Art, Architecture and Literature Flashcards
1
Q
Who wrote “Mricchakatika”?
A
Sudraka in 248 AD - Social drama interlinked with a love affair.
2
Q
Describe the Sittanavasal cave paintings
A
- Rock cut cave temple aka Arival Koil
- Dates from 1st to 10th Century
- built by Pallava King Mahendravarma (580–630 AD) prior to his conversion from Jainism to Hinduism.
- translates to “abode of the great saints” in Tamil
- restoration by a Pandyan king most likely Maran Sendan (654–670 AD)
3
Q
Nagara Style Architecture Examples
A
Sun Temple Konark
Dashavatara Vishnu Temple Deogarh (UP)
Vishwanatha Temple, khajuraho
Linga Raja Temple and baitala Deula (Bhubaneshwar)
4
Q
Examples of Dravidian temples (Chola Style)
A
Virupaksha Temple (Hampi)
Brihadishwara Temple (Tanjore TN)
Gangaikondacholapuram Temple
5
Q
THREE Features of Nagara Style Temples
A
Rekha - straight line
Pidhadeul - square building, pyramid roof
Khakra deula - rectangular building
6
Q
Shadow Dancing Puppetry from Odisha
A
Ravanachayya
7
Q
Natya Shastra
A
Written by Bharata Muni
2nd Century BCE
source book of drama, dance and music
8
Q
When did the Tanjore paintings originate?
A
During 16th and 17th Centuries
9
Q
Who wrote Meghadutha
A
Poem written by Kalidasa.
It is divided into: Purva Megha and Uttara Megha
10
Q
Who wrote Mudrarakshasa
A
Vishakadatta
during Chandragupta maurya’s reign
in Sanskrit
11
Q
Who wrote Malavikagnimitra
A
Kalidasa (in Sanskrit)
Love story between Shunga emperor and a handmaiden
12
Q
When was the Kailash temple at Ellora built?
A
During Rashtrakuta king Krishna’s reign in 8th Century AD
13
Q
What is Bhand Pather
A
Kashmiri dance, drama and acting
uses Surnai, Nagara and Dhol instruments
14
Q
What is Tamaasha?
A
Maharashtrian folk dance, similar to Gondhal, Jagran and Kiran
Features “Murkis” or female actresses
15
Q
What is Maach?
A
Madhya Pradesh theatre form
Mythological themes
Dialogues (bol), Rhyme (vanag), tune (Rangat)
16
Q
What is “Dhashavtara”
A
Theatre form of Konkan and Goa coast
17
Q
Where are Nagi and Nakti bird Sanctuaries?
A
Bihar - Ramsar Sites on Nakti dam
18
Q
What are Aham and Puram in Sangam Literature?
A
Aham - subjective love poems (feminine)
Puram - objective statements of glory, valor (masculine)
19
Q
SIX major Literary Works of the SANGAM PERIOD?
A
- Tolkappiyam by Tolkappiyar
- Silappadikaram by Ilango-Adigal and
- Manimekalai by Chattanar
- Tirukkural by Thiruvalluvar
- Ettutogal
- Pattupattu
20
Q
Trinity of Carnatic Music
A
Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, Syama Sastri
21
Q
Three gems of Ancient Kannada Literature
A
Pampa, Ponna and Rana
22
Q
Kavitryam
A
Nannaya, Thikkana, Errana
(Translated mahabharata into Telugu)
23
Q
Who were the “Thevaram”? (7th and 8th Century AD)
A
Sundarar, Sambandar and Appar
They wrote Tirumurai
24
Q
Painted Grey Ware
A
Rig Vedic Period
25
Ochre Colored Pottery
4th to 2nd Millennium BCE
Bronze Age Culture
Indo Gangetic Plain
26
Northern Black Polished Ware
Early Mauryan Period
27
Harappan Pottery (3)
Plain with a fine red or grey slip, mostly wheel-made
Black Painted Ware - rare, with geometric patterns
Little pots made of faience - perfume bottles found in Mohenjodaro and Harappa
28
Tanjore Quartet that revived Mohiniyattam
Ponnaya, Chinnaya, Sivananda, Vadivelu
29
Who are "Nathpanthis"
Followers of Gorakhnath and Matsyendranath
Believed in supernatural powers and tantric practices,
Shaivate sub-tradition
Denounced Caste System
30
What are saguna and nirguna forms of Bhakti tradition?
Saguna - with attributes (Shiva, Vishnu, etc)
Nirguna - God without attributes
31
What are Gurbani?
Hymns in the Guru Granth Sahib, compiled by Guru Arjun
Contains Guru Nanak's, Baba Farid's, Ravidas' and Kabir's hymns.
32
What is Pandavani
Theatre performance from Chhattisgarh - features tales from Mahabharata
33
What is Laman?
Songs from Kulu Valley (Himachal pradesh) - call and answer type duets with men and women
34
What is Mando?
Goan Regional Music
35
What is Villu Pattu?
"Bow Song" from TN
36
What is Kirthana Ghosha
Collection of Vaishnavate poems by Shankaradeva (15th Century AD)
37
What is a Kamaicha?
Bowed string instrument played by Manganiars of Rajasthan
Oldest instrument with links to Africa and West Asia
38
Dance Treatises of India (5)
1. Natya Shastra by Bharata
2. Brihaddesi by Matanga
3. Sangeeta Ratnakara by Sarangadeva
4. Sangeeta Sudhakara by Haripala
5. Swaramelakanidhi by Ramamatya
39
What is "Khayal"?
Music Style attributed to Amir Khusrau,
consists of short songs of 2-8 lines called Bandish
Gharanas of this style include: Gwalior, Tirana, Patiala, Agra and Bhendibazaar
40
What is Thumri?
Vocal style of Indian music from UP
Poorab and Punjab are two variants of this style
41
What are the three sub schools of Nagar style temple architecture?
1. Odisha School: Lavish outsides and plain interiors, Shikhara known as Rekha Deal, Square ground plan. Eg. Sun Temple Konark
2. Khajuraho/Chandela School: Erotic, lavishly decorated, made of sandstone and panchayatana style. Eg. Kandariya Mahadev Temple & Lakshmana temple - Khajuraho
3. Solanki School/Maru-Gurjara Style: Devoid of carvings, decorative archways called torans, step tank called surya kund. Eg. Modhera sun temple (Gujarat)
42
Describe the temple architecture in South India that began under the Pallava Ruler Mahendravarman i (610-630AD)
1. Mahendra: Rock cut temples called Mandapas.
2. Narasimha: Rock cut temples with intricate sculptures. Mandapas separated into RATHAS. eg. pancha ratha temple
3. Rajasimha: structural temples. Eg. Shore temple of Mahabalipuram.
4. Nandivarman: smaller temples.
43
Describe the Dravidian style temples under the Cholas
High boundary walls, panchayatana style of layout, vimana in the form of a steep pyramid. Entrance guarded by dwaarapaalas. Water tank inside the temple.
Eg. Brihadiswara temple and Gangaikondacholapuram temple.
44
What is "Anandmath"?
Novel by **Bankim Chandra Chatoopadyay** about the Sanyasi Revolt
The national song "Vande Mataram" was adopted from this novel
45
What is "Devi Chaudhurani"?
Novel by **Bankim Chandra Chatoopadyay** about women's role in resistance to alien rule
46
What was the play written by DEENBANDHU MITRA about the Indigo Revolt of 1856-60?
NEEL DARPAN
47
Who wrote “The Indian War of Independence”?
V.D. Savarkar
48
What was the main message of Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts?
promotion of Dhamma (righteousness), compassion, and moral conduct, encouraging people to respect their elders, animals, and religious diversity.
49
What does Ashoka's Major Rock Edict 1 discuss?
Prohibits **Animal Slaughter** & Killing of Animals.
50
What is the language and script used in Ashoka's Edicts?
Edicts were primarily written in **Prakrit**, using the **Brahmi script**, though some were written in **Greek and Aramaic**
51
What is the focus of Ashoka's Major Rock Edict 3?
Generosity to Brahmanas
52
What does Ashoka's Major Rock Edict **5** highlight?
Appointment of **Dhamma Mahamatras**
53
What is discussed in Major Rock Edict 7?
Religious Tolerance
54
Which Major Rock Edict talks about Ashoka's first **Dharma Yatra to Bodh Gaya** and the Budhi Tree?
Rock Edict **8**
55
Which Major Rock Edict addresses Ashoka’s **public welfare measures**?
Major Rock **Edict 6** highlights Ashoka’s efforts to promote **welfare activities** such as the establishment of hospitals, development of infrastructure, etc.
56
Where can Ashoka's 14 Major Rock Edicts be found?
- Across the Indian subcontinent and in Afghanistan and Pakistan
- In India: Kalsi, Dhauli, Girnar, Erragudi, Sannati Jaugada and Lumbini
57
What is the importance of the **Maski Minor Rock Edict** of Karnataka?
- Shortest Edict
- Dharma Shasana asking people to follow the tenets of Buddhism
- Contains the name "Ashoka" instead of Devanampiya
58
How many Major Pillar Edicts did Ashoka have?
- 7 Pillar Edicts
- Located in Kandahar, Delhi-Topra, Meerut, Allahabad, Lauriya Nandangarh, and Sarnath
59
What is the significance of the DELHI-TOPRA PILLAR (**Pillar Edict II**) for Ashoka's Pillar Edicts?
* Only Delhi-Topra has all SEVEN major pillar edicts present.
* Prakrit language, Brahmi script
* Summary of all accomplishments of Ashoka
* Moved from Topra to Delhi by Feroz Shah Tughlaq and renamed MINAR-I-ZARRIN
60
Which book talks about the transfer of Ashoka's Delhi-Topra pillar from Topra to Delhi by **Feroz Shah Tughlaq**?
**Tarikh-I-Firuz-Shahi**
The pillar was renamed as *Minar-i-Zarrin*
61
What is Ashoka's **Major Pillar Edict** **I** about?
* Protection of the People
* Kandahar
62
What does Ashoka's **Major Pillar Edict II** emphasize?
Dhamma as a minimum of Sins for virtue, compassion
63
What is the impact of the Lion Capital at Sarnath?
* symbol of Indian heritage and Buddhism.
* adopted as the National Emblem of India in 1950,
* symbolizes strength, courage, and righteousness
64
Importance of the Sarnath Pillar?
* **Minor Pillar** at Sarnath marks the place where Buddha gave his first sermon
* features the Lion Capital
65
What are Punch-Marked Coins?
* earliest coins in India, dating back to around **6th century BCE**.
* made of **silver or copper**
* Issued by various **Mahajanapadas** - primarily used during the **Maurya period**
66
What were the key features of the Indo Greek/Kushana Coins?
* issued by Indo-Greek rulers (around 2nd century BCE) such as Menander I.
* Greek inscriptions and Hellenistic designs, particularly in Gandhara and Mathura regions
* Kushana kings introduced portrait of the king and deities
67
What is the importance of Roman coins found in India?
* discovered in places like Arikamedu (Tamil Nadu)
* evidence of trade relations (spices, silk, and precious stones) between India and the Roman Empire during the 1st to 3rd centuries CE.
68
What are the TWO peculiar features of the Satavahana Coins?
* silver coins with inscriptions in Prakrit and images of royal figures
* **first gold coins in India,** featuring both Brahmi and Kharoshthi scripts
69
What are the Gupta coins known for?
* Use of **high-quality gold**
* intricate designs and artistic craftsmanship
* inscriptions in **Sanskrit**
70
**Three** main characteristics of Chalukya coins?
* copper, silver, and gold coins.
* depicted the king and religious symbols (such as Shiva and Vishnu).
* blend of Indian and foreign influences
71
What is the significance of coins of the Delhi Sultanate?
* **silver tanka** and **copper jital** coins
* Iltutmish standardized the tanka coin
* Ala-ud-Din Khilji introduced a **regularized system** of coinage with high-quality silver.
72
What are the Mughal coins known for?
silver rupee introduced by Mughals became the standard currency in India
73
What is in Ashoka's Major Rock **Edict XIII**?
1. Ashoka's remorse over **Kalinga**
2. **Conquest by Dhamma**
74
TEN Important Indus Valley Sites
1. **Harappa** (**Ravi** river, Pakistan)
2. **Mohenjodaro** (**Indus** River, Pakistan)
3. **Dholavira** (Water systems, Gujarat)
4. **Lothal** (naval trade, Gujarat)
5. **Rakhigarhi** (Haryana)
6. **Ropar** (**Sutlej** River, Punjab)
7. **Kalibangan** (Bangle Factory, Rajasthan)
8. **Surkotada** (Horse bones, Gujarat)
9. **Banawali** (**Saraswati** River, Haryana)
10. **Alamgirpur** (**Yamuna** river, UP)
75
What is the significance of LOTHAL Indus Valley Site in Gujarat?
1. had a **dockyard**; important for naval trade
2. Burial of **cremated remains**
3. **terracota figures** of horse and ship found
76
In which Indus Valley site was a **toy plough** found?
Banawali, along with lapiz lazuli and barley grains
Banawali is also the only city with **Radial Streets**
77
What are the two types of stones used in making Mauryan Pillars?
**Red and White Sandstones** in Mathura
**Buff colored fine sandstone** in Chunar.
78
What is the importance of the **Sohgaura Copper Plate** inscription?
Pre-Ashokan Brahmi inscription
Mentions famine relief
79
Significance of **Rummindei Pillar Edicts**?
Mentions Ashoka's visit to Lumbini
In Rupandehi district of Nepal
80
Importance of **Allahabad Pillar** Inscription?
* Ashokan inscription in Brahmi script
* Mentions Kaurwaki's (Ashoka's wife) charitable deeds
* Samudragupta's inscriptions in Sanskrit
* Jahangir's Inscriptions in Persian
81
Importance of the **Mehrauli Iron Pillar** in the Qutub Minar complex?
Established by **Chandragupta II** to record the conquest of **Vanga and Vakataka dynasties**
82
Importance of the Aihole Inscription?
Written in **Sanskrit** by **Ravikirti**, court poet of **Pulakesin II** (**Chalukya** Emperor)
Mentions defeat of **Harshavardhana** by Pulakesin II, shifting of capital from Aihole to **Badami**
83
Where is the **Hathigumpa Inscription** located? What is its significance?
Location: **Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves** in **Odisha**
Written in **Prakrit**
Mentions history of **Kharavela** (**Kalinga** emperor) and his interest in **Jainism**
84
FOUR examples of **Mamluk Style** buildings of the Slave Dynasty
* Quwwat-ul-islam Mosque (Delhi)
* Quila Rai Pithora (Delhi)
* Qutub Minar
* Adahi-din-ka-Jhonpra (Ajmer)
85
TWO types of Hindustani Classical Music
1. **Dhrupad** - Braj and Awadh areas - Singer **Tansen**
2. **Khayal** - Attributed to **Amir Khusrau**, romantic in nature
86
EIGHT classical dances of India
Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Kathakali, Odissi, Manipuri, Sattriya, Kathak
87
Alternate names and Epithets of Jaina Mahavira?
Nayaputta, Muni, Samana, Nigantha, Brahman and Bhagavan
88
Alternate Names or Epithets of the Buddha include?
Shakyamuni, Thathagatha, Siddhartha Gautama, Bhaisajyaguru
89
Where is "**Chandraketugarh**" archaeological site located?
near Calcutta
4th Century BC urban centre of the Bengal region
90
Where is "**Inamgaon**" archaeological site located?
Chalcolothic settlement in maharashtra along Bhima River
91
Where is "**Mangadu**" archaeological site located?
Kerala, known for Megaliths dating back to 1000BC
92
Where is "**Salihundam**" archaeological site located?
Andhra Pradesh, Buddhist shrines
93
