UPSC Prelims Art and Culture Section

Welcome to the Art and Culture Section for UPSC Prelims

The Art and Culture section is a vibrant part of the UPSC Prelims, encompassing India’s rich heritage in architecture, sculpture, painting, music, dance, theatre, literature, and more. From ancient Harappan structures to modern Indian literature, this section tests your understanding of cultural evolution and its significance. Use the search bar below to find specific topics, and explore our detailed notes crafted to make your preparation comprehensive and engaging.

Architecture

Ancient Indian Architecture

Explore the architectural styles and structures of ancient India.

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Harappan Architecture

Study the urban planning and architecture of the Indus Valley Civilization.

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Mauryan Art and Architecture

Learn about Mauryan stupas, pillars, and palaces.

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Buddhist Architecture

Explore stupas, chaityas, and viharas of Buddhist architecture.

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Hindu Temple Architecture

Study Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara styles of temple architecture.

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Gupta Period Architecture

Learn about the architectural achievements of the Gupta period.

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Medieval Indian Architecture

Explore architectural styles of medieval India.

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Indo-Islamic Architecture

Study the architectural styles of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods.

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Mughal Architecture

Explore iconic structures like Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Humayun's Tomb.

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Rajput and Maratha Architecture

Learn about the architectural styles of Rajput and Maratha regions.

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Vijayanagar Architecture

Study the architectural contributions of the Vijayanagar Empire.

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Sikh Architecture

Explore the architectural features of Sikh structures like gurdwaras.

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Modern Indian Architecture

Learn about contemporary architectural developments in India.

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Colonial Architecture

Study British, Portuguese, and French colonial architectural influences.

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Post-Independence Architecture

Explore architectural trends in India after independence.

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Sculpture

Harappan Sculptures

Explore the sculptural art of the Indus Valley Civilization.

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Mauryan Sculptures

Study Yaksha, Yakshini, and Ashokan pillar sculptures.

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Buddhist and Jain Sculptures

Learn about sculptures in Buddhist and Jain traditions.

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Gupta Sculptures

Explore Mathura and Gandhara school sculptures of the Gupta period.

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Chola Bronze Sculptures

Study the iconic bronze sculptures of the Chola dynasty.

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Painting

Prehistoric Rock Art

Explore the rock paintings of Bhimbetka Caves.

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Mural Paintings

Study mural paintings of Ajanta, Ellora, Bagh, and Lepakshi.

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Miniature Paintings

Learn about Pala, Mughal, Rajput, Pahari, and Deccan miniature art.

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Folk and Tribal Paintings

Explore Madhubani, Warli, Pattachitra, and Kalamkari art forms.

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Modern Indian Painters

Study the works of Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, and M.F. Husain.

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Music

Indian Classical Music

Explore Hindustani and Carnatic music traditions.

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Musical Instruments

Learn about string, wind, and percussion instruments like Veena, Sitar, and Tabla.

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Gharanas in Hindustani Music

Study the various gharanas of Hindustani classical music.

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Famous Musicians

Explore the contributions of Tansen, Tyagaraja, and Bismillah Khan.

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Folk Music Traditions

Learn about diverse folk music traditions across India.

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Dance

Classical Dances

Explore the eight recognized classical dance forms of India.

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Bharatanatyam

Study the classical dance form of Tamil Nadu.

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Kathak

Learn about the storytelling dance form of North India.

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Kathakali

Explore the dramatic dance form of Kerala.

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Kuchipudi

Study the classical dance form of Andhra Pradesh.

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Manipuri

Learn about the graceful dance form of Manipur.

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Odissi

Explore the classical dance form of Odisha.

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Mohiniyattam

Study the feminine classical dance form of Kerala.

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Sattriya

Learn about the monastic dance form of Assam.

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Folk Dances of India

Explore folk dances like Garba, Bihu, Ghoomar, and Lavani.

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Theatre and Puppetry

Classical Indian Theatre

Study Sanskrit dramas by Kalidasa and Bhasa.

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Folk Theatre Forms

Explore Yakshagana, Nautanki, Tamasha, Jatra, and Bhavai.

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Puppetry in India

Learn about string, shadow, glove, and rod puppetry traditions.

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Modern Indian Theatre

Study contributions of Habib Tanvir, Girish Karnad, and others.

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Religion and Philosophy

Vedic Religion and Rituals

Explore the religious practices and rituals of the Vedic period.

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Upanishads and Vedanta

Study the philosophical texts of Upanishads and Vedanta.

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Jainism

Learn about Jain teachings, Tirthankaras, and sects.

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Buddhism

Explore the Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, and Buddhist sects.

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Hindu Philosophical Schools

Study Nyaya, Samkhya, Yoga, Vedanta, and other philosophies.

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Bhakti and Sufi Movements

Explore the devotional movements shaping Indian culture.

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Sikhism

Learn about the philosophical foundations of Sikhism.

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Language and Literature

Vedic Literature

Explore Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads.

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Sanskrit Literature

Study works by Kalidasa, Panini, and other Sanskrit scholars.

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Tamil Literature

Explore Sangam literature and works like Tirukkural.

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Persian and Arabic Literature

Learn about medieval Persian and Arabic literary contributions.

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Bhakti Literature

Study the works of Kabir, Tulsidas, and Mirabai.

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Modern Indian Literature

Explore post-independence literary contributions.

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UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of India

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Explore India’s UNESCO-recognized elements like Kumbh Mela and Yoga.

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Indian Fairs and Festivals

Religious Festivals

Learn about Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, and other religious festivals.

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Harvest Festivals

Explore Pongal, Bihu, Onam, and Makar Sankranti celebrations.

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Tribal and Cultural Festivals

Study Hornbill, Desert Festival, and other cultural events.

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Institutions and Personalities

Sangeet Natak Akademi

Learn about the role of Sangeet Natak Akademi in promoting arts.

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Lalit Kala Akademi

Explore the contributions of Lalit Kala Akademi to visual arts.

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National School of Drama

Study the role of NSD in promoting theatre arts.

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Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Learn about ASI’s efforts in preserving cultural heritage.

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Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts

Explore IGNCA’s role in cultural research and preservation.

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Cultural Personalities

Study contributions of Raja Ravi Varma, Tagore, and Zohra Sehgal.

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"Master Art and Culture to excel in UPSC Prelims – your key to India’s rich heritage!" – StudyNotesHub

Additional Resources

Enhance your preparation with our curated resources: practice MCQs, previous year question papers, and concise revision notes tailored for UPSC Prelims Art and Culture. Stay updated with recent cultural developments and heritage preservation efforts to excel in your exam.

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