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(15+ Questions expected from our India 2015 Module)

A Complete Solution to Art & Culture

rdStarts 3 June, 2015

By Dr Piyush Kumar

9999329111, 011-45596505

ART &CULTURE

Information Brochure

ANALYSIS OF LAST FOUR YEAR UPSC (CS) PRE QUESTIONS

Syllabus 2011 2012 2013 2014History and Culturethrough the Ages

1 2 2

Languages andLiterature

2

Religion andPhilosophy

1 2 4 3

Painting, PerformingArts

3 2 4

Architecture 1 2 3Science andTechnology

1 1

EducationMiscellaneous 2TOTAL 3 7 10 16

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!

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!

Importance of Art & Culture in Civil Services Examination Importance of Art & Culture in Civil Services Examination

GS PAPER 20134. 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 336. 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 two37. 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 comprehension45. 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 correct47. 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 352. Consider the following Bhak� Saints :1. Daclu Dayal2. Guru Nanak3. TyagarajaWho 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 257. Consider the following historical places :1. Ajanta Caves2. Lepakshi Temple3. Sanchi StupaWhich 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) None58. With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school :

PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONSPREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS

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 279. In the context of cultural history of India, a pose 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 describes this pose?(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 20145. 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 38. Consider the following languages :1. Gujara�2. Kannada3. 'TeluguWhich 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 321. 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� guilds25. Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?1. Avan�2. Gandhara3. Kosala4. 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 444. 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�onary47. 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 Yoga54. 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 Upanishad83. 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

(d) 1, 2 and 384. 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 sta. 22 March (or 21 March)th thb. 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 � � � � � �Site1. A grand of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana with numerous � � : Ajantaceles�al musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below2. A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarna�on) of�� � : Mount AbuVishnu, 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 bouldersWhich 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 387. 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 India88. Consider the following pairs :1. Garba : Gujarat2. Mohinia�am : Odisha3. Yakshagana : KarnatakaWhich 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 389. With reference to Buddhist history, tradi�on and culture in India, consider the following pairs :

Famous shrine � � Loca�on1. Tabo monastery � : Spi� Valleyand temple complex2. Lhotsava Lhakhang �� : Zanskar Valleytemple, Nako3. Alchi temple � � : LadakhcomplexWhich 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 390. 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 291. 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 India93. 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

AJITH JOHN JOSHUAAIR-78

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