PRELIMS

Academy for Civil Services

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ART &
CULTURE
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7.2. Gandhi Peace Prize

TABLE OF CONTENTS- ART AND 7.3. Indira Gandhi Peace Prize
CULTURE 8. GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
8.1. Incredible India Campaign
1. LANGUAGE 8.2. Swadesh Darshan Scheme
1.1. Transition of Indian Languages 8.3. PRASAD Scheme
1.2. Classical Languages 8.4. HRIDAY Scheme
1.3. Official Language 9. FESTIVALS
1.4. Linguistic Diversity Index 9.1. Hornbill Festival 2018
1.5. Project Navlekha 9.2. Dwijing Festival
2. ARCHITECTURE 9.3. Kambala
2.1. Harappan Architecture 9.4. AmbubachiMela
2.2. Temple Architecture of India 9.5. Aadi Mahotsav
2.3. Bhitargaon Temple 10. INSTITUTIONS/
2.4. Petroglyphs ORGANIZATIONS
2.5. Chola sculpture and 10.1. Indira Gandhi National Centre
architecture (Nataraja Idol) for the Arts (IGNCA)
2.6. Rani kiVav 10.2. National Gallery of Modern Art
2.7. UNESCO Creative Cities (NGMA)
Network (UCCN) 10.3. Indian Council for Cultural
2.8. First World Capital of Relations (ICCR)
Architecture 10.4. Archaeological Survey of India
2.9. Taj Mahal (ASI)
2.10. Statue of Equality 11. MISCELLANEOUS
3. PAINTING 11.1. Kartarpur Sahib Corridor
3.1. Paintings at Bhimbetka 11.2. Shri Ramayana Express
3.2. Tanjavur Paintings 11.3. UNESCO Creative Cities
4. DANCE FORMS Network
4.1. Classical Dances from India 11.4. PLACES/PERSON/EVENTS/S
4.1.1. Bharatnatyam CHEMES IN NEWS
4.1.2. Kathak 11.4.1. Battle of Bhima
4.1.3. Kuchipudi Koregaon.
4.1.4. Mohiniattyam 11.4.2. Dyananeshwar
4.1.5. Kathakali 11.4.3. Guru Nanak
4.1.6. Manipuri 11.4.4. Ibn Batuta
4.1.7. Odishi 11.4.5. Jalianwala Bagh
4.1.8. Sattriya Massacre
4.2. Folk Dances 11.4.6. Paika Rebellion
5. MUSIC 11.4.7. Tipu Sultan
5.1. First Music Museum of India 11.4.8. Vijayanagar Kingdom
5.2. Bhakti Poets 12. MCQs FROM CURRENT
6. RELIGION AFFAIRS
6.1. Hindu
6.2. Islam
6.3. Jain
6.4. Sikh
6.5. Christianity
6.6. Zoroastrianism
6.7. Judaism
6.8. Lingayat
6.9. Buddhist Monasteries
7. AWARDS AND HONOURS
7.1. Bharat Ratna
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1. Language
Language in its literary meaning is a system of communication through speech, a
collection of sounds that a group of people understand to have the same meaning.
It is important to note that the period of transition from one language or dialect to
another is slow and cannot be separated into strict chronological periods.

1.1 Transition of Indian Languages

● Prakrit and Ardha-Magadhi language were used in the Jain ‗Agamas‘.
● Prakrit includes:
o Pali:
▪ It was widely spoken in Magadha.
▪ It was popular during 5th- 1st century BC.
▪ It is closely related to Sanskrit, and the texts in Pali were
written generally in Brahmi script.
▪ The ―Tripitaka‖ of Buddhism were also written in Pali.
▪ It serves as the lingua franca of Theravada Buddhism.
▪ It is believed that Buddha himself did not speak in Pali but
gave his preachings in ardha-magadhi language.
o Magadhi Prakrit or Ardha-Magadhi:
▪ It is the most important kind of Prakrit.
▪ Its literary use increased after the decline of Sanskrit and Pali
and started with the development of Prakrit language.
● By 6th-7th century, the development of ‗Apabhramsa‘ (corrupt or non-
grammatical) took place.
● Apabhramsa is also an umbrella term which means dialects other than
Sanskrit or even Prakrit. It represents a transition from Middle to Modern
Indo-Aryan Group of languages.

Article 343 (1) of the Constitution of India

―The Official Language of the Union Government shall be Hindi in Devanagari
script.‖
Official Language Act, 1963
This Act declares Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union.
English has been given the status of ―subsidiary official language‖ of the union.

1.2 Classical Language in India

In 2004, the Government of India declared that languages that meet certain
requirements would be accorded the status of a
―Classical Language in India‖. Languages so far declared to be Classical language
Criteria are:
1. High antiquity of its early texts/ recorded 1. Tamil in the year 2004
history over a period of 1500– 2000 years; 2. Telugu in the year 2008
2. A body of ancient literature/ texts, which is 3. Malayalam in the year 2013
considered a valuable heritage by generations 4. Sanskrit in the year 2005
of speakers; 5. Kannada in the year 2008
3. The literary tradition be original and not 6. Odia in the year 2014
borrowed from another speech community;

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4. 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.

1.3 Linguistic Diversity Index

● It shows the probability that two people selected from the population at random
will have different mother tongues; it, therefore, ranges from 0 (everyone has the
same mother tongue) to 1 (no two people have the same mother tongue).
● The Index of Linguistic Diversity (ILD) measures how the LDI has changed over
time; a global ILD of 0.8 indicates a 20% loss of diversity since 1970, but ratios
above 1 are possible, and have appeared in regional indexes.

1.4 Project Navlekha

● It is a project by Google.
● Its target is to bring India‘s It comprises a tool that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to render any
135,000 Indic language PDF containing Indian language content into editable text, making it easy
publications online in a for print publishers to create mobile-friendly web content.
hassle-free manner.
● Navlekha, means ‗a new way
to write‘ in Sanskrit.
● It will allow local publishers who do not have websites to make their offline
content fit for online publishing in less than a minute.

2. ARCHITECTURE
2.1 Indus Valley Civilization
• Traced as far back as third millennium BC.
• Consisted of walled cities which provided security to the people. Evidences of
fortifications with gateways enclosing the walled cities show that there may
have been a fear of being
attacked. Sites of Indus Valley Civilization
• Rectangular grid pattern of  Gujarat- Dholavira, Rangpur, Rojdi,
layout with roads that cut Lothal, Sarkotada, Kuntasi, Padri
each other at right angles.  Rajasthan- Kalibangan
• Used standardised burnt  Haryana- Bhagwanpura, Banawali
mud-bricks as building  Maharashtra- Diamabad
material.  Uttar Pradesh- Alamgirpur
• Evidence of building of big  Jammu- Mauda
dimensions which perhaps
were public buildings,
administrative or business centres, pillared halls and courtyards.
• No evidence of temples.
• Granaries which were used to store grains which give an idea of an organised
collection and distribution system.
• ‗Great Bath‘ -public bathing place shows the importance of ritualistic bathing
and cleanliness in this culture. It is still functional and there is no leakage or
cracks in the construction.
• Most of the houses had private wells and bathrooms.
• Dominant citadel- treated as evidence of some kind of political authority ruling
over the cities.

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Why in News?
● Near-complete skeletal remains of a young male and female, believed to be a
couple, have been discovered at a recently excavated archaeological site in
Rakhigarhi village in Haryana, suggesting, according to the scientists who
found the remains, that marriage as an institution could have originated in
India.
More about the News Additional GYAN-
● Most archaeological
 Rakhigarhi in Haryanais considered to be
recoveries show individuals the largest site of Indus Valley civilization.
were buried separately in Granary, cemetery, drains, terracotta bricks
Harappan times. Joint have been found.
graves have been very rare,  Harappan script was written mostly
and almost none have been from Right to Left. The script was written
found containing a couple. mostly from right to left, but, bi-directional
● The only joint burial of a writing stylei.e right to left on one line and
couple discovered earlier has left to right on another line has also been
been from Lothal in Gujarat. found.
But there, the skeletal
remains of the male and
female were found placed over one other, indicating that they may have been
buried at the same place, but at different times. In addition, the female skeletal
remains were found to have lesions or injury marks, leading archaeologists to
conclude that her death could have been the result of a social practice such as
Sati.

2.2 Temple Architecture of India

Nagara Style- North Dravidian Style- South Vesara Style- Deccan
India India

Nagara temples have Dravidian style temples ● Vesara is a

two distinct features: consist almost invariably of combination of
1. In plan, the temple is the four following parts: Nagara &
a square with a ● The principal part, the DravidianTemple
number of graduated temple itself, is called Styles
projections in the the Vimana (or ● Examples of this
middle of each side Vimanam). style- Hoysala
giving a cruciform ● It is always square in temples
shape with a number plan and surmounted by at Belur, Halebidu
of re-entrant angles a pyramidal roof of one and Somnathpura.
on each side. or more stories; it
2. In elevation, contains the cell where
a Sikhara, i.e., tower the image of the god is
gradually inclines placed.
inwards in a convex ● The porches or
curve. Mandapas, which always
cover and precede the
door leading to the cell.
● Gate-pyramids or
Gopurams, which are
the principal features in
the quadrangular

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enclosures that
surround the more
notable temples.
● Pillared halls or
Chaultris—properly
Chawadis, used for
various purposes, and
which are the invariable
accompaniments of
these temples.
Nagara Style- North India
PRATHIHARAS- UJJAIN (8TH-9TH CENTURIES AD)
• Mahakaleshwar temple one of the 12Jyotirlingas of India.
• KalBhairava temple, finds a mention in the Skanda Purana, and
• Mangalnath temple, regarded as the birthplace of Mars, according to
the Matsya Purana.
PALAS- BENGAL AND BIHAR (8th -13TH CENTURIES AD)
• It flourished in Bengal and Bihar under the Pala and the Sena rulers.
• Nalanda was its most active centre, whose influence was spread to Nepal,
Myanmar and even Indonesia.
CHANDELAS- BUNDELKHAND (10TH -11TH CENTURIES AD)
• Khajuraho justly famous for their graceful contours and erotic sculptures.
• These 22 temples (out of the original 85) are regarded as one of world's greatest
artistic wonders.
• Khajuraho Temples were built within a short period of hundred years from 950-
1050 A.D.
• Kendriya Mahadev temple is the largest and most beautiful of the Khajuraho
Temples.
• Shiva Temple at Visvanath and Vishnu Temple at Chaturbhunj are other
important temples at Khajuraho.

2.3 Bhitargaon Temple

● It is a Brick temple located near Kanpur.
● As man progressed and learnt new techniques, rock-cut temples gave way
to stone temples and as stone was not easily available everywhere, to brick
temples. In the Gangetic plains, which have alluvial soil and paucity of
stones and rocks, many brick structures came up.
● Though rock-cut and stone temples withstood the vagaries of time, brick
temples were not so fortunate. That is what makes the brick temple of
Bhitargaon, about 50 km off Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, so special.
● According to Alexander Cunningham, because of the Varaha incarnation at
the back of the temple, it was probably a Vishnu temple.

2.4 Petroglyphs
● Petroglyphs are rock carvings made by pecking directly on the rock
surface using a stone chisel and a hammerstone.
● Recently 1,000 rock carvings on Maharashtra‘s
Konkan coast have been discovered.
● They are expected to provide new insights into the
early history of the region.

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● These carvings found in Konkan Coast could be contemporaneous to other

petroglyph sites in India that date back to the Middle and Later Stone Age.
The period in history preceding the Indus Valley Civilization, which is dated
to about 5,000 BCE, is a rich one of historical discovery, with evidence of
stone tool cultures scattered across the subcontinent.
● The carvings on laterite stone are what make the petroglyphs in this region
unique, as the carvings discovered in other sites around India are on granite
and sandstone.

2.5 Chola sculpture and architecture (Nataraja Idol)

Why in News?
A Nataraja idol which was retrieved from Australia in 2006, adorns Arudra festival
at Brihadeeswarar Temple in the village of Ariyalur district in Tamil Nadu.
About the Nataraja Idol
● Lord Shiva is said to be the Nataraja, meaning king of all dances.
● The earliest known Nataraja sculpture, which has been excavated at
Ravanaphadi cave at Aihole, was made during the early Chalukya rule.
The sculpture reached its peak under the Cholas.
● The sculpture of Nataraja is in the Tandava dance posture.
● Some of the features of the Nataraja sculpture are:
o The upper right hand holds the drum, which signifies the sound of
creation. All creations spring from the great sound of the damru.
o The upper left hand holds the eternal fire, which represents the
destruction. Destruction is the precursor and inevitable counterpart
of creation.
o The lower left-hand points towards the upraised foot and indicates the
path of salvation.
o The lower right hand is raised in the gesture of abhay mudra
signifying benediction and reassuring the devotee to not be afraid.

2.6 Rani kiVav

● It was built in the memory of the 11th century king Bhima I by his wife
queen Udayamati.
● It was resurrected after decades by the Archaeological Survey of India and was
declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site
in 2014.
● Other than this, there are 2 other UNESCO
World Heritage sites which are situated in
Gujarat e.g. Champaner-Pavagadh
Archaeological Park & Historic City of
Ahmedabad.
● Located on the banks of the Saraswati river
in the town of Patan, Gujarat, Rani kivav
is an intricately constructed step well (a
step well is a well or a pond in which the water is reached by descending a set
of steps).
More about Rani kiVav
● In a region where several areas have traditionally had to deal with water
scarcity, step wells are not uncommon. But what sets Rani Ki Vav a part is its
sheer size and fine craftsmanship.

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● Designed on the Maru-Gurjara architectural style, Rani kiVav was built at the
height of craftsmen‘s ability in step well construction, reflecting mastery of this
complex technique and great beauty of detail and proportions.
● Modelled as an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water it is divided
into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels of high artistic quality.
● On July 19, 2018, the Reserve Bank of India announced that the new 100
currency note in the Mahatma Gandhi New Series will feature Rani kiVav on the
rear side of the note.

2.7 UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

● It was created in 2004 to promote cooperation with and among cities that
have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban
development.
● UNESCO‘s Creative Cities Network helps cities place intangible heritage at
the heart of their development plans.
● In India, thus far Jaipur, Varanasi and Chennai have been designated as
Creative Cities by UNESCO because of the central role played by art,
crafts and music in local development.
● Jaipur‘s centuries-old legacy of crafts and folk art currently employs over
175,000 people and has generated a vibrant ecosystem of heritage festivals
and tourism.
● In Varanasi and Chennai, historic musical traditions have given birth to
flourishing music industries and networks of music festivals and academies.
● India currently has 37 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

2.8 First World Capital of Architecture

● The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) has announced that the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro will be the
World Capital of Architecture for 2020.
● Rio will be the first city to receive the title under a program launched together
by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA) in November last
year.
● The city will host the World Congress of UIA, in July 2020, an event that occurs
every three years.
● According to UNESCO, the World Capital of Architecture is intended to become
an international forum for debates about pressing global challenges from the
perspectives of culture, cultural heritage, urban planning and architecture.

2.9 Taj Mahal

● It is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site.
● Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) is an
area of about 10,400 sq km which
is spread over the districts of Agra,
Firozabad, Mathura, Hathras and
Etah in Uttar Pradesh and
Bharatpur districts of Rajasthan.
● The Supreme Court of India
delivered a ruling on December 30,
1996 regarding industries covered under the TTZ, in response to a PIL seeking
to protect the Taj Mahal from environmental pollution.

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o It banned the use of coal/ coke in industries located in the TTZ with a
mandate for switching over from coal/ coke to natural gas, and relocating
them outside the TTZ or shutting down.
● The TTZ comprises monuments including three World Heritage Sites the Taj
Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
● TTZ is so named since it is located around the Taj Mahal and is shaped like a
trapezoid.

2.10 Statue of Equality

● The world’s second tallest statue of a seated figure, at
216 feet of Bhakti saint Ramanujacharya has been
inaugurated in Hyderabad, named as ―Statue of Equality‖.
● Currently, the Great Buddha of Thailand is the tallest
statue, at 302-feet.
● Ramanuja propounded the Vishishtadvaita philosophy.
● It is non-dualism of the qualified whole, in which
Brahman alone exists, but is characterized by multiplicity.
● It can be described as qualified monism or qualified
non-dualism or attributive monism. It is a school of
Vedanta philosophy which believes in all diversity
subsuming to an underlying unity.

Paintings
3.1 Paintings at ‘Bhimbetka’
● The drawings and paintings from Bhimbetka can be categorized into seven
historical periods.
o Period I, Upper Palaeolithic;
o Period II, Mesolithic; and
o Period III, Chalcolithic.
o After Period III there are four successive periods.
Additional GYAN
 The caves of Bhimbetka were discovered in 1957–58 by eminent archaeologist
V.S. Wakankar and later on many more were discovered.
 The themes of paintings found here are of great variety, ranging from mundane
events of daily life in those times to sacred and royal images.
 Mesolithic Period- Hunting scenes predominate. Mesolithic artists loved to paint
animals.
 In some pictures, animals are chasing men. In others they are being chased and
hunted by men.
COLOURS-
 The paints were made by grinding various rocks and minerals.
 They got red from haematite (known as geru in India).
 The green came from a green variety of a stone called chalcedony.
 White might have been made out of limestone.
 What is amazing is that these colours have survived thousands of years of
adverse weather conditions.
 It is believed that the colours have remained intact because of the chemical
reaction of the oxide present on the surface of the rocks.

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 These pictures depict, in a dramatic way, both men and animals engaged in
the struggle for survival.
 At Bhimbetka, in some places, there are as many as 20 layers of paintings, one
on top of another.

3.2 Thanjavur paintings

● Painting has been recognized as a Geographical indication
by the Government of India in 2007-08.
● The idea of applying gold foil is unique to this
traditional art.
● The gold foil used liberally in Thanjavur paintings serves
two objectives:
o The glitter makes the painting more attractive,and
o It also prolongs the life of the artefact.

4.Dance Forms
4.1 CLASSICAL DANCES OF INDIA
BHARATNATYAM KATHAK
● Bharatnatyam dance is considered ● Emerged from the Kathakar
to be over 2,000 years old. (storytelling tradition of Braj and
● The Abhinaya Darpana by Mathura).
Nandikesvara is one of the main ● It came into prominence due to
sources of textual material for the efforts of Mughal Emperors and
study of technique and grammar of especially nawab Wajid Ali Shah of
body movement in Bharatnatyam Lucknow.
dance. ● An important feature of Kathak is
● With the decline of the Devadasi the development of different
system, the art too became nearly gharanas as it is based on
extinct. Hindustani style of music:
● However, the efforts of E. Krishna o Lucknow: Reached its peak
Iyer, a prominent freedom fighter, under the reign of Nawab
revived this dance form. Wajid Ali Khan. It puts more
● Rukmini Devi Arundale, another importance on expression
famous proponent of Bharatnatyam, and grace.
is remembered for giving global o Jaipur: Initiated by
recognition to the dance. Bhanuji, it emphasised
● The element of fire is manifested fluency, speed and long
through Bharatnatyam, also known rhythmic patterns.
as fire dance since steps are very o Raigarh: It developed under
quick. the patronage of Raja
● Bharatnatyam dance is known to Chakradhar Singh. It is
be ekaharya, where one dancer unique in its emphasis on
takes on many roles in a single percussion music.
performance. o Banaras: It developed
● Alarippu-Seeks the blessing of the under Janakiprasad. It sees
God. a greater use of floor work
● Last Step-Tilana- Shows the joyous and lays special emphasis
moments which depict liberation. on symmetry.
KATHAKALI KUCHIPUDI
● It belongs to Kerala and symbolizes ● Kuchipudi derives its name from
the eternal fight between good and the Andhra village of Kusselavapuri
evil. or Kuchelapuram.

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● Theme- Ramayana, ● It involves difficult foot movements

Mahabharata and Puranas and is generally a team
● The language used for Kathakali performance.
songs is Manipravalam, i.e., a ● Most of the Kuchipudi recitals are
mixture of Malayalam and Sanskrit. based on stories of Bhagwata
● Chakiarkoothu, Koodiyattam, purana but have a secular theme.
Krishnattam and Ramanattam are There is predominance of
few of the ritual performing arts of Shringaararas.
Kerala which have had a direct ● The Kuchipudi dance style is a
influence on Kathakali in its form manifestation of the earthly
and technique. elements in the human body.
● For body movements and ● Famous proponents: Radha Reddy
choreographic patterns, Kathakali is and Raja Reddy, Yamini
also indebted to the early martial Krishnamurthy, Indrani Rehman
arts of Kerala. etc.
MANIPURI ODISSI
● Lai Haraoba is the earliest form of ● Archaeological evidence of this
dance which forms the basis of all dance form, dating back to the
stylised dances in Manipur. second century BC, is found in the
● The dance in Manipur is associated caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri
with rituals and traditional festivals; near Bhubaneswar.
there are legendary references to the ● Odissi is a highly stylised dance,
dances of Shiva and Parvati and other and to some extent is based on the
gods and goddesses who created the classical Natya Shastra and the
Universe. Abhinaya Darpana.
● Manipur dance has a large repertoire; ● Use of Tribhanga Posture.
however, the most popular forms are ● Element of water is manifested
the Ras, the Sankirtanaand the Thang- through Odissi.
Ta.
MOHINIYATTAM SATTRIYA
• It is the classical solo dance form of ● The Sattriya dance form was
Kerala performed by women. introduced in the 15th century AD
• According to a Puranic story, Lord by the great Vaishnava saint and
Vishnu took on the guise of a ‗Mohini ' reformer of Assam,
to seduce the Asuras. MahapurushaSankaradeva.
• The element of air is symbolised ● The art form derives its name from
through a Mohiniyattam performance. the Vaishnava monasteries known
• Mohiniyattam combines the grace and as ‗Sattras‘, where it was primarily
elegance (Lasya Aspect) of practised.
Bharatnatyam with vigour of ● Sattriya dance tradition is governed
Kathakali. by strictly laid down principles in
• This dance form of Kerala was respect of hastamudras, footworks,
structured into the present-day classical aharyas, music and so on.
format by the Travancore Kings, ● The focus of the Sattriya recitals is
Maharaja Kartika Thirunal and his own the devotional aspect of dance
successor Maharaja Swati Tirunal (18th and narrates mythological stories of
& 19th centuries CE). Vishnu.
• Famous proponents are: Sunanda Nair,
KalamandalamKshemavathy, Madhuri
Amma, Jayaprabha Menon, Kanak Rele
etc.
• Recently, Kanak Rele, Mohiniyattam
dancer, was awarded the first Guru
Gopinath National Puraskaram of the
Government of Kerala.

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4.2 Folk Dances

4.2.1 CHHAU DANCE-ODISHA, JHARKHAND, WEST BENGAL
● It is a semi classical Indian dance with martial, tribal and folk traditions, with
origins in the eastern Indian state Odisha.
● It is found in three styles named after the location where they are performed,
i.e. the Purulia Chau of Bengal, the Seraikella Chau of Jharkhand, and the
Mayurbhanj Chau of Odisha.

4.2.2 KALBELIA-RAJASTHAN
• This fascinating dance is performed by the women of the nomadic Kalbelia
community whose primary occupation is rearing snakes and trading in snake
venom.
• On festive occasions, as traditional songs are sung to the plaintive notes of the
‗been‘ and the ‗daf‘, the dancers belonging to the ‗Nath‘ sect dressed in their
traditional black swirling skirts perform this dance.
• The dance highlights the unparalleled virtuosity of the dancers often
reminiscent of the graceful and supple movements of the snake.

4.2.3 HOZAGIRI-TRIPURA
• Hozagiri dance is the most popular and spectacular dance of the Reang
community of Tripura.
• The occasions in which Reang women perform Hozagiri are known as Mailuma
and Maiktah, signifying the festival of new harvest and worship of Lakshmi, the
goddess of wealth and prosperity.
• The Reangs believe that when the goddess is pleased by entertaining with
dance and songs, she blesses them with bumper crops.
• Thus, the theme of this dance is mostly connected with cultivation.
• All along the dance they twist their waist with much finesse.

4.2.4 BADHAI- MADHYA PRADESH

• A typical folk dance of Madhya Pradesh, Badhai is performed to thank Goddess
Sheetala for safeguarding people from natural calamities and ailments and to
seek her blessings on happy occasions like weddings and childbirth.
• Accompanied by folk musical instruments, the performers dance gracefully to a
rhythm, creating a lively and a colourful spectacle.
• This particular rhythm is known as Badhai from which this folk dance has
acquired its name.
• Animals also take part in BadhaiNritya and in many villages mares (female
horses) are seen at such performances.

4.2.5 PAIKA-JHARKHAND
• ‗Paika‘ is a typical dance of the Munda community of Jharkhand, and
thematically represents rituals connected with preparations for war.
• With chest blades, multi-coloured headgear, anklets, bows, arrows, spears,
swords and shields the dancers enact battle scenes, symbolizing the great war
of the Mundas against the British.
• The fast beat of the madal, along with the use of other musical instruments like
dhol, nagara, shehnai, and ranbheri make Paika dance performances truly
captivating.
• Though performed on various occasions, the Paika dance is most readily
associated with the Dussehra celebrations.

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4.2.6 SIDDHI DHAMAL-GUJARAT

• The Siddhies migrated to India from Africa about 750 years ago.
• They settled in the coastal parts of Gujarat like Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Junagarh
and Surat.
• They follow Muslim religion and dance to the beat of drum on the eve of the Urs
of their Prophet Baba Gaur.
• The dancers gradually pick up tempo and get into trance breaking tossed
coconut on their heads.
• Just like their ancestors from Africa, Siddhies are master of rhythm dancing to
the tune of huge drums.

4.2.7 BIHU-ASSAM
• Bihu is one of the most colourful folk dances of India.
• The dance is an integral part of the Bihu Festival celebrated to mark the advent
of Spring and the Assamese New Year.
• Bihu ushers in the sowing time and also the season of marriage.
• The dance has been noted for maintaining authenticity and at the same time
displaying the traditional Assamese handlooms and handicrafts in their glory
and beauty by the dancers.

5. Music
Music is the soul of any culture and India has had a long tradition of musical
ingenuity. It is said that Narada Muni (sage) introduced the art of music to earth.

5.1 India’s first Music Museum

Trinity of Carnatic Music are-
• The country‘s first music museum will be set up
1. Tyagaraja
in Thiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu.
• Thiruvaiyaru is the birth place of Saint Tyagaraja, 2. MuthuswamiDikshitar
one of the Trinity of Carnatic music. 3.SyamaSastri.

5.2 Bhakti Poets

The time period of various Bhakti poets is as following-
● Kabir (15thCnetury AD)
● Guru Nanak (15th Century AD)
● DaduDayal (1554—1603 AD)
● Mira Bai (1498—1546 AD)
● Tulsidas (1532—1623 AD)
● Surdas (16th Century AD)

Tyagaraja
● He was a renowned composer of Carnatic music, a form of Indian classical
music.
● His compositions are mainly of a devotional (bhakti) or philosophical nature.
● His songs feature himself usually either in an appeal to his deity of worship
(primarily the Avatar Rama), in musings, in narratives, or giving a message to
the public.
● He has also composed krithis in praise of Krishna, Shiva, Shakti, Ganesha,
Muruga, Saraswati and Hanuman.

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● Tyagaraja‘s devotion to Rama was total, but he also describes Rama‘s individual
characteristics such as physical beauty, personal charm, his soft, befriending
speech, diplomatic shrewdness and ruling ability. He even goes to the extent of
portraying Rama as the supreme God who assigns duties to the Trinity and
cites the third and the sixth chapters of Valmiki Ramayana as his authority.

6. Religion
Hinduism Islam
Hinduism is a word that is drawn from ● Islam originated in the Arabian
‗Hindu‘, which was meant as a term to Peninsula in the 7th century AD
connote people who lived in the and spread over the world through
geographical area around the river a large empire.
Indus. ● The word ‗Islam‘ connotes
Four Sects under Hinduism ‗submission‘ to God.
● Vaishnavism: Followers consider ● The basic tenants of Islam are that
Vishnu as the Supreme Lord. there is only one Allah
● Shaivism: It considers Shiva as (manifestation of god) who sent his
the Supreme Lord. messenger to help the people on
● Shaktism: It considers feminine Earth and Prophet Muhammad
and the Devi or goddess as was the last Prophet.
supreme. It is known for its Sects in Islam-
various sub-traditions of Tantra. ● Although there are various sects
● Smartism: It is based on the in Islam, two major sub-divisions
teachings of Puranas. Smartism are: Shia (those who were
accepts two concepts of Brahman, partisans of Ali) and Sunni (those
namely Saguna Brahman–the who follow the Sunnah).
Brahman with attributes, and ● The difference between the two is
Nirguna Brahman –the Brahman based on who should be the
without attributes. successor to Prophet Muhammad.
● The Sunnis believed that it should
be from those close to the Prophet
and who were his initial followers
like Abu Bakr.
● On the contrary the Shia‘s claimed
that Prophet‘s successor should
be from his own flesh and blood
and supported the claim of Ali, his
son-in law.
Jainism Buddhism
• The word ‗Jain‘ is derived from jina ● The origin of Buddhism is
or jaina which means the attached to the story of
Conqueror. Siddhartha who came to be known
• They believe that their religion is as Buddha.
comprised of people who have ● The traditions, beliefs and
managed to control and conquer practices in Buddhism are
their desires. attributed to Buddha.
• The principle of ahimsa,"non- ● It is the world‘s fourth largest

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violence" or "non-injury" is religion after Christianity, Islam

fundamental to Jain Philosophy. and Hinduism.
• Three jewels of Jainism- The basic tenets of Buddhism
o Right belief, are explained through the four
o Right knowledge and major Noble truths-
o Right conduct 1. The truth of suffering (Dukkha)
• First Jain council held at Pataliputra
2. The truth of the origin of suffering
in the 3rd century BC and presided (Samudāya)
by Sthulabahu. 3. The truth of the cessation of
suffering (Nirodha)
4. The truth of the path to the
cessation of suffering (Magga)

Christianity Sikhism
● It was founded by Jesus Christ in ● The history of Sikhism commences
Jerusalem. with the life, times and teachings
● The basic philosophy of Christianity of Guru Nanak (1469-1539).
is the existence of one God who o He was a non-conformist with
created the Universe. a different vision.
● God sends messengers or messiah(s) o He gave an organised fight to
when necessary, to help his creation. the Hindu religion.
o He not only critiqued the
existing life of the people of
Punjab but also gave an
alternative way of socio-
religious organisation of his
followers.
Zoroastrianism Judaism
● This religion has its origin in Persia by ● The followers of Judaism are
the prophet Zarathustra around 6-7 called Jews
BCE. ● This is also a monotheistic
● They worship fire but also consider air, religion that believes in one God.
water and earth to be sacred elements. ● Their religion pre-dates
Christianity and Islam. In fact,
these two religions have borrowed
a lot from Judaic philosophies.

6.2 Lingayats
● They are the followers of the 12th century social reformer-philosopher-poet
Basaveshwara who defied the caste system and Vedic rituals.
● The terms Lingayatism and Veerashaivism have been used synonymously,
and Lingayats also referred to as Veerashaivas.
● They argue that the premise of this rebellion was rooted in opposition to the
established Hindu order.
● Lingayats worship Shiva. Some in favour of re-categorisation say the
concept of ‗IshtaLinga‘ (personal god) and rules of conduct prescribed by
Basaveshwara cannot be equated to the Hindu way of life.

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● On the other hand, those opposed to the re-categorisation, including

sections in the community, say the rebellion was reformist, like the Bhakti
movement, and not aimed at breaking away from the Hindu fold.
● Lingayatismemphasizes qualified monism and bhakti (loving devotion) to
Shiva.

6.3 Major Buddhist Monasteries

Tawang Monastery (Arunachal Tabo Monastery, Spiti Valley,
Pradesh) Himachal Pradesh
● It is India‘s largest Buddhist ● It was founded way back in 996 A.D.
monastery. The Tawang Monastery ● The Gompa lies on the snow-covered
was built according to the wishes cold barren desert amid the Tabo
of the 5th Dalai Lama, Valley at an altitude of 3050 m.
NgawangLobsang Gyatso. ● A complete heaven, this sacred site
● But it was founded in 1680-81 by is a preserver of traditions, culture
a monk named MeragLodre Gyatso and heritage of Buddhism from
of the Gelug sect after the 4th around centuries.
Dalai Lama gave him a painting of
goddess PaldenLhamo to be kept in
the monastery. An eight-metre
high gilded statue of Lord Buddha
dominates the sanctum of the
monastery.
Rumtek Monastery Hemis Monastery
● One of the largest monasteries in ● The largest, wealthiest and the most
Sikkim, Rumtek Gompa is popular monastery of Ladakh.
dedicated to the Kargyu sect of ● Hemis monastery is located at a
Buddhism, and finds its roots back distance of 40 km south-eastwards
to a 12th century in Tibet. This of Leh.
monastery is a replica of the
original one in Tsurphu.
● This monastery was founded in
1960s by the 16th Karmapa,
Gyalwa Karmapa.
● From the top, one can enjoy
wonderful views of Gangtok town.

7. AWARDS AND HONOURS

7.1 Bharat Ratna Award
● It is the highest civilian award of the republic of India which came into
existence on 2nd January 1954.
● There is no written provision The 2019 Bharat Ratna award has been
that Bharat Ratna should be bestowed upon former President Pranab
awarded to Indian citizens only. Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh and singer
The award has been awarded to Bhupen Hazarika.
a naturalized Indian citizen,
Agnes GonxhaBojaxhiu, better

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known as Mother Teresa (1980) and to two non-Indians - Khan Abdul

Ghaffar Khan and Nelson Mandela (1990).
● In the Indian order of precedence, Bharat Ratna awardee comes at seventh
position. But Bharat Ratna recipients are constitutionally prohibited to use
award name as title as per Article 18 of the Constitution of India.
● Maximum 3 nominees may be awarded per year.
● Bharat Ratna award was in recognition of extraordinary performance in the
field of literature, science, public services and arts only .This award belongs
to all people of India without any discrimination of sex, race and age.
Previously award belonged to only limited criteria but in December 2011 the
criteria was changed to include all fields of human endeavour.

7.2 Gandhi Peace Prize

● The annual award was instituted by the Government of India in 1995 during
the commemoration of 125th Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
● The award carries an amount of Rs 1 Crore, a Citation in a scroll, a plaque
as well as an exquisite traditional handicraft/handloom item.
● This is the first time that the awardees of four years have been announced
together ever since the award was instituted in 1995.
● Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, won the award for 2015 for rural
development and education.
● For 2016, the award has been jointly given to Akshaya Patra Foundation
for providing mid-day meals to children across the country and Sulabh
International for its work towards emancipation of manual scavengers.
● For 2017, the award has been given to Ekai Abhiyan Trust for its
contribution to education for rural and tribal children.
● For 2018, to WHO Goodwill Ambassador YoheiSasakawa for his role in
leprosy eradication.

7.3 Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

● This prize is given annually to organizations and individuals in
recognition of creative efforts towards promoting peace, development
internationally using scientific discoveries for the greater good of humanity.
● Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has been awarded with Indira
Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for the year 2018.
● Some notable recipients of the prize are: Dr. Manmohan Singh (2017), UN
High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) (2015), Indian Space Research
Organization (2014), Angela Merkel (2013), UN and its secretary-general Kofi
Annan (2003) and MS Swaminathan (1999).

8. Government Schemes
8.1 Incredible India campaign
● It is a campaign promoted by Ministry of Tourism.
● Under this campaign a series of promotional activities are undertaken in
important and potential markets overseas through the India Tourism
offices abroad and within India.
● The Ministry of Tourism has launched the Incredible India 2.0 Campaign
during 2017-18. It is a campaign is to promote various tourism products
including spirituality, medical and wellness, wildlife.
● Ministry of Tourism has identified key focus areas including fashion, cuisine,
cruise, polo and golf.

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8.2 Swadesh Darshan Scheme VS HRIDAY Scheme VS PRASHAD Scheme

Swadesh Darshan HRIDAY Scheme PRASHAD Scheme
Scheme
● The focus of the scheme ● The Heritage City ● PRASAD Scheme
is placed on development Development and (Pilgrimage
of particular thematic Augmentation Yojana Rejuvenation and
circuit consisting of scheme is aimed at Spiritual
various preserving and Augmentation Drive)
religious/spiritual revitalizing the soul and aims to create spiritual
destinations in unique character of the centres for tourism
State/Union Territories. heritage cities in India. development within the
● It aims to promote local ● It has been approved by country.
arts, culture, the Ministry of Urban ● Under the PRASAD
handicrafts, cuisine, Development for the scheme, 13 sites have
etc., to generate twelve cities under the been identified for
livelihood in the scheme in the first development, namely:
identified regions phase. 1. Amritsar,
● Under Swadesh Darshan ● The cities are- 2. Ajmer,
scheme, 13 thematic 1. Amaravati (Andhra 3. Dwaraka,
circuits have been Pradesh); 4. Mathura,
identified for 2. Gaya (Bihar); 5. Varanasi,
development. 3. Dwarka (Gujarat), 6. Gaya,
● They are- 4. Badami (Karnataka); 7. Puri,
1. Buddhist Circuit, 5. Puri (Odisha), 8. Amaravati,
2. North-East India 6. Amritsar (Punjab); 9. Kanchipuram,
Circuit, 7. Ajmer (Rajasthan); 10. Vellankanni,
3. Coastal Circuit, 8. Kanchipuram (Tamil 11. Kedarnath,
4. Himalayan Circuit, Nadu); 12. Kamakhya, and
5. Krishna Circuit, 9. Vellankani (Tamil 13. Patna
6. Desert Circuit, Nadu);
7. Eco Circuit, 10. Warangal
8. Wildlife Circuit, (Telangana);
9. Tribal Circuit, 11. Varanasi (Uttar
10. Rural Circuit, Pradesh); and
11. Spiritual Circuit, 12. Mathura (Uttar
12. Ramayana Circuit Pradesh).
and
13. Heritage Circuit.
● First Tribal Circuit
Project under Swadesh
Darshan Scheme has
been inaugurated in
Chhattisgarh.

9. Festivals
9.1 Hornbill Festival 2018
● The festival, named after a bird, is a spectacular event showcasing rich ancient
culture & civilizational unity of people of Nagaland.
● It is celebrated every year in the first week of December.

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9.2 Dwijing Festival

● It is a river tourism project of the Assam government
● Dwijing means river bank and the festival covering areas around the river Aie
focus on business and income generation for the local people through rural
tourism.

9.3 Kambala
● It is an annual buffalo race which is a tradition in the Karnataka's Dakshina
Kannada and Udupi districts' farming community.

9.4 AmbubachiMela
● AmbubachiMela, a four-day fair to mark the annual menstruation of the
goddess at Kamakhya temple in Guwahati.
● Kamakhya, atop Nilachal Hills in Guwahati, is one of 51 shaktipeeths or seat of
Shakti followers, each representing a body part of the Sati, Lord Shiva‘s
companion. The temple‘s sanctum sanctorum houses the yoni—female genital—
symbolised by a rock.

9.5 Aadi Mahotsav

● It is a National Tribal Festival.
● It is being organized in New Delhi by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED.
● It aims to celebrate, cherish and promote the spirit of tribal craft, culture,
cuisine and commerce.
● Theme of the Festival: ―A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Culture, Craft,
Cuisine and Commerce‖.
● The Mahotsav will comprise of display and sale of items of tribal art and craft,
tribal medicine & healers, tribal cuisine and display of tribal folk performance.

10. Institutions/ Organizations

10.1 Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
● It is an autonomous Institute under Ministry of Culture.
● The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, established in memory of
Smt. Indira Gandhi, is visualised as a centre encompassing the study and
experience of all the arts – each form with its own integrity, yet within a
dimension of mutual interdependence, interrelated with nature, social
structure and cosmology.
● Its goal is to foster dialogue between arts and current ideas in philosophy,
science and technology, with a view toward bridging the gap in intellectual
understanding between modern sciences and arts and culture.
● It aims to serve as a major resource centre for the arts, especially written,
oral and visual source materials and to undertake research and publication
programmes of reference works, glossaries, dictionaries and encyclopedia
concerning the arts and the humanities.

10.2 National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA)

● The gallery is a repository of the cultural ethos
of the country and showcases the changing art

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forms through the passage of the last hundred and fifty years starting from
about 1857 in the field of Visual and Plastic arts. Notwithstanding some gaps
and some trivia, the NGMA collection today is undeniably the most significant
collection of modern and contemporary art in the country today.
● The Gallery is the premier institution of its kind in India. It is run and
administered as a subordinate office to the Department of Culture, Government
of India.
Additional GYAN about NGMA-
1. The NGMA has two branches one at Mumbai and the other at Bengaluru.
2. The principal aims and objectives of the National Gallery of Modern Art are-
● To acquire and preserve works of modern art from 1850s onward
● To organize, maintain and develop galleries for permanent display
● To organize special exhibitions not only in its own premises but in other
parts of the country and abroad.
● To develop an education and documentation centre in order to acquire,
maintain and preserve documents relating to works of modern art
● To develop a specialized library of books, periodicals, photographs and other
audio visual materials
● To organize lectures, seminars and conferences, and to encourage higher
studies and research in the field of art history, art criticism, art
appreciation, museology and the inter-relations on visual and performing
arts.

10.3 Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)

It was founded in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, independent India‘s first
Education Minister.
Objectives-
● To actively participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and
programmes pertaining to India’s external cultural relations;
● To foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between
India and other countries; to promote cultural exchanges with other countries
and people; and
● To develop relations with nations.
Foreign Secretary is the ex-officio Vice-President of ICCR.

10.4 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

● It is under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
● It was established in the year 1861.
● It is the premier institution in India concentrating on archaeological researches,
explorations, excavations and protection and preservation of monuments and
sites of national importance.
● At present no construction is allowed within 100 metres of a protected structure
even for infrastructure projects
like metro trains. The man who restored heritage
Monuments of National  In 1861, Lord Canning appointed Sir
Importance Alexander Cunningham as the
● ASI declared 6 monuments of Archaeological Surveyor to the
national importance in 2018. Government of India.
● The 125-year-old Old High  He was responsible for excavations in
Court Building in Nagpur, Sarnath in 1837 and Sanchi in 1841.
Maharashtra, and two Mughal-  In 1871, he was made the first Director
General of the Archaeological Survey of
India.
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 After that began a series of field surveys,
which are documented in reports.
 He helped in restoration of numerous
heritage sites including the Bhitargaon
Temple near Kanpur.
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era monuments in Agra — Haveli of Agha Khan and Hathi Khana — are among
the six monuments declared protected and of national importance by the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 2018.
● There are 3,693 centrally protected monuments/sites under the ASI in the
country. Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of sites (745 monuments/sites),
while Karnataka (506) and Tamil Nadu (413) have the 2nd and 3rd highest
number of ASI-maintained sites.
● According to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains
Act, 1958, an ―Ancient Monument means any structure, erection or monument,
or any tumulus or place of interment, or any cave, rock-sculpture, inscription or
monolith which is of historical, archaeological or artistic interest and which has
been in existence for not less than 100 years."
● Vishnu Temple in Nadavayal in Kerala's Wayanad district was included in
the list of sites of National Importance in 2015.

11. MISCELLANEOUS
11.1 Shri Ramayana Express
● It is an initiative of Ministry of Railway.
● The special tourist train will offer a 16-day tour package - one in India and
the other in Sri Lanka.
● The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will manage
the tour.
● The train will then cover the important destinations of Ramayana circuit
such as Nandigram, Sitamarhi, Varanasi, Prayag, Shringverpur, Chitrakoot,
Nasik, Hampi and Rameshwaram.
● 15 destinations in India are part of Ramayana Circuit theme, under
Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
● They are Ayodhya, Nandigram, Shringverpur and Chitrakoot (Uttar Pradesh),
Sitamarhi, Buxar and Darbhanga (Bihar), Chitrakoot (Madhya Pradesh),
Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh), Mahendragiri (Odisha), Nashik and Nagpur
(Maharashtra), Bhadrachalam (Telangana), Hampi (Karnataka) and
Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu).

11.2 UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage

● It includes traditions or living expressions inherited from the ancestors and
passed on to the descendants.
● It also includes oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals,
festive events etc.
● It includes 13 Intangible Cultural Heritage Elements from India:
1. Tradition of Vedic chanting.
2. Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana.
3. Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre in Kerala
4. Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal
Himalayas.
5. Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala.
6. Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan.
7. Chhau dance, a semi classical Indian dance with martial, tribal and
folk traditions, with origins in the eastern Indian state Odisha.
8. Buddhist chanting of Ladakh.
9. Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur.

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10. Thatheras: Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making

among the Jandiala Guru, Punjab.
11. Nawrouz, a Persian New Year celebrated by various ethno-linguistic
groups.
12. Yoga
13. KumbhMela
11.3 Kartarpur Sahib Corridor
● The corridor will facilitate pilgrims from India who visit Gurdwara Darbar
Sahib, Kartarpur, on the banks of the Ravi River in Pakistan every year.
● The historical Kartarpur Gurudwara also known as Darbar Sahib Kartarpur is
situated on the banks of river Ravi and is considered to be the first gurdwara
ever built.
● The corridor was proposed by the former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999.
● As Kartarpur Gurdwara lies only 3 kilometers from the border with India,
Pakistan in the year 2000 agreed to allow Sikh pilgrims from India to visit the
shrine visa-free (and without passport) by constructing a bridge from the India
side of the border to the shrine.

11.3 People/ Places/Events in News

Paika Rebellion Battle of Bhima Koregaon
● Paikas were traditional landed ● Bhima-Koregaon, a small village
militia under the state's Gajapati in Pune district of Maharashtra,
rulers. has a rich Maratha history.
● BakshiJagabandhuBidyadhar, the ● 201 years ago, on January 1,
military chief of the King of 1818, a few hundred Mahar
Khurda, had led his army of Paikas soldiers of the East India
in 1817 against the British East Company, led by the British,
India Company for tinkering with defeated the massive Peshwa
the revenue system and forced army, led by Peshwa Bajirao II, in
British forces to retreat. Koregaon.
● The Paik Rebellion succeeded in ● It was one of the last battles of the
getting large remissions of arrears, Third Anglo-Maratha War, which
reductions in assessments, ended the Peshwa domination.
suspension of the sale of the ● The battle was seen as a win
estates of defaulters at discretion, against the caste-based
a new settlement on fixed tenures discrimination and oppression.
and other adjuncts of liberal The Company troops of Indian
governance. origin included predominantly
● Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Mahar Dalit soldiers belonging to
Patnaik recently, demanded that the Bombay Native Infantry, and
the Centre accord the Paika therefore Dalit activists regard the
Rebellion of 1817 as the first war battle as a heroic episode in Dalit
of Independence against British history.
rule.
● He also reiterated the demand
before the prime minister that a
new train from Odisha in the name
of BakshiJagabandhu be started.
Dnyaneshwar Ibn Battuta
● He is also known as Dnyandev or ● He was a traveler who originally
Mauli (1275–1296). belonged to Morocco.

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● He was a 13th century Marathi ● He visited India during the reign of

saint, poet, philosopher and yogi of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq.
the Nath tradition, whose ● He visited both Maldives Islands
Dnyaneshwari (a commentary on and Calicut in Kerala, during his
the Bhagavad Gita) and journey.
Amrutanubhav are considered to
be milestones in Marathi literature.
Vijayanagar Empire Chhau Mask
● In the battle of Talikota the ● This mask is used in Chau
Vijaynagara Kingdom was defeated dance which is a tradition from
by the Deccan Sultanates. eastern India (West Bengal,
● The Virupaksha temple at Hampi Odisha, Jharkhand).
was built by Krishnadev Rai under ● Chau enacts episodes from
Vijaynagara Empire in 1509. epics including the
● Yakshagana is perhaps the oldest Mahabharata and Ramayana,
theatre traditions, which is local folklore and abstract
prevalent till date in the regions of themes.
Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. It ● Recently Chau Mask has been
originated in the royal courts of the presented with GI Tags along
Vijaynagar empire and was with 4 other products which
performed by a particular include wooden mask of
community known as JakkulaVaru. Kushmandi, Patachitra, Dhokras
Originally, it was largely a of Bengal, and Madurkathi (a
descriptive dance-drama enacted by kind of mat).
a single artist. Later forms adopted
further variations and became a
typical dance drama.
● Some of the popular variants of
Yakshagana are Lalita in
Maharashtra, Bhavai in Gujarat
and GandharvaGana in Nepal.
Jallianwala Bagh massacre Tipu Sultan
● Rabindranath Tagore ● Tipu Sultan's reign is remembered
renounced his knighthood in for many technological and
protest against the massacre. administrative innovations. He
● After the massacre Gandhi Ji
introduced new coin
gave up the title of Kaiser-i-
Hind, bestowed by the British denominations, new coin types
for his work during Boer War. and a luni-solar calendar.
● The Hunter Committee did not ● Luni-solar calendar [LSC] is based
impose any penal or disciplinary on each month, or lunation,
action because Dyer‘s actions beginning at dawn following the
were supported by various moon's conjunction with the sun.
superiors (later upheld by the
● Tipu Sultan is also revered as a
Army Council).
● Also, before the Hunger pioneer in the use of rocket
Committee began its artillery. He expanded the use of
proceedings, the government rockets, deploying as many as
had passed an Indemnity Act for 5,000 rocketeers at a time.
the protection of its officers. The ● In the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War
―white washing bill‖ as the 1798-99, however, he was defeated
Indemnity Act was called, was

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severely criticised by Motilal when the forces of the British East

Nehru and others. India Company, the Marathas and
● Union Government has decided the Nizam of Hyderabad came
to renovate the Jallianwala
together. He was killed on May 4,
Bagh memorial in Amritsar, as
part of the government’s plans 1799 while defending his fort of
to mark the centenary year of Srirangapatna, present-day
the 1919 massacre. Mandya in Karnataka.
● During his rule, Tipu Sultan also
introduced a land revenue system
which gave a boost to the Mysore
silk industry and helped in
establishing Mysore as a major
economic power.
Guru Nanak DeendayalHastkalaSankul
● Nanak was the last to come in the ● The foundation stone of
line of the Nirguna Bhakti poets DeendayalHastkalaSankul was laid
the ―Sants" as they were called down in November 2014 in
popularly. Varanasi.
● He proposed a simple way to ● The first phase was inaugurated by
connect to the Divine by the Prime Minister Modi on 22nd
remembering and repeating the December 2016.
Divine Name, expressing his ideas ● It would help the artisans and
through hymns called ―shabad‖ in weavers showcase their skills to
Punjabi. the world and facilitate a brighter
● The fifth preceptor, Guru Arjan, future for them.
compiled Baba Guru Nanak‘s
hymns along with those of his four
successors and other religious
poets like Baba Farid, Ravidas
(also known as Raidas) and Kabir
in the Adi Granth Sahib. These
hymns, called ―gurbani‖, are
composed in various languages.
● The Union Cabinet has decided
that the historic town of Sultanpur
Lodhi, associated with the life of
Shri Guru Nanak Devji, shall be
developed as a heritage town and
on the Smart City principles,
including energy efficiency, to
highlight Shri Guru Nanak Devji's
emphasis on sustainability and
reverence for nature.

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12. MCQs based on Current Affairs

Q1. Consider the following statements Q4. The statue of the Bhakti saint
about Swadesh Darshan, HRIDAY and Ramanuja marking a millennium was
PRASHAD scheme. recently in news. Consider the
1. PRASAD Scheme is associated with following statements, with reference to
the development of Theme-Based this.
Tourist Circuits. 1. It is the world‘s tallest statue of a
2. First Tribal Circuit project of India seated figure.
under PRASAD Scheme has been 2. It is a 216 feet statue of Bhakti
launched in North East. saint Ramanujacharya in Hyderabad,
3. HRIDAY and Swadesh Darshan named as ―Statue of Unity‖.
Scheme has been launched by 3.Ramanuja propounded the
Ministry of Tourism. Vishishtadvaita philosophy.
Which of the statement(s) given above Which of the statement(s) given above
is/are not correct? is/are not correct?
(a) 3 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 only
(d) All of the Above (d) 1 and 3 only

Q2. Recently, the Paintings at Q5. Consider the following statements

‗Bhimbetka‘ were in news. They about Ibn Battuta.
belong to which of the following 1. He was a traveler who originally
period(s)? belonged to Italy.
1. Upper Palaeolithic 2. He visited India during the reign of
2. Mesolithic Muhammad Bin Tughlaq.
3. Chalcolithic 3. He visited both Maldives Islands
Select the correct answer using the and Calicut in Kerala, during his
code given below. journey.
(a) 1 only Which of the statement(s) given above
(b) 1 and 3 only is/ are correct?
(c) 2 only (a) 2 only
(d) All of the Above (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
Q3. With reference to the "Indira (d) 3 only
Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
(IGNCA)", consider the following Q6. Recently Shri Ramayana Express,
statements. a special tourist train was flagged off
1. It is an autonomous Institute with 800 passengers. With reference
under Ministry of Culture. to this consider the following
2. To foster dialogue between the arts statements.
and current ideas in philosophy, 1. It is an initiative of Ministry of
science and technology is a major goal Tourism.
of IGNCA. 2. The train covers the important
Which of the above statement(s) destinations of Ramayana Circuit.
is/are correct? 3. The Ramayana Circuit also covers
(a) 1 only Sri Lankan cities like Colombo and
(b) 2 only Kandy.
(c) Both 1 and 2 Which of the statement(s) given above
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 is/are correct?
(a) 2 only

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(b) 1 and 3 only 2. It is run and administered as a

(c) 2 and 3 only subordinate office to the Department
(d) All of the Above of Culture, Government of India.
Which of the statements given above
is/ are correct?
Q7. India‘s first music museum is
(a) 1 only
planned to be set up, at which place?
(b) 2 only
(a) Surat
(c) Both 1 and 2
(b) Thiruvaiyaru
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Lucknow
(d) Rupaktal
Q11. Consider the following
monasteries and their respective
Q8. Consider the following statements
locations.
about Mohiniyattam Dance.
Monasteries Location
1. It is classical solo dance from
1.Tawang Arunachal Pradesh
Kerala performed by women.
2.Rumtek Himanchal Pradesh
2. The element of fire is symbolized
3.Hemis Sikkim
through Mohiniyattam performance.
4.Tabo Ladakh
3. Kanak Rele is a famous proponent
Which of the monasteries given above
of Mohiniyattam Dance.
and their respective location(s) is not
Which of the statement(s) given above
correctly matched?
is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All of the Above
(d) None of the Above
Q12. Consider the following
Q9. Consider the following statements
statements about Incredible India
about Indian Handloom.
campaign.
1. Development Commissioner for
1. It is a campaign promoted by
Handlooms was set up as an attached
Ministry of culture.
non-participating office under the
2. Incredible India 2.0 campaign aims
Ministry of Commerce.
to promote Medical and wildlife-based
2. DeendayalHastkalaSankul is
destinations.
established in Surat, Gujarat.
3. Incredible India 2.0 campaign will
3. The National Handloom Day is
also promote Golf and Polo Tourism
observed on 8th August.
Which of the statement(s) given above
Which of the statement(s) given above
is/are correct?
is/are correct?
(a) 2 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) All of the Above
(d) All of the Above
Q13. Consider the following
statements about Lingayats.
Q10. Consider the following
1. They are the followers of poet
statements about National Gallery of
Basaveshwara.
Modern Art (NGMA).
2. They worship nature and not any
1. Objective of NGMA is to acquire
God.
and preserve works of modern art
3. They share beliefs with Indian
from 1850s onward.
religions, such as about
reincarnation, samsara and karma.

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Which of the statement(s) given above 3. It was built by queen Udayanti in

is/are correct? the memory of King Bhima-I.
(a) 1 only Which of the statement(s) given above
(b) 1 and 3 only is/are correct?
(c) 2 and 3 only (a) 1 only
(d) All of the Above (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
Q14. Petroglyphs were recently in (d) All of the Above
news. They are?
(a) Prehistoric Rock Carvings Q18.Consider the following
(b) Prehistoric Manuscripts statements about Bharat Ratna
(c) Prehistoric prototype of seals. Award:
(d) Bronze Paintings of Indus Valley 1. It is the highest civilian honour in
Civilization India.
2. It can be awarded to Indian
Q15. Consider the following Citizens only.
statements about Bhitargaon Temple. 3. Maximum 3 nominees may be
1. It is a rock cut cave temple located awarded per year.
near Kanpur. 4. In the Indian order of precedence,
2. It was built in late Gupta Period. Bharat Ratna awardee comes at
3. It is considered a Shiva Temple. seventh position.
Which of the statement(s) given above Which of the statement(s) given above
is/are correct? is/are correct?
(a) 2 only (a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) All of the Above (d) All of the Above

Q16. Consider the following Q19. Consider the following

statements about Thanjavurpaintings, statements with reference to
which were recently in news. Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
1. Thanjavur paintings have 1. This corridor will facilitate pilgrims
Geographical Indication tag. from India who visit Gurdwara Darbar
2. The idea of applying gold foil is Sahib in Pakistan.
unique to this traditional art. 2. Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara is
3. Raman Spectroscopy can also be situated on the bank of river Jhelum,
used to find out if the foil is made of considered as first gurudwara ever
gold. built.
Which of the statement(s) given above 3. The corridor was proposed by the
is/are correct? former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee in
(a) 1 only 1999.
(b) 2 and 3 only Which of the statement(s) given above
(c) 1 and 2 only is/are correct?
(d) All of the Above (a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
Q17. Consider the following (c) 1 and 3 only
statements about Rani kiVav: (d) All of the Above
1. It is a only UNESCO World Heritage
Site, which is located in Gujarat. Q20. Which of the following is/are not
2. It is located on the bank of the contemporary of Bhakti poet
Saraswati River. Tyagaraja?
1. Kabir

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2. Surdas (b) 1, 3 and 4

3. Mirabai (c) 2, 3, 4 and 5
4. Guru Nanak (d) All of the Above
5. TulsIidas
Select the correct code using the
options given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
ANSWERS
1. d 2. d 3. c 4. c 5. b 6. a 7. b 8. c 9. a 10. c
11. c 12. c 13. b 14. a 15. a 16. d 17. b 18. c 19. c 20. d

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