Quality Improvement programme

Mains-2021
History
Class 2
Quality improvement about painting:
• Sources of these paintings
• Unique features of these paintings
• Patronage given
• Material used
• Reflection of Indian history and culture
• Religious denomination
Q. Mauryan Art and Architecture have the influence of Persian and Greek Art.
Discuss (150 words)
 Class 2, Theme 1

Ancient Indian Dynasties

Dynasties to focus Aspects to focus

• Mauryan • Contributions of important rulers

• Kushans • Art and culture during specific period
• Guptas • Religious contribution of these dynasties
• Pushyabhuti • Literary contributions
• Regional powers • Prevailing Socio-economic conditions
• General administration
• Unique feature of the ruling dynasties
• Contributions of important rulers
• Art and culture during specific period
• Religious contribution of these dynasties
• Literary contributions
• Prevailing Socio-economic conditions
• General administration
• Unique feature of the ruling dynasties
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Q. Mauryan Art and Architecture have the influence of Persian and Greek Art. write on
this margin
Discuss (150 words)
Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

• Introduction: Briefly mention the reason why India got outer

influence in its art and architecture.
• Body: Enlist the influence of Persian and Greek art over
Mauryan art and architecture.
• Conclusion: Conclude by agreeing with the statement.
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Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

During Ancient times, India had trade links with Persia

and Greece which has contributed in influencing art
and architecture in India. It resulted in grasping various
new elements by ancient Indian artists, which is clearly
visible in Mauryan Art and architecture.
 Persian influence
Candidates
• Chandragupta Maurya’s palace was inspired by the Achaemenid palaces at must not
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Persepolis. this margin

Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

• Mauryan and Iranian Pillar both have capitals and bell shaped portions.
• Both used polished stones and have certain common sculpture motifs such as
the lotus.
• Ashokan inscription used Aramaic script in the North-west frontier.
• Idea of inscribing proclamations in Ashokan Pillars has its origin in Persian
pillars.
Greek influence
• Size and shape of minted coins and also the manner in which emperors were
depicted have similarities.
• Gandhara and Taxila region Portrayed Buddha in human figure and not in a
symbolic form having inspirations from Apollo.
• Horse motifs on the lion capital can be described as an example of “Hellenistic
Realism”.
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Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

Thus, it could be deduced that Mauryan art got the

influences from outer world and gave the vibrant ideas
for dynasties to come and adopt such influence (for
instance, Kushans).
Questions where you are blank with knowledge or content?

• Try not to blunder with wrong information or facts.

• You can write peripheral content instead.
• To not to jump to any conclusion when context in not known to you.
• You can atleast write the background of the topic or consequences.
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Q. Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in this margin
Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

Indian. Enumerate. (UPSC, 2020)

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Q. How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of gupta this margin
Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

numismatic art is not at all noticeable in the later times. (UPSC, 2017)
 Class 2, Theme 2
Dances

Classical Dances Folk Dances

• Bharatnatyam Over 200
• Kuchipudi types of folk
• Kathakali Dances are
• Mohiniattam there in India.
• Kathak
• Sattriya
• Odissi
• Manipuri
Approach Dances in UPSC:
• Try to understand how and why these dance forms came into
existence.
• Make 5-6 pointers on forms and unique features of a
particular dances (Only classical)
• Have basic understanding on regional differences of dances.
• Assess the socio-economic-cultural aspects of these dances.
• Historical evidences.
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Q. India is a land of varied dance forms. In light of the above, discuss the this margin
Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

differences between the Classical and Folk dances in India. (250 words)

• Introduction: Dances of India reflect India’s rich

heritage and cultural diversity.
• Body: Tabulate the difference between Classical dance and
Folk dance.

• Conclusion: Significance both the dance forms hold in

the contemporary times.
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Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

Dances of India reflect its rich heritage and cultural

diversity along with evolution of India society, music
and leisure aspects. Indian dances are broadly divided
into Classical dance and Folk dance.
 Candidates
Classical Dance Folk Dance must not
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Originated from ancient Sanskrit text of Natya Developed as a result of the people
Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

Shastra. Historically they were performed as reflecting their lives, often to the local
temple dance and court dance. music.

Associated with Spirituality - often regarded as Also spiritual and religious in content but
the form of worship and meditation. the main force behind the folk dances is
the celebratory mood.

Classical dances are based on themes such as Folk dance is based on local stories usually
Ramayana, Mahabharata, etc. about relationships among people or about
different seasons.

Classical dance is more demanding and is Folk dancing is free of rigid rules and
usually strict with rigid rules, technical aspects regulations.
and regulations.
 Candidates
Classical dances are more about grace and Folk dances are all about energy, enthusiasm must not
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composure. and power. this margin
Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

Based on guru-shishya parampara, requires No training required.

rigorous training.
Classical dances are performed by professional. Folk dances are performed by common
people.
Classical dances play a crucial role in presenting Folk dances have become an integral part of
India to the forefront of the World stage. our social milieu; every festival is
accompanied by celebration.

There are eight classical Dances in India. Namely,
Kathak from North India, Sattriya of Assam,
Bharatnatyam of Tamil Nadu, Kuchipudi of
Andhra Pradesh, Kathakali and Mohiniaattam of
Kerala, Manipuri of Northeast India, and Odissi of
Odisha.
There are more than 30 folk dances in India.
Some of the most popular folk dances are
Ghoomer (Rajasthan), Kacchi Gori Chari
(Rajasthan), Kalbelia (Rajasthan).
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Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

The significance of these varied dance forms

lies in the fact that is still performed today in
India and by Indian community spread across
the world.
 Class 2, theme 3

Chola, Sultanate and Mughals

Sultanate Chola Mughals

Art
Literature
Architecture
Religious aspects
Specific contributions
Aspects of administration
Socio-economic and cultural aspects
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Q. Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple write on
this margin
architecture. Discuss. (UPSC, 2013)
Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

• Introduction: Start with how and why Chola empire

began working on temple architecture
• Body: State some points on the evolution. Also state
some points on the unique feature of Chola temple
architecture.
• Conclusion: long-term relevance of Chola temple
architecture.
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Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

Legacy of Dravidian style of architecture from Pallavas and

grandeur image of Chola image propelled them to build one of the
largest temples in India such as Brihadishwara Temple of Tanjore.
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Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

Evolution

Mind Map for body part

Hallmark
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Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

Cholas created a legacy of their own and led the rise of extended version of
Dravidian temple architecture which was followed by Vijayanagar empire,
Nayaks and even current temple developments in South India.
 Class 2, Theme 4

Bhakti and Sufi movement

Elements of Bhakti and Sufi movement What should be prepared?

• Came as a counter view on spirituality.

• Art
• Confined to middle and poor class of people.
• Literature
• Targeted the social stigma and orthodox practices
• Not for political patronage • Architecture
• Role of female saints • Social influence
• Not based on simple lifestyle and practices. • Regional differences
• Practice of social service.
 Candidates
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Q. “The Bhakti movement (9th century-16th century A.D) gave impetus to the growth of write on
this margin
Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

vernacular literature in India. Explain. (250 words)

• Introduction: Mention about the Bhakti saint’s focus

on vernacular language.
• Body:
• Factors responsible for the growth of vernacular
literature during this specific period
• Contributions of some Bhakti saints in this regard.
• Conclusion: Due to vernacular literature, Indian
society, and its culture, entered a new phase of
growth and evolution.
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Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

Bhakti movement emerged as a socio-religious

revolution against rigid caste system, complicated
ritualism that constituted the practice of worship and
the inherent need to move to a more fulfilling method
of worship and salvation.
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Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

Bhakti movement gave impetus to vernacular Literature in the following manner

• Saints intentionally discarded traditional languages like Sanskrit, Persian that were
difficult for locals to read and understand.
• Saints preached their teachings in the local language which led to the development
of the local language and regional literature.
• Bhakti literature themes were of common interest to more than one region; thus,
literary innovation travelled quickly and widely throughout India.
• Rise of bhakti movement, reduced the Brahmin prestige - As a result its Sanskrit
language and literature both suffered a loss.
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Contributions of some Bhakti saints in promotion of vernaculars this margin
Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

• Chaitanya widely used Bengali in his works. During the last few years of his life,
he also encouraged his followers to use Oriya.
• Poet Chandidas wrote extensively on the theme of the love of Radha and
Krishna in Bengali.
• Kabir's couplets were in vernacular Hindi, borrowing from various dialects,
including Avadhi, Braj.
• Marathi reached its peak at the hands of Eknath and Tukaram.
• Ramanuja, preached Visishtadvaita in the12th century in vernacular language.
• Basavanna and Akka Mahadevi wrote several Vachanas in Kannada language.
• Guru Arjan wrote Adi Granth in Punjabi in Gurmukhi script.
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Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

Other Bhakti saints who helped vernacular languages

to become mature and more popular were Nimbarka,
Madhva, Vallabhacharya, Ramananda, Guru Nanak,
Dadu Dayal etc.

Thus because of Bhakti movement, the process of

building up several regional languages and their
literature got further impetus.
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Q. The bhakti movement received a remarkable reorientation with the this margin
Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. (UPSC, 2018)

 Candidates
Q. Sufis and medieval mystics saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and must not
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practices or the outward structure of Hindu/Muslims societies to any appreciable extent. this margin
Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

Comment. (UPSC, 2014)

 Class 2, Theme 5

Vijayanagar empire

• Important contributions in art and architecture

• Literature and language

• Music and Dance

• Social life and economic situation

• Foreign traveller
 Candidates
Q. Sufis and medieval mystics saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and must not
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practices or the outward structure of Hindu/Muslims societies to any appreciable extent. this margin
Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

Comment. (UPSC, 2014)

• Introduction: Brief history of Vijayanagar Empire.

• Body: Features of Architecture of Vijayanagar
Empire.
• Conclusion: Vijayanagar architecture influenced the
development of the arts in India.
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Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

The Vijayanagar Empire was established in 1336 by Harihara I. Rulers of

Vijayanagar were the inheritors of the rich traditions in art and
architecture of the Cholas, the Pandyas and the Hoysalas.
There were great innovations in Hindu temple construction during this
period, and many diverse temple building traditions and styles in South
India came together in the Vijayanagar style of architecture.
 Candidates
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• Vijayanagar temples are surrounded by strong enclosures and characterized by ornate pillared write on
this margin
Kalyana mandapa (where union of God and spouse was done on special occasions); tall raya
Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

gopurams (carved monumental towers at the entrance of the temple) built of wood, brick, and
stucco in the Chola style.
• Large life-size figures of men, women, gods, and goddesses adorn many Vijayanagara temples,
and temple pillars often have engravings of charging horses or hippogryphs (yali) and other
elements of Hindu mythology.
• Soapstone, which was soft and easily carved, was commonly used for reliefs and sculptures. To
cover the unevenness of the stone, artists employed brightly painted plaster to smooth over
and finish rough surfaces.
• Another element of the Vijayanagar style is the carving and consecration of large monolithic
statues, such as the Sasivekalu and Kadalekalu Ganesha at Hampi.
• Some of the larger temples are dedicated to a male deity, with a separate shrine intended for
the worship of his female counterpart.
• Some famous temples exemplifying the Vijayanagar style include the Virupaksha Temple at
Hampi and the Hazara Rama temple of Deva Raya I.
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Practice Question from Rau’s MTS

The Vijayanagara Empire’s patronage enabled art and architecture to rise to new
heights, and its legacy of sculpture and architecture influenced the development
of the arts in India long after the empire came to an end.
 Class 2, Theme 6

Important personalities of Medieval India

Bhakti/sufi saints Prominent rulers

• Shankaracharya • Iltutmish
• Kabir • Allauddin Khilji
• Dadu dayal • Mohammad Bin Tughlaq
• Mira bai • Ser Shah Suri
• Guru Nanak • Babar-Akbar
• Nayanars and Alvars • Shah Jahan
Adi Shankara

• He was also known as Shankaracharya. Born in Kaladi, Kerala in 788 CE.

• Propounded the Doctrine of Advaita (Monism) and wrote many commentaries on the Vedic canon
(Upanishads, Brahma Sutras and Bhagavad Gita) in Sanskrit.

• His major works included Brahmasutrabhasya (Bhashya or commentary on the Brahma Sutra),
Bhajagovinda Stotra and Nirvana Shatakam.

• He was responsible to revive Hindu philosophy at a time when Buddhism was gaining momentum in India.

• He is created to establish four Mathas (Hindu Monasteries) at Sringeri, Puri, Dwarka and Badrinath– for
propagation of Sanathana Dharma in four corners of India.

• Adi Shankaracharya was opposed to Buddhist philosophers.

• Philosophy of Adi Shankara is part of Vedanta (One of the six schools of Aastik Hindu Philosophy).
Advaita philosophy

Advaita Vedanta refers to the non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy, which is

derived mostly from the Upanishads and elaborated in detail by eminent scholars like
Gaudapada and Sri Adi Shankaracharya. Dvaita means duality, and Advaita means
nonduality. In simple terms, Advaita means absence of the duality between subject
and object.

Advaita school believes that Brahman is the one and only reality and everything else
is a mere appearance, projection, formation or illusion. One of the most common
examples used to describe the state is momentarily seeing a snake in a rope when it is
lying in the darkness. The snake is an illusion, and the rope is the reality. In the same
manner the world appears in the mind as a formation over the Self.
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Q. Assess the role played by Adi Shankara (Shankaracharya) in early Bhakti write on
movement of India. (150 words) this margin
Practice Question from Rau’s MTS
 Candidates
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Q. Assess the role played by Adi Shankara (Shankaracharya) in early Bhakti write on
movement of India. (150 words) this margin
Practice Question from Rau’s MTS
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Practice Question from Rau’s MTS
 Tips for a Good introduction
1. Pick any one theme mention in the question itself.
2. If possible, try to avoid current relevance of the history
topic in the introduction until asked.
3. Themes to start a good question: Background, historical
importance, some event attached to the question,
anecdote, chronology or basic definition.
4. Your introduction should look like a relevant glimpse of the
topic.
 Tips for good conclusion
1. Conclusion should be the final stand on your arguments.
2. Conclusion could be balance, wisdom led and futuristic.
3. Conclusion should not include rephrasing of the already made
arguments.
4. Conclusion can also be limited to the broad theme of the
question
5. Conclusion is the best place to show your artistic skill.