Warli Painting

Warli Painting is the folk painting of Maharashtra. The name ‘Warli’ is inspired by the
largest tribe found in the northern outskirts of Maharashtra’s capital Mumbai. It is dated back
to the 10th century AD. Relevant facts about the Warli painting are important in relation to
the art and culture syllabus of the IAS Exam.
In Aug 2020, the Press Information Bureau reported that a PSU – National Fertilizers Limited
has decided to display Maharashtra’s Warli art on the outer walls of its Noida corporate
office. Aspirants can stay updated with the latest PIB summaries from the linked article.
This article will provide you with information about the history of Warli Paintings, its salient
features and significance, for UPSC 2021 preparation.

Evolution of Warli Paintings

About Warli Tribes:
The Warli Tribe is an indigenous tribe, found in Western India. Portions of mountainous as
well as coastal regions of Maharashtra-Gujarat border are inhabited by the Warli/Varli tribes.
A few points to be noted about this tribe are:

1. Important Locations where the Warli tribesmen are found:

o Maharashtra – Districts of Jawhar, Mokhada, Dahanu and Talasari talukas of

the northern Palghar, parts of Nashik and Dhule.
o Gujarat – Districts of Valsad, Dangs, Navsari and Surat.
o Dadra, Nagara, and Daman and Diu Union Territory.
2. The language spoken by Warli tribe:
o Varli language is in an unwritten form which is used by Warli tribes. It is
classified as Konkani language. (Note: Varli is classified under Marathi by
Grierson (Grierson’s Linguistic Survey of India) as well as A.M. Ghatage
(Warli of Thana, vol. VII of A Survey of Marathi dialects). Part of Indo-Aryan
languages.
3. Traditionally, they were a semi-nomadic tribe. They started with hunting. The tribe is
usually led by one head. Presently, the tribe is found in agriculture and many of them
grow crops like rice and wheat. They also sell toddy, mahua and fuelwood.
4. They worship nature.
5. Tarpa dance is associated with the Warli tribe. The Warli art paintings also depict
Tarpa dance.
6. Warli Revolt:

o It took place in 1945 in Maharashtra (Zari village of Talasari taluka.)

o The revolt was against the exploitation the tribes suffered at the hands of
landlords.
o Many tribal women of Warli participated in the revolt.
o Godaveri Parulekar (Godutai) was the then Kisan Sabha leader, who supported
the Warli women revolt.

Read about Scheduled Tribes and major tribes in India in the links mentioned below:
  Scheduled Tribes in India
 Major Tribes in India

History of Warli Art

Warli art is often spelt as Varli art. Candidates should not get confused with different
spellings. Warli/Varli or Warli paintings/Varli paintings are the same.
The term ‘Warli’ is derived from ‘Waral’ which means a small piece of tilled land. The Warli
art is inspired by the tribes’ coexistence with nature and the forests. The exact origin of the
Warli art paintings is debated but as it is considered to be one of the oldest paintings in India;
it is reported to originate in 10t century AD or before.

The topic, ‘Warli Paintings’ is covered under UPSC Art and Culture in both Prelims and Mains GS 1.

To complement your art and culture preparation and study similar important topics, follow the links
below:

1. NCERT Art and Culture Notes for UPSC

2. Art and Culture Questions from UPSC Mains GS 1
3. How to study Indian Art and Culture
4. Important Topics of Art and Culture in UPSC GS 1
5. Best Books for UPSC Art and Culture

Salient Features of Warli Paintings/Warli Art

The main features of the Warli art paintings are:

1. It originated in Maharashtra.
2. The warli paintings are related with the daily events that are common to the tribes.
3. Most Warli art themes revolve around people dancing in spirals, and in open-ended
circles.
4. Originally, the paintings were done on walls but gradually warli art was drawn on
various other objects like:

Bamboo
o
o Cloth
o Mud pots
o Dried bottle gourd
5. Earlier only two colours were used in the Varli paintings:

Earth brown
o
White by rice paste; but with time, the background colours of the Warli art
o
also include — Henna, Indigo, Ochre, Black, Earthy mud, Brick red.
6. Initially, only Warli women called Savasini used to do the Varli paintings, however,
gradually it was shifted to men folks too and they also began Warli painting.
7. No mythological stories are depicted in the Warli Art of Warli paintings.
8. Warli paintings can be categorized into four groups:
 o The Gods – The warli paintings related to this category revolve around the old
folklores of the Warli tribe. Through this warli art, the tribesmen show their
history that they believe in.
o The People – Through these warli paintings, they depict good and bad deeds
by the people.
o The Animals – Many animals that were in their surroundings, are depicted in
these Warli paintings. Tiger is the famous animal painting in Warli art.
o Rights and Ritual – The most prominent of all the categories is the Warli
paintings depicting rights and rituals. The joy, happiness, celebration, day to
day activities are depicted under this category.
9. One of the most famous paintings is ‘Chawk’ where married women paint on their
kitchen walls with white color. A rectangular space with Goddess Palaghat (A fertility
God) is painted in the center. Around the Goddess; trees, men performing daily
activities, dancers, objects used by women for many activities, and animals are also
painted.
10. Basic Geometric Shapes used in the Warli wall paintings:
o Triangles
o Circles
o Squares
o Dots
o Dashes
Read about other forms of Tribal Paintings in India in the linked article.

Significance of Warli Art

The different Warli art forms by the tribesmen depict the basic life they lived. It is often
concluded seeing the Warli art that the tribes believed in the time cycle as is depicted in their
spherical paintings. Through Warli art, it may also be concluded that Warli tribes believe in
joy, dance and celebrations as is shown in the Warli dancer’s paintings.
It is stated the Warli women used to paint their walls during the marriage to reflect on
happiness and celebrations. Warli wall paintings are considered to be auspicious.
The Warli Art is close to a natural life as is reflected in the designs of flora, fauna, and
celebrations. The Varli art inspires to look back at prehistoric paintings as those were in a
similar rhythm.
Over a period of time, the Warli art has become so famous that these are drawn on papers and
sold across the country. Same warli art is drawn on cloth and paper.
Jivya Mashe was a Padma Shree Awardee (2011) who popularized the Warli tribal art form.
Modernization of Warli Art
With time, the objects depicted using warli paintings like trains, aeroplanes, rickshaws etc
show the versatility of the Warli artists while keeping the traditional art form alive. Beyond
mural paintings, Warli art is also depicted on cloth, paper, clay pots, and other objects.
What is Bharata Natyam?
Bharata Natyam is an age-old art, which is over two thousand years old. The art form originated
in the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. Subsequently, Bharata Natyam spread its branches to the
neighbouring states and cities of India.
There are four major styles of Bharata Natyam from ancient times, with each of them named
after the place of their origin, except the last one which is named after the institution established
by Rukmini Devi Arundale. Irrespective of the style, the three major aspects of Bharta Natyam
remain the same.

Important features of Bharata Natyam

The three important features of Bharata Natyam are:
Nritta
The pure rhythmic aspect of dance. It consists of ‘Adavus’, which includes a different pattern of
footwork, hand and body movements, and the movements of minor limbs such as head, neck
and eyes.
Examples of Nritta dances – Jathiswaram and Thillana.
Natya
This comprises of hand gestures (hastas) and facial expressions. This is used to convey forward
an emotion and also the meaning of the lyrics of a song. Example of Natya dances – Padam,
Shabdam and Jawali.
Nrithya
The combination of Nritta and Natya dance sequence. The blend of rhythmic dance and dramatic
expression of emotion presented in a particular way. Example of Nritya dances – Pada Varnam,
Swarajathi.

Major Styles of Bharata Natyam

The major styles of Bharata Natyam are:

1. Pandanallur style,
2. Vazhavoor style,
3. Melathoor style, and
4. Kalakshetra style.

Pandanallur Style
 This is credited to Guru Sri Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai (1869–1964), who lived in
Pandanallur, which is situated in the Thanjavur district, the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
 Guru Sri Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai belonged to the family of nattuvanars and was a
decedent of the famous Thanjavur brothers: Chinnaiah, Ponniah, Sivanandam, and
Vadivelu.
  After Guru Sri Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, his son-in-law Chokkalingam Pillai (1893–
1968) became the next veteran teacher of the Pandanallur style.
 Later his son Subbaraya Pillai (1914 to 2008) went on to become the next leading
teacher of Pandanallur style with training in Pandanallur under his father and grandfather.
Mathematical importance:
This is something one should mainly look for while watching the Bharata Natyam recital in
traditional Pandanallur form. The Pandanallur form mainly emphasises on liner geometry, i.e.
every hand and leg movement makes corresponding angles with each other at 45 ◦, 90 ◦, 180 ◦
etc.

Understatement of Abhinayam:
Underplay of Abhinayam is seen in the Pandanallur style, in contrast to the other forms, where
Abhinayam is given more importance than Adavu (basic dance steps). The expressions are not
exaggerated and are very subtle to make it look more natural and real.
Choreography:

 The Pandanallur style is renowned for its choreography, which consists of unique adavu
choreography for Swaram patterns by Sri Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai and Muthu Kumara
Pillai.
 It also includes highly regarded pieces as the Nine or Ten Tanjore Quartet pada-
varnams.
 These works feature choreography by Pillai, who named the dramatic choreography
“hands,” and was also responsible for the adavu choreography for the Swara passages.
 Part of their heritage is the valuable jatiswarams (in ragams Vasantha, Saveri,
Chakravakam, Kalyani, Bhairavi), which incorporate abstract adavu choreography.

Vazhuvoor Style
 Vazhuvoor Ramiah Pillai was a revered guru. He directed with passion and devoted
himself to Bharatha Natyam. Vazhuvoor Ramiah Pillai was born in Isai Vellalar, clan
of conventional dancers and musicians.
 The shrine at Vazhuvoor village is dedicated to Lord Siva, under the name of
Gannasabeshan (lord of the stage), and to this day, the pupils of Vazhuvoor school,
pay homage to the idol Gannasabeshan in the form of Thodaya Mangalam as an
invocatory piece.
 Ramiah Pillai has also disciplined famous dance teachers, such as Thiripurasundari
Cumarasamy who is the first student to fly from Jaffna, Srilanka; others like Kumari
Kamala, actress Vyjayanthimala, Padmini, Padma Subramanyam who are from India
and various exceptional dancers of today.
 The Vazhuvoor style was proceeded by his son Vazhuvoor R. Samaraj who lived
in Mylapore, Chennai.
  This prosperous Bani (tradition) concentrates on the artistry of movement, elegant
poses mingling with an alluring technique that delivers visual delight.
 The Vazhuvoor Bani is entrusted with bringing in the aspect of arriving from the wings on
stage.
 The dance-steps are brisk and intricate but mixed with grace and fascinating eye
movements.
 Poses are often introduced in the fragments especially in the final dance (Thillana) to add
space in time.
 The jatis (Rhythmic patterns) or nritta entities have more korvai is (A korvai is a sequence
containing many different adavus) or gaps than usual, to add a sense of time being
suspended, giving the dance an impressive quality.
 The body from the waist up is slanted slightly forward to give more dimensions to the
body.
 The adavus or dance units are done evenly without too many jerky movements to give an
impression of naturalness and dignity.
 Graceful leaps are present in every jati.
Choreography and Abhinaya:

 In this style, one can see a broad range of dancing pace.

 The adavu stream fluently, with rare unexpected movements, excessively elaborate
movements, deep sitting positions, an assortment of positions on the floor.
 Abhinaya or anecdotal expression is subtle with more natyadharmi or typically formalized
expressions and there is no obviousness in the production. The hands, eyes, and
expressions are used in concordance to express eloquently.
 Lasya, or grace, is prevailing in this style.
 Popular dancers, such as Vidhya Subramanian, along with Kamala Lakshman, Padma
Subramanyam, Chitra Viswesvaran have strengthened the disclosure of this style.

Melattur Style
 The Melattur Bani of Bharta Natyam dance was expanded largely out of the devadasi
practices and Melattur Bhagavata Mela by Mangudi Dorairaja Iyer, a saint
following Srividya Upasana.
 He renewed the Shuddha Nrittam from Kuchipudi which involves the sophisticate tapping
footwork that scrutinizes different time measures in distinctive tempos, Bhattasa Natyam
similar to Kalaripayattu and PeraniNatyam, a dance on the clay pot.
 Mangudi became interested in Shuddha Nrittam (a pure dance) after attending a concert
by devadasi of Cheyyur Sengalvarayar shrine, who performed shudda nrittam along with
other items.
 Unlike other Bharta Natyam gurus, Mangudi sidestepped the items which glorified the
poet’s anthropoid patrons, as performing such items would be incompatible with
his faithfulness to spiritual practices of Srividya Upasana.
 He believed, it is only the divinities or the great saints who were worthy of
such apotheosis.
 Thus, the repertory of a Melattur bani consists essentially, the ancient dance piece
performed in the temples.
Choreography and Abhinaya:

 The Melattur bani depresses stamping the feet hard against the floor.
  Rather, the dancer is foreseen to use the anklets in a more delicate manner that
produces a range of sounds and highlights the rhythm.
 Another singular feature is the presence of Panchanadai and extensive use
of Gatibhedas. For example, in Varnam there would be Gatibhedam in every Jati.
 There is exclusive attention on brisk adavus, fluid variations or patterned korvais.
 Due to the Melattur Bhagavata Mela influence, the style composes large-scale use of the
dramatic aspects, i.e. characterization, which requires eminently expressive and
delicate Abhinaya.
 Unlike other Bharta Natyam bani, the facial expressions of the Melattur style dancer are
not rigidly represented. They are neither exaggerated nor downplayed, which requires a
high degree of contemplation and individual spontaneity.
 Due to the devadasi impact, there is a stress on Sringararasa, rather than on a
neutral Bhakti rasa.
 The Nrittaabhinaya is contrasty from most other styles in the impression that each body
movement is to be echoed in a distinctive facial expression automatically.

Kalaskshetra Style
Kalakshetra Foundation, erstwhile Kalakshetra, is an Indian art and cultural institute committed to
preserve and promote conventional values in the field of Bharta Natyam. Stationed in Chennai,
the institute was established by Rukmini Devi Arundale and her spouse George Arundale.
Under Arundale’s direction, the foundation accomplished national and international recognition
for its unique style and perfectionism.

 Rukimidevi Arundale studied the Pandanallur style for three years, under the revered
gurus of Pandanallur style of Bharta Natyam.
 Subsequently, she brought in group performances and staged various Bharta Natyam-
based ballets.
Choreography and Abhinaya:

 The Kalakshetra Bani is noted for its angular, straight, ballet-like kinesthetics, and
its restriction of Rechakas and the uninhibited movement of the limbs.
 Compared to other styles, the Kalakshetra style does not use a wide range of adavus.
What Do You Mean by Sufism?
Sufism is defined as the inner mystical dimension of Islam. Sufism is often stated by its
believers as congregations formed around a grand master referred to as a mawla who
maintains a direct chain of teachers back to the Islamic prophet, Muhammad.
This topic is relevant for all IAS exam aspirants.

What is the difference between Sufism and Islam?

Sufism and Islam both believe in God but there are very subtle differences that make them
unique.
Sufism is more flexible when it comes to praying the lord in its own way. However, Islam
has certain fixed rules which need to be followed in the approach of worshipping God.

What is the Sufism movement?

The Sufi movement was a socio-religious movement of the fourteenth to the sixteenth
century. They were of the belief that singing and dancing are major ways that bring people
closer to God.

Where is Sufism practised today?

Sufism is practised majorly in Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, etc.

Sufism is also known as Tasawwuf in the Arabic speaking world. It is not a particular sect of
Islam, rather it transcends all the sects of Islam. It is a style of worship which emphasises on
introspection, closeness with God, purification of the soul, renunciation of worldly things.

Ideals of a Sufi Saint

They are the Muslim Saints who entered India in the 12th Century and gained popularity in the
13th century. Sufi saints believed in the following ideals.

1. Seeking inner purity

2. The only way to reach God is through devotion and love.
3. They believed in Prophet Mohammed and also attached importance to their ‘Murshid’ or
‘Pir’ (Guru).
4. More priority is given to devotion rather than prayers.
5. Sufi saints were classified into 12 orders. Each of the 12 orders belonged to a prominent
Sufi saint.
Since the first Muslim hagiographies were written during the period when Sufism began its rapid
expansion, many of the figures who later came to be regarded as the major saints in Sunni Islam
were the early Sufi mystics, like Hasan of Basra, Farqad Sabakhi, Dawud Ta, Rabi’a
al-‘Adawiyya, Maruf Karkhi, and Junayd of Baghdad.

Who is the first Sufi?

Abu Hashim was also known as Abd-Allah ibn Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah was the first Sufi as
per medieval mystic Jami. Abu Hashim was a member of the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraish
tribe in Mecca.

Who is the greatest Sufi Saint?

Some of the greatest Sufi Saints of India are given below

1. Khawja Moin-ud-Din Chisti (1143 A.D – 1234 A.D) – He settled at Ajmer.

2. Baba Farid-ud-Din Ganj-i-Shakar – His tomb is located at Faridkot in Punjab.
3. Nizam-ud-Din Aulia – His tomb is located in Delhi.

Jain Tirthankaras - Important Facts for UPSC

In Jainism, Tirthankaras are called the Jina or the conquerors of all instincts. There are 24
Tirthankaras. The term, ‘Tirthankara’ is a combination of ‘Teertha and ‘Samsara’. Teertha is
a pilgrimage site and samsara is the worldly life. The one who has conquered the samsara and
understood the true nature of the self to attain Kevala Jnana is a Tirthankara. For history
preparation in the IAS Exam, it is important to know 24 Tirthankaras’ names and the related
information.
Aspirants would find this article very helpful in framing their preparation strategy for IAS
Exam.

Candidates can enhance their UPSC exam preparation by attempting UPSC Previous Years Question
Papers now!!

To complement your preparation for the upcoming exam, check the following links:

 Current Affairs
 UPSC Notes PDF
 IAS Mock Tests
 NCERT Notes PDF
 Daily News Analysis
 100 Difference between Articles for Revision

Definition of a Tirthankar
A Tirthankar is referred to as ‘teaching god’ or ‘Ford Maker’ in Jainism. A few points of
discussions about Tirthankaras are:

1. In Jainism, it is believed that each cosmic age produces 24 Tirthankaras.

 2. The Tirthankaras in the art are shown in the Kayotsarga pose (dismissing the body).
3. The other famous pose to depict tirthankar in art is a mediation pose where he is seated
cross-legged on a lion throne.
4. The 24 Tirthankaras are distinguished with each other by the symbolic colours or emblems.
5. The names of 24 Tirthankaras are inspired by the dreams their respective mothers had
before their birth or related circumstances surrounding their births.
6. Kalpasutra is a religious text of Jains which mentions the life histories of 24 Tirthankaras. (It
is apparently compiled by Digambara sect Jain Muni Bhadrabahu 150 years after Mahavir’s
Nirvana.)
7. Kalpasutra mentions the first Tirthankara to be Rishabhnath.

Also read, Difference between Hinduism and Jainism

List of 24 Tirthankaras for UPSC Prelims

The names of 24 Tirthankaras along with their symbols, emblems and colours are mentioned
in the table below:

Tirthankara Name Meaning Symbols/Emblems Colours

Rishabhanatha/Adinath Lord Bull/Lord First Bull Golden

Ajith Invincible one Elephant Golden

Shambhava Auspicious Horse Golden

Abhinandana Worship Ape Golden

Sumati Wise Heron Golden

Padmaprabha Lotus-Bright Lotus Red

Suparshva Good-sided Swastika Golden

Chandraprabha Moon-bright Moon White

Suvidi/Pushpadanta Religious Duties/Blossomed-toothed Dolphin/Sea Dragon White

Shitala Coolness Shrivatsa Golden

Shreyamsha Good Rhinoceros Golden

Vasupujya Worship with offerings of possessions Buffalo Red

 Vimala Clear Boar Golden

Ananta Endless Hawk/Bear Golden

Dharma Duty Thunderbolt Golden

Shanti Peace Antelope/Deer Golden

Kunthu Heap of Jewels Goat Golden

Ara Division of time Nandyavarta/Fish Golden

Malli Wrestler Water Jug Blue

Suvrata/Munisuvrata Of good vows Tortoise Black

Nami/Nimin Bowing Down/Eye Winking Blue Lotus Golden

Nemi/Arishtanemi The rim of whose wheel is unhurt Conch Shell Black

Parshvanath Lord serpent Snake Green

Vardhamana Mahavira Prospering great hero Lion Golden

Ancient History-related articles:

Difference Between Vedas and Puranas Vedic Literature

Difference Between Vedas and Upanishads Difference between Buddhism and Jainism

Buddhist and Jain Architecture Buddha and his teachings

Facts about Most Prominent Tirthankaras

1. Rishabhnath:
  He is said to exist before Indus Valley Civilization
 It is mentioned that in Bhagavata Purana, he is referred to as Lord Vishnu.
 Vedas also mention the name of Rishabhnath. (Read about types of Vedas in the
linked article.)
 He had many sons including – Bharat and Bahubali (Note: The Gomateshwara Statue
is dedicated to Bahubali; and is the tallest statue of the world. It is located in
Shravanabelagola in Karnataka.)
 It is also believed that the name of the script ‘Brahmi’ is inspired by his daughter’s
name.
2. Mallinath:
 Malli was the 19th Tirthankara.
 It is often debated that Malli was a woman however, some Digambara sect Jains
believe that she was reborn as a man and then became a Tirthankara.
3. Neminatha:
 He is the 22nd Tirthankara.
 He is stated to be the cousin of Lord Krishna (A Hindu God.)
 In paintings, he is depicted to adorn dark complexion.
4. Parsvanath:
 Parsvanath was the 23rd tirthankar.
 It is believed that he existed two centuries before Vardhamana Mahavira.
 He was apparently born in Banaras (Uttar Pradesh) around 817 BCE.
 He is said to have propounded Jain religion which was later revived by Mahavira.
 He attained Kaivalya on Mount Sammeta (Parasnath) in Jharkhand.
 According to Svetambaras Sect (White-Clad Sect of Jainism); Parsvnath founded
four-fold restraints:
1. Ahimsa
2. Satya
3. Asteya
4. Aparigraha (The fifth one, ‘Brahmacharya’ was added by Mahavira.)
 Navagraha Jain Temple in Karnataka houses the tallest statue of Parsvanath.
5. Mahavira
 He was the 24th Tirthankara of Jain religion.
 He was the son of Siddhartha and Trishla.
 He was born in Bihar.
 He was a contemporary of Gautam Buddha.
 At the age of 30, he left his worldly possessions and sought ascetic life towards
Kevala Gnan.
 He attained Kaivalya under a Sal tree.
 He attained Nirvana in Pavapuri, Bihar.
Know how to study history for IAS from the linked article.
UPSC History Preparation:

NCERT Ancient History Notes for UPSC History Questions from UPSC Mains GS 1
 Tips to Study Ancient History for UPSC Chronological Order from Ancient to Modern History of India

Key Terms in Ancient Indian History UPSC Mains GS 1 Strategy, Syllabus and Structure

Frequently Asked Question – List of Tirthankaras for UPSC

Q.1. Who is the First Tirthankara?

Ans. Rishabhanatha, called “Lord Bull” in Sanskrit, the first of the 24 Tirthankaras (“Ford-Makers,”
i.e., saviours) of Jainism, a religion of India.

Q.2. Who is famous Tirthankara of Jains?

Ans. Lord Mahavira is the most famous Tirthankaras of Jains.

Q.3. Who was the last Tirthankara of Jainism?

Ans. Lord Mahavira was the last Tirthankara of Jainism, his predecessor, Parshvanatha, lived about
250 years earlier.

Q.4. What are the 24 tirthankaras?

Ans. The 24 tirthankaras during this present age are: Adinatha, Ajita, Sambhava, Abhinandana,
Sumati, Padmaprabha, Suparshva, Chandraprabha, Suvidhi, Shital, Shreyansa, Vasupujya, Vimala,
Ananta, Dharma, Shanti, Kunthu, Ara, Malli, Muni Suvrata, Nami, Nemi, Parshva and Mahavira.

Pithora Painting - Facts about Pithora Art [UPSC Art &

Culture Notes]
Pithora Painting is a tribal painting of India that belongs to the Rathwas, Bhilals, Nayaks and
Tadi tribes, residing in and around Chhota Udaipur and Kawat in eastern Gujarat and parts of
western Madhya Pradesh. Traditionally, Pithora painting is revered by the Rathwa tribe.
Types of paintings form an important part of the Art and Culture syllabus of the IAS Exam.
This article will provide you with relevant information on Pithora painting/ art, its origin and
its features; that will be helpful for the UPSC 2022 examination.

The topic, ‘Pithora Painting’ is covered under UPSC Art and Culture in both Prelims and Mains GS 1.
To complement your art and culture preparation and study similar important topics, follow the links
below:

1. NCERT Art and Culture Notes for UPSC

2. Art and Culture Questions from UPSC Mains GS 1
3. How to study Indian Art and Culture
4. Important Topics of Art and Culture in UPSC GS 1
5. Best Books for UPSC Art and Culture

Salient Features of Pithora Painting

1. It is a wall painting that is mainly characterized by the seven horses. It is believed that these
seven horses represent the seven hills that surround the Gujarat-Madhya Pradesh border
areas.
2. The name, ‘Pithora painting’ is after the god of the tribe – God Pithora (Pithora Baba).
3. The Pithora artists who are well-trained and were responsible to develop this Pithora art are
called Lakhara.
4. The Pithora wall painting is done during auspicious rituals by the Lakharas. The prevalent
belief is that with the Pithora painting on their house walls, they seek God’s blessings.
5. The Pithora Art is done in the roofed gallery (Verandah) of the house.
6. Before starting the Pithora wall painting, the walls are prepared using the mixture of cow
dung and mud. A similar ritual is also followed in the Warli painting.
7. Usually, unmarried girls are supposed to prepare the walls for Pithora art.
8. The colours used in the Pithora painting are:
1. White (Clay)
2. Orange, green, blue, red and yellow
9. The paintings are bordered within a rectangular space. The enclosed paintings therein depict
the Rathwas’ mythological or revered events.
10. The Pithora motifs include:
1. The topmost depiction above the wavy line represents the world of Gods.
2. Below the wavy line, the procession of marriage is depicted.
3. Tipna – These are the orange dots that are made in the center of the rectangle with
fingers. It is made on the completion of the entire painting.
4. Figures of sun, moon, monkeys, etc are drawn.
5. In the main painting, there are three horizontal rows (the Central row is dedicated to
Pithora). Depictions of elephants take the last row.
6. Khatri horses are painted on the right side. (These horses are believed to be the
ancestors’ horses.)
 7. The Earth, the mythical farmer, the cowherd, the kings, the bania, the badvo, the
goddesses of destiny, cow, bull, various creatures of the forest, and the minor
deities are depicted at the lower half of the enclosed Pithora painting.
11. The unique selling point of the original Pithora painting is that no two paintings are similar
where the artist leaves distinct marks on each of his paintings to signify his intellectual and
creative rights over the murals.

How is Pithora Painting done?

The ‘Osari’ or the centre space of the house is where the Pithora painting is done.

1. Three walls are prepared for Pithora art – Front wall and two walls on either side.
2. Lipai – Two layers of cow dung and mud paste and one layer of white chalk is applied on the
walls.
3. The colours are made with milk, Mahua liquor, flower seeds and other leaves; while the
brush used to make Pithora art is made up of bamboo sticks
4. The painting is not only done on walls but also on cloth, papers, cardboards etc.

Traditions Related to Pithora Paintings of India

It is stated that the paintings are a way of seeking the blessing of their god. While the Pithora
Paintings are made on the walls; it is accompanied by the chantings and singing.
The head priest called the ‘Badwa’ is responsible for the entire ritual. ‘Panghu’ is the name of
the associated ceremony.
Three important mascots in Bhilala mythology are depicted in the Pithora painting:

1. Horses
2. Sun, and
3. Moon

Apart from the three mascots; the other objects/activities that depicted in the pithora art are:

1. Farming
2. Hunting
3. Ploughing
4. Dancing
5. Singing

Significance of Pithora Painting of India

The Pithora Art is an indigenous tribal art of India. To promote the Pithora painting and art;
the state government administrations of Gujarat and MP take initiatives. Over the years,
Pithora Art has also shown versatility in the art form. From depicting ‘dhotis’, ‘langot’ or
‘horses’; Lakharas now also depict ‘trousers,’ ‘bike’ or ‘trucks.’ Many public offices and
schools of the states showcase the Pithora paintings over their walls.
Read about other forms of Tribal Paintings in India in the linked article.

Brief about Aadharkanch – Rathwa, Bhil and Bhilala Tribes

Bhil, Bhilala and Rathwa are interchangeably used to describe the tribe that is located in the
Aadharkanch region. It is a tribal hamlet which is in Alirajpur district located in Madhya
Pradesh. ‘Rathwa tribe’ is a term mainly used in Gujarat. The tribe pays tribute to its culture
and heritage through Pithora paintings among other rituals.

Odissi Dance
Odissi Dance originates from the Indian state of Odisha. According to Natya Shastra, ‘Odhra
Magadha’ is the earliest form of present-day Odissi Dance. IAS Exam aspirants should know
that Odissi is one of the eight Indian Classical Dances.
This article will provide you with relevant facts about Odisha’ dance called Odissi for
the IAS Exam (Art & Culture) preparation.

Odissi is one of the eight classical dances of India. Candidates must read about the remaining seven of
Indian Classical Dances from the links below:

1. Bharatanatyam
2. Kathak
3. Kathakali
4. Kuchipudi
5. Manipuri
6. Mohiniyattam
7. Sattriya

Odissi Dance
 Odissi Artist
Odissi is a classical India dance form and it originates from the state of Odisha. It is a
sensuous and lyrical dance form. Considered a dance of love, it touches on the human and the
divine aspects of life. It also touches on the subtleties of life, as well as the mundane.
Odissi can be traced back to a dance style called the Odhra Magadha. This is mentioned as
the southeastern style of classical dance, and one of the many varieties of dance in the Natya
Shastra.
There is 2nd-century archaeological evidence of Odissi in the caves of Khandagiri and
Udayagiri near the city of Bhubaneswar. There is evidence of the continuing tradition of this
dance form from the second to the tenth century AD in the form of Buddhist sculptures,
Nataraja, tantric images, celestial dancers and musicians in ancient Shaivite temples.
Odissi is a very stylized Indian dance and to some degree depends on the established Natya
Shastra and the Abhinaya Darpana.
Odissi nearly takes after the principles set around the Natya Shastra. Outward appearances,
hand signals and body developments are utilized to propose a specific feeling, a feeling or
one of the nine rasas.
The procedures of development are worked around the two essential stances of the Chowk
and the Tribhanga. The chowk is a position emulating a square – an exceptionally manly
position with the heaviness of the body similarly adjusted. The tribhanga is an extremely
feminine position where the body is diverted at the neck, middle and the knees.
Art and Culture Related Links:

Glove Puppets in India – Popular in Kerala, West Hindustani Music and Carnatic Music – An Overview
Bengal, Orissa of Differences

Tribal Paintings of India: Warli Painting, Gond Art, Folk music in India – Types of Folk Music, Baul, Lavani,
More Tribal Art etc
 Puppetry – Ancient Form of Art and Different Types Tirthankaras
in India

Must-Know Facts about Odissi Dance

Who are Maharis?
They are the chief repositories of the Odissi Dance. They were called the temple dancers.
However, it is said that the Odissi dance form started degenerating when royal kings started
employing Maharis in the royal court for dance performances.
Who are Gotipuas?
Gotipuas is a group of boys who are trained in the Odissi dance form. They perform Odissi
dance in temples and some time for entertainment purpose also. It is stated that various Odissi
male teachers today belong to the gotipua set of dancers.
Odissi Dance Costume
The female artists wear brilliantly hued sari typically made of neighbourhood silk decorated
with conventional and nearby plans.
Odissi Instruments and Music
The one of a kind element of this dance form is that it fuses Indian ragas, both from south and
north that demonstrate the exchange of ideas and execution expressions between the two
sections of India.
The melodic instruments incorporate tabla, pakhawaj, harmonium, cymbals, violin,
woodwind, sitar and Swarmandal.
Famous Epics related to Odissi Dance

1. Jadunath Sinha’s Abhinaya Darpana Prakasha

2. Rajmani Patra’s Abhinaya Chandrika
3. Maheshwara Mahapatra’s Abhinaya Chandrika

Also, the Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda is famous for inspiring Odissi Dancers in seeking the
themes for dance.

Miniature Painting for UPSC Exam

Indian art and culture is a diverse and interesting topic. It covers cultural facet from ancient,
medieval to modern periods. UPSC IAS Exam aspirants find this topic very difficult to study
and to solve the questions from this segment.
The article will be very helpful for candidates who are aspiring to preparation for UPSC
2021.
Miniature Painting
 Miniatures paintings are fine-looking handmade paintings. These paintings are quite colorful
but small in size.
 The best part of these paintings is the complex and delicate brushwork, which gives them a
distinctive identity.
 The colors used for miniatures are handmade. They are mainly obtained from pure gold,
silver, minerals, vegetables, precious stones, indigo, and conch shells
 The theme of the Miniature painting of India includes of the Ragas.
 There were a number of miniature painting schools in the country, comprising those of the
Deccan, Rajputs, and Mughals.

Candidates can enhance their UPSC exam preparation by attempting UPSC Previous Years Question
Papers now!!
To complement your preparation for the upcoming exam, check the following links:

 Current Affairs
 UPSC Notes PDF
 UPSC Age Limit
 NCERT Notes PDF
 Daily News Analysis
 100 Difference between Articles for Revision

History of Miniature Painting in India

 The advancement of Indian Miniatures paintings began in the Western Himalayas, about the
17th century.
 These paintings were extremely influenced by the mural paintings which were derived
during the later half of the 18th century.
 During the time of the Mughals, the Hindu Rajas of Rajasthan, Muslim kings of the Deccan
and Malwa supported the development of miniature painting.
 The Mughals introduced Persian tradition in the Indian Miniature paintings.
Also, Read | Art and Culture Preparation Strategy for Prelims

Schools of Miniature Painting

The different schools of the Miniature paintings of India include:

 Pala School
 Orissa School
 Jain School
 Mughal School
 Rajasthani School
 Nepali School
  The initial examples of the Indian Miniature painting are those connected to the Pala School.
 Pala School highlighted on the representative use of color in the paintings, which was taken
from tantric ritual.
 The other characteristics of the Pala School include

 The use of a skillful and graceful line

 Modeling forms by delicate and expressive variation of pressure
 Use of natural color for painting human skin
 The Jain School of Miniature paintings placed great stress on style.
 The exclusive feature of Jain school comprises the strong pure colors, enlarged eyes stylish
figures of women, thick gold outlines, and square-shaped hands.
 The impact of Jain miniature paintings can be seen on the Mughal paintings and Rajasthani
paintings also.

Frequently Asked Questions about Miniature Paintings in India

Who introduced miniature paintings in India?

The earliest Miniature paintings in India can be traced back to the 7th century AD, when they
flourished under the patronage of the Palas of Bengal.

What is miniature painting made on?

Miniature paintings are made on a very small scale especially for books or albums. These are
executed on materials, such as paper and cloth. The Palas of Bengal are considered the pioneers of
miniature painting in India, but the art form reached its zenith during the Mughal rule.

Major Literary Works & Authors in Gupta Period

The Art and culture is an essential part of UPSC IAS Exam. The art and culture syllabus of
UPSC deals with various architectures, music, painting, sculpture, literature and etc. Here, in this
article IAS Exam aspirants can know the literature during the Gupta period, which is important
from prelims and mains exam perspective.
The Gupta period was known as the Golden period of India in cultural development. It is
considered as the one of the supreme and most outstanding times. Gupta Kings patronized the
Sanskrit literature. They generously helped Sanskrit scholars and poets. Eventually Sanskrit
language became the language of cultured and educated people.
Kalidasa

 He was a Classical Sanskrit writer, extensively considered as the greatest poet and
dramatist of Gupta Period.
 The six major works of Kalidasa are

 Abhijnanashakuntala
 Vikramorvashi
 Malavikagnimitra
 The epic poems Raghuvamsha
 Kumarasambhava
  Meghaduta
Vishakhadatta
The famous plays of Vishakhadatta are

 Mudrarakṣhasa
 Mudrarakshasha means “Ring of the Demon” and it recites the ascent of Chandragupta
Maurya to throne.
Shudraka

 He is a king as well as poet

 The famous three Sanskrit plays contributed by him are

 Mrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart)

 Vinavasavadatta
 A bhana (short one-act monologue)
 Padmaprabhritaka
Harisena

 Harisena was a panegyrist, Sanskrit poet, and government minister.

 He wrote poems praising the bravery of Samudra Gupta, which is engraved on Allahabad
pillar.
Bhasa

 He wrote 13 plays which echo the lifestyle of the Gupta Era along with its prevalent
beliefs and culture.
Bharavi

 He is known for Kiratarjuniya, which talks about the conversation of Shiva and
 Kiratarjuniya, an epic style Kavya is considered to be among the greatest works in
Sanskrit.
Bhatti

 Bhaṭṭikāvya which is also known as Rāvaṇavadha was written by Bhatti.

Magha

 Sisupala was written by Magha in 7th century AD

 It is regarded as one of the Sanskrit Mahavakyas.
Dandin

 Kavyadarshana and Dasakumarcharita were the famous work written by Dandin.

 Dasakumarcharita ‘The Tale of the Ten Princes’ which represents the adventures of 10
princes.
Bhatrihari

 Bhatrihari was believed to be a King

 He wrote Nitishatak, which has 100 verses on philosophy and Vakyapadiya, a treatise on
Sanskrit Grammar.
Ishwar Krishna
  Sankyakarika was his major work.
 It was an observation on Samkhya Philosophy.
Vyasa

 Vyasa has written Vyasabhasya, it was a work on Yoga philosophy

Vatsyayana

 Vatsyayana was the author of Nyaya Sutra Bhashya and Kamasutra

 The Nyaya Sutra Bhashya is regarded as the first commentary on Gautama’s Nyaya
Sutras.

How is Kuchipudi Dance Different from Bharatanatyam?

There are 4 main differences between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam.

Kuchipudi Bharatanatyam

It is a classical dance form from Andhra Pradesh It is a classical dance form from Tamil Nadu

It has more rounded poses It has more sculptured poses

Depicts a human’s undying desire to unite with God It is termed as the fire dance, replicating the
fire within a human body

The costume has just 1 single fan that is lengthier than the The costume has 3 fans of different lengths
lengthiest fan in Bharatanatyam costume.

Aspirants would find this topic very helpful in the IAS Exam.

What does Kuchipudi mean?

Kuchipudi is a classical dance form that originated in Andhra Pradesh, it derives its name
from a village named Kuchelapuram located at a distance of 65 Km from Vijayawada.
Kuchipudi is a dance-drama of Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressional dance) and Natya
(drama).

When was Kuchipudi invented?

Kuchipudi can be traced back to 1st Century B.C. As per some popular stories, it was
invented in 1502 A.D. Initially it was practised by men only, later on, women were allowed
to participate.

Who is the God of Kuchipudi?

Kuchipudi was developed as a form of worship to Hindu God, Krishna.
Where is Kathakali Dance From?
Kathakali is the most popular dance form of Kerala. The word translates as Story-Play. It is
popular for its make-up and costumes. They usually depict the ancient stories of Mahabharat,
Ramayana and other Puranas. This article throws light on 5 major roles or Veshams of
Kathakali.
Aspirants would find this topic very helpful in the IAS Exam.

Aspirants should begin their preparation by solving UPSC Previous Year Question Papers now!!

To complement your preparation for the upcoming exam, check the following links:


 Daily Video Analysis – The Hindu Newspaper

 Daily Press Information Bureau (PIB) Analysis for UPSC Civil Service Exam
 Download Art, Culture, Literature & Architecture NCERT Notes PDF (Free)
 Download NCERT Notes PDF for UPSC Exam (Free)
 Download Indian Polity Notes PDF for IAS Exam(Free)

Who is Famous for Kathakali?

One of the most famous Kathakali dancers is Kalamandalam Gopi. He has a career spanning
across 3 decades. He was awarded the prestigious Sangeet Natak Academy Award.

Why Kathakali Dance is World-Famous?

Kathakali originated in Kerala over 300 years ago. It is world-famous because it is a
combination of many things, like resplendent costume, devotion, drama, dance, music.

What are the 5 Main Roles in Kathakali?

The 5 major roles or veshams are given below.

1. Pacha (Green) – To portray noble characters like kings and divine beings
2. Kathi (Knife) – To portray arrogant and evil characters.
3. Kari (Black) – Used to portray evil characters.
4. Thaadi (Beard) – There are 3 different types in this category.
5. Minukku (Radiant) – To portray spiritual characters like sages.

Kathak - A Brief Overview of Indian Classical Dance

Kathak is a prominent ancient Indian classical dance and is thought to have started from the
wandering bards of North India known as Kathakars, meaning storytellers. These Kathakars
travelled and conveyed stories by means of music, dance and songs akin to the early Greek
theatre.
Aspirants can find information on the structure and other important details related to the IAS
Exam, in the linked article.

Aspirants should begin their preparation by solving UPSC Previous Year Question Papers now!!

To complement your preparation for the upcoming exam, check the following links:

 UPSC Mains General Studies Paper I – Strategy, Syllabus, Structure

 Topic-Wise GS 1 Questions for UPSC Mains
 Previous Years Art and Culture Questions in UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 1
 Previous Years History Questions in UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 1
 100 Difference between Articles for Revision

The class created amid the Bhakti development, the pattern of mystical commitment which
advanced in medieval Hinduism. The Kathakars convey stories through rhythmic foot
movements, hand gestures, facial appearances and eye work. This performing workmanship
that consolidates legends from antiquated folklore and awesome Indian stories, particularly
from the life of Lord Krishna turned out to be very famous in the courts of North Indian
kingdoms. Three particular types of this sort are three gharanas (schools), which generally
vary in accentuation given to footwork as opposed to acting, are more acclaimed in particular,
the Jaipur Gharana, the Benaras Gharana and the Lucknow Gharana.

History and Evolution

The foundations of Kathak are rooted in Natya Shastra, an ancient Sanskrit text written by
Bharata Muni.
Collection
The three chief sections of a Kathak dance are:
Invocation: where the artist offers his/her prayer or salutation to his/her guru and to god. In
the case of Hindu performances, the artist uses mudras (hand gestures) for the same. For
Muslim occasions, the artist gives a ‘salami’.
Nritta: pure dance portrayed by the artist. He/she starts with slow and graceful movements of
the neck, wrists and eyebrows. This is followed by fast sequences according to ‘bols’. A bol
is a short sequence of rhythmic pattern. Here the artist displays energetic footwork also.
Nritya: here the artist showcases a story or theme through gestures, expressions and slow
body movements accompanied by vocal and instrumental music.
As Kathak is prevalent both in Hindu and Muslim people group the outfits of this moving
frame are made in accordance with customs of the separate groups.
Read about classical dance forms of India in the linked articles below:

 Bharatnatyam
 Kuchipudi
 Odissi
 Manipuri
  Kathakali
 Mohiniyattam
 Sattriya

Instruments and Music

A Kathak execution may incorporate twelve traditional instruments depending more on the
impact and profundity required for a specific execution. However, a few instruments are
commonly utilized as a part of a Kathak execution like the tabla that blends well with the
musical foot developments of the artist and regularly emulates the sound of such footwork
developments or the other way around to make a splendid jugalbandi. A manjira that is hand
cymbals and sarangi or harmonium are additionally utilized frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions related to Kathak

Which State is Kathak from?

Kathak dance originated from Uttar Pradesh (U.P) in North India. This one is derived from the word
Katha meaning story, and during the whole dance, the dancers narrate stories through their eyes
and expressions.

Why is Kathak important?

Kathak gives emphasis on poses, expressions, grace, hand, eye and body movements, and footwork.
This makes your body look younger, lose bodyweight, and brings a lot of excitement in life. Within
no time you will discover that you have become more active and full of energy.

When was Kathak invented?

The art of Kathak dancing pays a significant tribute to Indian history and accentuates Indian culture.
Kathak actually dates back to 4th century BC where sculptures of Kathak dancers were engraved in
written scripts and sculptures in ancient temples.
Who is the God of Kathak?
The stories in Kathak’s performance generally tend to be about the Hindu god Krishna (or in some
cases Shiva or Devi), and the stories come from sources such as the Bhagavata Purana, or the Indian
Epics.

Multiple Choice Question (MCQ)

Consider the following Statements

1. Bharatanatyam expresses spiritual ideas pertaining to Vaishnavism, Shaktism and Shaivism.

2. The three important features of Bharatanatyam are Nritta, Natya and Nritya.
3. Kuchipudi was developed as a form of worship to Hindu God, Krishna.
4. Kathak execution may incorporate twelve traditional instruments depending more on the
impact and profundity required for a specific execution.

Which of the following options are true?

A) Only 1 and 2 are true
B) Only 2 and 4 are true
C) Only 1, 2 and 4 are true
D) All the above 4 statements are true.
Answer: D

Yakshagana
Yakshagana is a traditional folk dance form popular in coastal Karnataka districts and some
parts of Kerala. It is considered that Yakshagana has originated as a product of the
Vaishnava bhakti movement.
The article provides information about one of the signature folk dances of Karnataka –
Yakshagana in the context of the IAS Exam.
The information is useful for preparing the Art & Culture section of the UPSC Syllabus.
The candidates can read more on Art & Culture topics for their upcoming exams from the
links provided below:

Indian Classical Dances Puppetry in India

List of Indian Dance Forms Folk Music in India

Difference between Classical and Folk Dance Traditional Theatre Forms of India
Introduction
 Yakshagana literally means, “song” of the yaksha (demi-gods/spirits).
 The mela or troupe consists of two main parts:

 Mummela (foreground actors)

 Himmela (singers and instrumentalists in the background).
 It is a theatrical art form of Karnataka, originally an all-night performance where the mela
travelled from one village to another.
 It is also performed in the south Canara districts of Karnataka and Kasaragod district of
Kerala.
 Yakshagana is performed in open-air theatres.
 It is usually performed in the village paddy fields after the winter crop has been harvested.

Source – The Hindu

Elements of Yakshagana
The Act
  Each performance typically focuses on a small sub-story (known as ‘Prasanga’) from ancient
Hindu epics of Ramayana or Mahabharata.
 The show consists of both stage performances by talented artists and commentary
(performed by the lead singer or Bhagavatha) accompanied by traditional music.

Who is a Bhagavatha?

 The Bhagavatha, part of the himmela, is the lead singer and narrates the story through songs, while
the dancers/actors (mummela) enact the stories drawn from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and
the Puranas.
 Bhagavatha is the chief narrator of the story.
 Bhagavata sings in his magical high-pitched voice, invoking the Gods for the successful completion of
the evening’s performance.

The Music
Musical instruments used in Yakshagana include:

1. Chande (drums),
2. Harmonium,
3. Maddale,
4. Taala (mini metal clappers) and
5. Flute among others.

The Dress

 Costumes used in Yakshagana are unique and elaborate.

 Large size headgear, coloured faces, elaborate costumes all over the body and musical beads
on the legs (Gejje).
 Kavacha decorates the chest, armlets for the shoulders and belts are made up of light wood
and covered with golden foil.
 Performers need a great physique to perform with heavy costumes for several hours, and
also strong voice and acting/dancing skills.
The Language

 Yakshagana is generally presented in Kannada, but also performed

in Malayalam and Tulu languages on certain occasions.
The Troupes
There are several popular troupes (known as Melas) performing Yakshagana throughout the
year. Some leading melas include:

1. Saligrama mela,
2. Dharmasthala Mela,
3. Mandarthi Mela,
4. Perduru Mela

What is ‘Pagade’ of Yakshagana?

  It is a headdress or kirita.
 The Pagade is not readymade to be placed on the head.
 The crown worn by characters which have both heroic and playful characteristics is a work of
art by itself.

Source – The Hindu

Kickstart your UPSC preparation now and complement it with the links given below:

 IAS Mock Tests

 Daily Video Analysis – The Hindu Newspaper
  Topic-wise IAS Prelims Questions with Solutions
 FAQ on UPSC IAS for Beginners
 All India Radio (AIR) Spotlight for UPSC
 NCERT Notes: Art, Literature, Architecture And Culture
 Gist of Yojana
 Gist of Kurukshetra

Other Art Forms of Yakshagana

Yakshagana was formerly known as Bayatala by some people in Karnataka. The sister art
forms associated with Yakshagana are listed below:

1. Therukoothu of Tamil Nadu,

2. Kutiyattam and Chakyarkoothu of Kerala,
3. Veedhinataka of Andhra Pradesh

Other Forms of Dance-drama or Folk Theatre

There is a wide variety of folk music, dance and drama forms. They can share common
themes and concerns. Depending on the purpose of celebration, its characteristics also vary.
When it is performed and by whom?

 The agricultural communities perform folk music and dances to celebrate

 The rhythms of daily life

 The turn of the seasons
 The highlights of the agricultural calendar
 Important events (births and marriages)
 Sowing of the wheat crop
 Fishing communities
 Other local communities

Name of the folk dance-drama Details of the dance/art form

Giddha Spontaneous energy;

Folk dance of women in Punjab region of Pakistan and India

Ghoomar Rajasthani women

Garba Gujarat;
Dance in a circle with batons

Dandiya Ras Gujarat men;

 A more vigorous version of Garba, leaping and crouching in twirling
patterns

Lavani Maharashtra

Nautanki Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

Bhavai Gujarat

Tamasha Maharashtra

Jatra West Bengal, Odisha and eastern Bihar

Yakshagana Karnataka

Theyyam Kerala

Yakshagana and Gombeyatta

 Gombeyatta is the traditional string puppet of Karnataka.
 They are styled and designed like the characters of Yakshagana, the traditional theatre form
of the region.
 The episodes enacted in Gombeyatta are usually based on Prasangas of the Yakshagana
plays.
 The puppets are highly stylised and their costumes and make-up are similar to Yakshagana.
 The puppets of Gombeyatta resemble the actors of Yakshagana and the sets are also
designed like the Yakshagana stage.

Variants of Yakshagana
It is found that two variants of Yakshagana exist. The characteristics/features of these two
different styles of Yakshagana are listed and tabled below:

Badagutittu Tenkutittu

It is prevalent in Northern parts of South Canara, This style is prevalent in Southern areas of South
from Padubidri to Byndoor and North Kanara Canara, that is, from Mulki to Kasargod.
District.

Instrument used – a typical Karnataka chande drum. Instrument used – Kerala maddalam (traditional
Kerala percussion instrument).
 Popularised as shorter, and more modern form of Its less exuberant costumes, particularly the demon
Yakshagana. Their ornaments are made out of light costumes, make it seem more like Kathakali than like
wood, pieces of mirror, and coloured stones. Badagutittu.

Famous artist – Keremane Shivarama Heggade Famous artist – Sheni Gopalakrishna Bhat

Recent Development
Dakshina Kannada District Sahitya Sammelan has urged the Karnataka government to
declare Yakshagana as a representative art form of the State.

FAQ about Yakshagana for UPSC

Who was the first Yakshagana artist to receive the Rashtrapati Award?
Keremane Shivarama Heggade is the first Yakshagana artist to receive the Rashtrapati Award. He is
the founder of the Yakshagana troupe named Idagunji Mahaganapathi Yakshagana Mandali. He is an
exponent of Badagutittu style of Yakshagana.

How is every character introduced in Yakshagana performance?

Every important character is introduced by lifting the theray (screen), which prepares the audience
for the actual moment when these characters will emerge on stage in all their grandeur.