Part of the General Studies-I question bank for OPSC (OAS) Mains.
A comprehensive, topic-wise practice set of 20 questions on Music, Dance & Performing Arts in India for OPSC (OAS) Mains General Studies-I. 6 of them have been set in an actual paper — the year and exam are printed against each (2019, 2018, 2017, 2015). The rest are practice questions on the same syllabus points.
Previous year questions
| No. | Question | Asked in |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture. | UPSC Mains GS-I 2023 15 marks |
| 2 | Discuss the classical music and dance festivals in Odisha. | OPSC OAS Mains 2019 10 marks |
| 3 | Discuss the history and characteristics of Odissi Dance. | OPSC OAS Mains 2018 10 marks |
| 4 | Pattachitra | OPSC OAS Mains 2017 10 marks |
| 5 | Write a short note on: Natyashastra. | OPSC OAS Mains 2015 GS Paper-I Q.4 (OR)(d) · 2 marks |
| 6 | Write a short note on: Folk Dances of Odisha. | OPSC OAS Mains 2015 GS Paper-I Q.4 (OR)(l) · 2 marks |
Practice questions
| No. | Question | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Explore the development and significance of classical Indian dance forms. How do these dances reflect the cultural and religious ethos of the regions they originate from? | — |
| 8 | Elucidate on the regional diversity reflected in the folk-dance forms of India. How do these dance forms act as a cultural repository for specific communities? | — |
| 9 | Elaborate on the statement: "Kathakali is not just a dance form but a unique synthesis of drama, expression, and storytelling." How does it represent the cultural diversity of India? | — |
| 10 | Indian classical dance forms are not just forms of entertainment but are considered as a medium of cultural expression. Analyse the cultural and philosophical underpinnings of Bharatnatyam and Kathak dance forms. | — |
| 11 | Explain the importance of Indian classical dances in preserving traditions, storytelling, and promoting artistic expression. | — |
| 12 | Trace the evolution of Indian music from the ancient to the medieval period, highlighting the key factors that shaped its development and the emergence of distinct regional styles. | — |
| 13 | Enumerate the differences between Hindustani and Carnatic music, highlighting their distinct historical, stylistic, and cultural influences. | — |
| 14 | The art of puppetry involves various types of puppets, such as string puppets, glove puppets, and shadow puppets. Examine the different types of puppets used in Indian puppetry traditions and their specific characteristics. | — |
| 15 | Children's creativity and problem-solving abilities may be improved by traditional toys. Enumerate various educational benefits of traditional toys and how they are still relevant in the age of digital learning. | — |
| 16 | Odissi Dance - Discuss the history and characteristics of Odissi Dance. | — |
| 17 | Explore the evolution of Indian dance forms depicted in temple sculptures. How do these visual representations enhance our understanding of ancient Indian culture? | — |
| 18 | Classical music and dance festivals in Odisha - Discuss in detail. | — |
| 19 | Folk Dances of Odisha | — |
| 20 | Nuakhai | — |