Hot Topics 2020
Day 15
- 03 Aug 2020
- 12 min read
Welcome to the Prelims Refresher Programme 2020 - Article Page. On this page, we will provide you with 3 things:
- A list of topics for revision.
- A brief discussion of the topics if needed.
- Links to various sources for preparing these topics.
Art and Culture- Visual and Performing Arts
Visual and Performing Arts remain a very important topic for UPSC. A lot of questions have been asked over the years. Even the static questions on this topic are generally taken from the current happenings which have been in the recent news. Thus, the important news events of the year have been given below.
Indian Architecture
- Natesa: Pratihara Style of Rajasthan
- Mamallapuram
- Hampi
- Consecration at the Brihadisvara Temple
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves
- Gottiprolu- An Early Trade Centre of Andhra Pradesh
- Lakshmi Narasimha Temple: Hoysala Architecture
- Mauryan Art and Architecture- Part 1
- Mauryan Architecture- Part 2
- Temple Architecture
- Architectural Heritage of Orchha
- ASI's Plan to Conserve Taj Mahal
- Qutb Shahi Architecture
- Dispute Over Restoration of Konark Sun Temple
Previous Year Questions on Indian Architecture
Q. Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples? (2017)
- Arasavalli
- Amarakantak
- Omkareshwar
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q. What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? (2016)
- Both were built in the same period.
- Both belong to the same religious denomination.
- Both have rock-cut monuments.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the statements given above is correct
Q. With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, consider the following pairs: (2014)
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
Q. With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to (2014)
(a) an assembly of village elders
(b) a religious sect
(c) a style of temple construction
(d) an administrative functionary
Q. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two? (2013)
(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 two
Q. With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements:(2018)
- White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri.
- Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Dance Forms and Martial Arts
- Sattriya Dance
- Indian Classical Dances
- National Film Heritage Mission
- Odissi Dance
- Kathak
- Natyashastra
- Rongali Bihu
- Gatka Martial Art
- Kalaripayattu
Previous Year Questions on Dance Forms and Martial Arts
Q. Consider the following pairs: (2014)
- Garba : Gujarat
- Mohiniattam : Odisha
- 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
Q. How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam Dances? (2012)
- Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues are found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
- Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edge is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q. In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose? (2013)
(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 little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism
Q. With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’? (2014)
(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
Music
- Hindustani Music
- Annapurna Devi of Hindustani Music Passes Away
- Carnatic Music
- Summer Ragas
- Chindu Yakshaganam
- Dhrupad
- Asteroid named after Pandit Jasraj
Previous Year Questions on Music
Q.With reference to cultural history of India, consider the following statements: (2018)
- Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna.
- Tyagaraja created several new ragas.
- Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries.
- Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Q. With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements: (2017)
- It is a song and dance performance.
- Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.
- It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 only
Q. With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct? (2012)
- Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period
- Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music
- Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) None of the above is correct
Painting
- Madhubani Paintings
- Raja Ravi Varma
- Pinguli Chitrakatha Art
- Nilgiri Tribals Tensed Over Destruction of Rock Art
Previous Year Questions on Painting
Q. The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the (2018)
(a) Bundi school
(b) Jaipur school
(c) Kangra school
(d) Kishangarh school
Q. The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at (2017)
(a) Ajanta
(b) Badami
(c) Bagh
(d) Ellora
Q.Kalamkari painting refers to (2015)
(a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India
(b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East India
(c) a block-painted woollen cloth in Western Himalayan region of India
(d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India
Q. Consider the following historical places: (2013)
- Ajanta Caves
- Lepakshi Temple
- Sanchi Stupa
Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Q. Consider the following historical places: (2013)
- Ajanta Caves
- Lepakshi Temple
- Sanchi Stupa
Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Local Festivals & Handicrafts
- Kambala
- Pathamadai Silk Mat
- Aadi Mahotsav
- Ashadhi Bij
- Jallikattu
- Hori Habba
- Belum Caves Festival
- Hornbill Festival
Previous Year Questions on Local Festivals & Handicrafts
Q. Consider the following pairs: (2018)
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Q. Consider the following pairs: (2017)
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the above
Q. Consider the following pairs: (2015)
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q. Consider the following pairs: (2009)
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q. Consider the following pairs: (2018)
which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3
