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Trend Analysis of Art and Culture

In the Prelims Examination, UPSC does not specify the detailed syllabus related to the Art and Culture (it comes under History of India). 

Due to this, many times students are not able to identify the areas to be prepared and end up losing marks in the examination. 

However, Indian Art and Culture form an important part of the Civil Services Examination. It encompasses cultural aspects from ancient, medieval to modern times. 

Broad topics which are covered in Art and Culture are as follows:

1.  Visual Art

    •  Indian Architecture

    •  Sculptures

    •  Indian Paintings

    •  Pottery Tradition in India

    •  Indian Handicrafts

2.  Performing Art

    •  Music in India

   •  Dances in India

   •  Martial Arts in India

   •  Indian Theatre

   •  Indian Puppetry

   •  Indian Cinema and Circus

3.  Religions in-India

4.  Philosophy in-India

5.  Bhakti and Sufi Movements

6.  Languages and Literature in India

7.  Cultural Information

    •  Personalities Related to Culture

    •  Places of Cultural Interest

    •  Fairs and Festivals in India

    •  Cultural Institutions in India

    •  Awards and Honours Associated with Culture

    •  Science and Technology in Ancient India

    •  Coinage in India

The weightage of questions asked in Prelims is increasing year by year. Though it is a factual topic but it includes many underlined concepts and inter-linkages which help in constructing a time-line of events through ages. Even the questions related to Ancient, Medieval History are connected to culture of that time.

Trend Analysis

The trend is as follows: 

If we go through the questions, certain sub-sections are frequently asked in the paper such as—Buddhism, Jainism, Architecture, Vedic literature and Classical dance. Hence, student should study above stated topics thoroughly.

How to Prepare

The syllabus mentioned for the Prelims examination is in brief and does not define underlined topics or sub-topics needed for clearing the examination.

Hence in this process students end up reading many books and materials. They fail to understand what to read, from where to read, and how much to read. 

It has also been seen that students prefer readymade materials available in the market rather than the books. 

Significance of reading books:

•  Helps in better understanding

•  Helps in the development of broader outlook and learning of many micro-topics

•  Helps in enhancement of comprehension skill.

Books important for the preparation of Indian Culture are:

Note: In IASHELPDESK we are providing the books, videos, previous year questions and their trend analysis and sample questions at one stop so that a student may concentrate on the attainment of knowledge rather than busy accessing the different sources.