UPSC Prelims Exam: Important subtopics and topics to cover in Art and Culture.
Civil Service aspirants would have acquired some preparation strategies by going through the previous articles on Byjus and in this articles, you will come to know the important topics and subtopics that should be covered in the art and culture section.
The important topics in art and culture are:
Various schools of Indian Philosophy
- Nyaya
- Vaiseska
- Samkhya
- Yoga
Purva mimamasa
Vedanta
Carvaka
Religious Movements
- Jain
- Buddhist
Literary
- Religious (Vedic, Buddhism, Jainism, Sangam)
- Non-religious (Social, Political, Economic etc.)
Archeological (Inscription/Epigraphy, Numismatics/Coins, monuments)
Foreigners (Greek, Chinese, Arab travelers)
Vedic Literature – Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva
- Vedas – Vidi-meaning to know; shruti to hear verbal transmission
- Rig Vedas (1500 -1000 BC): Prayers, Upveda – Ayurveda, 10 mandalas
- Later Vedic age (1000-600 BC)
- Samaveda: Saman means melody, collection of melodies and tunes, MUSA SAGA, Music and Dance Samanveda, Upveda: Gandharvaveda, hymns dedicated to Soma, Indra, Agni
- Atharva Veda: Magical Charms and spells to get rid of devils, Upveda-Shilpaveda on architecture Math
Aranyak
Upanishads
Puranas
Buddhist Literature – Pitaks
- Jatakas
- Pitakas
- Vinay Pitak
- Sutta Pitaks
- Abhidhamma Pitak
- Milanda Panho
- Angutar Nikaya
Jain Literature
- Language: Prakrit
- Kalpa Sutra
- 24 tirthankars
- Nayadhamma Kaha
- Acharanga Sutra
Sangam Literature
- Language – Tamil
- Silappadigarama – Ilangovedigal, Kovalan, Madhavi, Kannagi
- Manimegalai
- Tolkappiyam
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
Temple basics: Sanctum Sanctorum (Gharbhgriha) Mandapa Shikara Vahana
Dravida Style
Nagara Sytle
Vesara Style
Gopurama, Vimana etc. (it is recommenced to focus on terminologies also here)
Indian Bronze Sculpture
Indo-Islamic Architecture
Modern Architecture
Mural/Wall Painting
Miniatures
Modern Painting
8 Classical dances
- Bharatanatyam
- Kathak
Kuchipudi
Manipuri
Kathakali
Mohiniyattam
Sattriya
Odissa
Folk Dances
Hindustani Music
Carnatic Music
- Differences, Swar, ragas, personalities
Music instruments – Wind, Stringed, Percussion
- Types, Difference in H and C and W
Languages in India
Calendars
Fairs and Festivals
Martial Art
Cultural institutions in India
These are the important topics which UPSC aspirants should focus on, during their preparation for art and culture.
Also Read:
How to study Indian Art and Culture |
Five steps to cover Art and Culture for IAS Prelims |
Arts of Indus Valley |