Art and Culture hold significant importance in the Paper-I of the Preliminary stage and UPSC Mains GS-I of the civil services examination. The subject of “Art and Culture” is pivotal, and UPSC frequently includes questions from this domain. Therefore, IAS Exam aspirants must be well-versed in the essential topics related to Art and Culture.
Important Topics in Art and Culture The following table outlines the key topics and sub-topics about “Art and Culture” for the UPSC exam:
Art and Culture – Topics and Sub-Topics
1. Various Schools of Indian Philosophy
- Nyaya
- Vaisesika
- Samkhya
- Yoga
- Purva Mimamsa
- Vedanta
- Carvaka
2. Religious Movements
- Jainism
- Buddhism
- Brahmanism
3. Literary Sources and Other Sources
- Religious (Vedic, Buddhism, Jainism, Sangam)
- Non-religious (Social, Political, Economic, etc.)
- Archaeological (Inscription/Epigraphy, Numismatics/Coins, Monuments)
- Foreigners (Greek, Chinese, Arab Travelers)
4. Vedic Literature – Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva
- Vedas – “Vidi” (meaning to know); “shruti” (verbal transmission)
- Rig Vedas
- Later Vedic Age
- Samaveda
- Yajurveda
- Atharva Veda
- For detailed information on the types of Vedas, refer to the linked article.
5. Other Literature
- Aranyakas
- Upanishads
- Puranas
6. Buddhist Literature
- Jatakas
- Pitakas
- Vinay Pitak
- Sutta Pitaks
- Abhidhamma Pitak
- Milanda Panho
7. Jain Literature
- Language: Prakrit
- Kalpa Sutra
- 24 Tirthankars
- Nayadhamma Kaha
- Acharanga Sutra
8. Sangam Literature
- Language – Tamil
- Silappadigarama – Ilango Adigal, Kovalan, Madhavi, Kannagi
- Manimegalai
- Tolkappiyam
9. Architecture
- Rock-cut architecture – Badami, Barabar, Chaitra, Vihar
- Indus Valley Civilization – Red and Black Pottery
- Printed Grey ware
- Sculpture – Mathura, Gandhara, Amravati
- Buddhist Architecture
- Temple Architecture
10. Temple Architecture
- Temple basics: Sanctum Sanctorum (Gharbhgriha), Mandapa, Shikara, Vahana
- Dravida Style
- Nagara Style
- Vesara Style
- Gopurama, Vimana, etc. (It is recommended to focus on terminologies here)
11. Indian Bronze Sculpture
12. Indo-Islamic Architecture
13. Modern Architecture
- Mural/Wall Painting
- Miniatures
- Modern Painting
14. Dances
- Bharatanatyam
- Kathak
- Kuchipudi
- Manipuri
- Kathakali
- Mohiniyattam
- Sattriya
- Odissi
- Folk Dances
15. Music
- Hindustani Music
- Carnatic Music
- Differences, Swar, ragas, personalities
- Music instruments – Wind, Stringed, Percussion
- Types, Differences in H and C and W
16. Miscellaneous
- Languages in India
- Calendars
- Fairs and Festivals
- Martial Art
- Cultural institutions in India
This comprehensive list of topics and sub-topics will serve as a valuable resource for UPSC aspirants preparing for the Art and Culture Syllabus for UPSC.
FAQs for Art & Culture Syllabus for UPSC
Q1. What is the significance of the ‘Art and Culture’ segment in the UPSC exam, and why is it crucial for IAS aspirants?
The ‘Art and Culture’ segment in the UPSC exam is of great importance because it offers insights into India’s rich heritage, history, and cultural diversity. Understanding this segment is crucial for IAS aspirants because it not only helps in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the country’s cultural evolution but also forms an integral part of the UPSC syllabus. Questions related to art and culture frequently appear in both the Preliminary and Mains stages of the examination.
Q2. Could you explain the various schools of Indian Philosophy and their importance in the UPSC examination?
Various schools of Indian Philosophy, such as Nyaya, Vaisesika, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva Mimamsa, Vedanta, and Carvaka, hold significance in the UPSC examination because they provide profound insights into the intellectual traditions of India. Understanding these schools is vital for candidates as it helps in answering questions related to philosophy, which often appear in the exam, especially in the Mains GS-I paper.
Q3. What are the key literary sources and other sources that UPSC aspirants need to be familiar with in the ‘Art and Culture’ syllabus?
UPSC aspirants should be familiar with a variety of literary and other sources in the ‘Art and Culture’ syllabus. These sources include religious texts (Vedic, Buddhism, Jainism, Sangam), non-religious texts (social, political, economic, etc.), archaeological sources (inscriptions, epigraphy, numismatics, monuments), and accounts from foreign travelers (Greek, Chinese, Arab). A comprehensive understanding of these sources aids in answering questions related to cultural history.
Q4. How does the ‘Temple Architecture’ sub-topic in the ‘Art and Culture’ syllabus differ in terms of Dravida Style, Nagara Style, and Vesara Style?
‘Temple Architecture’ is a vital sub-topic within the ‘Art and Culture’ syllabus. It includes various architectural styles, including Dravida, Nagara, and Vesara. Dravida architecture is characterized by its tall gopurams (ornate entrance towers), while Nagara architecture is known for its curvilinear spires. Vesara style combines features of both Dravida and Nagara. Understanding the differences and nuances of these architectural styles is essential for answering questions related to Indian temple architecture.
Q5. Could you provide an overview of the different dance forms and music types covered in the ‘Art and Culture’ syllabus for UPSC and their relevance to the examination?
The ‘Art and Culture’ syllabus covers a wide range of dance forms and music types, including classical dances like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Sattriya, Odissi, and various folk dances. Additionally, it includes Hindustani and Carnatic music, along with information on musical elements such as swar, ragas, and music instruments. These art forms are essential to the cultural heritage of India and often form the basis of questions in the UPSC exam, making them a critical area of study for aspirants.
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