Art and Culture:

A Complete Solution to Art & Culture

20 Hrs Fast Track Course

(15+ Questions expected from our India 2015 Module)

New Batch Begins:

• In Delhi: on 29th June,2015
• In Hyderabad: on 5th July,2015

for Complete Information Brochure:

Course Highlights:

• Meticulously prepared study materials/fully updated with current events.
• Every aspect of Indian Art & Culture with India Historical development
  (Ancient, Medieval and Modern India) will be covered.
• Guaranteed 90% questions from our class notes & printed materials.
• 100+ objective questions discussion.
• Classes through projector with hundreds of pictures

Delhi Centre Brochure Click Here Hyderabad Centre Brochure Click Here

Informstion Brochure Art & Culture

ANALYSIS OF LAST FOUR YEAR UPSC (CS) PRE QUESTIONS

Importance of Art & Culture in Civil Services Examination

Dear Aspirants, Now the scenario has been changed completely in UPSC Civil Services pre 2015 as CSAT has been made qualifying in nature. Earlier most of the UPSC aspirants were scoring very high in CSAT paper and with a low score (around 30 to 35%) in GS Paper 1 they could clear the preliminary. But now such strategy cannot work. So this time UPSC aspirants have to prepare the Paper 1 in such a way that they could score around 110. Because this much score is required to cross the cut off. In Paper 1(GS) questions from Art & Culture are very frequently asked and it must be noticed that every ear they are increasing the number of questions from Art & Culture (See the table given above). Indian culture is so diverse that just by reading any single book or guide won't be sufficient to cope up with these questions and it is very hard to ignore as well. In 2014 around 16 questions have been asked. In 2015 around 15 questions from art and culture are expected. In such scenario what is the solution?

Through this Art & Culture module we are just trying to provide a solution to the UPSC aspirants. In this module in a very short span we are going to cover almost every topic related to Indian art & culture. The topics which are going to be covered-

• History and Culture through the Ages- In this segment the development of Ancient and Medieval Indian History with special emphasis on those sections from where UPSC is asking questions, will be discussed
• Languages and Literature- The development of language and Literature from Ancient to the Modern period
• Religion and Philosophy- This is the one of the most important area in UPSC Pre question paper. From this area they are asking frequently 3-4 questions. So comprehensive information and understanding on this particular topic will be provided.
• Painting, Performing Arts- Using the pictures and PPTs the information will be provided in such a way that students are not required to mug up
• Architecture- The development of architecture from Ancient to Modern period
• Science and Technology- The development of science and technology in Indian History
• Education- The development of education and educational institutions in India in historical period
• Current Issues- UPSC is normally asking questions on Art & Culture from those topics which are presently in news. So current issues will also be covered.
• Apart from these topics some other miscellaneous topics would be also covered

Features of the Module on Art & Culture

• Teaching methodology will be such which will simplify this particular portion
• In every topic Pictures and PPTs will be used for better understanding
• Complete coverage of the syllabus
• Precise printed notes which would be sufficient for the exam
• Printed notes on the current issues from Art & Culture which are collected from vivid sources
• 200+ questions will be discussed in classroom

In a way we are trying to provide a complete solution for Art & Culture through this short span module.

All the best for PT 2015......

Thanks & Regards!

PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS

GS PAPER 2013

4. With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements :

1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

6. The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The roads and river—routes were completely immune from robbery.
2. As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.
3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

36. Some Buddhist rock‐cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?

1. Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
2. Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
3. Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
4. There is no material difference between the two

37. Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?

1. The extinction of the flame of desire
2. The complete annihilation of self
3. A state of bliss and rest
4. A mental stage beyond all comprehension

45. Which of the following characterizes / characterize the people of Indus Civilization?

1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They employed horse‐drawn chariots in warfare.

Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. None of the statements given above is correct

47. Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?

1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.
2. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.
3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. l, 2 and 3

52. Consider the following Bhakti Saints :

1. Daclu Dayal
2. Guru Nanak
3. Tyagaraja

Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

1. 1 and 3
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3
4. 1 and 2

57. Consider the following historical places :

1. Ajanta Caves
2. Lepakshi Temple
3. Sanchi Stupa

Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. None

58. With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school :

1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul.
2. Sankhya holds that it is the self‐knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

79. In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called Tribhanga' has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?

1. One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck
2. Facial expressions, hand gestures and makeup are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters
3. Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story
4. A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism

GS PAPER 2014

5. With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements :

1. lt is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
2. It strives to conserve nature through actionbased research, education and public awareness.
3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

8. Consider the following languages :

1. Gujarati
2. Kannada
3. 'Telugu

Which of the above has/ have been declared as 'Classical Language/Languages' by the Government?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 2 and 8 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

21. In medieval India, the designations 'Mahadiara' and 'Pattakila' were used for

1. military officers
2. village headmen
3. specialists in Vedic rituals
4. chiefs of craft guilds

25. Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?

1. Avanti
2. Gandhara
3. Kosala
4. Magadha

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1, 2 and 3
2. 2 and 4
3. 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 3 and 4

44. With reference to the cultural history of India, the term 'Panchayatan' refers to

1. an assembly of village elders
2. a religious sect
3. a style of temple construction
4. an administrative funtionary

47. Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

1. Mirnamsa and Vedanta
2. Nyaya and Vaisheshika
3. Lokayata and Kapalika
4. Sankhya and Yoga

54. The national motto of India, 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from

1. Katha Upanishad
2. Chandogya Upanishad
3. Aitareya Upanishad
4. Mundaka Upanishad

83. With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements:

1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama.
2. It is a centuries‐old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam.
3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

84. Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days?

1. 22 March (or 21 March)
2. 15 May (or 16 May)
3. 31 March (or 30 March)
4. 21 April (20 April)

85. With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs:

Famous work of sculpture site

1. 1. A grand of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana with

numerous

: Ajanta

celesal musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below
2. 2. A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of : Mount Abu
Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on rock
3. 3."Arjuna's Penance”/“Descent of Ganga"

sculpted on the

: Mamallapuram

surface of huge boulders

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

87. With reference to India's culture and tradition, what is 'Kalaripayattuf‐'

1. It is an ancient Bhakti out of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India
2. It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Commercial area
3. It is an ancient form of dance‐drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar
4. It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India

88. Consider the following pairs :

1. Garba : Gujarat
2. Mohiniattam : Odisha
3. Yakshagana : Karnataka

Which of the pairs given above is/ are correctly matched?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

89. With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, consider the following pairs :

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. l and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

90. Consider the following statements:

1. 'Bijak' is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal.
2. The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded by Madhvacharya.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

91. A community of people called Manganiyars is well~known for their

1. martial arts in North‐East India
2. musical tradition in North‐West India
3. classical vocal music in South India
4. pietra dura tradition in Central India

93. Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

1. the mosque for the use of Royal Family
2. Akbar's private prayer chamber
3. the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions
4. the room in which the nobles belonging to different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs