Art & Culture

Table of Contents

1.0 Architecture

TOPIC LIST & Theory

S.No. TOPICS
1 Pre-Harappan Architecture
2 Harappan Architecture
3 Mauryan Architecture
4 Post-Mauryan Period Architecture
5 Gupta Period Architecture
6 Nagara Style Schools of Temple Architecture
7 Vesara Style Schools of Temple Architecture
8 Hoysala Style Schools of Temple Architecture
9 Dravidian Style Schools of Temple Architecture
10 Temples of Khajuraho
11 Temples of Odisha
12 Temples of Gwalior
13 Temples of Gujarat
14 Temples of Rajasthan
15 Temples of Bengal
16 Temples of Assam
17 Temples of Himachal Pradesh
18 Temples of Jammu and Kashmir
19 Pallava Period Temples
20 Chola Period Temples
S.No. TOPICS
21 Pandya Temples
22 Vijaynagar Period Temples
23 NayakaTemples
24 Temples of Kerala
25 Rashtrakuta Period Temples
26 Imperial Style (Delhi Sultanate)(Indo-Islamic Architecture)
27 Provincial Style (Indo-Islamic Architecture)
28 Mughal Style (Indo-Islamic Architecture)
29 Sikh Style of Architecture (Indo-Islamic Architecture)
30 Avadh (Oudh) Style (Indo-Islamic Architecture)
31 Rajput Architecture (Indo-Islamic Architecture)
32 Jaina Art (Indo-Islamic Architecture)
33 Portuguese (Modern Architecture)
34 Danish (Modern Architecture)
35 British (Modern Architecture)
36 Indo-Saracenic Architecture
37 Post-Independence Period Architecture

CSE MAINS PYQ

S.No. PYQ (1985-2024)
1 What measures have been taken by the Government of India for the protection and preservation of historic monuments and relics? What are the responsibilities of the Archaeological Survey of India in this regard? There have been recent reports of serious damage to the world’s famous Taj Mahal at Agra. What are the reasons for the damage? What steps are being taken to protect and preserve the Taj Mahal? CSE 1985
2 What are the basic differences between Mughal style of painting and the Rajput style of painting? (About 50 words) CSE   1985
3 Point out the chief characteristics of the architecture of any two of the following: (About 30 words for each) CSE 1985
  i. Temples of Khajuraho
  ii. Taj Mahal
  iii. Victoria Memorial
4 Write a note on the origin and development of Oriental Art. CSE   1986
5 What were the new elements introduced by the Muslim rulers in the development of Indian architecture? (About 50 words) CSE 1987
6 Evaluate the chief characteristics of any two of the following: (About 50 words for each) CSE 1988
  i. Gandhara School of Art
  ii. Rock-cut temple architecture
  iii. Chola architecture
7 Write about the chief characteristics of the following: CSE 1989
  i. Carnatic music
  ii. Kishangarh style of painting
  iii. Nagara style of architecture
  iv. Neo-art movement of Rabindranath Tagore
8 Kangra School of Painting CSE 1990
9 Chandella school of architecture CSE 1991
10 Sunga art CES 1992
11 Write about the chief feature of the following: CSE 1993
  i. Mathura School of Art
  ii. Bundi School of Painting
12 Write about Dravidian architecture. CSE 1995
  iii. Mughal Architecture at Fatehpur Sikri
13 Write about Gandhara School of Art. CSE 1994
14 Write about the chief features of the following: CSE 1996
  Town Planning in the Indus Valley Civilization
15 Write about Ahmadiya Movement CSE 1996
16 Write about Chaitya CSE 1997
17 Write about Vijayanagara Art CSE 1997
18 Write about Kulu School CSE 1998
19 Write about Gopuram CSE 1998
20 Write about Chola Architecture CSE 1999
21 Write about Gandhara school of art CSE 2000
22 Write about Saranath Pillar CSE 2003
23 Write about Gandhara Art. (20 words) CSE 2007
24 Write about: Maski. CSE 2009
25 While bringing out their salient features, distinguish between either ‘Madhubani’ Art and ‘Manjusha’ Art or ‘Rajasthani’ schools of painting and the ‘Pahari’ school of Painting. CSE 2010
26 What are the major different styles of unglazed pottery making in India? CSE 2011
27 The ‘flute – playing Krishna’ theme is very popular in Indian art. Discuss. (150 words) CSE 2012
28 Comment on the significance of Rasarnava in studying the history of Indian Chemistry. (50 words) CSE 2012
29 Comment on the significance of fire in Zoroastrianism. (50 words) CSE 2012
30 Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss (100 words) CSE 2013
31 To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present day urbanization? Discuss. CSE 2014
32 Gandhara Sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. CSE 2014
33 The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment. CSE 2015
34 Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modem painting. Critically evaluate this comment. CSE 2015
35 Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate. CSE 2016
36 How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times? CSE 2017
37 Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. CSE 2018
38 Highlight the Central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in Gandhara art. CSE 2019
39 What makes Indian society unique in sustaining its culture? Discuss CSE 2019
40 The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss. CSE 2020
41  Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. CSE 2020
42  Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. CSE 2020
43 How will you explain that Medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days? CSE 2022
44 Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture. CSE 2022
45 Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture. CSE 2022
46 Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. CSE 2023