UPSC CSE Prelims Art & Culture Flashcards

Consider the following statements regarding a classical dance form:

1. It is traditionally associated with the Devadasi system.
2. The dancer uses 'Ekaharya' where one dancer takes on many roles.
3. It is also known as the 'fire dance'.

Which dance form is described above?

Complete the sentence regarding the classical dance of North India:

Complete the characteristics of the Nagara style of temple architecture:

Consider the following features:

1. Presence of a water tank (kalyani) inside the temple premises.
2. Tall, pyramidal principal towers called Vimana.
3. Large, heavily sculptured gateway structures known as Gopurams.

Which temple architecture style is uniquely characterized by the above features?

Identify the features and subjects of this ancient Indian mural art:

Consider the following statements regarding Mughal Miniature Painting:

1. It represents a synthesis of indigenous Indian styles and the Persian school of painting.
2. It reached its zenith under the patronage of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Identify the two major schools of Indian classical music based on their geographical and historical characteristics.

Consider the following pairs of Hindustani classical music Gharanas and their distinct characteristics:

1. Gwalior Gharana - Oldest known Khayal gharana
2. Kirana Gharana - Famous for perfect intonation (swara) and emotional appeal
3. Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana - Known for complex rhythmic patterns and obscure ragas

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

Identify the correct associations of ancient Sangam-era Tamil literary works:

Name two of the six orthodox schools (Shad Darshanas) of ancient Indian philosophy.

Identify the state, dance, and specific festival variant:

Consider the following statements regarding traditional folk dances:

1. Garba is a traditional dance of Gujarat performed around a centrally lit lamp or a picture of the Goddess.
2. Both Garba and Dandiya Raas are primarily performed during the nine-night festival of Navaratri.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Identify the martial art and its state of origin:

Consider the following statements regarding 'Gatka':

1. It is a traditional martial art originating in Punjab.
2. It is predominantly practiced by Sikh warriors using swords and shields.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Identify the geographical and stylistic features of the Gandhara School of Art:

Consider the following statements regarding the Mathura School of Art:

1. It was heavily influenced by Hellenistic (Greek) features.
2. It extensively used spotted red sandstone.
3. It flourished primarily under the patronage of the Kushana rulers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements regarding the Sitar:

1. It is a traditional South Indian instrument widely used in Carnatic music.
2. Pandit Ravi Shankar is globally renowned for popularizing it.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Complete the association regarding this prominent Hindustani classical instrument:

Complete the details about this classical Indian theatre form:

Which open-air street theatre form of Tamil Nadu is centrally associated with the rituals of the Draupadi Amman cult?

Complete the historical details about the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi:

Consider the following statements regarding the Mahabodhi Temple Complex:

1. It marks the location where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
2. The site is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements regarding the Hornbill Festival:

1. It is celebrated annually in the month of December.
2. It is famously known as the 'Festival of Festivals'.
3. It is the official state festival of Arunachal Pradesh.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Complete the association regarding the famous South Indian harvest festival:

Consider the following statements regarding the Banarasi Silk Saree:

1. It is a GI-tagged product originating from Uttar Pradesh.
2. It is characterized by heavy brocade and zari work heavily influenced by Mughal-era designs.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Identify the features and origin of this traditional Indian weave.