UPSC Art and Culture Notes 2025, Topic wise, Download PDF

India is a country with a diverse heritage, holding varied Art and Culture which is an important part of Prelims GS Paper 1 and Mains GS Paper 1. The aspirants can often notice a variety of questions in this section. To provide an ease in preparation to the aspirants, our expert team has prepared high-quality Art and Culture Notes for UPSC. Covering India’s diverse traditions and historical connections, these notes help tackle indirect questions that link ancient, and medieval history, and current events, ensuring a solid foundation for the exam.

UPSC Art and Culture Notes

Aspirants can download the UPSC Art and Culture Notes PDF preparation here. These notes include detailed information about India’s vibrant cultural heritage, covering topics like architecture, painting, dance forms, music, and more, prepared by the subject experts to help in excel UPSC CSE 2025.

UPSC Art and Culture

Read about the UPSC Art and Culture Notes for preparation for UPSC CSE 2025. These notes are prepared to provide knowledge of India’s rich cultural heritage, including architecture, painting, dance forms, music, and many more.

Indian Architecture – Art and Architecture of India

Explore the rich tapestry of Indian architecture, from prehistoric art to the grandeur of Mughal designs. Delve into Indus Valley structures, Buddhist stupas, Jain temples, Gupta sculptures, Chola art, and Indo-Islamic marvels—and much more.

• Indian Architecture – Art and Architecture of India
  • Prehistoric Art
  • Art and Architecture of Indus Valley Civilization
    • Seals of Harappan Civilization
  • Mauryan Art and Architecture
  • Buddhist Art and Architecture
    • Gandhara School of Art
    • Mathura School of Art
    • Amaravati School of Art
    • Viharas and Chaityas
    • Stupas
    • Buddhist Monasteries
  • Jain Art and Architecture
  • Gupta Art and Architecture
  • Pallava Art and Architecture
  • Chola Art and Architecture
  • Indo Islamic Architecture
    • Delhi Sultanate Architecture
    • Mughal Art and Architecture

Temple Architecture

Explore the evolution of Indian temple architecture, including the Nagara, Dravidian, and Vesara styles. Discover iconic landmarks like the Chausath Yogini Temple, Lingaraj Temple, and the grandeur of Vijayanagara and Kalinga architecture.

• Temple Architecture
  • Nagara Style of Architecture
  • Dravidian Style 
    • Vijayanagara Architecture
  • Vesara Style of Architecture
    • Chausath Yogini Temple
  • Rock cut Architecture
  • Kalinga Architecture
    • Lingaraj Temple

Indian Paintings

Explore the rich heritage of Indian paintings, including iconic styles like Madhubani, Warli, Mughal, Tanjore, and more. Discover the cultural essence and intricate artistry behind Bani Thani, Kalamkari, Kalighat, Mural, Miniature, and Thangka paintings.

• Indian Paintings
  • Bani Thani Painting
  • Madhubani Painting
  • Warli Painting
  • Mughal Paintings
  • Kalamkari Painting
  • Tanjore Painting
  • Kalighat Painting
  • Mural Painting
  • Miniature Painting
  • Thangka Painting

Pilgrimage Sites in India

Delve into India’s rich spiritual heritage with renowned pilgrimage sites like Sun Temples, revered Jyotirlingas, and more. Uncover their historical significance, cultural importance, and unique architectural marvels for your UPSC preparation.

• Pilgrimage Sites in India
  • Sun Temples in India
  • Jyotirlinga in India

Famous Universities of Ancient India

Discover the rich legacy of education in ancient India, home to renowned universities like Nalanda, Taxila, and Vikramshila. These institutions were centres of excellence, attracting scholars worldwide to study diverse disciplines and philosophies.

• Famous Universities of Ancient India
  • Nalanda University
  • Taxila University
  • Vikramshila University

Schools of Indian Philosophy

Discover the diverse Schools of Indian Philosophy, exploring profound traditions like Yoga, Ajivika, and Charvaka. Dive into their unique teachings, historical significance, and timeless influence on spiritual and intellectual thought in ancient and modern India.

• Schools of Indian Philosophy
  • Yoga
  • Ajivika Sect
  • Charvaka Philosophy

Ancient Indian Literature

Dive into the rich heritage of Ancient Indian Literature, from the mysterious Indus Script and profound Vedic texts to Buddhist, Jain, and Sangam works, including the Puranas and Gupta-era masterpieces. Unlock timeless wisdom and cultural insights.

• Ancient Indian Literature
  • Indus Script 
  • Vedic Literature
    • Rig Veda
    • Upanishads | Vedantas
    • Vedangas
  • Buddhist Literature
  • Jain Literature
  • Sangam Literature
  • Literature of Gupta Period
    • Puranas

Indian Languages

Explore the diversity of Indian languages, their historical significance, and cultural richness. Dive into the origins and evolution of the Classical Languages of India, their unique features, and their role in shaping India’s heritage.

• Indian Languages
  • Classical Languages of India

Performing Arts

Explore the vibrant world of India’s Performing Arts, encompassing a rich heritage of Classical and Folk Dances, diverse Indian Music traditions, expressive Theatre, unique Martial Arts, and intricate Puppetry. Learn how culture thrives through these timeless art forms.

• Performing Arts
  • Dances of India
    • Classical Dances of India
    • Folk Dances of India 
  • Indian Music – Types of Music in India
    • Hindustani Music
    • Carnatic Music
    • Folk Music
    • Indian Music Instruments
  • Drama/ Indian Theatre
  • Martial Arts
  • Puppetry 

Awards

Discover key insights about prestigious awards, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards, and more. This comprehensive guide helps you master important topics for UPSC preparation with detailed explanations and examples.

• Awards
  • Dadasaheb Phalke Award