Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Art & Culture Simplified For UPSC CSE 2019 + 2020 PDF
Art & Culture Simplified For UPSC CSE 2019 + 2020 PDF
Art & Culture Simplified For UPSC CSE 2019 + 2020 PDF
2019 + 2020
By Arpita Sharma
Preface
I am very happy and pleased to present all my warriors cum UPSC Aspirants a thoroughly
researched and hopefully well presented simplified e-book on Art and Culture for UPSC CSE
– Prelims and Mains (GS-1) .
Since last 4 years , the UPSC has asked 4-6 Questions from Art and Culture section in
Prelims and 2-3 Questions are always asked in GS-1 ( Mains ). So , after thorough research
and analysis of Previous 10 Year’s Question Papers and in-depth analysis of the different
aspects of Art and Culture in India , I am very pleased to present this e-book to all of you .
This e-book will act as a one stop solution when it comes to preparing Art and Culture for
Prelims as well Mains .
Constructive suggestions and remarks are welcome to further improve this book and they
shall be gladly acknowledged .
Arpita Sharma
(Author)
Mock Test – Before beginning let us check what kind of questions are
asked from Art and culture and check our preparation ☺
Q2. Which of the following are the Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India ?
1. Sirpur
2. Kushinagar
3. Nagapattinam
4. Karla Caves
Select the correct code:
a) 1 , 2 and 3
b) 1 , 2 and 4
c) 2 , 3 and 4
d) All of the above
Mock Test – Before beginning let us check what kind of questions are
asked from Art and culture and check our preparation ☺
Q2. Which of the following are the Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India ?
1. Sirpur
2. Kushinagar
3. Nagapattinam
4. Karla Caves
Select the correct code:
a) 1 , 2 and 3
b) 1 , 2 and 4
c) 2 , 3 and 4
d) All of the above
Mock Test – Before beginning let us check what kind of questions are
asked from Art and culture and check our preparation ☺
➢ The first Varna was Brahmin. They were expected to study and
teach the Vedas, execute sacrifices and rituals.
➢ Kshatriyas were the second Varna. They were likely to fight battles
and guard the nation.
➢ The third group was the Vaishyas. They were expected to be
farmers, and traders. Both the Kshatriyas and the Vaishyas could do
sacrifices. Shudras were the fourth Varna.
➢ They are supposed to serve the other three groups. They could not
perform any rituals.
➢ Frequently, women were also grouped with the Shudras. Both
Shudras and women were not allowed to learn the Vedas.
Purushartha, Ashrama & Sanskara
a) Developed during early medieval period and continued till modern times in the rural society
b) A complementary relationship between the groups of dominant peasant castes on the one hand and service
and artisan castes on the other
c) In this system the service castes rendered services to the land-owning peasant castes as well as to the high
and dominant castes and were entitled to traditionally fixed shares of the produce and in some cases to a
small plot of land.
d) Thus, the leather-workers, the barbers, the priests, the garland makers, the ploughmen, and various
types of smiths worked for the high castes or dominant landowning groups and were paid in kind on
certain occasions or in the form of a land allotment.
e) However, such service castes always retained some freedom to sell their goods and services.
f) During medieval period this system of relationships acted as a safeguard in times of distress and calamities.
g) Thus, it was noted that during famines the artisans who were not tied into the Jajmani system were harder
hit than even the rural poor.
h) This system of service-relationship is now breaking up under the influence of monetization,
urbanization and industrialization.
Chapter 2 : Indian Festivals, India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage UNESCO
List, Handicrafts
Indian Festivals
Indian Handicrafts
Chapter 3 : Performing Arts
Rasanubhuti: The 8 Rasas
The Rasanubhuti is the ultimate aim of these dance forms. Natya Shastra speaks
of Eight Rasas. They are as following:
1) Shringar: Love
2) Hasya: Humorous
3) Karuna: Sorrow
4) Raudra: Anger
5) Veer: Heroism
6) Bhayanak: Fear
7) Bibhats: Disgust
8) Adbhoot: Wonder
Note: Later Abhinav Gupta added a ninth one to it, Shanta: Peace.
Chapter 3 : Performing Arts
Classical Dance
Salient facts:
1. The Rig Veda mentions dance (nrti) and danseuse (nrtu).
2. The discovery of the bronze statue of a dancing girl in Harappan culture
testifies to the fact that some women in Harappa performed dances.
3. The figure of Lord Shiva as Nataraja represents the creation and
destruction of the cosmic cycle.
4. Dances performed inside the sanctum of the temple according to the
rituals were called Agama Nartanam.
5. Dances performed in royal courts to the accompaniment of classical music
were called Carnatakam.
The term “classical” was introduced by Sangeet Natak Akademi to denote the Natya Shastra-
based performing art styles.
Classical Dance
The term “classical” was introduced by Sangeet Natak Akademi to denote the Natya Shastra-
based performing art styles.
Bharata Natyam (Tamil Nadu) 1. The Abhinaya Darpana by Nandikesvara is
textual source for it.
2. The dance movements are characterized by bent
legs, while feet keep rhythm.
3. Hands may be used in a series of mudra
The Abhinaya Darpana by Nandikesvara is one of
the main sources of textual material, for the study of
the technique and grammar of body movement in
Bharatnatyam Dance.
• As a solo dance, Bharatnatyam leans heavily on
the abhinaya or mime aspect of dance -
the nritya, where the dancer expresses
Bharatnatyam dance is known to the sahitya through movement and mime.
be ekaharya, where one dancer takes on • Shabdam follows the jatiswaram in a Bharatnatyam
many roles in a single performance. dance performance.
The person who conducts the dance • The accompanying song is generally in adoration of
recitation is the Nattuvanar. the Supreme Being.
Kathakali (Kerala)
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).
Kathakali was traditionally a male-dominated dance and now females are too
welcomed in this dance form.
Kathakali has similarities with other dance forms like that of the Japanese ‘
Noh’ and ‘Kabuki’ dance forms have similarities with Kathakali.
Sattriya (Assam)
✓ Dressed in white costumes and turbans, head gears, they include khol
playing, performing dance, creating soundscapes, floor patterns and
choreographic designs.
Q. How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?
(2012)
1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in
Bharatanatyam.
2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of
Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 Feature of Kuchhipudi
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Kuchipudi vs Bharatanatyam
✓ Bharatnatyam costume has three fans of dissimilar lengths. While Kuchipudi dress
has only one frill/fan lengthier than the lengthiest fan in the former.
✓ In Bharatnatyam, there is no side Pallu but in Kuchipudi separate pallu is stitched
seen on the left side.
✓ Two buns are used in Kuchipudi while only one in Bharatnatyam.
Classical Music
1. The earliest tradition of Indian music may be traced to Sama Veda which contained the slokas
that were put to music.
2. The earliest text dealing exclusively with performing arts is Bharata’s Natyashashtra.
3. Matanga’s Brihaddesi : ragas were first named and discussed at great length.
4. Sangeet Ratnakara written by Sarangdeva in the thirteenth century mentions 264 ragas.
Hindustani Music
• Hindustani Sangeet is usually considered to be a mixture of
traditional Hindu musical concepts and Persian performance
practice.
Classical
Music • Hindustani music is based on the raga system.
Carnatic Music
• Carnatic Sangeet is the South Indian system of classical music.
• Carnatic Sangeet is found in the South Indian states of Kerala,
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Classical Music
Six Ragas
Gharanas
Classical Music
Difference between Hindustani and Carnatic Music
Folk Music
✓ Each state of India has its own form of music that is the basis of their cultural affirmation, the folk
tradition is the music of the people and has no hard and fast rules.
1. Wonawan: It is the folk music from Kashmir, sung during wedding ceremonies and is considered very
auspicious.
2. Pandwani: It is the folk music of Chhattisgarh, which is based on grand epic Mahabharata. Well-known
artists Tijanbai related with this music.
3. Alha: This is the folk music of Madhya Pradesh and Bundel Khanda (U.P.), it is a heroic ballad song with
intricate words.
4. Ovi: This is music of Maharashtra and Goa, sung by women.
5. Pai song: It is folk music of Madhya Pradesh sung during festivals.
6. Maand: It is folk music of Rajasthan. The songs are usually bards singing the glory of the Rajput Rulers.
7. Powada: It is folk music of Maharashtra. They are usually ballads sung for the heroes of the post like
Shivaji.
8. Khongjom Parva: It is an important folk music from the state of Manipur.
9. Sohar: It is folk song of Bihar, sung during childbirth.
10. Bhagawati: It is folk song of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Earliest text was Bharat Muni’s Natya Shastra Prelims
Science of Music: Gandharva Veda Facts :
Sushira Vadya
In this group, the sound is produced by blowing air into a hollow column. Hence
they are also known as wind instruments.
a) The pitch of the note is determined by controlling the air passage.
b) The melody is played by using the fingers to open and close the instrument.
c) The simplest and the commonest among this group of instruments is the flute.
d) Other wind instruments include Shehnai, Pungi, Harmonium, Nadaswaram.
Chapter 4 : Musical Instruments
For any music to be created, one needs to have some semblance of music
instruments.
Ghana Vadya
1. The earliest musical instruments created by man are said to be the Ghana
Vadya or solid instruments.
2. Once constructed, they do not require any special tuning.
3. They are principally rhythmic in function and are best suited as an
accompaniment to folk and tribal music and dance.
4. Different Ghana Vadya include Manjira, Ghatak,Jaltarang, Kanch-tarang,
Jhanj, Khartal.
Taal/ Tata Vadya
• These instruments produce sound by the vibration of strings. which may be made of
vegetable fibre, metal, silk or artificial elements like nylon.
• The string may be struck, plucked, rubbed (bowed), or occasionally blown by the
wind to produce sound.
• The degree to which a string is tightened determines the pitch of the note.
✓ Different string instruments include - Veena, violin, Santoor, Sarangi, Sitar.
Chapter 5 : Puppetry in India
a) The puppets are believed to be around since the time of Harappa and Mohenjodarocivilisation
dating back to 2300 BC.
b) Several dolls with strings are found in some of the harappan cities.
c) Silappadikaaram is earliest reference to the art of puppetry is found in Sangam literature.
Shadow Puppets They are cut out of leather, which has been treated Togalu Gombeyatta
to make it translucent. (Karnataka)
Shadow puppets are pressed against the screen with Tholu Bommalata (Andhra
a strong source of light behind it. Pradesh)
Ravanachhaya (Orissa)
Rod Puppets It is supported and manipulated by rods from
Putul Nautch (West Bengal)
below.
Kathi Kandhe (Orissa)
Indian Architecture Chapter 6
• Indian Architecture evolved in various ages in different parts and regions of the
country.
• Apart from these natural and obvious evolutions from the pre-historic and historic
periods, evolution of Indian architecture was generally affected by many great and
important historic developments.
Gupta Architecture Schools of Temple Architecture in India
The temple architecture in India reflects a synthesis of arts, the ideals of Dharma, beliefs, values and
the way of life.
• The temple architecture in India reflects a synthesis of arts, the ideals of Dharma, beliefs, values and
the way of life.
• The architectural principles of Indian temples are described in Shilpa Shastras and Vastu Sastras.
Nagara School of Temple Architecture
Relaxed attitude in the body of the sculpture. Visible bends Mathura School had a columnar rigidity in similar works
Very fine draping – almost invisible on the body but left In the Mathura School, the drapes were elaborate and
hanging out on the sides folds were very much visible
The body in its smooth and shining plasticity constitutes the Mathura sculpture was more rigid
principal theme of the Sarnath artists
At Sarnath the material used was cream coloured sandstone Mathura sculpture was made of moderately fine red
sandstone.
Chapter 8 : Sculpture
Metal Statues:
The art of casting statues on a large scale by the cire process was practised by Guptan craftsmen
with conspicuous success.
• Two remarkable examples of Gupta metal sculpture are:
– A copper image of the Buddha, about eighteen feet high at Nalanda in Bihar, and
– Sultanganj Buddha of seven and half feet.
Mauryan architecture
Mauryan art and architecture depicted the influence of Persians and Greeks.
During the reign of Ashoka many monolithic stone pillars were erected on
which teachings of ‘Dhamma’ were inscribed.
The highly polished pillars with animal figures adorning the top (capitals) are
unique and remarkable.
The lion capital of the Sarnath pillar has been accepted as the emblem of
the Indian Republic
The stupas of Sanchi and Sarnath are symbols of the achievement of Mauryan
architechture.
Chapter 11 : Post Mauryan Architecture
It led to the establishment of Gandhara Art, Mathura art and Amravati Art.
▪ Indigenous in nature
▪ Spotted red sandstone
▪ Buddhism, Jainism and hindu images are found.
▪ Patronised by Kushana
▪ North India. Mainly region of Mathura
▪ Delighted Buddha and not spiritual look
▪ No beard and moustache
▪ Strong muscular feature
▪ Most of them are seated.
▪ Eyes are open with small Ears.
Post Mauryan Architecture
It led to the establishment of Gandhara Art, Mathura art and Amravati Art.
• Indigenous in nature
• White marble
• Mainly Buddhism
• Patronised by Shatavahanas
• Deccan region near Krishna-Godavari delta.
• Mainly depicts stories of jatakas.
Neo-Gothic
• It is characterised by high-pitched roofs, pointed
arches and detailed decoration.
• The Gothic style had its roots in buildings,
especially churches, built in northern Europe
during the medieval period.
• The neo-Gothic or new Gothic style was revived
in the mid-nineteenth century in England.
Chapter 13 : Indian Painting
Prehistoric painting: Theme of painting were Hunting theme (group Hunting
scenes); Figures of animals & birds; Battle Scenes; Dancing Scenes. Example;
Bhibetka Caves (MP).
Mural paintings: Indian Mural Paintings are paintings made on walls of caves
and palaces. The caves of Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta also on the Bagh
caves and Sittanvasal are examples of it.
Miniature Paintings: Miniature paintings are executed on books and albums, and on perishable
material such as paper and cloth.
• The Palas of Bengal were the pioneers of miniature painting in India.
• The art reached its zenith during the Mughal period and was pursued by the painters of
different Rajasthani Schools of painting, like Bundi, Kishangarh, Jaipur, Marwar and Mewar.
• The Ragamala paintings also belong to this school, as do the Company paintings produced
during the British Raj.
Indian Painting
Pala School Mughal School Rajasthani school
• In the introduction write that ideology of Jainism has had profound impact on its
art. Also write its enduring significance.
• In the body, in TWO parts, address demand of the question: First, why it’s
called transtheistic religion and how its unique nature has affected art and
architecture. In the second part, divide it into 3-4 parts (each for Art, temple
architecture, cave architecture etc)
• In the conclusion, write about relevance and significance of Bahubali as an
embodiment of peace and non-violence (as it’s in news).
Brahminism vs Buddhism/Jainism vs Devotional Paths (Bhakitsm, Sufism, and Sikhism)
1. Namadeva and Ramananda (Maharashtra and Allahabad) – Both of them taught the concept of
bhakti to all the four varnas and disregarded the ban on people of different castes cooking together
and sharing meals.
2. Sankara and Ramanuja – The propounders of Advaita (non-duality) and vishishta
adwaitha (qualified non-duality) respectively. They believed god to be nirguna
parabrahma and satguna parabrahma respectively.
3. Vallabhacharya – propounder of shuddha adwaitha or pure non-duality.
4. Chaitanya (Bengal) – relied on the use of music, dance and bhajans to get in touch with God.
‘love’ was the watchword of the chaitanya cult.
5. Kabir – was a disciple of Ramananda, and was raised by a Muslim weaver. He stood for doing
away with all the unnecessary customs and rituals in both religions and bringing union between
these religions.
6. Guru Nanak.
7. Nimbakacharya – founder of the Radha-Krishna cult. He expressed this relation to substantiate
the importance of marriage. It was also used as an example of God’s love to the people.
Brahminism vs Buddhism/Jainism vs Devotional Paths (Bhakitsm, Sufism, and Sikhism)
Basavanna’s Virashaivism
• This movement began in Karnataka in the 12th
century which argued for the equality of all human
beings and against Brahmanical ideas about caste
and the treatment of women.
• They were also against all forms of ritual and idol
worship.
a) Criticised the ritual and other aspects of conventional religion and the
social order, using simple, logical arguments.
b) They advocated renunciation of the world.
c) To them, the path to salvation lay in meditation on the formless
Ultimate Reality and the realization of oneness with it.
d) To achieve this they advocated intense training of the mind and body
through practices like yogasanas, breathing exercises and meditation.
e) These groups became particularly popular among “low” castes.
Sufi Movement and Islam
They mingled freely with people of low classes, even Hindus. The chistis didn’t
want anything to do with the administration or money. They led simple austere
lives
Baba Guru Nanak (1469-1539) and Sikhism
Established a centre at Kartarpur The sacred space thus created by Guru
Nanak was known as dharmsal. It is now
named Dera Baba Nanak on the
known as Gurdwar.
river Ravi.
Dhamma
Teachings of Buddha are known as Dhamma.
Astanga Margha
Eight-fold Path of Buddha is known as Astanga margha.
The Four Great Truths:
The Eight fold path is:
a) The world is full of sorrow and misery. Belief in Nirvana
1) Right livelihood
b) The cause of all pain and misery is When desire and rebirth ends, nirvana is
2) Right observation
desire. attained. Freedom from the cycle of
3) Right determination
c) Pain and misery can be ended by killing birth, death and rebirth is attained by
4) Right action
or controlling desire. following the 8-fold path. Buddhism
5) Right meditation
d) Desire can be controlled by following does not recognise the existence of God
6) Right exercise
the Eight Fold Path. and soul.
7) Right speech
Belief in Ahimsa
8) Right memory
The concept of Ahimsa means one
should not cause harm to any living
being, animal or man.
Buddhist Mudras, Hand Gestures and their Meaning
Dhyan Mudra
1. Means ‘ the Lesser Path’ and Means ‘the Greater Path’ . These terms Means ‘Vehicle of Thunderbolt’.
signifies ‘Doctrines of the Mahayana , Hinayana were coined by Also called ‘Diamond School is
Elders. the Mahayana school . also reffered to as Tantric or
esoteric Buddhism.
The period of Vajrayana
Buddhism has been classified as
the final period of Buddhism in
ववधसमिक , freethinking India . पारिं पररक
परम
2. Considered the orthodox It is the heterodox school of Buddhist Philosophical basis : TWO
school and to be truer to philosophy . It originated later than TRUTHS DOCTRINE – identifies
Budhha’s teachings than Hinayana. conventional and ultimate truths.
Mahayana . It was the original
school of Buddhist philosophy.
3. Scriptures are written in Pali Scriptures are written in Sanskrit . Vajrayana texts use a highly
– the language that Buddha symbolic language ‘Samdhya-
taught in . Bhasha’ or “Twilight Language”
Different Schools of Buddhism
Hinayana (Theravada) Mahayana Vajrayana
4. A school of Buddhism which Treats Buddha as god and worships Its followers believed that
treats Buddha as nothing more idols of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas salvation can be best attained
than a human being . Does not embodying Buddha Nature . Mahayana by acquiring the magical power ,
believe in idol worship and tries believes in universal liberation from which they called Vajra .
to attain individual salvation suffering for all beings . Ultimate aim of Vajrayana rituals and devotion
through self discipline and Mahayana is ‘spiritual upliftment’ . employs mantras , mandalas (
meditation . Ultimate aim is diagrams and paintings used in
nirvana. The extinction of the visualisation practices) . Focus
flame of desire is put on the role of Guru ( Lama
in Tibetan translation).
5. Found in Sri Lanka , main Found in Japan , China , other Asian Became popular in Eastern India
bastion in Myanmar , Thailand countries . Kanishka patronised it and , particularly in Bengal and Bihar
and other parts of South East later Harsh Vardhana supported it as and is predominant in the
Asia . Ashoka patronised it . well . Himalayan nations of Tibet ,
Ruler of Kushan Nepal , Bhutan and Mongolia.
Dynasty
Noble Eightfold Path
The Noble Eightfold Path consists of a set of eight
interconnected factors or conditions, that when
Right View
developed together, lead to the cessation of dukkha. Right Right Intention
The Eight factors are: Concentration
1. Right View (or Right Understanding): Viewing
reality as it is, not just as it appears to be
2. Right Intention (or Right Thought): Intention
Right 8 Fold Right Speech
Mindfulness
of renunciation, freedom and harmlessness Path Right Action
3. Right Speech: Speaking in a truthful and non-
hurtful way
4. Right Action: Acting in a non-harmful way Right Effort
5. Right Livelihood: A non-harmful livelihood Right
6. Right Effort: Making an effort to improve Livelihood
7. Right Mindfulness: Awareness to see things for
what they are with clear consciousness The concept of 8-Fold path forms the theme of :
8. Right Concentration: Correct meditation or Dharma-Chakra Pravartana Sutta
concentration, explained as the first four jhānas
Jainism
Jainism is of ancient origin & 3 principles of Jainism → Triratnas
believed to have 24
Tirthankaras / Great teachers in
1. Right faith (believe in teachings
their religion
& wisdom of Mahavira)
2. Right Knowledge (Acceptance of
1st one was Rishabdev (Born in theory that there is no god &
Ayodhya) who is said to have world has been existing without
laid the foundation of orderly a creator & all objects possess a
human society & realised that soul)
the source of Jaina philosophy 3. Right conduct (Refers to
observance of 5 great vows)
was Adinath.
✓ Ahimsa
✓ Satya
23rd was Parshavnath (Born in ✓ Asteya (Not to steal)
Varanasi) & Last and 24th was ✓ Parigraha (Not to acquire
Vardhamana Mahavira (Born property)
540 BC at Kundangrama near ✓ Brahamcharya (observe
Vaishali) continence / not to led immoral
life → added by Mahavira)
Jainism
3 principles of Jainism → Triratnas
A. Rejected the authority of Vedas & objected to Vedic rituals & sacrifices
B. Even practice of agriculture was considered sinful as it caused injury to earth, worms
& animals
C. Doctrine of ascetism & renunciation was carried to great lengths by practice of
starvation, Nudity & other form of self-tortures (Penance for all sins committed)
D. Although Parvanath (23rd Teacher) asked people to cover their upper & lower body
part but Mahavira asked them to discard cloths altogether ( Extreme austerity)
E. Mahavira did not condemn Verna system as Buddhism did as according to Mahavira ,
a person born in higher or lower verna is the consequences of the sins of past life &
through penance & meritorious life they can attain liberation
F. Jainism mainly aimed at freedom of Individual from worldly bonds
Twelve small vows (anuvrats) of Jainism
Spread of Jainism
1. Admitted both women and shudras in its
order of followers
2. Used prakrit (common language) for
preaching instead of sanskrit
3. 200 years after the death of Mahavira, there
was a serious famine in Ganga valley. Many
Jain followers led by Chandragupta Maurya &
Bhadrabahu left for south (Karnataka) & rest
stayed back under the leadership of
Sthalbahu. Emmigrants spread Jainism in
south India.
4. Meanwhile Sthalbahu changed the code of
conduct for the monks which led to division
of Jainism into 2 sects Swetambars (White
clad / Northerners) & Digambars ( Naked /
Sky Clad / Southerners)
5. 1st Jain council was held at Pataliputra led by
Sthalbahu & 2nd was held at Valabhi where
12 Anagas of Swetambars were finally
compiled
Jains
3. After Mahavira , they lived under the 3. During the famous Magadha Famine ,
leadership of Bhadrabahu and they under the leadership of Sthalabahu
migrated south and lived in the old had stayed back at Magadha .
traditional way .
• Historian Ramachandra Guha has been awarded with the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize in the
academic category.
• The Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize, established in 1990 by the Japanese city of Fukuoaka,
recognises outstanding achievements by individuals or groups in preserving and creating the
unique and diverse cultures of Asia
c) PATA Award
The Kerala Tourism has bagged this year’s Pacific Asia Travel Association award
for its Muziris Heritage Project in the ‘Heritage & Culture’ category
▪ The Sentinelese are a negrito tribe who live on the North Sentinel
Island of the Andamans.
▪ The inhabitants are connected to the Jarawa on the basis of physical,
as well as linguistic similarities.
▪ Their numbers are believed to be less than 150 and as low as 40.
▪ Based on carbon dating of kitchen middens by the Anthropological
Survey of India, Sentinelese presence was confirmed in the islands to
2,000 years ago.
▪ Genome studies indicate that the Andaman tribes could have been
on the islands even 30,000 years ago.
Why are they said to be vulnerable?
i. It is said they have made little to no advancement in the over 60,000 years and still live very primitive lives,
surviving mainly on fish and coconuts.
ii. They are very vulnerable to germs since they have not had contact with the outside world. Even a common flu
virus carried by a visitor could wipe out the entire tribe.
iii. Since the 1960s, there have been a handful of efforts to reach out to the tribe but all have largely failed. They
have repeatedly, aggressively made it clear that they want to be isolated.
Sahapedia
Techniques and Aspects of Kalaripayattu: Uzhichil or the massage with Gingli oil, Otta,
Maipayattu or body exercises, Puliyankam or sword fight, Verumkai or bare-handed fight etc.
About it:
▪ Kalari is a Malayalam word which means School/gymnasium/training hall where Martial arts
are practiced or taught.
▪ Kalaripayattu was introduced as martial art by a legend, sage Parasurama, who built temples.
▪ This art is used as a means of unarmed self-defence and a way to achieve physical fitness
today. Also used in traditional rituals and ceremonies.
▪ It includes mock duels (armed and unarmed combat) and physical exercises, important aspect
is the style of fighting and is nor accompanied by any drumming or song.
▪ Its important key is footwork which includes kicks, strikes and weapon based practice.
▪ Its popularity also increases with the movie Ashoka and the Myth.
▪ Women also practiced this art, Unniyarcha; a legendary heroine won many battles using this
martial art.
Top most famous Martial Arts in India
2. Silambam (is a kind of Staff Fencing)
Originated: In Tamil Nadu, a modern and scientific martial art.