Introduction
Indian Culture is a vital part of the SSC CGL General Awareness section. Questions cover classical dances, music, festivals, art forms, and cultural institutions. This short revision note focuses on key facts and common exam areas.
Classical Dances of India
India has eight recognized classical dance forms, each with distinct origins, techniques, and regional roots. They are rooted in the Natya Shastra and often depict mythological stories.
Key Points
- Bharatanatyam: Tamil Nadu; known for fire dance; performed by women; includes Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Varnam, Padam, Tillana.
- Kathak: Uttar Pradesh; story-teller dance; features spins (chakkars); linked to Radha-Krishna; gharanas: Lucknow, Jaipur, Banaras.
- Kathakali: Kerala; dance-drama; elaborate makeup (green for noble, red for evil); male-dominated; based on Mahabharata and Ramayana.
- Kuchipudi: Andhra Pradesh; originated in Krishna district; includes dance-drama; famous for Bhama Kalapam; performed by both genders.
- Odissi: Odisha; tribhangi posture; mahari and gotipua traditions; themes of Radha-Krishna; known for mudras.
- Manipuri: Manipur; Ras Leela; gentle movements; cylindrical skirt; includes Lai Haraoba and Sankirtana.
- Mohiniyattam: Kerala; dance of the enchantress; lasya dominant; solo female performance; white and gold costume.
- Sattriya: Assam; introduced by Srimanta Sankardeva; performed in Sattras (monasteries); includes Ankiya Naat.
Solved Example 1
Question: Which classical dance form is associated with the 'Tribhangi' posture?
Solution: Odissi
Explanation: Tribhangi is a three-bend posture (head, torso, and knee) characteristic of Odissi from Odisha.
Indian Music and Cultural Institutions
Indian music is broadly classified into Hindustani (North) and Carnatic (South) traditions. Several institutions and festivals are dedicated to preserving and promoting Indian culture.
Key Points
- Hindustani music: Influenced by Persian and Islamic traditions; main instruments: sitar, sarod, tabla, santoor; styles: Dhrupad, Khayal, Thumri, Ghazal.
- Carnatic music: Prevalent in South India; compositions by Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, Syama Sastri (Trinity); instruments: veena, mridangam, ghatam.
- Sangeet Natak Akademi: National academy for performing arts; confers Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards and Fellowships.
- National School of Drama (NSD): Premier theatre institute in New Delhi; founded by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1959.
- Festivals: Konark Dance Festival (Odisha), Khajuraho Dance Festival (MP), Elephanta Festival (Maharashtra), Puri Rath Yatra (Odisha).
Solved Example 1
Question: Who among the following is NOT part of the Carnatic Music Trinity?
Solution: Tansen
Explanation: The Carnatic Trinity comprises Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri. Tansen was a Hindustani musician in the court of Akbar.
Practice Questions
Q1. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched? (Dance – State)
Answer: Sattriya – Assam
Explanation: Sattriya is a classical dance form from Assam, introduced by Srimanta Sankardeva. Other options may be mismatched.
Q2. The 'Sangeet Natak Akademi' is located in which city?
Answer: New Delhi
Explanation: Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's national academy for performing arts, is headquartered in New Delhi.
Q3. Which festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil and is known as the 'Festival of Lights'?
Answer: Diwali
Explanation: Diwali, the Festival of Lights, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, and is celebrated across India.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing Kathak with Kathakali: Kathak is a North Indian dance form, while Kathakali is from Kerala and involves elaborate masks and costumes.
- Mixing up Hindustani and Carnatic musicians: Tansen belongs to Hindustani tradition, while Tyagaraja is a Carnatic composer.
- Assuming all classical dances are female-dominated: Kathakali is traditionally performed by men, and Kuchipudi was originally performed by men.
Quick Revision
- Eight classical dances: Bharatanatyam (TN), Kathak (UP), Kathakali (KL), Kuchipudi (AP), Odissi (OD), Manipuri (MN), Mohiniyattam (KL), Sattriya (AS).
- Carnatic Trinity: Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, Syama Sastri. Hindustani stalwarts: Tansen, Baiju Bawra, Amir Khusro.
- Cultural institutions: Sangeet Natak Akademi (New Delhi), National School of Drama (New Delhi), Kalakshetra (Chennai).