Ravi Verma, Rabindranath Tagore’s , Amrita Shergil and their works etc.

Few Examples from Previous Year Question Paper’s

Consider the following historical places: (2013) 1.      Ajanta Caves 2.      Lepakshi Temple 3.      Sanchi Stupa Which of the above places is / are also known for mural paintings? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None Solution (b)

Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was  (2014) 1.      the mosque for the use of Royal Family 2.      Akbar’s  private chamber prayer 3.      the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions. 4.      the room in which the nobles belonging to different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs. Solution 3

Note: In 2014, UPSC asked more questions based on locations and terms. You should be prepared to handle such questions. Do not read extensively, just focus on few aspects that we mentioned above like Locations, Features, Similarities and dissimilarities etc. Nobody can remember everything. Try to make your learning simple. Later we will put some questions that we frame from newspapers to make you understand that culture can also be prepared smartly from day to day current events.

Note: At the end of this Section, a link is provided wherin you can access all the Previous year UPSC questions that had appeared under ‘Culture’ Section since 2011.

Culture 2

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• Current Affairs
• History
• Geography
• Polity
• Economics
• Culture
• Environment
• Science and Technology

Performing Art

This can be broadly divided into Indian Music forms, Folk Music, Dance forms, Martial Arts, Tribal Arts, Languages, Theatres, Puppetry and traditional activities

Indian Dance

Focus

• Classical Dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Kathak, Odissi and Sattriya dance forms.
• A general idea about the Features of these dance forms
• Similarities and dissimilarities.
• Difference between Hindustani and Classical Music- Styles
• Other forms of Music- Ghazal, Khayal etc 

• Martial Arts – Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Mardani khel, Silambam, Sqay, hang-Ta – their styles or weapons used and region famous for.

Example: Silambam is a weapon-based Indian martial art from Tamil Nadu. The term silambambu referred to a particular type of bamboo from the Kurinji hills in present-day Kerala. Thus silambam was named after its primary weapon, the bamboo staff.

Famous Tribal and Folk Arts

Folk music and Communities associated

Example: The Manganiar and related Langha caste are Muslim communities in the desert of Rajasthan, India. They are famous for their classical folk music. They are the groups of hereditary professional musicians.

Theatre Forms and Puppetry forms

Example: Bhand Pather, the traditional theatre form of Kashmir, is a unique combination of dance, music and acting. Satire, wit and parody are preferred for inducing laughter. Bhand Pather are mainly from the farming community, the impact of their way of living, ideals and sensitivity is discernible.

Example: The string puppets of Karnataka are called Gombeyatta. They are styled and designed like the characters of Yakshagana, the traditional theatre form of the region. The Gombeyatta puppet figures are highly stylized and have joints at the legs, shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. Episodes enacted in Gombeyatta are usually based on Prasangas of the Yakshagana plays. The music that accompanies is dramatic and beautifully blends folk and classical elements.

Note: Try to find relevant issues from newspaper and prepare it from there as well. This way on daily basis, you will be in touch with culture. We will explain this strategy on how questions will be asked from Current Affairs in our Daily MCQ’s

Indian Languages– Classical language; Recently, few languages were added to the category of classical languages, so UPSC asked a question in 2014.

Theatre and Puppetry forms – not every form is important, if there is any news regarding a particular form, google it out and note down as shown in the example above. Also IASbaba would also frame questions based on current affairs so that you don’t miss out important questions from this section.

Few Examples from Previous Year Question Paper’s

With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct?(2012)  1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period. 2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music. 3. Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.  Select the correct answer using the codes given below : (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None of the above is correct  Solution (b)

How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?(2012) 1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam. 2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.  Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2  Solution (a)

In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?(2013) (a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck (b) Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters (c) Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story (d) A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism  Solution (a)

With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements: 2014 1.   Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama. 2.  It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam. 3.  It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai. Which of the statements given above is /are correct? A.      1 only B.      1 and 2 only C.      2 and 3 only D.     1, 2 and 3 Solution: D

Note: Now check some of the questions framed from current affairs, to give more insight about its importance and how to pick such issues form newspapers.

In the Hindu, Friday Review section, articles on History and Culture are published. These questions are framed with reference to it. Samsara was mentioned with reference to Buddhism. Now, solve these questions…

Samsara’ is associated with which of the following 1.      Buddhism 2.      Jainism 3.      Hinduism Select the correct option (a)   Only 1 (b)   1 and 2 (c)    1,2 and 3 (d)   2 and 3 Answer: C

Match the following correctly 1.      Meenakari:  A form of jewelry 2.      Padayani:  A dance of Karnataka 3.      Dollu Kinitha:  A drum dance of Kerala (a)   1,2 and 3 (b)   Only 1 (c)    Only 2 (d)   Only 3 Answer: Only 1

With reference to “Sankirtana”, consider the following  1. Ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur 2. It encompasses an array of arts performed to mark religious occasions and various stages in the life of the Vaishnav people of Manipur plains. 3. It is practiced at the centre of a temple, where performers narrate the lives and deeds of Krishna through songs and dance 4. It is inscribed on the Representative List of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Incorrect statement is/are (a)   1 and 2 (b)   1,2 and 3 (c)    All (d)   None Answer: None

With reference to Koodiyattom, consider the following statements 1.  It is a classical Tamil theatre tradition, believed to be 2000 years old 2.  This art form is played with music and dance along with natya. 3.  It is officially recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity. Identify the correct statements? (a) 1 ,2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3 (c ) Only 2 (d) Only 3  Answer: Only 3

Note: Recently, Sankirtana was inscribed on the Representative List of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Same way, Koodiyattom is officially recognized by UNESCO as a masterpience of the oral and intangible Heritage of Humanity. Both the news came in The Hindu. This is how you have to link Current Affairs with Culture. IASbaba will frame more such questions in the daily MCQ’s. And once you get a hang of it, you will be more confident in predicting and solving such questions from Culture.

Folk Music:

A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their (2014) A.      martial arts in North-East India B.      musical tradition in North-West India C.      classical vocal music in South India D.     pietra dura tradition in Central India Solution: B

Martial Arts:

With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’? (2014) a.  It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India b.  It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area c.  It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar d.  It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India Solution: D

Literature

Focus:

• Ancient Literatures like Veda, Upanishada, Shruti and Smriti etc.
• Buddhist and Jains literature– Features, Vinaya Pitaka and Tri Pitaka, Scholars associated, purpose of these literatures
• Sanskrit Literature , Sangam Literature and famous scholars- Aryabhatta and Kalidas etc.
• Important writers Poets and their works – Kabir, Meera, Surdas etc

Example (2014 Prelims Questions Paper):

Consider the following statements: 1.    ‘Bijak’ is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal. 2.    The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded by Madhvacharya. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A.      1 only B.      2 only C.      Both 1 and 2 D.     Neither 1 nor 2 Solution: D

Questions on ‘Specific terms’ from culture

Focus:

• On regional traditions
• Tribal Arts
• Handicrafts and crafts of specific regions

Note: Tribal arts and traditions are regularly in news. The Hindu has a separate section on it where articles on Music, Dance, Traditions, Art and Culture of specific era are regularly updated. You should focus on them but smartly, since reading the entire article is ‘not’ relevant from the exam perspective.

Note: While preparing from texts, focus on such terms and make a list of it. Keep on revising them. Now we will check, if it is possible to form such questions from current affairs or not?

Few examples from current events: Taken from The Hindu

With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is “Chenda”? 1.      It is a type of flute 2.      It is a cylindrical musical drum 3.      It is a type of puppetry found in South India 4.      It is an ancient music form prevalent in Western India  Solution: 2

With reference to Indian culture and tradition, what is “Pookalam”? 1.      It is the traditional design done using flowers of different varieties and hues. 2.      It is the traditional way of cloth painting. 3.      It is a tribal festival of harvest season. 4.      It is a type of musical instrument prevalent in South India.  Solution: 1

A popular feature of Mughal period was ‘Naqqar Khana’. What is it?  1.  Stepped pulpit in the Jama Masjid or Friday mosque from where the khutba was read. 2.   Drum house from where ceremonial music was played 3.   A shrine of square plan 4.   An occasional meeting place where especial guests were welcomed.  Answer: 2

                                                                                                  Previous year Question

CULTURE

With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct?(2012)

1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period.
2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music.
3. Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) None of the above is correct

Solution (b)

How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?(2012)

1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution (a)

In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?(2013)

(a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck

(b) Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters

(c) Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story

(d) A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism

Solution (a)

With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements:(2013)

1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution (b)

Consider the following historical places: (2013)

1. Ajanta Caves
2. Lepakshi Temple
3. Sanchi Stupa

Which of the above places is / are also known for mural paintings?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) None

Solution (b)

With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school: (2013)

1 .Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transrmigration of soul.

2. Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.

Which of the statements given above is /are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution (d)

With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to (2014)

1. an assembly of village elders
2. a religious sect
3. a style of temple construction
4. an administrative functionary

Solution (c)

Consider the following pairs:                                      (2014)

Famous shrine	Location
1.  Tabo monastery and temple complex	Spiti Valley
2.  Lhotsava Lhakhang temple, Nako	Zanskar Valley
3.  Alchi temple complex	Ladakh

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Solution (c)

With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs: (2014)

Famous work of sculpture	Site
1. A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above	Ajanta
2. A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues	Mount Abu
3. “Arjuna’s Penance” /”Descent of Ganga” sculpted on the surface of huge boulders	Mamllapuram

Which of the pairs given above is/ are correctly matched?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only,
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Solution (c)

With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements: (2014)

1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama.
2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam.
3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.

Which of the statements given above is /are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Solution (d)

A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their     (2014)

1. martial arts in North-East India
2. musical tradition in North-West India
3. classical vocal music in South India
4. pietra dura tradition in Central India

Solution (b)

Consider following pairs (2014)

1. Garba : Gujarat
2. Mohiniattam : Odisha
3. Yakshagana : Karnataka

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Solution (c)

With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’? (2014)

1. It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India
2. It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area
3. It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar
4. It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India

Solution (d)

Consider the following languages:                                                                 (2014)

1. Gujarati
2. Kannada
3. Telugu

Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language / Languages’ by the Government?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Solution (c)