Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–1 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

5 Cultural Heritage &

Performing Arts

CONTENTS
Part-1 : Indian Architect, Engineering ............. 5–2Q to 5–10Q
and Architecture in Ancient India

Part-2 : Sculptures, Seals, Coins, ................... 5–10Q to 5–17Q

Pottery, Puppetry

Part-3 : Dance, Music, Theatre, ...................... 5–17Q to 5–37Q

Drama, Painting, Martial
Arts traditions, Fairs and Festivals

Part-4 : Current Developments ...................... 5–37Q to 5–42Q

in Arts and Cultural, Indian’s
Cultural Contribution to the
World, Indian Cinema
Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–2 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

PART-1
Indian Architect, Engineering and Architecture in Ancient India.

Questions-Answers

Long Answer Type and Medium Answer Type Questions

Que 5.1. What are the different types of architecture found in

India ? Describe them in brief.

Answer
Caves, stupas, pillars, temples and Indo-Islamic architecture are variety of
architecture found in India which is a very important part in Indian art and
architecture.
A. Cave architecture :
1. Cave architecture is often called as Rock-cut architecture.
2. Indian rock-cut architecture is one of the main forms of architecture
seen in caves.
3. It is the practice of creating a structure by carving it out of solid natural
rock.
4. The earliest caves were natural caves used by people for a variety of
purposes such as shrines and shelters.
5. Indian rock-cut architecture is mostly religious in nature.
6. There are more than 1,500 rock-cut structures in India.
7. Some of the famous caves are : Ajanta Caves, Ellora Cave, Elephanta
Cave, Sudama / Nyagodh Cave etc.
B. Stupa architecture :
1. A Stupa is a dome-shaped sacred burial mound of brick which was used
to house Buddha’s relics or to commemorate significant facts and events
related to Buddhism.
2. The term stupa comes from Sanskrit and it means heap.
3. Stupas are usually built on a foundation laid with blocks of stone or
bricks. On this foundation, a hemispherical dome was raised.
4. In India, Sanchi, Sarnath, Amaravati and Bharhut are among the oldest
known stupas.
C. Pillar architecture :
1. Erection of pillars is an age-old tradition in India.
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–3 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

2. Development in the field of pillar architecture in a proper way commenced

during the Mauryan age.
3. The Mauryan pillars were rock-cut. These had proclamations inscribed
on them and were used to spread the message of the Buddha by Emperor
Ashoka.
4. The top portion of the pillar is called capital and it typically has animal
figures like bull, lion, elephant, etc.
5. These capital figures are carved standing on a square or circular abacus.
The abacuses are on the base which could be a stylised inverted lotus.
6. Example of pillars with capital figures: Sarnath, Basarah-Bakhira,
Rampurva, Sankisa and Lauriya-Nandangarh.
D. Temple architecture :
1. A temple can be defined as an enclosed place of worship having a roof or
a covered structure.
2. The word ‘temple’ is derived from the Latin word ‘templum’.
3. Temple is the dwelling place of God and is used for worship by devotees.
4. The basic elements that comprise a Hindu Temple are :
i. Garbhagriha : It is a cave-like sanctum which houses the main
icon of the temple.
ii. Mandapa : The entrance to the temple.
iii. Shikhara/Vimana : It is a mountain-like spire on top.
iv. Amalaka : Stone-like disc seen at the top of the temple.
v. Kalasha : It is the topmost part of the temple.
vi. Antarala : It is a vestibule between the Garbhagriha and the
Mandapa.
vii. Jagati : This is a raised platform where devotees can sit and pray.
E. Indo-Islamic architecture :
1. After the Turkish conquest of North India in the 13th century building
activity on a large scale began.
2. Muslims absorbed many aspects of local architectural traditions.
3. A mix of many techniques, stylized shapes, and surface decorations
evolved through a continuous amalgamation of architectural elements
from various styles.
4. Such architectural entities that showcased multiple styles are known as
Indo-Islamic architecture.
5. Types of architectural buildings : mosques for daily prayers, Jama Masjids,
dargahs, tombs, hammams, minars, gardens, sarais or caravansarais,
madrasas, Kos minars, etc.

Que 5.2. What are the major cave architectures in India ?

Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–4 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

Answer
Following are the major cave architecture in India :
A. Ellora Cave :
1. It is locally known as ‘Verul Leni’.
2. It is located in Maharashtra.
3. This also a rock-cut monastery by the Buddhists.
4. It is famous for the largest monolithic excavation in the world - the
great Kailasa.
5. The hills in which the caves are carved forms part of the Sahyadri
ranges of the Deccan.
6. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
B. Ajanta Cave :
1. This cave is located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra.
2. It comprises about 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments.
3. All three kinds of art: sculpture, architecture, and paintings (mural
paintings) are combined.
4. Famous fresco paintings of Ajanta are dying princess, flying apsara
and preaching Buddha.
5. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
C. Elephanta Cave :
1. It is located on Elephanta Islands in Mumbai.
2. There are seven cave excavations in the Elephanta group.
3. There is Trimurti of Shiva.
4. The caves are carved from solid basalt rock.
D. Karla Cave :
1. Ancient India Buddhist early rock-cut architecture.
2. It is located in Maharashtra.
3. Related with the Mahasamghika sect of Buddhism.
4. There is a pillar of the Asokan type with a huge sixteen-sided shaft
rising over a platform.
5. It has a great chaitya hall.
E. Lomasa Rishi Cave :
1. It represents the earliest example of rock-cut architecture in India.
2. It belongs to Maurya period.
3. This cave was carved out of a gigantic rounded granite rock.
4. It has an arch-like shape frontage copying the contemporary timber
architecture.
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–5 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

5. It is located in Nagarjuni hills.

Que 5.3. What do you understand by the term Stupa ? Classify

stupa and explain different parts of stupa.

Answer
Stupa : A Stupa is a dome-shaped sacred burial mound of brick which was
used to house Buddha’s relics or to commemorate significant facts and events
related to Buddhism.
Classification of Stupa : The stupas are classified into 5 main categories
on the basis of the purpose or occasion associated with them. These are :
A. Relic Stupas :
1. These stupas were constructed on bodily remains of Buddha, his disciples
and Bodhisattvas.
2. These are the most sacred among all Buddhist stupas.
B. Object Stupas :
1. These stupas were built on personal belongings used by Buddha, his
disciples and Bodhisattvas.
2. Begging bowl, robes and Buddhist scriptures were kept in these stupas.
C. Commemorative Stupas :
1. These stupas were built in the memory of important events associated
with the life of Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
D. Symbolic Stupas :
1. Stupas of this category were built to symbolize the invisible presence of
Mahatma Buddha.
2. These stupas reminded people that Buddha and his Dharma were there
with them always and everywhere.
3. Relics or objects were not used in these stupas.
E. Votive Stupas :
1. These stupas were built by devotees at important Buddhist centres and
monasteries near the main stupas where they went there for pilgrimage.
2. The construction of these stupas was carried out to earn merit, i.e., to
get the grace of God.
Parts of Stupa :
1. Anda : Stupas are usually built on a foundation laid with blocks of stone
or bricks. On this foundation, a hemispherical dome (anda) was raised.
2. Medhi : It is the wider base of a stupa.
3. Harmika : It is the top portion of a stupa. On the truncated top of the
hemisphere, a harmika is placed, surrounded by a railing.
Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–6 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

4. Vedika : It refers to the railing built around a stupa. The stupa is enclosed
by a vedika. The railing is provided with four gateways.
5. Pradakshina path : A path of circumambulation (pradakshina path)
runs around the stupa at the ground level within the railing.
6. Toranas : Toranas were ceremonial gateways around the stupas.

Que 5.4. Write a short note on structure of Ashokan pillars.

Answer
1. Erection of pillars is an age-old tradition in India.
2. Development in the field of pillar architecture in a proper way commenced
during the Mauryan age.
3. Mauryan pillars can be divided into following two categories :
i. Pillars which were part of palaces.
ii. Pillars which were erected by Ashoka independently.
4. A large number of stone pillars were erected by Ashoka throughout his
empire.
5. The height of Ashokan pillars was about 12 to 15 meters and their
weight was about 50 tons.
6. Ashokan pillars had following 4 parts :
A. Shaft :
i. The shaft of Ashokan pillars was generally monolithic.
ii. The shaft was round in shape. It tapered from bottom to top.
iii. This shaft was used to inscribe Ashoka’s royal orders.
iv. Contents of these orders deal with Dhamma (righteousness) and its
spread among the masses.
B. Bell-shaped portion :
i. A bell-shaped portion was the second component of Ashokan pillars and
was put over the shaft.
ii. This portion is often termed as 'inverted lotus'.
C. Abacus :
i. Abacus was the third component of Ashokan pillars.
ii. It was a platform on which the crowning animal was placed.
iii. In earlier pillars it was square or rectangular in shape. In later pillars it
was circular in shape.
D. Capital :
i. The uppermost element of a pillar is known as capital.
ii. The capital was carved with figures like a bull, lion, elephant, etc.
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–7 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

iii. Capital was the fourth component of Ashokan pillars.

Que 5.5. Describe the basic features of Indian temples.

Answer
1. The form and meanings of architectural elements in a Hindu temple
are designed to function as the place where it is the link between man
and the divine, to help his progress to spiritual knowledge and truth.
2. The basic features that comprise a Hindu Temple are :
i. Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum) :
1. It literally means womb-house and is a cave like sanctum.
2. In the earliest temples, it was a small cubical structure with a single
entrance. Later it grew into larger chambers.
3. The Garbhagriha is made to house the main icon (main deity).
ii. Mandapa :
1. It is the entrance to the temple.
2. It may be a portico or colonnaded hall that incorporates space for a
large number of worshippers.
3. Some temples have multiple mandapas in different sizes.
iii. Shikhara or Vimana :
1. They are mountain like spire of a free standing temple.
2. Shikhara is found in North Indian temples and Vimana is found in
South Indian temples.
3. Shikhara has a curving shape while Vimana has a pyramidal like
structure.
iv. Vahana : It is the mount or vehicle of the temple’s main deity along
with a standard pillar or Dhvaj which is placed axially before the
sanctum.
v. Amalaka : It is a stone disc like structure crowning the top of the
North Indian style shikhara.
vi. Kalasha : Wide-mouthed pot or ornamental pot-design decorating
the shikhara in North Indian temples.
vii. Antarala (vestibule) : Antarala is a transition area between the
Garbhagriha and the temple's main hall (mandapa).
viii. Jagati : It is a raised platform for sitting and praying and is common in
North Indian temples.

Que 5.6. Give the classification of structural/free standing

temple architecture.
Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–8 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

Answer
Basically there are 3 kinds of structural/free standing temple architecture :
A. Nagara style temple architecture :
1. In Nagara style, it is common for an entire temple to be built on a stone
platform with steps leading up to it.
2. It does not usually have elaborate boundary walls or gateways.
3. The three main distinctive features of Nagar style is Shikhara
(Curvilinear tower), Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum), Mandapa
(Entrance Hall).
4. While the earliest temples had just one tower or shikhara, later temples
had multiple Shikharas.
5. The garbhagriha is always located directly under the tallest tower.
6. Examples - Dashavatara temple (Deogarh), Vishwanatha temple
(Khajuraho), Lakshman Temple (Khajuraho), Jagannath Temple
(Puri).
7. Following are the main subdivisions of Nagara temples depending on
the shape of the shikhara :
i. Rekha-Prasada type or Latina type.
ii. Phamsana type.
iii. Valabhi type.
B. Dravida style temple architecture :
1. The Dravida temple is enclosed within a compound wall.
2. The front wall has an entrance gateway in its centre, which is known
as a gopuram.
3. The shape of the main temple tower known as Vimana is like a stepped
pyramid that rises up geometrically.
4. In the Dravida style temples, one will generally find sculptures of
fierce dvarapalas or the door-keepers guarding the temple.
5. The Dravida temple consists of a large water reservoir, or a temple
tank, enclosed within the complex.
6. Subsidiary shrines are either incorporated within the main temple
tower or located as distinct, separate small shrines beside the main
temple.
7. Examples - Shore temple (Mahabalipuram), Brihadesvara temple
(Thanjavur), Meenakshi Temple (Madurai).
C. Vesara style temple architecture :
1. The Vesara style contains elements of both Dravida and Nagara styles.
2. The height of these temples was reduced compared to its Nagara and
Dravida counterparts.
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–9 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

3. The height of the temple tower over the sanctum is usually shorter
than the Vimanas in Dravida temples. The shape of these towers was
pyramidal in profile.
4. Vimana was crowned by a circular shikhara above the neck.
5. Examples - Badami temple, Durga Temple (Aihole), Virupaksha Temple
(Pattadkal), Keshava Temple (Somnathpur).

Que 5.7. Write a short note on Indo-Islamic architecture.

Answer
1. After the Turkish conquest of North India in the 13th century building
activity on a large scale began.
2. Muslims absorbed many aspects of local architectural traditions.
3. Thus, in the field of architecture, a mix of many structural techniques,
stylised shapes, and surface decorations came about.
4. These architectural entities or categories showcasing multiple styles
are known as Indo-Saracenic or Indo-Islamic architecture.
5. Indo-Islamic architecture across India includes various types of the
structure constructed over a period of time.
6. Major Indo-Islamic architectural forms are :
A. Forts :
1. Building monumental forts with embattlements was a regular feature
in medieval times, often symbolising the seat of power of a king.
2. Commanding heights were utilised to great advantage to construct
forts.
3. Use of concentric circles of outer walls.
B. Minar :
1. Another important Indo-Islamic architectural form was the minar,
similar to Stambha or tower.
2. They were typically built adjacent to mosques.
3. The everyday use of the minar was for the azaan or call to prayer.
4. The basic form of a minaret includes a base, shaft, and gallery.
C. Tomb :
1. The tomb architecture is an important feature of the Islamic
architecture.
2. The idea behind the tomb was eternal paradise as a reward for the true
believer on the Day of Judgment.
3. This led to the paradisiacal imagery for tomb construction, beginning
with the introduction of Quranic verses on the walls, subsequently
Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–10 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

under the Mughals, the tomb was placed within paradisiacal elements
such as a garden or near a body of water or both.
D. Sarais :
1. A hugely interesting feature of medieval India was the sarais which
ringed cities and dotted the vast space of the Indian subcontinent.
2. Sarais were largely built on a simple square or rectangular plan.
3. They were meant to provide temporary accommodation to Indian and
foreign travellers, pilgrims, merchants, traders, etc.
4. Sarais were public domains which thronged with people of varied
cultural backgrounds. This led to cross-cultural interaction amongst
the people.

Que 5.8. Compare the Indo-Islamic and early Indian architecture.

Answer

S. No. Indo-Islamic Indian Architecture

1. Ornamental decoration was Orname ntal de co ration was
geometrical and arabesque largely naturalistic showing
patterns and representation human and animal forms.
of plant and floral life.
2. Extensive use of lime as Very limited use of lime.
mortar.
3. Arcuate style of Trabeate style of construction
construction using arches using pillars and beams and
and beams. lintels.
4. The mosque was light and The temple was dark and closed.
open.
5. The Islamic form of worship, A cell to house the image of the
with its emphasis o n deity (garbhagriha) and often
co ngre gational praye r, small halls in front for the
re quire s a spacio us worshippers, as Hindu form of
co urtyard with a large wo rship e mphasize s on
prayer hall. individual prayer.

PART-2
Sculptures, Seals, Coins, Pottery, Puppetry.
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–11 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

Questions-Answers

Long Answer Type and Medium Answer Type Questions

Que 5.9. Write a short note on sculptures in India.

Answer
1. Sculpture in the Indian subcontinent essentially consists of sculpture of
stone, metal or terracotta.
2. The first known sculpture in the Indian subcontinent is from the Indus
Valley civilization, when small items of bronze sculpture and terracotta
sculpture were produced.
3. After the collapse of the Indus Valley civilization there is little record of
sculpture until the Buddhist era.
4. Thus the great tradition of Indian monumental sculpture in stone appears
to begin relatively late, with the reign of Asoka from 270 to 232 BCE,
and the Pillars of Ashoka he erected around India.
5. Besides religious, secular elements were also present in Indian
sculptures.
6. Figures of gods and goddesses, kings, queens, birds, animals and trees
were made by Indian artists.

Que 5.10. Write a short note on seals.

Answer
1. Seals were used for authentication of transactions by state as well as
private individuals and organizations.
2. Seals can be compared with stamps of present times.
3. The earliest seals found in Indian sub-continent belong to pre-Harappan
phase.
4. Thousands of seals have been discovered by archaeologists from the
Harappan sites. Most of the seals were made of steatite. A few of them
were also made of terracotta, gold, agate, chert, ivory and faience.
5. The dimension of Harappan seals varied from 0.5 inch to 2.5 inch.
6. Most Harappan seals were quadrilateral in shape. Square and rectangular
shaped seals have been found most commonly.
7. Every seal is engraved in a pictographic script (which is yet to be
deciphered).
8. Most of the seals have been written on both sides. The writings are in
the Kharosthi style (right to left).
Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–12 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

9. The seals throw light on relationship and interaction of the people of

Harappan civilization with outside world.
10. The seals throw light on the language and script of the Harappan
civilization.

Que 5.11. Write a short note on coinage of India.

Answer
1. Coins issued by Indian rulers through the ages are important example
of human art belonging to the ancient age because these coins have
different types of symbols on them.
2. The coins throw light on the socio-economic, political and cultural life of
people belonging to that period.
3. Coinage of India began anywhere between early 1st millennium BC to
the 6th century BC.
4. These coins were popularly known as punch marked coins because
different symbols were inscribed on them using punches.
5. The earliest punch marked coins were irregular pieces of metal.
6. Die-cast coins were issued in India in the Saurashtra region in the 5th
century BC.
7. These coins were called Karshapana because their weight was one
karsha (unit of measurement) each.
8. The English word ‘Cash’ has originated from the word karsha only.
9. Punched mark coins were generally made of silver, while some were
made of copper too.
10. Some of the most common symbols used on punch marked coins were
as follows :
i. Sun mark ii. Crescent
iii. Chakra iv. Swastika
v. Lingam vi. Snake
11. During the post-Mauryan period, the most remarkable progress was
witnessed in the field of coinage. Indo-Greeks and Kushana rulers made
immense contribution to the development of coinage.
12. Indo-Greeks were the first to issue gold coins in India.

Que 5.12. Give the significance of coinage as source of history.

Answer
1. A study of Indian coins enlightens us with a great deal about the history
of ancient India.
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–13 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

2. Coins give us the names of the kings who ruled at various times in
different parts of the country.
3. Information provided by coins helps in corroborating the evidence from
other sources such as the Puranas, etc.
4. Coins help us in determining chronology. Coins mention the year in
which they are issued. The existence of a large number of coins issued
during the different years of the reign of a king helps us to place the
exact dates for the accession and the death of the king.
5. The place of discovery of coins helps us determine the extent of the
territory of a king.
6. Coins also throw light on trade and commercial relations. The discovery
of a large number of Roman coins in India confirms that there was trade
between India and Roman Empire.
7. Purity of coins indicates economic prosperity of people and the state.
Discovery of large number of gold and silver coins with high level of
purity indicate that level of prosperity was high.
8. The figures of the various kings appear on coins and from them we can
have an idea regarding the head-dress of those kings.
9. Coins give us genuine information regarding the history of ancient
India as there is no possibility of them being tampered with.

Que 5.13. What do you understand by pottery ? Explain.

Answer
1. Pottery refers to the creation of objects that are made up of hard brittle
material produced from non-metallic minerals by moulding them while
the material is wet and then firing them at high temperatures.
2. Pottery is often made up of clay, porcelain, steatite, etc.
3. Pottery plays an important role in studying culture and reconstructing
the past.
4. It reflects the social, economic and environmental conditions a culture
thrived in, which helps the archaeologists and historians in understanding
our past.
5. It holds significant value in understanding cultures where script was
either absent or remains undeciphered.
6. Pottery is majorly of following two types :
i. Handmade
ii. Wheel turned

Que 5.14. Write a short note on evolution of pottery.

Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–14 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

Answer
A. Neolithic Age : The origins of pottery date back to the Neolithic Era.
We find the first reference of pottery in this age. Naturally it is hand-
made pottery but during the later period footwheel is also used.
Features of pottery in Neolithic age :
1. Unglazed/unburnished that is having rough surface.
2. Handmade coarse grey pottery.
3. Material - clay mixed with mica and sand.
4. Pottery is devoid of any painting.
5. In many cases twisted rice husk cords were impressed into wet clay for
decoration.
6. Found throughout India.
B. Chalcolithic Age : Chalcolithic Era, the first metal age, is marked by
the occurrence of distinct cultures in various parts of our country.
People of this age used following kinds of pottery :
i. Black and Red Ware (BRW) Pottery :
1. BRWs were among the oldest pottery forms used in India during the
ancient age.
2. These pots were black from inside and near the rim, and their outer
body was red in colour.
3. This typical colour combination was attained through the inverted
firing method.
4. These pots were mostly made by wheel turn.
ii. Ochre Coloured Pottery (OCP) :
1. This pottery was ochre or brownish red in colour.
2. These pots are quite weak.
3. The cultural phase associated with this type of pottery has been named
as the ochre coloured pottery culture.
4. OCP was used in Punjab, Haryana, UP and Rajasthan.
iii. Harappan Civilization :
1. Both polished and unpolished type of pottery existed.
2. Pottery generally has a red surface and is wheel turned although
handmade ones too exist.
3. Polished wares were well fired.
4. Most of the pottery is polychrome meaning more than two colours are
used to colour the pottery.
5. Most of the pottery is utilitarian.
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–15 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

iv. Vedic Era - Painted Grey Ware (PGW) :

1. The Vedic Era saw the emergence of Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture.
2. Characterized by a style of fine, grey pottery painted with geometric
patterns in black.
3. Are confined to few geographical locations, namely - Punjab, Haryana
and upper Ganga Valley.
4. This culture is associated with village and town settlements (but without
large cities).
v. End of Vedic Era - Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) :
1. This era marked the beginning of the Northern Black Polished Ware
(NBPW).
2. Glossy, shining type pottery.
3. Made of fine fabric and served as tableware for richer class.
4. Found in UP and Madhya Pradesh.
5. Classified into two groups - bichrome and monochrome.
6. Monochrome pottery has a fine and thin fabric. Potted on fast wheel
and have a strikingly lustrous surface. 90 % of this type is jet black,
brownish black and bluish black and 10 % have colours like pink,
golden, brown among others.
7. Bichrome pottery is found less. It shows all the features of monochrome
except that it shows combination of two colours.

Que 5.15. What do you mean by puppet ? What is puppetry ? Why

puppetry is art dying ?

Answer
Puppet :
1. A doll or a figure controlled by a person so that it appears to be moving
on its own is called a puppet.
2. The word ‘puppet’ has been derived from the Latin word ‘pupa’ whose
literal meaning is doll.
Puppetry : Puppetry is a performing art or a form of theatre that involves
manipulation of puppets.
Puppetry a dying art : Following are the various reasons for it :
1. Lack of patronage in the modern age.
2. Competition from Electronic media which is a preferred mode of
entertainment.
3. Puppetry Art is usually confined to only devotional and mythological
stories.
4. With changing times, Puppetry does not take up modern social issues.
Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–16 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

5. Puppetry lacks modernization in terms of script, lighting, sound and

other stage effects.

Que 5.16. Give the classification of puppetry.

Answer
Puppetry has been classified as :
A. String Puppets :
1. It has jointed body and limbs that allow movement.
2. Puppets are made of wood, or wire, or cloth stuffed with cotton, rags or
saw dust.
3. The puppet is suspended from a hand held control strings that are
attached to different parts of the puppet’s body.
4. The puppet is manipulated by operating the control as well as by loosening
or pulling the relevant string(s).
5. For the convenience of manipulation and support, two rods are attached
to the hands of the puppets.
Examples :
i. Kathputli (Rajasthan)
ii. Kundhei (Orissa)
B. Glove Puppets :
1. The glove puppets are worn on hands just like a glove.
2. The middle finger and thumb act as hands of the puppet and the index
finger acts as the head.
3. Head is made of either cloth or wood, with two hands emerging from
just below the neck.
Examples :
i. Pava-kathakali (Kerala)
ii. Kundhei nach (Orissa)
C. Rod Puppets :
1. These puppets have mostly three joints. The heads, supported by the
main rod, is joined at the neck and both hands attached to rods are
joined at the shoulders.
2. The main holding rod that supports the puppet may be hidden by a robe
or costume of the puppet.
3. The action rods are usually connected to the hands of the puppet and
manipulated by the puppeteer to show action.
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–17 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

4. The body and hands have a bamboo base covered and plastered with hay
and rice husk mixed and moulded into required shape.
5. Due to the absence of legs the puppets are draped in a sari or dhoti as
per the character.
Examples :
i. Putul Nautch (WB)
ii. Yampuri (Bihar)
D. Shadow Puppets :
1. Shadow puppets are flat puppets that are operated against the rear of a
tightly stretched white cloth screen.
2. They are cut out of leather, which has been treated to make it
translucent.
3. Shadow puppets are pressed against the screen with a strong source of
light behind it.
4. The manipulation between the light and the screen make colourful
shadows for the viewers who sit in front of the screen.
5. The puppet shapes or cutouts are perforated and split bamboo or cane
sticks are attached vertically to the puppet for handling and manipulation.
Examples :
i. Ravanachhaya (Orissa)
ii. Tholu Bommalata (AP)

PART-3
Dance, Music, Theatre, Drama, Painting, Martial Arts Traditions,
Fairs and Festivals.

Questions-Answers

Long Answer Type and Medium Answer Type Questions

Que 5.17. What are the various dance forms in India ?

Answer
1. The two major dance forms in India are classical and folk dance. The
major difference between classical and folk dance is the origin.
Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–18 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

2. Classical dance has a deep-rooted relationship with the Natya Shastra

where the specific features of each of the classical dance forms have
been mentioned.
3. Folk dance, on the other hand, emerged from the local tradition of the
respective state, ethnic or geographic regions.

Que 5.18. What are the aspects and basic elements of classical
dance ? What are the basic technicalities that are expressed in the
classical dance ?

Answer
1. The Natya Shastra written by Bharat Muni is the most prominent source
for establishing the characteristics of the dances.
2. There are two basic aspects of classical dance :
i. Lasya : It denotes grace, bhava, rasa and abhinaya. It is symbolic to
the feminine features of dance as an art form.
ii. Tandava : This is symbolic to the male aspects of dance and has
more emphasis on rhythm and movement.
3. There are three basic elements classical dance :
i. Nritta : These are the basic dance steps and are performed
rhythmically but devoid of any expression or mood.
ii. Natya : It means dramatic representations and refers to the story
that is elaborated through the dance recital.
iii. Nritya : It refers to the sentiment and the emotions evoked through
dance. It includes the mime and the different methods of expression
including mudras in the dance.
4. The Guru-Shishya paramapara forms the core of the Indian classical
dance forms. The basic meaning is that each dance form is related to a
Guru (Teacher) and he/she transfers that knowledge of dance to a
Shishya (Student.)
5. The 8 basic technicalities that are expressed in the classical dance are
given below :
i. Shringar : Love
ii. Hasya : Humorous
iii. Karuna : Sorrow
iv. Raudra : Anger
v. Veer : Heroism
vi. Bhayanak : Fear
vii. Bibhats : Disgust
viii. Adbhoot : Wonder
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–19 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

Que 5.19. What are the classical dances of India ?

Answer
The classical dances in India are given below :
A. Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu) :
1. Bharatanatyam is an important classical dance form in India. It originated
in the temples of South India, particularly, Tamil Nadu.
2. Bharatnatyam dance is known to be ekaharya, where one dancer takes
on many roles in a single performance.
3. This dance form is performed by both men and women.
4. The costumes worn are bright coloured. Women wear saris and men
wear dhotis.
5. There is a lot of make-up and bright ornaments used, which accentuate
the facial expressions and gestures of the performers.
6. The music used is Carnatic classical music, accompanied by instruments
such as flute, violin and the Mridangam.
7. Gestures used in Bharatanatyam are called Hastas or Mudras.
B. Kathak (Uttar Pradesh) :
1. The word Kathak has been derived from the word Katha which means
a story.
2. It was primarily a temple or village performance wherein the dancers
narrated stories from ancient scriptures.
3. Usually a solo performance, the dancer often pauses to recite verses
followed by their execution through movement.
4. The focus is more on footwork; the movements are skillfully controlled
and performed straight legged by dancers wearing ankle-bells.
5. Kathak is the only form of classical dance wedded to Hindustani or the
North Indian music.
C. Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh) :
1. Kuchipudi was originally performed by the group of actors going from
village to village known as ‘Kusselavas’.
2. Lasya and tandava elements are important in Kuchipudi dance form.
3. The dance style is a manifestation of earthly elements in the human
body.
4. The dancer may undertake the role of the singer as well becoming a
dance-drama performance.
5. The music of dance is Carnatic.
Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–20 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

D. Odissi (Odisha) :
1. Odissi is a classical India dance form and it originates from the state of
Odisha. It is a sensuous and lyrical dance form.
2. It touches on the human and the divine aspects of life. It also touches on
the subtleties of life, as well as the mundane.
3. It is a soft dance backed by soothing lyrics and is similar to Bharatanatyam
in terms of the mudras and expressions.
4. It incorporates two major postures - Tribhanga and Chowk.
E. Kathakali (Kerala) :
1. Kathakali is the most popular dance form of Kerala. The word translates
as Story-Play. It is popular for its make-up and costumes.
2. Kathakali is a blend of dance, music and acting and dramatizes stories,
which are mostly adapted from the Indian epics.
3. The dancers enact the roles of the stories with particular make-up and
costume.
4. Different facial colours indicate different mental stages and character,
e.g., green - nobility, black - wicked, red patches - combining royalty and
evil.
5. Hand gestures, facial expressions and eye movements are important.
F. Sattriya (Assam) :
1. The Sattriya dance form was introduced in the 15th century A.D by the
Vaishnava saint and reformer of Assam, Sankaradeva as a medium for
propagation of the Vaishnava faith.
2. The dance form evolved and expanded as a distinctive style of dance
later on.
3. Because of its religious character and association with the Sattras
(Vaishnava monasteries), this dance style has been named Sattriya.
4. Sattriya dance tradition is governed by strictly laid down principles in
respect of hastamudras, footworks, aharyas, music etc.
G. Manipuri (Manipur) :
1. The origin of Manipuri dance can be traced back to ancient times that go
beyond recorded history.
2. The dance in Manipur is associated with rituals and traditional festivals,
there are legendary references to the dances of Shiva and Parvati and
other gods and goddesses who created the universe.
3. Manipur dance has a large repertoire, however, the most popular forms
are the Ras, the Sankirtana.
4. There are essentially two divisions in the classical Manipuri dance :
i. Jagoi : Predominant in Ras Leela, this steam represents the Lasya
element described in Bharata's Natya Shastra.
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–21 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

ii. Cholom : This represents the Tandava form of classical dance.

5. Chief instruments used are the drum and the flute.
H. Mohiniyattam (Kerala) :
1. Mohiniyattam or dance of Mohini is the classical solo dance form of
Kerala.
2. Mohiniyattam is based on Natya Shastra’s lasya style.
3. It has delicate movements and more feminine facial expressions.
4. The movements are gentle and glide-like. They do not have terse
rhythmic steps.
5. More emphasis is on the facial expressions and hand gestures.
6. It is traditionally performed only by women.

Que 5.20. Describe the fundamental elements of Indian Music.

Answer
Following are the fundamental elements of Indian Music :
A. Sruti :
1. Commonly refers to musical pitch.
2. It is the shortest interval of pitch that human ears can detect and a
musical instrument or a singer can produce.
3. According to Natya Shastra, there are 22 srutis.
B. Swara :
1. It refers to type of musical sound that is a single note, which defines a
relative position of a note, rather than a defined frequency.
2. There are 7 swaras in the form of Sa, Ri or Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni.
3. These 7 swaras are related to sounds of certain birds and animals.
C. Raga :
1. A raga prescribes a set of rules for building a melody.
2. It is characterized by a combination of notes picked out of the total 22
srutis.
3. Ragas involve arrangement of swaras in different sequences.
4. All the ragas are categorized in such a way that there will be an increasing
and decreasing order of swaras.
5. Following are some important ragas :
i. Raga Bhairav : It is a morning raga.
ii. Raga Marwa : It is sung during late afternoon hours till sunset.
iii. Raga Pahadi : It is an evening raga.
iv. Raga Yaman : It is an evening raga. It is sung from sunset till late
evening.
Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–22 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

v. Raga Jog : It is sung after midnight in the wee hours of morning.

vi. Raga Malhar : It is associated with rain.
vii. Raga Deepak : It is associated with fire.
D. Tala :
1. Tala refers to the beat set for a particular composition (a measure of
time).
2. It is a sequence of beats performed by singers using hands and fingers at
fixed time cycles.
3. These rhythmical cycles vary from 3 to 128 beats.
4. Tala is intricately related to ‘Laya’ which refers to repetitive nature of
any activity.

Que 5.21. Write a short note on Indian Classical Music.

Answer
1. The Indian classical music has two distinct varieties : Hindustani music
and Carnatic music.
2. Hindustani music belongs to the Northern part of the country, and the
Carnatic music is south Indian.
3. Hindustani music became popular during the Mughal Empire. Some
Persian and Arabic elements have been assimilated in this music system.
4. Following are the styles of singing and composition in Hindustani music :
i. Dhrupad :
1. This is the oldest and grandest form of Hindustani music.
2. It is essentially poetic and it is presented in a style marked with precise
and orderly elaboration of Raga.
3. Its rhythm is mostly of 12 beats.
4. Greater significance is given to music rather than words.
ii. Khayal :
1. Khayal means imagination.
2. This is the most prominent style in Hindustani depicting romantic style
of singing.
3. It largely depends on the imagination and improvisation of the performer.
4. It is also composed of particular raga and tala.
5. It ranges from praise of kings description of seasons and pranks of Lord
Sri Krishna.
iii. Thumri :
1. Thumri originated in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh.
2. It is influenced by hori, kajri, Dadra.
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–23 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

3. Tumhri is supposed to be romantic and erotic style of singing and is also

called “lyric of Indian classical music”.
4. The song composition mainly on love and devotion.
iv. Tarana :
1. Tarana are medium to fast paced songs that are usually performed
towards the end of the concert.
2. They consist of a few lines of poetry with rhythmic syllables.
3. It is characterized by the use of meaningless syllables in a very fast
rendition.
v. Tappa :
1. Tappa is a form of Indian semi-classical vocal music.
2. Tappa developed around the 18th century. It means jump in Persian.
3. It originated from the folk songs of the camel riders of Punjab and was
developed as a form of classical music by Mian Ghulam Nabi Shori.
vi. Ghazal :
1. Ghazal is an originally Persian form of Poetry.
2. In India, Ghazal became the most common form of poetry in the Urdu
language.
vii. Qawwali :
1. Qawwali is a fusion of Persian and Indian musical traditions.
2. It is devotional in nature.
3. It is sung in a group with a solo voice against a chorus.
viii. Kirtan/Bhajan :
1. Kirtan was originated by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
2. Kirtan involves chanting hymns or mantras.
3. Musical instruments such as Harmonium, Tablas, Mridang and Cymbals
are used.
ix. Carnatic Music :
1. Carnatic sangeet is the South Indian system of classical music.
2. Carnatic Sangeet is found in the south Indian states of Kerala, Tamil
Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
3. Purandardas is considered as the father of Carnatic Music.
4. Carnatic music is based upon a system of ragam (rag) and thalam (tal).
5. Musical instruments used are veena (vina), violin, mridangam,
nadaswaram, and the tavil.

Que 5.22. What are traditional theatre forms in India ? List the
main elements of theatre. Name some of the traditional art forms of
India.
Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–24 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

Answer
1. Traditional theatre is a combination of acting, singing, dance, music,
dialogue, narration.
2. It started as a narrative form of art where recitations, dance, and music
played a central role in depicting the local history, societal ethos etc.
3. It is based on spontaneous creativity emerging from circumstances.
4. Traditional theatre is often a key feature of cultural promotion.
5. The main elements of theatre are :
i. Plot
ii. Character
iii. Thought
iv. Diction
v. Music
vi. Spectacle
Following are the traditional art forms of India :
i. Bhavai :
1. It is a traditional theatre form of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
2. It is a synthesis of devotional and romantic sentiments.
3. It consists of dance to narrate series of small plays known as Vesha or
Swanga.
4. It is accompanied by semi-classical music.
ii. Nautanki :
1. Nautanki is popular in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
2. The theme is based on historical, social and folk tales, delivered through
dance and music.
3. Dialogues are delivered in a lyrical fashion accompanied by drum beats
called Nagara.
iii. Rasleela :
1. It is a theatre form popular in Uttar Pradesh.
2. It depicts the legends of Lord Krishna.
3. In this theatre form, dialogues are in pros combined with songs and
scenes from the pranks of Krishna.
iv. Bhand Pather :
1. It is a traditional theatre form of Kashmir.
2. It consists of unique combinations of dance, drama, and acting.
3. Surnai, Nagara, and dhol are the instruments used in this theatre form.
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–25 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

4. It is mainly performed by the farming community, reflecting their ideas

and way of living.
v. Swang :
1. It is a popular theatre form of Punjab and Haryana.
2. It is mainly a musical drama sung through verses.
3. Ektara, Harmonium, Sarangi, Dholak, and Kharta are the instruments
used in it.
vi. Maach :
1. Maach is a theatre form of the region of Malwa in Madhya Pradesh.
2. The term Maach is used for the stage as well as the play.
3. It is based on mythological themes and later romantic folk tales were
also included.
4. Songs are given importance between the dialogues in this theatre form.
5. Dialogues in this form are called Bol.
vii. Ankia Naat :
1. It is a theatre form present in the state of Assam.
2. Cultural glimpses of Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Mathura, and
Brindavan can be seen this theatre form.
3. The narration begins with a story in Sanskrit and later switch to Brajboli
or Assamese.
4. Use of Masks to depict special expression is one of the unique features
of this theatre form.
viii. Dashavatar :
1. It is the most developed theatre form of Konkan and Goa.
2. The ten incarnation of Lord Vishnu-the god of preservation and creativity
are personified by the performers.
3. Apart from makeup, performers wear a mask of wood and papier mache.

Que 5.23. Write a short note on modern theatre in India ?

Answer
1. The medieval period witnessed the emergence of regional language
literatures. But it did not produce dramatic works comparable to ancient
classics.
2. Some innovations happened in religious drama due to socio-religious
reform.
3. Indian drama was reborn during British colonial interregnum in 18th
and 19th centuries.
Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–26 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

4. The impetus came from two sources : the rich heritage of Indian drama
and the exposure to Western dramatic classics through English.
5. Translations started appearing simultaneously of Sanskrit classics and
Western classics, particularly Shakespeare.
7. An unprecedented development in theatre was the rise of urban
entertainment theatre.
8. This arose in order to provide entertainment to the increasing population
of big cities consequent upon industrialization.
9. The new urban theatre is popularly known as Parsi theatre.
10. This genre was an interesting mixture of Western Naturalistic drama,
opera and several local elements.

Que 5.24. Write a short note on drama ?

Answer
1. Bharata’s Natya Shastra was the earliest and most elaborate treatise on
drama written anywhere in the world.
2. India has the longest and richest tradition in theatre going back to at
least 5000 years.
3. The origin of drama in India is closely related to ancient rituals and
seasonal festivities.
4. The growth in drama took place with the introduction of “curtain” in the
kushanas era.
5. Traditionally the theatre consisted of the auditorium, stage and the
backstage which is behind the stage. Curtain separates the stage and
backstage.
6. The drama was performed without scenery and decorations. It was
more of acting and gestures by the actors.
7. Costume and make-up was regulated by convention so that roles were
immediately recognizable.
8. Most type of drama had a hero, a heroine, a villain and a “vidushaka” as
a comedian. Themes were mainly based on love.
9. The drama generally opened with a benediction song followed by a
prologue in the form of a dialogue/discussion between the chief actor
and his actress giving the title, nature and occasion of the play.
10. Violence and death were forbidden to be performed in the stage.
11. At the end of the play came a concluding verse - a virtual vote of thanks.
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–27 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

Que 5.25. Explain the evolution of Indian paintings . Give

classification of Indian paintings.

Answer
Evolution of Indian paintings :
1. The tradition of paintings has been carried on in the Indian subcontinent
since the ancient times.
2. With time, Indian classical paintings evolved to become a sort of blend of
the various traditions influencing them.
3. Indian paintings provide on aesthetic continuum that extends from the
early civilization to the present day.
4. In the beginning Indian painting was essentially religious in purpose.
5. But as year passed by Indian painting became a fusion of various culture
and traditions.
6. During the colonial era, Western influences started to make an impact
on Indian art.
7. By the time of Independence in 1947, several schools of art in India
provided access to modern techniques and ideas.
8. Galleries were established to showcase these artists.
9. Indian art got a boost with the economic liberalization of the country
since early 1990s.
10. Artists from various fields started bringing in varied styles of work post
liberalization.
11. Indian art thus works not only within the confines to academic traditions
but also outside it.
Classification of Indian paintings :
1. Indian paintings can be broadly classified as murals and miniatures.
2. Murals are large works executed on the walls of solid structures directly.
3. Miniature paintings are executed on a very small scale for books or
albums on perishable material such as paper and cloth.

Que 5.26. Describe mural paintings with some examples.

Answer
1. Mural is inherently different from all other forms of pictorial art and is
organically connected with architecture.
2. Mural is the only form of painting that is three-dimensional, since it
modifies and partakes of a given space.
Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–28 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

3. Mural paintings are applied on dry wall with the major use of egg yolk,
oil, etc.
4. A mural artist must conceive pictorially a theme on the appropriate
scale with reference to the structural exigencies of the wall and to the
idea expressed.
5. The history of Indian murals starts from 2nd century BC to 8th - 10th
century AD.
Notable examples of mural paintings :
i. Ajanta Murals Paintings :
1. Depict a large number of incidents from the life of the Buddha (Jataka
Tales).
2. Exclusively Buddhist, excepting decorative patterns on the ceilings and
the pillars.
3. Prominent feature => Half closed drooping eyes.
ii. Ellora Murals Paintings :
1. Painted in rectangular panels with thick borders.
2. Prominent features => Sharp twist of the head + painted angular bents
of the arms + sharp projected nose + long drawn open eyes + concave
curve of the close limbs.
iii. Badami Mural Paintings :
1. A cave site in Karnataka, patronized by chalukya king, Manglesha.
2. Depictions in the caves show Vaishnava affiliation, therefore, the cave
is popularly known as Vishnu cave.
3. Only a fragment of painting has survived on the vaulted roof of the
front mandapa.
4. Badami cave painting represents an extension of the tradition of mural
painting from Ajanta to Badami in south India.

Que 5.27. Describe miniature paintings with some examples.

Answer
1. In these paintings, very fine details were portrayed by the painter.
2. If a miniature painting is observed under a magnifying glass, more
details become visible.
3. In a miniature painting the objects are depicted at the most 1/6th of their
original size.
4. The Palas of Bengal were the pioneers of miniature painting in India.
5. The art of miniature painting reached its glory during the Mughal period.
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–29 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

Notable examples of miniature paintings :

i. The Pala School (11th - 12th century) :
1. Earliest examples of miniature painting in India.
2. Exist in the form of illustrations to the religious texts on Buddhism.
3. A large number of manuscripts on palm-leaf relating to the Buddhist
themes were written, illustrated with the images of Buddhist deities at
the center.
4. The Pala painting is characterized by sinuous line and subdued tones of
colour.
ii. Western Indian School of Painting (12th - 16th century) :
1. Also called Jain Painting, largely devoted to the illustration of Jain
religious texts.
2. Notable sites => Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Central India & Orissa.
3. Characterized by simple, bright colours, highly conventionalized figures,
and wiry, angular drawing.
4. The earliest manuscripts are on palm leaves with the figures shown
from a frontal view.
5. The facial type, with its pointed nose, resembles to wall paintings at
Ellora.
6. Prominent feature => Projecting “further eye,” which extends beyond
the outline of the face in profile.
iii. Mughal Paintings (16th - 19th century) :
1. Mainly confined to miniature illustrations on the books or as single
works to be kept in an album.
2. Mughal paintings were a unique blend of Indian, Persian and Islamic
styles.
3. Marked by supple naturalism => Primarily aristocratic and secular.
4. Tried to paint the classical ragas and Seasons or baramasa.
5. Akbar’s reign ushered a new era in Indian miniature painting.
iv. Rajput Painting (16th - 19th century) :
1. Unlike Mughal paintings which were contemporary in style, Rajput
paintings were traditional & romantic.
2. Rajput painting is further divided into Rajasthani painting and Pahari
painting (art of the Himalayan kingdom’s).

Que 5.28. Explain the term ‘martial art’. Also mention different
martial art forms of India.
Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–30 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

Answer
1. India is famous for its martial arts that have developed since ancient
times.
2. The term ‘martial art’ refers to creativity exhibited by warriors while
fighting against their opponents.
3. These warriors use different gestures, postures and techniques to
overcome their opponents.
4. Nowadays these art forms are used in rituals, celebrations, in sports,
means of physical fitness, as a self defence.
5. Many of the arts are related to dance, yoga etc.
Different martial art forms of India :
i. Kalaripayattu (Kerala specially) & rest of south :
1. Weapon based type.
2. “Kalari” means arena. “Payattu” means combat/fighting.
3. Involves strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry and healing
methods, the footwork movement.
4. Kerala’s “Kathakali” incorporates greatly of this in their routines.
ii. Silambam (Tamil Nadu) :
1. Weapon based type.
2. Variety of weapons used.
3. Majorly used “Silambam staff” as a weapon.
4. Foot movements play a key role.
5. Movements of animals like snake, tiger, elephant and eagle used.
iii. Gatka (Punjab) :
1. Weapon based.
2. Used by Sikhs mainly.
3. Gatka means - “One whose freedom belongs to grace”.
4. Stick, Sword, kirpan or kataar used as weapon.
iv. Musti Yuddha (Varanasi) :
1. Unarmed type.
2. Punches, kicks, knees and elbow strikes used.
v. Thang Ta (Manipur) :
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–31 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

1. Weapon Based.
2. “Thang” means sword. “Ta” means spear.
3. Anything from sword or spear can be used.
4. Other weapons used are shield and axe.
5. Used in three different ways: as ritual, as spectacular performance and
as fighting technique.
vi. Lathi (Punjab & Bengal) :
1. Weapon Based.
2. Cane Sticks used.
3. Popular more in villages.
vii. Mardani Khel (Kolhapur, Maharashtra) :
1. Weapon Based.
2. Created by Marathas.
3. Suitable for hilly regions.
4. Uses sword mainly & needs rapid movements.
viii. Pari-Khanda (Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha) :
1. Weapon Based.
2. Created by Rajputs.
3. “Pari” means shield & “Khanda” means sword.
ix. Inbuan Wrestling (Mizoram) :
1. Unarmed Type.
2. Has strict rules prohibiting kicking, stepping out of the circle and bending
of the knees.
3. Aim is to lift the opponent off his feet while strictly adhering to the rules.
4. Catching hold of the belt worn by the wrestlers around the waist; it has
to remain tight all through the game.
x. Thoda (Himachal Pradesh) :
1. Weapon Based.
2. Originated from the times of Mahabharata.
3. Generally based on archery skills.
4. “Thoda” is the round piece of wood fixed to the head of the arrow.
Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–32 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

Que 5.29. Write a short note on fairs and festivals.

Answer
1. People in India celebrate their religious and cultural occasions by
organizing cultural activities in the form of fairs and festivals.
2. Every Indian state and socio-cultural group has its unique traditions
which reflect in their celebrations.
3. People use folk music, dances and other forms of entertainment to
enjoy these important occasions.
4. Vibrant, fascinating and beautiful Indian fairs and festivals reflect the
cultural strength and diversity of India.
5. Indian festivals can be broadly divided into 3 categories, namely national
or political, religious and economic.
6. Most Indian festivals are connected to seasons and economic activities.
7. Fairs and festivals help in breaking the monotony of life.
8. Cultural activities organized on these occasions invigorate everyone.
9. Economic activities get a boost because artisans and craftsmen set up
their stalls to sell their products at fairs.
10. These occasions also give boost to tourism because they attract millions
of tourists every year.
11. The voice of Indian heritage and culture is carried by these celebrations
beyond Indian boundaries.
12. Festivals are secular as well as religious in nature.
13. Festivals such as Independence Day and Republic Day are examples of
secular festivals.
14. Holi, Diwali, Chhath, and Onam, etc. are examples of religious festivals.

Que 5.30. Discuss the major religious festivals of India.

Answer
Following are major religious festivals celebrated in India :
1. Holi :
i. Holi is celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full
moon day of the lunar month phalguna which usually falls in the
later part of February or March.
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–33 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

ii. Holi is celebrated by people throwing coloured powder and coloured

water at each other.
iii. The bonfires are lit in memory of the escape of Prahlad when
Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu carried him into the
fire.
2. Maha Shivaratri :
i. Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated every year on the
13th night in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Phalguna.
ii. The festival is celebrated by going to Shiva Temple, all day fasting
and all night long vigil.
3. Diwali :
i. Diwali popularly known as the festival of lights.
ii. Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps to signify the triumph
of good over evil.
iii. Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita
and Lakshmana from his fourteen year long exile and vanquishing
the demon King Ravana.
4. Navaratri :
i. Navaratri is a Hindu festival of worship of Shakti and dance and
festivities.
ii. The word Navaratri means nine nights. During these nine nights,
nine forms of Shakti or Devi are worshipped.
5. Vinayaka Chaturthi :
i. Vinayaka Chaturthi is the Hindu festival of Ganesha, who is
believed to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees in the
duration of this festival.
ii. It is the birthday of Ganesha who is widely worshipped as the God
of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.
6. Guru Purnima :
i. Guru Purnima is a festival traditionally celebrated by Hindus and
Buddhists.
ii. Traditionally the festival is celebrated by Buddhists in the honor of
the lord Buddha who gave his first sermon on this day at Sarnath,
Uttar Pradesh, while Hindus on this day offer Puja or pay respect to
their Guru.
Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–34 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

7. Thai Pongal :
i. Thai Pongal is harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry
and Sri Lanka.
ii. Thai Pongal is celebrated at harvest time to thank the Sun God and
farmstead livestock that helped to create the material abundance.
iii. The boiling over of milk in the clay pot symbolizes material
abundance for the household.
8. Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi :
i. Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is a festival primarily observed in North
India by Hindus and Sikhs.
ii. The central ceremony involves the tying of rakhi by a sister on her
brother’s wrist.
iii. This symbolizes the sister's love and prayers for her brother’s well
being, and the brother’s lifelong vow to protect her.
9. Vasant Panchami :
i. Vasant Panchami is a Hindu festival celebrating Saraswati, the
goddess of knowledge, music and art.
ii. Traditionally during this festival children are taught to write their
first words; Brahmins are fed; ancestor worship is performed.
iii. The colour yellow plays an important role in this festival, in that
people usually wear yellow garments.
10. Karva Chauth :
i. Karva Chauth is an annual one-day festival celebrated by Hindu
and Sikh women in North India in which married women fast from
sunrise to moonrise for the safety and longevity of their husbands.
ii. Sometimes unmarried women observe the fast for their fiancés or
desire one.
11. Buddha Poornima :
i. Commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha.
ii. Pilgrims come from all over the world to Bodh Gaya to attend the
Buddha Poornima celebrations.
iii. The day is marked with prayer meets, sermons on the life of Gautam
Buddha, religious discourses, continuous recitation of Buddhist
scriptures, group meditation, processions, worship of the statue of
Buddha.
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–35 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

iv. The Mahabodhi Temple wears a festive look and is decorated with
colourful flags and flowers.
12. Janmashtami :
i. Krishna Janmashtami is an annual Hindu festival.
ii. It is celebrated to mark birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the 8th
incarnation of Vishnu.
iii. It is celebrated with greatest devotion and fervor in Mathura and
Vrindavan and throughout India.
iv. People keep fast and sing devotional songs of Krishna on the day of
Janmashtami.
13. Christmas :
i. Christmas is observed on December 25 to commemorate the birth
of Jesus.
ii. On this day gifts are given, Christmas cards are exchanged,
Christmas trees are decorated.
iii. There are special prayer and celebrations in Church on this day.
iv. Santa Claus brings gifts to children on Christmas.
14. Ramzan :
i. It is the Islamic month of fasting in which participating Muslims
refrain from, eating drinking and sexual relations from dawn until
sunset.
ii. Fasting is intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility and
spirituality.
iii. It is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God and to offer more
prayer than usual.
15. Muharram :
i. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar.
ii. The pre-Islamic period in the Arabian Peninsula was the era of
warring tribes. In the absence of a strong leadership, there were
conflicts and battles on minor issues.
iii. But fighting was prohibited in four months of the year.
iv. These months, of which Muharram was one, were considered
sacred.
16. Easter :
i. Easter is the oldest and holiest Christian festival.
ii. Easter is the day when Jesus Christ was crucified and the Christians
offer prayers and services in the Churches.
Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–36 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

iii. On this day Jesus Christ rose from the dead and ascended into
heaven.
iv. Easter eggs and Easter bunnies are a major attraction during Easter,
the festival of rejuvenation of life and living.

Que 5.31. Give a brief account of the important fairs of India.

Answer
1. Kumbha Mela :
i. Kumbha mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage.
ii. Kumbh mela is unique in the respect that it does not exhibit the
features associated with a traditional Indian fair.
iii. It is basically a religious congregation which is held once every 12
years (Maha Kumbha) at one of the four holy places (Allahabad,
Ujjain, Nasik, Haridwar) in turn.
iv. An “ardha” or half Kumbha occurs every 6 years.
2. Pushkar Mela :
i. Pushkar, near Ajmer, in Rajasthan is famous place of Hindu
pilgrimage.
ii. Pushkar is famous for its large natural lake and its temple dedicated
to Lord Brahma.
iii. On Kartik poornima, or any of the four days preceding it, an annual
festival is held here.
iv. During this fair animal from all parts of North India are brought
here for sale.
3. Kulu Mela :
i. To the north, Dussehra, brings with it a fair in Kulu Valley.
ii. It is time for gods and goddess to forsake their temples and adore
the fields amidst the sun.
iii. Each village has its god. They are led in a noisy procession by
musicians and minstrels from their various high perches in the
hills to the fields of Kulu below.
4. Rath Yatra of Puri :
i. Puri, which is the abode of Lord Jagannath is one of the seven most
sacred places of Hindu Pilgrimage.
ii. During Shravan (July/August) the presiding deities Krishna, his
brother Balabhadra and Sister Subhadra are taken in three colossal
chariots, built in the shape of temple to Gundichi Bati, near Puri.
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–37 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

iii. Every year thousands of devotees come to Puri to tug the ropes of
the Chariot, to take Jagannath from the temple at Puri to his
suburban home at Gundichi Bari.
5. Hola Mohalla :
i. It is a Sikh festival held every year on Holi at Anandpur Sahib.
ii. This festival is held in the form of a fair to commemorate the
militarisation of the Sikhs into the order of Nihangs (Warrior-
mendicants) by the last Sikh Guru Shri Govind Singh.
iii. The main focus of this fair is the display of martial arts like archery,
sword fencing, horse-riding etc.
6. Urs at Ajmer Sharif :
i. Urs is the birth or death anniversary celebrations at a dargah. Urs
are held annually at the dargah of famous Sufi saints.
ii. Unique character of these celebrations is that people visit in large
number to take the blessings of the revered saints irrespective of
caste and creed.
iii. Ajmer Sharif is the dargah of Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti, the
founder of Chishti sufi order in India.
iv. Annual Urs celebrations continue here for seven days. The chief
attraction here are the sessions of qawwali.
7. Goa Carnival :
i. In the month of February the residents of Goa, especially of Panaji,
celebrate a carnival that lasts for a week.
ii. This carnival, rivals the best in the world.
iii. A beautiful street parade or procession, with decorated horse-drawn
carriages and bullock cart and balloons is held.

PART-4
Current developments in Arts and Cultural, Indian’s Cultural
Contribution to the World, Indian Cinema.

Questions-Answers

Long Answer Type and Medium Answer Type Questions

Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–38 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

Que 5.32. Explain various modes through which Indian culture

spread abroad.

Answer
A. Spread of Indian culture through traders :
1. In ancient times, traders from India went to distant lands in search of
new opportunities in business.
2. They went to Rome in the west and China in the east.
3. As early as the first century BC, they travelled to countries like Indonesia
and Cambodia in search of gold.
4. These traders travelled from many flourishing cities like Kashi, Mathura,
Ujjain, Prayag and Pataliputra.
5. Wherever the traders went, they established cultural links with those
places.
6. In this way, the traders served as cultural ambassadors and established
trade relations with the outside world.
B. Spread of Indian culture through teachers :
1. The universities were the most important centres of cultural interaction.
2. They attracted large numbers of students and scholars. The scholars
coming from abroad often visited the library of Nalanda University.
3. Students and teachers from such universities carried Indian culture
abroad along with its knowledge and religion.
C. Spread of Indian culture through other modes :
1. Romas or Gypsies some groups of Indians went abroad as wanderers.
2. They went towards the West, crossing the present-day Pakistan and
Afghanistan.
3. From there, their caravans went through Iran and Iraq to Turkey.
Travelling through Persia, Taurus Mountains and Constantinople, they
spread to many countries of Europe.
4. It took them almost four hundred years to spread to these countries in
Europe.
5. By that time, though they had forgotten their original home, they did
retain their language, customs, ways of living, and their professions.

Que 5.33. What was the contribution of India in the field of

mathematics, astronomy and medical science ?
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–39 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

Answer
1. India’s links with West Asia, by land as well as sea routes, goes back to
very ancient times.
2. An important contribution of India to Arab civilization was mathematics.
3. The Arabs acknowledged their debt to India by calling mathematics
‘hindisa’ (pertaining to India).
4. Indian mathematics became their favourite field of study and discussion,
its popularity being enhanced by the works of Alkindi among others.
5. They were quick to appreciate the revolutionary character of the Indian
decimal system with its concept of zero.
6. In the field of astronomy, two important works namely the Brahma-
sphuta-siddhanta better known to the Arab world as Sindhin and
Khandakhadyaka (known as Arkand) were brought to Baghdad by
embassies from Sindh.
7. With the help of Indian scholars of these embassies, they were translated
into Arabic by Alfazari.
8. Several Indian works on medicine and therapeutics that were rendered
into Arabic at the behest of the Caliph Harun al-Rashid, the ruler of
Baghdad.
9. Indian scholars were also involved in these translations. For instance,
the Sushruta Samhita was translated by an Indian called Mankh in
Arabic.
10. All these knowledge in the field of mathematics, astronomy and medical
science learned by Arabs from India were passed on to Europe.

Que 5.34. What do you mean by the term 'cinema' ? Explain the
various era's of Indian Cinema.

Answer
The word ‘cinema’ is a short form of ‘cinematography’. It refers to the art of
filmmaking.
Various era of Indian Cinema : Following are the era’s of Indian cinema :
A. Early Indian cinema (1898 to 1945) :
1. Age of Silent Films :
i. The earliest of films were silent films.
ii. The dialogues delivered by actors were not audible to viewers
because technology was not advanced enough to record both visuals
and audio simultaneously.
Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–40 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

iii. The plot used to be told through writings using title cards.
iv. These silent films were not completely silent. They were
accompanied by live sounds. A small orchestra used to play music
during the films as per the nature of scene.
2. Age of Talking Films or Talkies :
i. With the start of 1930s, a new era of talkies commenced in Indian
cinema.
ii. Talkie was a sound film or a motion picture having synchronized
sound.
iii. The first talkie in India was ‘Alam Ara’.
iv. This release set a new trend in India and regional talkies also
started after ‘Alam Ara’.
B. Golden era of Indian Cinema (1940 to 1960) :
i. In the late 1940s, Indian cinema picked up the new ‘masala’ themed
films depicting music, dance and romance.
ii. This era was led by directors like Guru Dutt, Raj Kapoor, Bimal Roy and
Mehboob Khan.
iii. They brought new depth to the themes prevalent in India.
iv. This era laid the foundation stone of Indian cinema inspiring generations
of film makers.
v. With the independence of India in 1947, a statutory body was created by
enacting the Cinematograph Act in 1952 with the name of Central
Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
vi. It was placed under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
C. Classic decades of Indian Cinema (1970s and 1980s) :
i. The films of this phase were characterized by a mixture of genre of
romance and action.
ii. This phase was dominated by film makers like Ramesh Sippy, Hrishikesh
Mukherjee and Vijay Anand.
iii. Iconic films like ‘Zanjeer’ and ‘Sholay’ became huge commercial success
and went on to become trendsetters in Indian cinema.
iv. The term ‘Bollywood’ was coined during the 1970s with the establishment
of Conventions of Commercial Bollywood Films (CCBF).
D. New Bollywood phase of Indian Cinema (1990s to Present) :
i. During the late 1980s, Indian cinema faced a phase of stagnation because
of increasing use of violence, issues related to quality of music and rise
in cases of video theft.
Indian Tradition, Culture & Society 5–41 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

ii. With the release of Yash Chopra’s epic film ‘Chandni’, Indian cinema
rejuvenated itself and an era of romance started.
iii. The beginning of the 21st century marked commencement of an era of
technological evolution.
iv. The new technology, advancements in terms of animation, special effects,
digital projectors, latest production techniques, etc. improved the quality
of Indian films and increased its popularity among the masses.

Que 5.35. Write a short note on: The Cinematograph Act, 1952.

Answer
1. The Cinematograph Act, 1952 is an Act to make provision for the
certification of cinematograph films for exhibition and for regulating
exhibitions by means of cinematographs.
2. The Act gives power to the government to establish a Board to assess
the film’s suitability for the audience.
3. Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) (Censor Board) was created
under the provisions of this Act.
4. A film is judged based on the overall impact and is evaluated in light of
the film's period depicted and contemporary standards in the country.
5. While certifying films for unrestricted public exhibition, the CBFC shall
ensure that the movie is suitable for family viewing.
6. The Ministry of Information and Bro adcasting drafte d the
Cinematograph Amendment Bill, 2019 to amend Cinematograph Act,
1952.
7. This Bill contains provisions to tackle film piracy by making unapproved
cam-recording and duplication of films a penal offence.

Que 5.36. Write a short note on: Central Board of Film

Certification (CBFC).

Answer
1. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), commonly known as
the Censor Board, is an important body that handles film certification in
India.
2. It is a statutory body under the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
3. It regulates the public exhibition of films under the provisions of the
Cinematograph Act 1952.
4. Films can be exhibited to the public only after they have been certified
by the CBFC.
Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts 5–42 Q (NCC-Sem-5 & 6)

5. Films are certified into four categories in India. They are :

i. U - unrestricted
ii. UA - unrestricted but with a parental discretion advisory for children
under 12 years
iii. A - adult
iv. S - only for a special class of persons
6. The main aim of establishing CBFC is to promote a healthy
entertainment industry.
7. Certification by CBFC is necessary for international and dubbed films
too.

Que 5.37. Write a short note on: Films Division of India.

Answer
1. Films Division of India was established in 1948 to articulate the energy
of a newly independent nation.
2. The main purpose behind establishing this division was to extend support
towards the cultural aspects of India.
3. The main functions and responsibilities of Films Division are as follows :
i. It focuses on national perspectives by educating the people in
implementation of national development programmes.
ii. It is responsible for presenting a positive image and heritage of our
country to Indian as well as foreign audiences.
iii. It fosters growth of documentary films in the areas of information,
communication and integration.
iv. It produces news magazines, short films, animation films and
documentaries.
4. It is the main film-medium organization of the Government of India.
5. It is well equipped with trained film personnel, cameras, recording and
editing facilities.
6. This infrastructure is put to use to assist in-house as well as independent
film makers and producers.

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