Editor’s Pick
- Analyze the influence of the Persian and Greek invasions between the 6th and 4th centuries BC on the art and culture of the Indian subcontinent. (200 words)
- Through what means did Indian culture extend its influence abroad during the ancient period? (200 words)
- Inscriptions are regarded as one of the most dependable sources for understanding ancient history, yet challenges remain in their interpretation and preservation. Discuss. (200 words)
UPSC PYQs
- Highlight the Central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art. (250 words) [UPSC 2019]
- How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times? (150 words) [UPSC 2017]
- The ancient civilization in the Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment. (200 words) [UPSC 2015]
- To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present day urbanization? Discuss. (150 words) [UPSC 2014]
- Taxila university was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were associated a number of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in the modern sense. Discuss. (150 words) [UPSC 2014]
Architecture
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
- Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. (150 words) [UPSC 2018]
- Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture. (250 words) [UPSC 2022]
- Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture. (250 words) [UPSC 2022]
Harappan Architecture
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
Mauryan Architecture
Editor’s Pick
- What were the significant contributions of the Mauryan Empire to the culture and heritage of India? (200 words)
- How does the Kalinga school of architecture showcase its remarkable diversity in styles and forms? Please provide examples to illustrate. (200 words)
- Explain how Mauryan art was influenced by foreign elements while also continuing indigenous traditions.(200 Words)
UPSC PYQs
Post-Mauryan Architecture
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UPSC PYQs
Temple Architecture
Editor’s Pick
- Why was Aihole considered an ideal location for early architects to explore their ideas and experiment with structural designs? (200 words)
- Discuss the unique architectural forms and features of the temples located in the hills of Kumaon, Himachal Pradesh, and Kashmir, with relevant examples. (200 words)
- Although Nagara and Dravida styles of temple architecture share some common features, they also exhibit notable differences. Discuss. (150 words)
UPSC PYQs
Cave Architecture
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
Medieval & Indo-Islamic Architecture
Editor’s Pick
- What were the contributions of the Mughals to the Indian painting tradition? (200 words)
- How did the emphasis on intricate, decorative details contribute to the complexity, ornamentation, and richness of Indian sculptures during medieval times? Please provide examples to illustrate your points. (200 words)
UPSC PYQs
Colonial Architecture & Modern Architecture
Editor’s Pick
- What has been the impact of the spread of Indian culture on the cultural landscapes of East Asia and Southeast Asia? (200 words)
- What were the key factors that influenced the development of modern Indian art during British colonial rule? (200 words)
UPSC PYQs
Buddhist & Jain Architecture
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
Rock Cut Architecture
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
Indian Paintings
Editor’s Pick
- India boasts a rich and extensive tradition of painting. Can you discuss this with a particular emphasis on mural paintings? (200 words)
- How do the wall paintings in India reflect the religious and social life of their respective periods? Explain with examples. (200 words)
- Provide a brief overview of the Pahari schools of painting that developed and thrived in India from the 17th to the 19th centuries. (150 words)
UPSC PYQs
Dances in India
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UPSC PYQs
Classical Dance
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
Folk Dance
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
Music
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
Classical Music
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
Folk Music
Editor’s Pick
- Despite regional differences, what are the common themes that unify the various folk music and dance forms in India?(200 Words)
- Discuss how the rich diversity of folk music in India reflects the cultural traditions of different regions of the country, with examples. (200 words)
UPSC PYQs
Puppetry
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
Pottery
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
Drama/Theatre
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
Martial Arts
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
Sculpture
Editor’s Pick
- What were the key contributions of Mathura art to the development of iconographies of Buddhist, Jaina, and Brahmanical deities? (200 words)
- Examine the development of bronze casting in India and explain why the bronze sculptures of the Chola period are regarded as the most refined. (200 words)
UPSC PYQs
Bhakti & Sufi Movements
Editor’s Pick
UPSC PYQs
- Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti literature and its contribution to Indian culture. (150 words)[UPSC 2021]
- The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. (250 words) [UPSC 2018]
Religion & Philosophy
Editor’s Pick
- List the factors that resulted in the rise and dissemination of Buddhism and Jainism in India during the 6th century BCE.(200 words)
- Provide a brief overview of the various schools of Indian philosophy. (Answer in 200 words)
UPSC PYQs
- Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (250 words) [UPSC 2020]
- Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of Hindu/Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment. (150 words) [UPSC 2014]
- Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (150 words)[UPSC 2020]
Literature
Editor’s Pick
- How did Kalidasa’s work represent the pinnacle of Gupta literature? (200 words)
- Discuss the role of Sangam literature in offering political and socio-economic insights into the Tamil region and its wider impact. (200 words)
- How does Indian vernacular literature reflect regional identities, aspirations, and histories? Please elaborate with appropriate examples. (200 words)
- Discuss how the introduction of new languages during the medieval period in India contributed to the remarkable growth of culture and literature. (200 words)
UPSC PYQs
- Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. (250 words) [UPSC 2020]
- Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India. (150 words) [UPSC 2018]
- Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss. (200 words) [UPSC 2016]