UPSC Prelims Research: Ancient History & Art and Culture 2014

Q. Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

(a) Mimamsa and Vedanta

(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika

(c) Lokayata and Kapalika

(d) Sankhya and Yoga

Answer: (c) Lokayata and Kapalika

Notes:

The Indian philosophical systems are classified according as they accept the authority of the Vedas or not. The systems of Indian philosophy are classified into two groups:

Orthodox Systems

• The orthodox systems uphold the authority and supremacy of the Vedas.
• The orthodox systems are: Vaisheshika, Nyaya, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva-Mimamsa, and Uttar-Mimamsa.
  • Very often, Purva-Mimamsa is referred to as “Mimamsa” only and Uttar-Mimamsa as “Vedanta”.

Heterodox Systems

• The heterodox systems reject the authority of the Vedas.
• The five major heterodox (sramanic) systems are: Jain, Buddhist, Ajivika, Ajñana, and Charvaka.

Schools of Indian Philosophy: Orthodox & Heterodox

Q. Consider the following towns of India:

1. Bhadrachalam
2. Chanderi
3. Kancheepuram
4. Karnal 

Which of the above are famous for the production of traditional sarees/fabric?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 3 and 4

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Notes:

• Chanderi is a township in Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh.
  • The main occupation of the people of Chanderi is handicraft. Chanderi sarees are famous all over the world.
  • Known for its lightweight, delicate Chanderi sarees, often featuring intricate embroidery and known for its fine silk and cotton fabrics.
  • Chanderi is also famous for Ancient Jain Temples.
• Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu famous for silk Sarees, particularly the Kanjeevaram sarees, which are known for their thick silk fabric, vibrant colors, and contrasting borders.
  • 108 holy temples of the Hindu god Vishnu, 15 are located in Kanchipuram.
• Banaras: Famous for its Banaras silk sarees, known for their fine silk fabric, intricate zari work, and exquisite patterns.

Q. Consider the following languages {2014}

1. Gujarati
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 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only

Notes:

• In 2024, Union Cabinet has approved 5 more Classical Language status to Marathi (Maharashtra), Pali and Prakrit (Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh), Assamese (Assam) and Bengali (West Bengal) languages.
  • Earlier, There was six languages that enjoy the ‘Classical’ status in India:
    • Tamil (declared in 2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014).
    • All the Classical Languages are listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
• The Ministry of Culture provides the guidelines regarding Classical languages.
• Guidelines for declaring a language as ‘Classical’ are:
  • High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years;
  • A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers;
  • The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community;
  • The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.
• Once a language is notified as a Classical language, the Human Resource and Development Ministry provides certain benefits to promote it:
  • Two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in classical Indian languages
  • A Centre of Excellence for studies in Classical Languages is set up
  • The University Grants Commission is requested to create, to start with at least in the Central Universities, a certain number of Professional Chairs for the Classical Languages so declared.

Q. With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements:

1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama.
2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam.
3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.

Which of the statements above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only

Sattriya Classical Dance:

• The Sattriya Classical Dance form was introduced in the 15th century A.D by the great Vaishnava saint and reformer of Assam, Mahapurusha Sankaradeva as a powerful medium for propagation of the Vaishnava faith.
• Sattriya is a classical dance of India, tracing its roots to ancient drama and music texts of India, particularly Bharata Muni‘s Nātya Śāstra.
• The creation of Sattriya Nritya by Sankardeva was an accompaniment to the Ankiya Naat (a form of Assamese one-act plays devised by him), which were usually performed in the sattras, as Assam’s monasteries are called.

• The Sangeet Natak Akademi recognized Sattriya Nritya as an official classical dance of India in 2000. Sattriyas are now performed on world’s stages.

Salient Features of Sattriya Classical Dance

• The dance incorporates different elements from various treatises, local folk dances prevalent in Assam, mainly Ojapali and Devadasi.
• Conventionally, this dance form was performed only by male monks (also known as Bhokots) in monasteries as part of their daily rituals or to mark special festivals .
• In the modern days, Sattriya is performed on stage by women and men, who are not members of sattras, on themes not merely mythological.
• Sattriya Nritya is divided into many genres: Apsara Nritya, Behar Nritya, Chali Nritya, Dasavatara Nritya, Manchok Nritya, Natua Nritya, Rasa Nritya, Rajaghariya Chali Nritya, Gosai Prabesh, Bar Prabesh, Gopi Prabesh, Jhumura, Nadu Bhangi, and Sutradhara,among others.
• Sattriya Nritya is performed with musical composition called borgeets (composed by Sankardeva among others) which are usually based on classical ragas.
• Sattriya dance tradition is governed by strictly laid down principles in respect of hastamudras, footworks, aharyas, music etc.
• The dance tradition has developed into two distinctly separate streams- the Gayan-Bhayanar Nach and the Kharmanar Nach.
• The dress is typical of Assam as the silk that are worn are produced in Assam, woven with meticulous designs.
• Sattriya Proponents:
  • Maniram Datta Moktar, Bapuram Bayan Attai, Ghana Kanta Bora, Jatin Goswami, Indira PP Bora etc

Q. With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs:

	Famous work of sculpture	Site
1	A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below	Ajanta
2	A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boarincarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on rock	Mount Abu
3	“Arjuna’s Penance”/ “Descent of Ganga” sculpated on the surface of huge boulders	Mamallapuram

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

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Mahaparinirvana:

• The Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha in Cave 26, with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below, is one of the grandest expressive scenes with the grieving figure of Ananda near his feet is exceptional. 
• Ajanta Caves is a series of Rock-cut caves in the Sahyadri ranges on Waghora river Aurangabad in Maharashtra. 
• It consists of 29 Buddhist Caves of which 25 are viharas remaining 4 are Chaityas or prayer hall.
• They were developed between 200 BC to 658AD. 
• They were built under the patronage of Vakataka Kings. 
• They are abundant with Fresco paintings, outlining in red colour, absence of blue colour, all themed around Buddhism. 
• It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.

Udaygiri caves:

• Udaygiri caves are 20 Rock-cut caves near Vidisha Madhya Pradesh. 
• They were built near the fifth century and are the oldest surviving Hindu temples in India. 
• The sculpture of Vishnu in his incarnation as the male boar rescuing the mother earth presenting bhudevi to the boar’s tusk as depicted in Hindu mythology is present here.
• They were built under the patronage of Gupta rulers. 

“Arjuna’s Penance”/ “Descent of Ganga”

• The Monolithic sculpture was built under the reign of Pallava King Mahendra Varma located at Sri Sathya Perumal Temple. 
• It was built around 600-640 AD. 
• It is carved out of two huge boulders 27 meters long and 43 feet high and is the size of a huge blue whale. 
• Arjun, practising austerities to please Lord Shiva for obtaining a mighty weapon before the war of Kurukshetra is depicted in these structures. 
• The rock-cut sculpture has been fashioned to portray the penance done by King Bhagiratha, an ancestor of Lord Rama, to bring down the River Ganges from the heavens to the earth. 
• Lord Vishnu, sages, celestial nymphs, Nagas, holy deities, Gandharvas, Yakshas, auspicious animals, and other divine entities are carved out in rock sculpture.

Q. With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is `Kalaripayattu’?

(a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India

(b) It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area

(c) It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar

(d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India

Answer: (d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India

Kalaripayattu:

• Kalaripayattu is a martial art that originated as a style in Kerala during the 13th Century AD. This is an ancient traditional martial art form of Kerala, India.
• The word Kalari first appears in Sangam literature to describe both a battlefield and combat arena. 
• Kalari, a Malayalam word, refers to a specific type of school/gymnasium/training hall where martial arts are practiced or taught.
• The word Kalari tatt denoted a martial feat, while Kalari kozhai meant a coward in war.
• It is considered to be one of the oldest fighting systems in existence. 
• It is now practised in Kerala, in contiguous parts of Tamil Nadu. 
• It was originally practised in the northern and central parts of Kerala and the Tulunadu region of Karnataka. 
• Kalaripayattu means battlefield practices or training that takes place in an arena or a gymnasium of specific dimensions with mud flooring. 
• Basis of all martial art forms like Karate, Kungfu was originally developed from Kalaripayattu. 
• This art form includes mock duels (armed and unarmed combat) and physical exercises.
• Not accompanied by any drumming or song, the most important aspect is the style of fighting.
• Kalaripayattu’s most important key is footwork; it also includes kicks, strikes and weapon-based practice. Even women practice this art.
• Kalaripayattu is still rooted in the traditional rituals and ceremonies.
• Kalaripayattu includes a number of techniques and aspects. Some of them are: Uzhichil or the massage with Gingli oil, Fighting with Otta (an ‘S’ shaped stick), Maipayattu or body exercises, Puliyankam or sword fight, Verumkai or bare-handed fight, Angathari or use of metal weapons and sticks of Kolthari.

Martial Arts in India

Q. Consider the following pairs:

1. Garba : Gujarat
2. Mohiniattam : 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

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Notes:

• There are eight classical dances in India:
  1. Bharatanatyam: Tamil Nadu
  2. Mohiniyattam: Kerala
  3. Kathakali: Kerala
  4. Kathak: North India (Uttar Pradesh)
  5. Kuchipudi: Andhra Pradesh
  6. Sattriya: Assam
  7. Odissi: Odisha
  8. Manipuri: Manipur
• Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form of Karnataka that depicts mythological stories and Puranas.
  • It is a temple art form performed with massive headgears and vibrant costumes.

Region	Major Folk Dance Form
Andhra Pradesh	Burrakatha, Butta Bommalu
Assam	Bihu
Bihar	Biraha, Jat-Jatin
Chhattisgarh	Gaur Maria, Raut Naach
Goa	Tarangamel, Fugdi
Gujarat	Garba
Himachal Pradesh	Charba
Jammu & Kashmir	Dumhal
Jharkhand	Chhau (Saraikella)
Karnataka	Yakshagana, Bhootha Aradhane, Pata Kunitha
Kerala	Kummi, Kolkali-Parichakali, Padayani, Kaikottikali, Chakyar koothu, Mayilattam
Madhya Pradesh	Jawara
Manipur	Thang Ta
Mizoram	Cheraw
Nagaland	Rangma
Odisha	Chhau (Mayurbhanj), Paika, Jhumar, Danda-Jatra, Dalkhai
Punjab	Bhangra, Giddha, Jhoomar
Rajasthan	Ghoomar, Kalbelia
Sikkim	Singhi Chham
Tamil Nadu	Kummi, Mayilattam
Uttar Pradesh	Raslila, Dadra
West Bengal	Chhau (Purulia), Alkap

Dances of India

Q. With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, consider the following pairs:

	Famous shrine	Location
1	Tabo monastery and temple complex	Spiti Valley
2	Lhotsava Lhakhang temple, Nako	Zanskar Valley
3	Alchi temple complex	Ladakh

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

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer:

Notes:

Tabo monastery

• It is located in the Tabo village of Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India.
• It was founded in 996 CE by the Tibetan Buddhist Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo on behalf of the king of the western Himalayan Kingdom of Guge, Yeshe-O.

Alchi temple complex

• It is situated in Alchi village of Leh District, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council.
• It is administered by the Likir Monastery.
• It was constructed by Guru Rinchen Zangpo between 958 and 1055 AD.

Lhotsava Lhakhang temple, Nako

• It is the 12th century Temple at now Ko in the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh.
• It has been identified as one of the hundred most endangered heritage sites by the words monuments fund.

Famous Buddhist Monasteries in India

Q. A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their

(a) martial arts in North-East India

(b) musical tradition in North-West India

(c) classical vocal music in South India

(d) pietra dura tradition in Central India

Answer: (b) musical tradition in North-West India

Manganiyars:

• Manganiyars are a community of hereditary folk musicians, primarily found in the Thar Desert region of western Rajasthan, India
  • Manganiyars are Muslim communities in Jaisalmer and Barmer districts of Rajasthan.
• They are famous for their classical folk music and the playing of Khartals. 
  • Khartal is a traditional percussion instrument that is a part of Rajasthani folk music.
  • The instrument is named after the Hindi words ‘kara’ means hand and ‘tala’ means rhythm — the rhythm of the hand. 
  • It is used during religious and social celebrations. 
  • It is made from Sheesham wood or teak and some can also be made of metals. 
• Manganiyars are patronized by the Bhati Rajput. 
• They still sing on various auspicious occasions and festivals. The Manganiyars’ folk art includes ballads, folklore, and songs, often featuring heroic ballads, romantic tales, and Sufi spiritual stories.
• Their performances are in multiple languages and dialects, including Marwari, Sindhi, Saraiki, Dhatti, and Thareli.

Music Communities in India

Q. 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 construction

(d) an administrative functionary

Answer: (c) a style of temple construction

Notes:

• Panchayatana” literally translates to “five shrines” in Sanskrit, In the Panchayatana style of temple architecture, the main shrine is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines at four different corners, making it total of five shrines.
• In the Panchayatana style of temple architecture, the main shrine is built on a rectangular plinth.
• Kandariya Mahadeva Temple in Khajuraho, Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar, Dashavatara Temple in Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh are the famous examples of this style of architecture. 
• This architectural style reflects the concept of worshipping multiple deities as different aspects of the same divine reality, a core tenet of the Smarta sect of Hinduism.