DAY – 37 : Insta 75 Days Revision Plan-2025 : ART & CULTURE

Solution: B

Hindustani music often features extensive improvisation and gradual development of the raga, while Carnatic music places greater emphasis on fixed compositions (kritis), although improvisation (manodharma) exists within specific structures.

Hence, statement 1 is correct

The Gharana system, representing distinct schools of performance associated with specific regions or lineages, is a defining feature of Hindustani classical music (e.g., Gwalior, Kirana, Jaipur gharanas). It is largely absent in Carnatic music.

Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Both systems are fundamentally based on the principles of Raga (melodic structure) and Tala (rhythmic structure), forming the foundation of Indian classical music, even though the specific classification, names, and treatment differ.

Hence, statement 3 is correct

Solution: B

Dhrupad is an older, majestic, and relatively rigid form of Hindustani vocal music, focusing on rhythmic patterns and vocal purity.

Hence, pair 1 is incorrectly matched.

Kriti (or Kirtanam) is the most important and elaborate compositional form in Carnatic music, typically structured in three parts (Pallavi, Anupallavi, Charanam).

Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.

Thumri is a lighter, romantic, and expressive form of semi-classical Hindustani vocal music, often focusing on themes of love and devotion.

Hence, pair 3 is incorrectly matched.

Sitar is a popular North Indian plucked string instrument belonging to the lute family (Tata Vadya – Chordophone).

Hence, pair 4 is correctly matched.

Solution: C

All statements are correct.

• Ankia Naat (or Bhaona) are one-act plays, a traditional form of Vaishnava drama started by Sankardeva in Assam, usually performed in halls called Namghars.
• Tholu Bommalata (literally ‘dance of leather puppets’) is the traditional shadow puppetry form of Andhra Pradesh, known for its large, coloured leather puppets.
• The Natya Shastra is considered the foundational text for classical Indian performing arts, providing elaborate details on dramaturgy, acting (abhinaya), dance forms, music, stagecraft, aesthetics (rasa theory), and more.

Solution: A

Kathak’s emphasis on complex rhythmic footwork and spins contrasts with Bharatanatyam’s focus on sculpturesque poses, precise angular movements (often forming triangles), and codified adavus (basic dance units).

Hence, statement 1 is correct

Kathak, originating primarily in North India, is performed to Hindustani classical music. Bharatanatyam, from Tamil Nadu, uses Carnatic classical music.

Hence, statement 2 is incorrect

The Tribhanga posture, involving three distinct bends in the body (neck, torso, knees), is most characteristic of the Odissi dance form, though variations of bends exist in other styles. It is not a defining feature distinguishing Kathak and Bharatanatyam in this manner.

Hence, statement 3 is incorrect

Solution: B

Bihu Dance:

• Bihu is the traditional folk dance of Assam in northeastern India
• It is an essential aspect of Assamese culture and tradition, performed during the Bihu festivals
• The dance is characterized by energetic movements, brisk steps, and rapid hand movements
• Hence, pair 1 is incorrect

Garba Dance:

• Garba is the popular folk dance of Gujarat
• It is traditionally performed during Navaratri, the nine-night festival dedicated to the Goddess Durga
• During the performance, dancers move in concentric circles around either a lamp (Garba Deep) or an image of Goddess Durga placed in the center
• Hence, pair 2 is incorrect.

Bhangra Dance:

• Bhangra is definitively the traditional folk dance of Punjab
• It originated in the Sialkot region in the Majha area of Punjab
• The dance is historically associated with the spring harvest festival of Baisakhi
• Before British colonization, Punjab was an independent Sikh country with its capital in Lahore under Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule

• Hence, pair 3 is correct.

Kalbelia Dance:

• Kalbelia is a traditional folk dance performed by the Kalbelia community in Rajasthan
• It is also known as ‘Sapera Dance’ or ‘Snake Charmer Dance’
• The dance mimics the movements of serpents, reflecting the community’s historical occupation as snake handlers
• Women perform the dance wearing flowing black skirts that enhance the serpentine movements
• Men accompany the dancers playing traditional instruments like the “khanjari” and the “poongi” (a woodwind instrument traditionally used to capture snakes)
• In 2010, UNESCO included Kalbelia dance in its representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
• Hence, pair 4 is correct.

Solution: B

While many classical dances have historical links to temples , this is not the sole criterion, nor are they limited to temples now. Their ‘classical’ status generally derives from having a highly developed, codified grammar and technique, often drawing principles from foundational texts like the Natya Shastra, and being transmitted through a structured teacher-disciple tradition (guru-shishya parampara). Popularity (c) and mandatory use of Sanskrit (d) are not defining criteria for classical recognition by the Akademi.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Solution: C

• Raja Harishchandra was a silent film directed and produced by Dadasaheb Phalke in 1913
• The film premiered on May 3, 1913, at the Coronation Cinema in Mumbai (then Bombay)
• It is widely regarded as the first full-length feature film ever made in India
• Phalke was inspired to create this film after watching “The Life of Christ” (1906) at a theatre in Bombay in April 1911

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

• Alam Ara was released on March 14, 1931, at the Majestic Theatre in Bombay
• It was directed and produced by Ardeshir Irani
• The film is definitively recognized as the first Indian talkie (sound film) in history
• Irani was inspired to make Alam Ara after watching the American part-talkie film “Show Boat” (1929)
• The film was advertised with slogans like “All living, breathing, 100% talking!” and “India’s first perfect talkie”

Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Solution: A

Aryabhata provided the correct scientific explanation for eclipses, rejecting earlier mythological beliefs. He stated lunar eclipses occur when the Moon enters Earth’s shadow, and solar eclipses when the Moon obstructs the Sun.

Hence, statement 1 is correct.

In his work Aryabhatiya, he gave an approximation for pi as (4 + 100) × 8 + 62000 / 20000 = 62832 / 20000 = 3.1416, which is very close to the true value.

Hence, statement 2 is correct.

While Aryabhata correctly stated that the Earth rotates on its axis causing the apparent movement of stars, his model was still largely geocentric regarding planetary orbits around the Earth, though some interpretations suggest elements closer to heliocentrism for inner planets. A definitive heliocentric model came much later with Copernicus.

Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Solution: D

The Sushruta Samhita, attributed to Sushruta (whose dating is debated but often placed around or before the early centuries CE), is one of the foundational texts of Ayurveda. It is particularly renowned for its detailed descriptions of surgical procedures, including plastic surgery (rhinoplasty), cataract surgery, fracture management, and classifications of surgical instruments and diseases.

Solution: C

The Iron Pillar is famous worldwide among metallurgists and historians for its remarkable lack of significant corrosion despite standing exposed to the elements for over 1600 years. This is attributed to the high purity of the iron used, the presence of phosphorus, and the formation of a passive protective film on its surface. It has inscriptions (a – but not Ramayana scenes), is much shorter than the Qutb Minar (b), and its primary purpose was likely commemorative, not astronomical (d).

Solution: A

Bhaskaracharya was one of the leading mathematicians in 12th century. His book Siddhanta Shiromani has four sections:

• Lilavati dealing with Arithmetic
• Bijganita dealing with Algebra
• Goladhyaya about spheres
• Grahaganita or mathematics of planets

The Chakrawat method for solving algebra was mentioned for the first time in Lilavati. This statement is incorrect.

• The Chakrawat method (also known as the cyclic method) is a technique for finding integer solutions to indeterminate quadratic equations of the form Nx2+1=y2 (Pell’s equation).
• While Bhaskaracharya II (the author of Siddhanta Shiromani) extensively elaborated on and perfected the Chakrawat method in the Bijaganita (another part of Siddhanta Shiromani dealing with algebra), the initial concepts and earlier forms of methods for solving such equations can be traced back to earlier Indian mathematicians like Brahmagupta (in the 7th century CE).

Hence statements 1 correct and 2 is incorrect

Solution: A

• Jogimara and Sita Bhengara caves are artificially curved out caves located in Chhattisgarh
• Dating back to 1000-300 BC, the site has few paintings and inscriptions in Brahmi script
• The caves are said to be an attachment to amphitheatre and paintings were made to decorate the room.

Hence statement 1 is correct

• Indo-Greeks introduced the Yavanika or curtain in theatres.
• The Bactrians or Indo-Greeks were descendants of Greeks who had come with Alexander and settled in Afghanistan and mingled with Indians.

Hence statement 2 is incorrect

• Bharatmuni’s Natyashastra written between 200 BC and 200 AD is the first formal Treatise on dramaturgy;
• In it, 10 types of Plays- from one act play to 10 acts, have been described and cover all aspects of classical Sanskrit literature.

Hence statement 3 is incorrect

Solution: B

• Rangma is a dance to represent battle culture in Nagaland; the dancers dress up as warriors and move to the beat of drum in a rhythmic method. It is done by the male members of the tribe; however, women have recently joined this tradition.
• Lambadi is a folk dance of the Banjara tribe mainly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is based on the daily life of farmers, representing activities like planting and sowing.

Hence pairs 1 and 2 are incorrect

• Burrakatha is a form of dance narration practiced in Andhra Pradesh; it is a folk dance in which a single performer narrates stories from the Puranas.
• Padayani is a martial dance performed in temples of Southern Kerala; it literary means rows of infantry and it’s a very rich and colourful affair. The dancers wear huge Masks, known as Kolam and present interpretations of divine and semi devine narratives.

Hence pairs 3 and 4 are correct

Solution: B

• Baul is a type of Folk music sung by Bengali religious sect- Baul.
• Baul music has lyrics which are influenced by the Hindu bhakti movements as well as Suphi, a form of Sufi song exemplified by the songs of Kabir.

Hence statement 1 is correct

• Powada is the traditional folk music of Maharashtra which refers to narration of a story in glorious terms.
• The narratives are always done being phrase of an individual hero or incident or place.
• The earliest notable Powada was the Afzal Khanacha Vadh (the killing of Afzal Khan) by Agnidas which recorded encounter of Shivaji with Afzal Khan.

Hence statement 2 is incorrect

• Maand is form music of Rajasthan that developed in Royal courts and is also recognized in the classical cycles
• It is neither accepted as a full-fledged raga nor considered to be a freely rendered folk song.
• The famous Rajasthani Kesariya balam song is in Maand style.

Hence statement 3 is correct

Solution: A

• Atharva Veda was the first book where a mention about diseases, its cure, medicines can be found.
• According to it diseases are caused by the demons and spirits entering into human body and can be treated by magical charms and spells.
• It mentioned many of the diseases including diarrhoea, fever leprosy

Hence statement 1 is correct

• The Charak samhita deals with use of plants and herbs for medicinal purposes.
• It mainly deals with Ayurveda.
• It extensively deals on Issues like digestion, metabolism and immune system.
• Plastic surgery has been mentioned in Sushruta samhita.

Hence statement 2 is incorrect

Solution: D

• Kutiyattam is one of the oldest traditional theatre forms of Kerala.
• The performance is based on Sanskrit theatre traditions.
• It includes plays of almost all major Sanskrit playwrights including Bhasha, Shaktibhadran, Neelkantha, Harsha and so on.
• it is traditionally performed in theatres called Kuttapalams, which are located in Hindu temples.
• Access to the performances originally was restricted owing to sacred nature but now it has opened up for larger audiences.

Hence statements 1 and 2 are correct

• Kutiyattam represents a synthesis of Sanskrit classicism and reflects the local traditions of Kerala.
• In the stylized theatrical language Netra abhinaya or eye expression and hasta abhinaya or language of gestures are prominent
• Conventionally Kutiyattam plays were presented by the regional communities called Chakyar and Ambalavasi Nambiars.
• In the plays, Chakyars portray male roles while women from the Nambiar community play female roles.

Hence statement 3 is correct.

Solution: C

• Annamacharya, Kshetrayya and Bhadrachala Ramadasu were prominent proponents of Carnatic music.
• Annamacharya was the first known composer of Carnatic music who composed Sankirtans in praise of Lord Venkateswara (a form of Lord Vishnu); his compositions were mainly in Telugu and he is widely recognised as the grandfather of Telugu songwriting.
• Kshetrayya was a Telugu poet and a composer of Carnatic music who composed several Padams and Keertans, mainly based on Lord Krishna.
• Bhadrachala Ramadasu was a proponent of Carnatic music whose compositions were mainly in praise of Lord Rama, mostly in Telugu language. He composed the lyrics as well as set them to music.

Hence option C is correct

Solution: D

• Kalbeliyas were originally a Nomadic tribal community of snake charmers in Rajasthan
• The community traces its origin to the 12th century disciple of Guru Gorakhnath, a figure named Kanipa, who was believe to be blessed with the ability to tame poisonous Creatures.
• It was inscribed in UNESCO Representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.
• The Kalbeliya tribal people were once professional snake handlers but today the evoke their former occupation through music and dance that is evolving in new and creative ways.
• Kalbeliya dances are an expression of the community’s traditional way of life.
• Kalbeliya dance is performed only by the women; they wear flowing black skirts and dance and swirl, replicating the movements of a Serpent while men accompany them with instruments.
• Musical instruments like Pungi, Morchang, Khuralio and Dholak are used during the performances.

Hence statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct

Solution: A

• Yakshagana is believed to have evolved from the ancient Bhuta worship prevalent in Karnataka and Kerala.
• It is a traditional Indian theatre form and is believed to have emerged during the Vijayanagara empire period and gained prominence in coastal Karnataka and some parts of Kerala between 11^th and 16^th

Hence statement 1 is correct

• Traditionally, men potray all the roles in Yakshagana including the female ones, but women are now part of Yakshagana troops.
• A typical troupe consists of 15 to 20 actors and a Bhagavatha, who is the master of ceremony and the main storyteller.

Hence statement 2 is incorrect

• Several musical instruments are used in Yakshagana
• the instruments include drums, harmonium, mini metal clappers and flute.

Hence statement 3 is incorrect

Solution: C

• The Solar year represents the time taken by the Earth revolving around its own orbit around the sun going through a point of the ecliptic, i.e., solstice or Equinox to which it returns after completing its journey the Solar year consists of 365 days 5 hours 48 minutes and 46 seconds this system maintains the closest correspondence between the year and the seasons. There are two types of solar year:
• Tropical or Sayana Year: it is derived from the Greek word tropia meaning turning points. The name Tropical year refers to changes of seasons that remains fixed in this kind of year. The Gregorian Calendar is based on Tropical year.
• Sidereal or Nirayana Year: It is the actual time required for the Earth to revolve around the sun once, with respect to a starting point on the ecliptic; the Bengali calendar is based on this system.

Hence statements 1 and 2 are correct

Solution: C

Explanation:
Pangat, meaning sitting in a line to eat together, was a revolutionary practice institutionalized by Guru Nanak Dev. It required people from all castes, genders, and backgrounds to sit together as equals and partake in Langar (community meal). This was not merely about food—it was a symbolic rejection of caste discrimination and hierarchical dining traditions prevalent in medieval India.

While Naam Japna (spiritual meditation), Kirat Karni (honest labour), and Dasvandh (charity) are core principles, Pangat most directly challenges social inequality. It translates the idea of egalitarianism into daily practice and continues as a powerful symbol of Sikhism’s inclusive ethos even today in gurdwaras worldwide.

Thus, option (c) is correct. Pangat exemplifies how Guru Nanak embedded reform in routine social interactions, using it as a medium for transformation.

Solution: A

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: The Supreme Court has consistently held that receiving state aid does not disqualify an institution from claiming minority status. This was upheld in T.M.A Pai Foundation and reaffirmed in the AMU case. Funding sources are not decisive if the institution was established and is administered by a minority group.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Article 28(1) prohibits religious instruction in institutions wholly funded by the state, but Article 28(3) allows such instruction in minority-managed institutions, provided participation is voluntary. Thus, Article 28 permits flexibility for minority institutions.
• Statement 3 is correct: In St. Stephen’s College v. University of Delhi (1992), the Court ruled that minority institutions can frame their own admission policies, but these are subject to reasonable regulation ensuring educational standards and non-discriminatory access. It balances autonomy with accountability.

Hence, only Statement 3 is correct, making (a) the right answer.

Solution: D

Explanation:

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, launched in 2020, covers 14 key sectors to boost domestic manufacturing, reduce imports, and enhance exports.

1. Large-Scale Electronics Manufacturing (LSEM): Includes mobile phones and components, making India a global hub (e.g., Apple/Samsung manufacturing).
2. Renewable Energy (Solar PV Modules): Aims to achieve 65 GW domestic solar capacity, reducing reliance on Chinese imports.
3. Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Batteries: Supports electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage ecosystems.
4. Textiles (MMF & Technical Textiles): Focuses on high-value synthetic fabrics and geotextiles to compete globally.

Other PLI sectors include pharmaceuticals, automobiles, drones, and white goods (ACs/LEDs). The scheme offers 4-6% financial incentives on incremental sales for 5 years, attracting ₹1.97 lakh crore in investments. By 2024, it generated 9.5 lakh jobs and ₹12.5 lakh crore production, with mobile phone exports hitting 5 crore units. Thus, all four sectors listed are part of PLI.

Solution: C

Explanation:

Statement-I is correct: Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 mandates eligible companies to spend 2% of their average net profits (over the previous three years) on CSR. This applies if they meet any of the thresholds: ₹500 crore net worth, ₹1,000 crore turnover, or ₹5 crore net profit.

Statement-II is incorrect: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) clarified that CSR spending is not allowed as a tax deduction, since it is a statutory obligation and not a voluntary charitable contribution. Only contributions to specified funds (like PM CARES) qualify for deduction under Section 80G, but not general CSR expenses.
Thus, only Statement-I is correct, and the correct answer is (c).

Solution: A

Explanation:

NCDs account for over 60% of deaths in India (WHO). The government has launched initiatives like NPCDCS (National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, CVDs, and Stroke) to tackle NCDs. The leading causes of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension in India are multifaceted and include:

1. Sedentary lifestyles and lack of physical activity – Urbanization and desk jobs have reduced physical activity, contributing to obesity and metabolic disorders like diabetes and hypertension.
2. High consumption of processed foods rich in salt and sugar – Increased intake of junk food, sugary beverages, and high-sodium snacks is directly linked to rising NCDs
3. Genetic predisposition among South Asians – Indians have a higher genetic susceptibility to insulin resistance and early-onset diabetes.
4. Overuse of antibiotics (4) is a major concern for antimicrobial resistance (AMR), but it does not directly cause diabetes or hypertension.

Thus, the correct answer is (a) 1, 2 and 3.

Solution: A

Justification:

Manichean ethic is an old religion that looks at things by breaking everything down into good or bad i.e. breaking everything into binaries. Hence A is the correct answer.

Solution: B

Justification:

Difference between SI & CI = [ PR² / 100²]

18= P (6² / 100²)

P = Rs. 5000

Solution: D

Justification:

S.I. = Rs. (600 x 5 x 2)/100 = Rs.60

C.I.= Rs. [600 x (1 + 5/100)2 – 600] = Rs. 61.50

Required Difference = Rs. (61.50 – 60) = Rs.1.50

Solution: A

Justification:

Compound interest = [P (1 + r/100)^t – P]

= [3000 (1 + 10/100)^2 – 3000]

= 630

From data, Simple interest is half of compound interest

Therefore, SI = 630/2 = 315

Time = 4 years, rate of interest = 5% pa

Therefore Sum = [ (315*100) / (4*5)] = ₹1575

Solution: C

Justification:

CI – SI = 300

[P(1+ R/100)^T −P] − (PTR/100) = 300

[P(1+5/100)^2 −P] − (P*2*5/100) = 300

P = 120000 = sum