Indian Culture & Art Short Notes (Exam-Focused) | History, Architecture, Dance, Music & Heritage

Indian Culture & Art – Short Notes (Exam Point of View)

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1. Indian Culture – Overview

• India’s culture is a blend of diverse religions, languages, customs and traditions.

• Major components: Religion, Philosophy, Art, Architecture, Literature, Music, Dance, Festivals.

• Influenced by Indus Valley, Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, Mughal, and Modern periods.

• Known for unity in diversity.

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2. Religion & Philosophy

Hinduism

• One of the world’s oldest religions.

• Sacred texts: Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata), Bhagavad Gita.

• Concepts: Dharma, Karma, Moksha, Rebirth.

Buddhism

• Founded by Gautama Buddha in 6th century BCE.

• Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path.

• Spread to Sri Lanka, SE Asia, China, Japan.

Jainism

• Founded by Mahavira.

• Principles: Ahimsa, Aparigraha, Anekantavada.

• Two sects: Digambara, Svetambara.

Islam

• Arrived in India in 7th century AD through traders.

• Mughal Empire contributed majorly to architecture & art.

Sikhism

• Founded by Guru Nanak.

• Holy scripture: Guru Granth Sahib.

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3. Language & Literature

• India has 22 scheduled languages.

• Ancient languages: Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Tamil.

• Famous texts:

  • Sangam Literature (Tamil)

  • Kalidasa’s works – Abhijnanashakuntalam, Meghaduta

  • Banabhatta – Harshacharita

  • Bhakti & Sufi literature spread devotion.

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4. Architecture in India

Ancient Architecture

• Indus Valley Civilization – Town planning, Great Bath, Granaries, drainage system.

• Rock-cut architecture – Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta, Karla Caves.

Buddhist Architecture

• Stupas – Sanchi Stupa.

• Viharas & Chaityas – Monasteries for monks.

• Ashokan pillars – Lion Capital (National Emblem).

Hindu Temple Architecture

• Three main styles:

  • Nagara (North) – curvilinear shikhara (e.g., Khajuraho)

  • Dravida (South) – gopurams (e.g., Brihadeshwara Temple)

  • Vesara (Deccan) – mixed style (e.g., Chalukya temples)

Medieval Islamic Architecture

• Features: arches, domes, minarets, calligraphy.

• Examples:

  • Qutub Minar

  • Taj Mahal

  • Red Fort

  • Gol Gumbaz

Modern Architecture

• Lutyens Delhi, India Gate, Parliament House.

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5. Sculpture & Iconography

• Features: detailed human/animal forms.

• Indus Valley – bronze dancing girl, bearded priest.

• Mauryan – polished stone sculptures.

• Gupta period – classical sculptures (golden age).

• Chola bronzes – Nataraja.

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6. Paintings in India

Ancient & Classical

• Ajanta paintings – Buddhist, murals.

• Ellora paintings – lesser preserved.

Traditional / Folk

• Madhubani (Bihar)

• Warli (Maharashtra)

• Pattachitra (Odisha)

• Kalamkari (AP, Telangana)

• Miniature paintings – Mughal, Rajput, Pahari.

Modern Art

• Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil.

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7. Indian Music

Classical Music

• Two Styles:

  • Hindustani (North)

  • Carnatic (South)

• Basic components: Raga, Tala.

• Famous maestros: Tansen, Bismillah Khan, M.S. Subbulakshmi.

Instruments

• String: Sitar, Veena, Sarod

• Percussion: Tabla, Mridangam

• Wind: Shehnai, Flute

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8. Indian Dance Forms

Classical Dances (8)

1. Bharatanatyam – Tamil Nadu

2. Kathak – North India

3. Kathakali – Kerala

4. Kuchipudi – Andhra Pradesh

5. Odissi – Odisha

6. Manipuri – Manipur

7. Mohiniyattam – Kerala

8. Sattriya – Assam

Folk Dances

• Garba (Gujarat), Bhangra (Punjab), Lavani (Maharashtra), Karagattam (TN), Yakshagana (Karnataka).

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9. Festivals of India

• Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja, Onam, Pongal, Eid, Christmas, Baisakhi, Lohri, Navratri.

• Symbolise cultural unity.

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10. Indian Crafts & Handlooms

• Famous crafts: Terracotta, Bamboo, Metalwork, Pottery, Wood carving.

• Handlooms: Banarasi silk, Kanchipuram silk, Pashmina shawl, Chanderi, Ikat.

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11. Cinema & Theatre

• Indian cinema is one of the largest in the world.

• Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood.

• Classical theatre traditions: Yakshagana, Kathakali, Nautanki.

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12. UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Culture)

• Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Khajuraho, Ajanta, Ellora, Hampi, Mahabalipuram, Jaipur City, Rani ki Vav etc.

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13. Important Cultural Organisations

• ASI – Archaeological Survey of India

• Sangeet Natak Akademi

• Lalit Kala Akademi

• Sahitya Akademi

• NCERT & IGNCA