Indian Art and Culture

Origin, forms (vocal/instrumental), gharanas, key exponents, ragas, tala system, famous musicians, historical spread and conservation.

Temple architecture (Nagara, Dravida, Vesara), Buddhist and Jain caves, Mauryan pillars, Chola bronzes, medieval forts.

List and historical/cultural importance of Indian sites recognized by UNESCO—Ajanta, Ellora, Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Mahabalipuram, etc.

Vedic, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Tamil Sangam literature, medieval and modern literature—major works, writers, impact.

Madhubani, Warli, Gond, Pattachitra, Chhau, crafts from indigenous populations.

Banarasi and Kanjeevaram silk, Chanderi, Pashmina, handloom and embroidery traditions, art of weaving.

History and development of drama, musical performances, folk dances (Bihu, Garba, Lavani), puppet shows.

Harappan, Mauryan, Buddhist, Hindu temples, caves, monolithic constructions.

Features, examples, evolution, prominent temples (Konark, Khajuraho, Madurai, etc).

Qutb Minar, Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal, fusion of Persian/Indian styles.

Lutyens’ Delhi, Indo-Saracenic styles, railway stations, universities, government buildings.

Bengal School, Progressive Artists Group, contemporary sculpture and painting.

Sangeet Natak Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi, National School of Drama, archaeological and conservation bodies.

Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, Baisakhi, Pongal, Onam, Bihu, harvest and local festivals, their history.

Conservation techniques, ASI’s role, heritage management, legal frameworks, awareness campaigns.

Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Sattriya—origin, techniques, costumes, schools, evolution, global influence.

Miniature painting, mural traditions, Mughal, Rajasthani, Pahari, Deccan schools, contemporary Indian painters.

Constitutional languages, classical languages, evolution (Indus, Brahmi, Devanagari, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, etc.), literary prominence.