Art and Culture UPSC – Syllabus of Art and Culture for UPSC Exam

After understanding the syllabus of Sociology, Mathematics, Geography, now it is time to understand the information of Art and Culture UPSC. For the IAS exam, one needs to know the complete syllabus of the UPSC exam. Therefore, in this article, we have covered all details of UPSC’s art and culture syllabus. The information we have provided in the article will help you with exam preparation. Let’s begin.

UPSC Exam

In the first place, the IAS exam is conducted by the UPSC. Further, we have three stages in the IAS exam: the preliminary exam, main exam, and interview round. In the preliminary, there are two papers. Namely GS 1 and GS 2 (CSAT), and they are objective types. Then, in the main exam, we have 9 papers, and it is the descriptive type. Further, the syllabus of the exam is huge. Therefore, in this article, we will give you information on Art and Culture UPSC. Besides, one needs to clear all the stages of the exam to reach the final destination. Then, the IAS exam is the most difficult, and it is difficult to clear the exam. Besides, you have the option of taking classes that can help you with the exam preparations.

Further, if you are looking for coaching classes, we have covered details in various cities.

However, we have seen many IAS officers who have cleared the exam in their first attempt and some without taking coaching classes. Therefore, this exam will check your knowledge and your patience and dedication towards your goals. So, if you want to become an IAS officer working hard is a must. Then, go through their official website for more information on the IAS exams and other details.

Art Culture Syllabus

So, we will understand the UPSC’s main Indian Art culture syllabus. Below we have covered all the information. There are three main categories in the Indian Ary Syllabus. They are

1. Performing Arts
2. Visual Arts
3. Literary Arts

Further, in the Performing Arts, we have many topics that we have covered below.

Dances of India

Classical Dance Form

• Kathakali
• Bharatnatyam
• Kuchipudi
• Manipuri
• Sattriya
• Kathak
• Odissi

Regional Dance Form

• Chhau
• Bhangra
• Bihu
• Garba
• Dumhal
• Dhamal
• Lavani

Music of India (Hindustani, Carnatic, and Regional Music)

• The Tata Vadya or Chordophones – Stringed instruments like Sitar, Santoor, Veena, etc.
• The SushiraVadya or Aerophones – Wind instruments like flute, Nadaswaram, Shehnai, etc.
• The AvanaddhaVadya or Membranophones – Percussion instruments like Tabla, Mridangam, Dholak, etc.
• The Ghana Vadya or Idiophones – Solid instruments which do not require tuning (mostly used in tribal and folk music).

Visual Arts

Now, below we have added the information on the topics that come under visual arts.

Indian Sculpture

• Buddhist Sculpture
• Pre-historic
• Modern Indian Sculpture
• Gupta Sculpture
• Indus Valley Civilization
• Medieval School of Sculpture

Indian Architecture 

• Buddhist Architecture
• Temple Architecture
• Pre-historic
• Indus Valley Civilization
• Modern Architecture

Indian Painting

• Miniature Painting
• Wall Paintings of India
• Modern Indian Painting

Temple Architecture

• Temple basics: Sanctum Sanctorum (Gharbhgriha) Mandapa Shikara Vahana
• Dravida, Nagara, and Vesara Style
• Gopurama, Vimana etc.
• Indian Bronze Sculpture
• Indo-Islamic Architecture

Topics under Literary Arts

Further, let us know topics that come under literary arts below.

• Ancient Indian Literature
• Literature in Pali and Prakrit
• Classical Sanskrit Literature
• Medieval Literature
• The Purana
• Early Dravidian Literature
• Indian Romanticism
• Women Poets of Bhakti
• The Emergence of Nationalism
• Modern Indian Literature
• Progressive Literature
• The Literature of Nationalism, Reformism, and Revivalism
• Other Trends in Medieval Literature
• Making of Modern Theatre
• The Advent of Mahatma Gandhi
• Search for Modernity
• Lastly, Contemporary Literature

Books

Further, below we have added some sources for the exam preparations.

• Indian Art and Culture – Nitin Singhania
• NIOS Indian Culture
• NCERT Class 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th Textbooks
• Previous Years Papers
• Spectrum for Indian Culture
• National Culture of India – Abid Hussain
• CCRT website
• NCERT History- Class VI and VII and Class XI and Class XII
• NCERT Fine Arts – Class XI
• Lastly, Newspapers (The Hindu), Monthly Current Affairs, India Year Book

Examples

Further, below we have added some examples of the Art and Culture UPSC exam questions. Questions will be similar to the below pattern.

• The “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to the which religious practice in India

1. Buddhism
2. Jainism
3. Vaishnavism
4. Shaivism

Answer- 2

1. In which of the below books you will find ancient Indian love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty

1. Swapnavasavadatta
2. Malavikagnirnitra
3. Meghadoota
4. Ratnavali

Answer: 2

1. Consider the following pairs:

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

Which of the pairs given is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer – C

So, above are a few examples. Further, you can read from the textbooks mentioned below, and you can also visit the website.

Preparation Strategy for the Exam

Now we have understood the details of the syllabus. Below we will provide some exam preparation tips for the Art and Culture for the UPSC exam. So, to cover such a huge syllabus, one must need a proper plan.

• In the first place, it is important for one to understand the basics of the subject. Therefore, we suggest you to go through the complete syllabus of the subject. Once you get an idea you can prepare well for the exam.
• As you are already aware of the importance of NCERT books. So, to cover the basics concepts of the subject you can read the NCERT books. It will help you with your basic knowledge.
• Along with studying for the exam, it is essential to have a writing practice for the exam. So, try to write the answers keeping in mind that you have to cover important points with the limited words. As you are already aware with the time constraint, it is important for one to practice with keeping time in the mind.
• Further, it is essential for one to refer to the previous year question papers for a better understanding of the question pattern. To understand how art related questions being asked in the exam. This will help you with the exam preparations.
• Then, it is important for one to give mock tests, it will give you the feel of exam. So, try to give mock tests after thr completion of the certain portion. Besides, you will understand where you need improvements.

Conclusion – Art and Culture UPSC

To conclude, in the article, you will find all the necessary details of the Art and Culture UPSC exam. Further, we believe that understanding the exam syllabus plays a major role in any exam. Therefore, we were trying to cover the complete syllabus of the IAS exam. In our earlier articles, we have covered the syllabus of the other subjects. Besides, we have also added some tips for the preparation for the exam. Further, you will also find all the details of the IAS exam in our other articles. You will find details like the IAS exam syllabus, patterns, books, tips, and other related information. However, we can help you by providing you the necessary details of the exam.

But, in the end, it depends on your hard work and dedication to achieve your goals. So, make proper use of time available and sources. The journey of becoming an IAS officer is difficult, but once you get the results, it is all worth it. So, we wish you good luck with your exams.

FAQs

Lastly, we have mentioned a few FAQs for more information.