Culture for Mains

Neglect of Art & Culture in India – UPSC GS1

Neglect of culture and Heritage in India Cabinet does not involve a full-time minister of culture. Persons that do not have any specialized knowledge of culture are being posted as ministers. Governments have also invariably clubbed culture with another portfolio mostly with the Tourism ministry. It is overrun by bureaucrats who rarely know anything about …

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Nagara Architecture of Ayodhya’s Ram Temple – UPSC GS1

 The grand temple at Rama Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya will follow the Nagara style of temple architecture. What is Nagara style of temple architecture? The basic form of a Hindu temple contains the following architectural elements: Garbhagriha – the small room where the principal deity/deities of the temple reside Mandapa – the portico or hall at …

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Indian Classical Dances – UPSC GS1

The Indian classical dances have two basic aspects: Tandava (movement and rhythm) and Lasya (grace, bhava and rasa). The three main components of them are: Natya: the dramatic element of the dance i.e. the imitation of characters. Nritta: the dance movements in their basic form. Nritya: expressional component i.e. mudras or gestures. The nine rasas are: Love Heroism Pathos Humour Anger Fear Disgust Wonder …

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Kathakali Dance – UPSC GS1

Kathakali dance Dazzling classical dance of Kerala is Kathakali. ‘Katha’= Story or tale, ‘Kali’= Performance and Art. Its roots are in ancient ‘Kutiyattam’ (Classical Sanskrit Dance Drama) and ‘Krishnattam’ (Dance-Drama depicting Stories of Hindu God Krishna). Movements in Kathakali are influenced by ancient martial arts and athletic tradition. It is basically a Dance-Drama. Kathakali was traditionally a male-dominated dance …

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