Culture, Ancient, Medieval

and Modern India

For Prelims

What this lecture will cover?

Syllabus
Analysis of previous years papers
Some previous year questions
Sources

Syllabus
Prelims
Culture, Ancient, Medieval and Modern Indian History History of India and Indian
National Movement.

Mains
Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture
from ancient to modern times.

Analysis of prelims papers

One of the 4 traditional pillars of prelims paper Polity, Geography, History,
Economics
Weightage decreased from around 20 questions earlier to now 5-6 questions;
Importance of Culture portion has increased

Section

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Culture

10

Ancient History

Medieval History

Modern Indian History

12

Culture
Topics

Architecture and Sculptures

Religion and Philosophy
Indian paintings

Indian Music
Indian Dances
Indian Theatres
Indian cinema
Indian Language & Literature
Arts & Crafts

Science and Technology in Ancient India

Indo- Islamic Culture

Prelims 2014
With reference to the famous Sattriya dance , consider the following statements :
1.
2.
3.

Sattriya is a combination of music , dance and drama.

It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam.
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

There are 8 classical dances

Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Odissi, Sattriya and Mohiniyattam

SOURCE- CCRT.gov.in

Prelims 2013
With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following
statements :
1.
2.
3.

The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor
Chandragupta Maurya.
At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

Ancient History
Topics

Prehistoric period
Harappan / Indus Valley Civilization
Vedic Age
Mahajanapadas
Religious Reforms

Mauryan Age & Post Mauryan Age

Sangam Age
Guptas Age & Post Guptas Age

Prelims 2013
With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following
statements regarding Sankhya school:
1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul.
2. Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior
influence or agent.
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

Medieval History

Early Medieval Period

North India
South India
Sultanate Period
The Delhi Sultanate
Vijayanagar & other Kingdoms
Religious Movements
Bhakti Movement
Sufi Movement
Mughal Period
Maratha Confederacy

Consider the following:

The arrival of Babur into India led to the
1. introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent
2. introduction of the arch and dome in the region's architecture
3. establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Modern Indian History

India in the late Eighteenth Century

The Advent of the Europeans and British Conquest of India
The British Administrative Structure, Reform, Impact and Organization of
Government of India
Social Religious Movements in 19th 20th centuries
The Revolt of 1857 & change after 1857
Moderate Phase (1885 1905)
Freedom Struggle: Extremist Phase (1905 17) - Emergence of Extremist &
Leaders - The Partition of Bengal - Morley-Minto Reforms - Swadeshi Movement,
Home Rule Movement etc.
47) - Gandhi Advent and Achievement - Rowlatt Act, Jallianawala Bagh
Massacre and Khilafat Movement - Non- Cooperation, Civil Disobedience and
Quit India Movement - British Response and Negotiations - INA and Subhash
Chandra Bose
Miscellaneous: Reforms / Acts / Committee, Congress Session, Governor
General Viceroys etc.

The Government of India Act of 1919 clearly defined

(a) The separation of power between the judiciary and the legislature.
(b) The jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments.
(c) The powers of the Secretary of State for India and the Viceroy
(d) None of the above

What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victorias Proclamation (1858)?

1. To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States
2. To place the Indian administration under the British Crown
3. To regulate East India Companys trade with India
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

With reference to Rowlatt Satyagraha, which of the following statements is/are

correct ?
1. The Rowlatt Act was based on the recommendations of the 'Sedition
Committee'.
2. In Rowlatt Satyagraha, Gandhiji tried to utilize the Home Rule League.
3. Demonstrations against the arrival of Simon Commission coincided with Rowlatt
Satyagraha.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Sources
Culture An Introduction to Indian Art (Class XI, New), Spectrum Facets of
Indian Culture, CCRT.Gov.in
Ancient History Class XI RS Sharma (Old NCERT)
Medieval History Class XI - Satish Chandra (Old NCERT)

Modern India Old XII NCERT (Bipin Chandra); Spectrum Modern India; Bipin
Chandra (India before independence); From Plassey to Partition : A History of
Modern India by Sekhar Bandyopadhyay

Sources

Thank You and.