Art and Culture: A Complete Solution to Art & Culture 20 Hrs Fast Track Course

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20 Hrs FAST TRACK COURSE
(15+ Questions expected from our India 2015 Module)
A Complete Solution to Art & Culture
rd
Starts 3 June, 2015
By Dr Piyush Kumar
9999329111, 011-45596505
ART &
CULTURE
Information
Brochure

2. ANALYSIS OF LAST FOUR YEAR UPSC (CS) PRE QUESTIONS
Syllabus 2011 2012 2013 2014
History and Culture
through the Ages
1 2 2
Languages and
Literature
2
Religion and
Philosophy
1 2 4 3
Painting, Performing
Arts
3 2 4
Architecture 1 2 3
Science and
Technology
1 1
Education
Miscellaneous 2
TOTAL 3 7 10 16

3. DearAspirants,
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 theycouldscorearound110.Becausethis muchscoreisrequiredtocross the cutoff.
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
whatisthe 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 topicswhicharegoingtobecovered-
· 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 isaskingquestions,willbediscussed
· Languages and Literature- The development of language and Literature from
Ancienttothe Modernperiod
· 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
providedinsuchawaythat studentsarenot requiredtomugup
· Architecture-The developmentofarchitecturefromAncienttoModernperiod
· Science and Technology- The development of science and technology in Indian
History
· Education- The development of education and educational institutions in India in
historicalperiod
· Current Issues- UPSC is normally asking questions on Art & Culture from those
topicswhicharepresentlyinnews.So currentissueswillalsobecovered.
· Apart fromthese topicssome other miscellaneoustopicswouldbealsocovered
Features of the Module onArt & Culture
· Teachingmethodologywillbesuchwhichwillsimplifythis particularportion
· IneverytopicPicturesandPPTs willbeusedforbetterunderstanding
· Complete coverageofthe syllabus
· Preciseprintednotes whichwouldbesufficientforthe exam
· Printednotes onthe currentissuesfromArt &Culturewhicharecollectedfromvivid
sources
· 200+questionswillbediscussedinclassroom
In a way we are trying to provide a complete solution for Art & Culture through this short span
module.
Allthe best forPT 2015......
Thanks&Regards!
DearAspirants,
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 theycouldscorearound110.Becausethis muchscoreisrequiredtocross the cutoff.
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
whatisthe 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 topicswhicharegoingtobecovered-
· 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 isaskingquestions,willbediscussed
· Languages and Literature- The development of language and Literature from
Ancienttothe Modernperiod
· 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
providedinsuchawaythat studentsarenot requiredtomugup
· Architecture-The developmentofarchitecturefromAncienttoModernperiod
· Science and Technology- The development of science and technology in Indian
History
· Education- The development of education and educational institutions in India in
historicalperiod
· Current Issues- UPSC is normally asking questions on Art & Culture from those
topicswhicharepresentlyinnews.So currentissueswillalsobecovered.
· Apart fromthese topicssome other miscellaneoustopicswouldbealsocovered
Features of the Module onArt & Culture
· Teachingmethodologywillbesuchwhichwillsimplifythis particularportion
· IneverytopicPicturesandPPTs willbeusedforbetterunderstanding
· Complete coverageofthe syllabus
· Preciseprintednotes whichwouldbesufficientforthe exam
· Printednotes onthe currentissuesfromArt &Culturewhicharecollectedfromvivid
sources
· 200+questionswillbediscussedinclassroom
In a way we are trying to provide a complete solution for Art & Culture through this short span
module.
Allthe best forPT 2015......
Thanks&Regards!
Importance of Art & Culture in Civil Services ExaminationImportance of Art & Culture in Civil Services Examination

4. 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?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 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 du es at ferries
and barrier sta ons.
Select the correct answer using the codes given
below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 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?
(a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is
the dwelling place of the monks
(b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is
the dwelling place of the monks
(c) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the
cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
(d) There is no material difference between the
two
37. Which one of the following describes best
the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?
(a) The ex nc on of the flame of desire
(b) The complete annihila on of self
(c) A state of bliss and rest
(d) A mental stage beyond all comprehension
45. Which of the following characterizes /
characterize the people of Indus Civiliza on?
1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They worshipped both male and female dei es.
3. They employed horse‐drawn chariots in
warfare.
Select the correct statement/statements using the
codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
{b} 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of the statements given above is correct
47. Which of the following statements is/are
applicable to Jain doctrine?
l. The surest way of annihila ng Karma is to
prac ce penance.
2. Every object, even the smallest par cle has a
soul.
3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be
ended.
Select the correct answer using the codes given
below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) l, 2 and 3
52. Consider the following Bhak 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?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 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 pain ngs?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
58. With reference to the history of philosophical
thought in India, consider the following
statements regarding Sankhya school :
PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONSPREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS

5. 1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth
or transmigra on of soul.
2. Sankhya holds that it is the self‐knowledge
that leads to libera on and not any exterior
influence or agent.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
79.InthecontextofculturalhistoryofIndia,apose
in dance and drama cs called Tribhanga' has been
a favourite of Indian ar sts from ancient mes ll
today. Which one of the following statements best
describesthispose?
(a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but
oppositely curved at waist and neck
(b) Facial expressions, hand gestures and make‐
up are combined to symbolize certain epic or
historic characters
(c) Movements of body, face and hands are used
to express oneself or to tell a story
(d) A li le smile, slightly curved waist and certain
hand gestures are emphasized to express the
feelings of love or ero cism
GS PAPER 2014
5. With reference to Bombay Natural History
Society (BNHS), consider the following
statements :
1. lt is an autonomous organiza on under the
Ministry of Environment and Forests.
2. It strives to conserve nature through ac on‐
based research, educa on 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?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
8. Consider the following languages :
1. Gujara
2. Kannada
3. 'Telugu
Which of the above has/ have been declared as
'Classical Language/Languages' by the
Government?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 8 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
21. In medieval India, the designa ons
'Maha ara' and 'Pa akila' were used for
(a) military officers
(b) village headmen
(c) specialists in Vedic rituals
(d) chiefs of cra guilds
25. Which of the following Kingdoms were
associated with the life of the Buddha?
1. Avan
2. Gandhara
3. Kosala
4. Magadha
Select the correct answer using the code given
below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4
44. With reference to the cultural history of India,
the term 'Panchayatan' refers to
(a) an assembly of village elders
(b) a religious sect
(c) a style of temple construc on
(d) an administra ve func onary
47. Which one of the following pairs does not
form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?
(a) Mirnamsa and Vedanta
(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika
(C) Lokayata and Kapalika
(d) Sankhya and Yoga
54. The na onal mo o of India, 'Satyameva
Jayate' inscribed below the Emblem of India is
taken from
(a) Katha Upanishad
(b) Chandogya Upanishad
(c) Aitareya Upanishad
(d) Mundaka Upanishad
83. With reference to the famous Sa riya dance,
consider the following statements:
1. Sa riya is a combina on of music, dance and
drama.
2. It is a centuries‐old living tradi on of
Vaishnavites of Assam.
3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of
devo onal songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and
Mirabai.
Which of the statements given above is/ are
correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only

6. (d) 1, 2 and 3
84. Chaitra 1 of the na onal 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?
nd st
a. 22 March (or 21 March)
th th
b. 15 May (or 16 May)
st th
c. 31 March (or 30 March)
st th
d. 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. A grand of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana with
numerous : Ajanta
celes al musicians above and the sorrowful
figures of
his followers below
2. A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar
incarna on) of : Mount Abu
Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the
deep and chao c waters,
sculpted on rock
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?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
87. With reference to India's culture and
tradi on, what is 'Kalaripaya uf‐'
(a) It is an ancient Bhak out of Shaivism s ll
prevalent in some parts of South India
(b) It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork s ll
found in southern part of Commercial area
(c) It is an ancient form of dance‐drama and a
living tradi on in the northern part of Malabar
(d) It is an ancient mar al art and a living
tradi on in some parts of South India
88. Consider the following pairs :
1. Garba : Gujarat
2. Mohinia am : Odisha
3. Yakshagana : Karnataka
Which of the pairs given above is/ are correctly
matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
89. With reference to Buddhist history, tradi on
and culture in India, consider the following pairs :
Famous shrine Loca on
1. Tabo monastery : Spi Valley
and temple complex
2. Lhotsava Lhakhang : Zanskar Valley
temple, Nako
3. Alchi temple : Ladakh
complex
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly
matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) l and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
90. Consider the following statements:
1. 'Bijak' is a composi on of the teachings of Saint
Dadu Dayal.
2. The Philosophy of Push Marg was
propounded by Madhvacharya.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
91. A community of people called Manganiyars is
well~known for their
(a) mar al arts in North‐East India
(b) musical tradi on in North‐West India
(c) classical vocal music in South India
(d) pietra dura tradi on in Central India
93. Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was
(a) the mosque for the use of Royal Family
(b) Akbar's private prayer chamber
(c) the hall in which Akbar held discussions with
scholars of various religions
(d) the room in which the nobles belonging to
different religions gathered to discuss religious
affairs

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