Art & Culture for UPSC Mains 2024 : In the past few years, the weightage of Art and Culture in the UPSC Mains exam has varied from 10 to 40 marks . This section usually dominates the UPSC Mains GS 1 paper in alternate years. Therefore, focusing on the Art and Culture Important Topics for UPSC 2024 is a smart strategy.
By revising the most important topics in Art & Culture for UPSC Mains 2024, candidates can improve their overall scores and performance in the exam. Find the important topics in Art & Culture for UPSC Mains 2024 and tips on how to study them effectively here.Important Topics in Art & Culture for UPSC Mains 2024 | |
Topic | Subtopics |
Ancient Indian Art | Rock-cut architecture, cave paintings, sculptures, Religious architecture (Mathura, Gandhara, Amravati), and pottery. |
Classical Dances | Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Sattriya. |
Music | Classical music (Hindustani and Carnatic), regional music forms, and instruments. |
Architecture | Temple architecture (Nagara, Dravidian, Vesara styles), Indus Valley Civilization, Mauryan architecture, Indo-Islamic architecture, and colonial architecture. |
Paintings | Miniature paintings, Mughal paintings, Rajput paintings, Bengal School of Art. |
Literature | Ancient texts (Vedas, Upanishads), Classical literature (Sanskrit, Sangam), Buddhist literature, Jain Literature, and Medieval literature. |
Religion and Philosophy | Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, and philosophical schools (Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta). |
Performing Arts | Theatre, puppetry, folk dances, martial arts. |
Miscellaneous | Fairs and Festivals, Literary sources, Languages in India, Calendars, and Cultural institutions in India |
Current Affairs | Contemporary Relevance of Jainism, Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, Nalanda University, Delisting of Monuments, and Geo-Heritage Sites in India: Preserving Geological Treasures. |
Also Read: Important Topics For UPSC Mains 2024
UPSC Mains Art & Culture PYQs | |||
Year | Questions | Word Limit | Marks |
2023 | What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society? | 250 Words | 15 Marks |
2023 | What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian society? | 250 Words | 15 Marks |
2023 | Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. | 150 words | 10 Marks |
2022 | How will you explain the medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days? | 150 words | 10 Marks |
2022 | Discuss the main contributions of the Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture. | 250 words | 15 Marks |
2022 | Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art, and architecture. | 250 words | 15 Marks |
2021 | Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti Literature and its contribution to Indian culture. | 150 words | 10 Marks |
2020 | The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss. | 150 words | 10 Marks |
2020 | Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. | 250 words | 15 Marks |
2020 | The Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. | 150 Words | 10 Marks |
2020 | Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. | 250 words | 15 Marks |
2019 | Highlight the Central Asian and Greco Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art. | 150 words | 10 Marks |
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