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: 

Topic I

Various schools of Indian Philosophy

• Nyaya
• Vaiseska
• Samkhya
• Yoga 

Topic II

Purva  mimamasa

Vedanta

Carvaka

Religious Movements

• Jain
• Buddhist

Topic III

Literary

• Religious (Vedic, Buddhism, Jainism, Sangam)
• Non-religious (Social, Political, Economic etc.)

Archeological (Inscription/Epigraphy, Numismatics/Coins, monuments)

Foreigners (Greek, Chinese, Arab travelers)

Topic IV

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

Topic V

Aranyak

Upanishads

Puranas

Topic VI

Buddhist Literature – Pitaks

• Jatakas
• Pitakas
• Vinay Pitak
• Sutta Pitaks
• Abhidhamma Pitak
• Milanda Panho
• Angutar Nikaya

Topic VII

Jain Literature

• Language: Prakrit
• Kalpa Sutra
• 24 tirthankars
• Nayadhamma Kaha
• Acharanga Sutra

Topic VIII

Sangam Literature

• Language – Tamil
• Silappadigarama – Ilangovedigal, Kovalan, Madhavi, Kannagi
• Manimegalai
• Tolkappiyam

Topic IX

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

Topic X

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

Topic XI

Modern Architecture

Mural/Wall Painting

Miniatures

Modern Painting

8 Classical dances

• Bharatanatyam
• Kathak

Topic XII

Kuchipudi

Manipuri

Kathakali

Mohiniyattam

Sattriya

Odissa

Folk Dances

Topic XIII

Hindustani Music

Carnatic Music

• Differences, Swar, ragas, personalities

Music instruments – Wind, Stringed, Percussion

• Types, Difference in H and C and W

Topic XIV

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.

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