NDSS Academy

History of Indian Culture (B.A History)

Indian religions, philosophy, art, architecture, literature and science through the ages.

6 MonthsDuration 5Chapters26Topics
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Syllabus · पाठ्यक्रम

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01Unit 1: Meaning and Features of Indian Culture 5 topics
  1. Meaning of culture and civilisation
  2. Features - unity in diversity, continuity, tolerance, assimilation
  3. Sources of Indian culture
  4. Sanskaras, ashrama and purushartha
  5. Indian culture abroad - Central and South-East Asia
02Unit 2: Religion and Philosophy 5 topics
  1. Vedic religion and Upanishads
  2. Buddhism and Jainism - doctrines and sects
  3. Six schools of Indian philosophy (Shad-darshana)
  4. Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Shaktism
  5. Bhakti, Sufi and Sikh traditions
03Unit 3: Art and Architecture 6 topics
  1. Harappan and Mauryan art
  2. Stupas, chaityas and viharas - Sanchi, Ajanta, Ellora
  3. Gandhara, Mathura and Amaravati schools of sculpture
  4. Temple architecture - Nagara, Dravida and Vesara styles
  5. Indo-Islamic and Mughal architecture
  6. Painting traditions - Ajanta, Mughal, Rajput and Pahari
04Unit 4: Language and Literature 5 topics
  1. Vedic and classical Sanskrit literature
  2. Pali and Prakrit literature
  3. Sangam Tamil literature
  4. Hindi and regional literature of the Bhakti period
  5. Persian and Urdu literature
05Unit 5: Science, Education and Performing Arts 5 topics
  1. Mathematics and astronomy - Aryabhata, Varahamihira, Brahmagupta
  2. Medicine - Charaka, Sushruta
  3. Ancient centres of learning - Takshashila, Nalanda, Vikramshila
  4. Classical music - Hindustani and Carnatic
  5. Classical dance forms and festivals

About

You will be able to

  • Explain the meaning and main features of Indian culture and its continuity
  • Describe the major religious and philosophical traditions of India - Vedic, Buddhist, Jain, Bhakti, Sufi and Sikh
  • Identify the main styles of Indian art and architecture - stupas, cave temples, Nagara, Dravida, Indo-Islamic
  • Describe Indian literature in Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, Tamil, Hindi and Persian
  • Explain the contribution of ancient India to science, mathematics, astronomy and medicine
  • Discuss education centres, festivals, music and dance as part of India's cultural heritage

Who it is for

  • B.A History students of Semester 5 (UP state universities, NEP 2020 syllabus)
  • UPSC / UPPSC aspirants preparing Art and Culture
  • Tourist guides and learners interested in India's heritage

What you need

  • B.A Semesters 1-4 or equivalent basic knowledge of Indian history

Questions

Which syllabus does this follow?

The NEP 2020 common minimum syllabus of UP state universities. Where your university's syllabus differs, the centre follows your own university syllabus.

Is this useful for Art and Culture in UPSC?

Yes, the course covers most of the Art and Culture portion of UPSC / UPPSC GS papers.

Are heritage visits part of the course?

Where possible, the centre plans visits to nearby sites such as Sarnath and Varanasi ghats; they are optional.

Download the syllabus (PDF)

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