Indian Heritage and Culture

‘Indian Heritage and Culture’ is an important part of UPSC Syllabus and it spans across the entire length and breadth of Indian History. Candidates need to study aesthetics, customs, social and economic aspects of art. This article gives the list of 14 most important topics that need to be covered under Indian Heritage and Culture.

• How to Study Art & Culture?
• What is Art and Culture? What is the difference between the two?
• Architecture
• Sculpture
• Indian Paintings
• Religion
• Philosophy
• Indian Music
• Indian Dance
• Theatre
• Puppetry
• Indian Cinema and Circus
• Bhakti & Sufi Movement
• Language & Literature
• Fairs, Festivals and Craft
• Science & Technology[Art & Culture]
• Promotion and Preservation of Indian Heritage
• Pottery tradition in India
• Martial Arts in India

Important Topics on Indian Heritage and Culture for UPSC

Indian Culture has survived the brunt of Mughal Emperors ruling the country for more than 400 years. Then came the British under whose subjugation we prevailed for close to 200 years. Although the democracy and independent structures in the country suffered, the Indian Heritage and Culture have persisted through time and have thereby emerged as one of the biggest proponents of knowing India from within. Following are some of the important.

Indian Heritage and Culture related to Indian Civil Services Examination-

Important Topics of Indian Heritage and Culture associated with Indian Civil Services Examination

Indian Culture and Heritage is an important part of the History Curriculum which is included in both the UPSC Prelims and UPSC Mains examination. Following are the important topics associated with Indian Culture and Heritage for Indian Civil Service Examination–

Stone Age

Human evolution in the country started with the inception of the stone age. During this time the people belonging to that era began using stone elements for making architectural components like buildings and mansions along with forts. The use of stone in this era was considered to be an important part of Indian Culture and Heritage.

Also read: Must-Known Interesting Facts about Telangana

The Harappan Civilization

The most important civilization in the history of Indian heritage and culture was the Harappan and Mohenjodaro Civilization. This was the oldest civilization establishment in the world. It culminated into being a visionary discovery for civilizations of the future.

Mauryan Period

The Mauryan Period was also glittering in Indian history. Much development took place during this rule with some of the greatest modern rulers of the subcontinent who owed their origin to the Mauryan Empire. Among them, the most popular was Chandragupta Maurya who consider the contemporary of Alexander the Great and is often describes as the greatest ruler in the history of India.

Other Historical Topics associated with the Pre-Mughal Era

Before the Mughal Empire was established in India, the rich Indian heritage and culture of India were shaped by the famous rulers of modern India. They integrated Indian territories and established their dominance of the rule over the Indian subcontinent.

• Post- Mauryan Phase: The period of Shungas, Kanvas and Satavahanas

• Kushan Empire

• Gupta Empire

• Temple Architecture Styles

• Literature and Philosophy

• Medieval Period

• 15-16th Century Regional Kingdoms

The emergence of the Mughal Empire

Indian Heritage and Culture are shaped with the arrival of the Mughal Empire. Eminent rulers have dominated the horizons of Indian boundaries and thereby extended the extent and limit of the Indian Empire. Jahangir, Akbar and Aurangzeb have been among the most prominent faces of the Mughal Empire who have been instrumental in establishing the Empire into one of the greatest proponents of cultural growth and diversity in the world.

The decline of Mughals and Rise of Provincial Kingdoms

The decline of the Mughals was an important period in Indian Heritage and Cultural Traditions. They cumulatively ruled the country for close to 200 years before the British East India Company arrived in the country and took over the trade and commerce thereby establishing its dominance. British influence reflects in the traditional and architectural specimens like monuments, buildings and different coins and other artifacts of that time.

Modern Period

Dance, Music, Paintings, Literature, Food, Fairs and Festivals were the core elements on which the modern period associated with Indian Culture and Heritage focused. The modern period characterizes by innovation and modifications in the economic system. The elected government has been responsible for the restoration and management of buildings and monuments.

Different Types of Art

The Art and Architecture of Ancient India plays a crucial role in identifying the pattern of Indian Heritage and Culture. The Art Forms are a very important part of nurturing the different facets of Indian Culture and its Cosmopolitan existence. The different art forms ranged from the Utilitarian Harappan Art to Popular Art of the Post-Mauryan Period.

Summary

Therefore Indian Culture and Heritage have seen a reformed look over the centuries. Different rulers of the Mauryan and the Mughal era were great patrons of art, literature and culture. It has been the testament of India’s true greatness on the International Stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the different types of Indian Art associated with Indian culture and heritage?

The Art and Architecture of Ancient India plays a crucial role in identifying the pattern of Indian Heritage and Culture. The Art Forms are a very important part of nurturing the different facets of Indian Culture and its Cosmopolitan existence. The different art forms ranged from the Utilitarian Harappan Art to Popular Art of the Post-Mauryan Period.

Is Indian Culture and Heritage a compulsory paper for UPSC Examination?

Yes, Indian Culture and Heritage is a compulsory paper for UPSC Examination.