FYUG Even Semester Exam, 2024
History: Evolution of Indian Culture
Section-A
(Answer any fifteen questions. Each question carries 1 mark.)
1. Give one example of culture.
Traditional festivals like Bihu or Diwali are primary examples of culture
.
2. Name the discipline which generally investigates culture.
Anthropology (or Sociology) generally investigates culture
.
3. "Without culture no society can exist." Is this statement true?
True
.
4. State one importance of culture.
Culture provides social identity and a sense of belonging to a community
.
5. By which name is Hindustani classical music known as?
It is generally known as the North Indian classical music tradition
.
6. Name one instrument of Karnataki classical music.
Veena (or Mridangam)
.
7. Where from is the dance 'Bharatanatyam' originated?
It originated from Tamil Nadu
.
8. Name a famous classical dance form of Northern India.
Kathak
.
9. What does folk music indicate?
Folk music indicates the traditional and oral heritage of common people belonging to a specific region
.
10. Name one folk music in India.
Baul songs of Bengal (or Bihu songs of Assam)
.
11. What is the most famous folk song and dance form of Assam?
Bihu
.
12. Who is the first Sitar player in India?
Historical traditions often attribute the development of the sitar to Amir Khusrau
.
13. For playing which instrument Pandit Ravi Shankar is famous?
Sitar
.
14. Why is Pandit Birju Maharaj famous?
He is a world-renowned exponent of the Kathak classical dance form
.
15. By which name Dr. Bhupen Hazarika is widely known?
He is widely known as the "Sudhakantha"
.
16. Who is called the 'melody queen' of India?
Lata Mangeshkar
.
17. When was Visva Bharati established?
1921
.
18. Who is the writer of Indian National Anthem?
Rabindranath Tagore
.
19. "Ambubachi Mela is celebrated in Kamakhya Temple." Is this statement true?
True
.
20. Which society organises Karbi Youth Festival every year?
The Karbi Cultural Society (KCS)
.
Section-B
(Answer any five questions. Each question carries 2 marks.)
21. Define the term 'culture'.
Culture refers to the complex whole of knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society
.
22. Write two characteristics of Indian culture.
- Unity in Diversity: Despite various languages and religions, there is an underlying cultural thread
.
- Continuity and Adaptability: It has preserved ancient traditions while absorbing modern influences
.
23. Name two forms of vocal styles associated with Hindustani classical music.
24. Write the names of two traditional dance forms of India.
- Bharatanatyam
.
- Kathakali
.
25. Name two folk dance forms of Assam.
- Bihu dance
.
- Bhurital dance (or Bagurumba)
.
26. Name two types of Indian folk music.
- Lavani (Maharashtra)
.
- Sufi Folk (Punjab/North India)
.
27. For playing which instrument is Ustad Bismillah Khan famous? When did he receive Bharat Ratna award?
- He is famous for playing the Shehnai
.
- He received the Bharat Ratna in 2001
.
28. Name two awards which were awarded to Pandit Birju Maharaj.
- Padma Vibhushan
.
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
.
29. Name two religious festivals of Assam.
- Durga Puja
.
- Eid-ul-Fitr (or Ambubachi Mela)
.
Section-C
(Answer any five questions. Each question carries 5 marks.)
31. Write a note on the types of culture. [5 Marks]
Culture is generally classified into two main types
:
- Material Culture: Refers to physical objects, resources, and spaces that people use to define their culture, such as architecture, clothing, and tools
.
- Non-Material Culture: Consists of non-physical ideas like beliefs, values, rules, norms, morals, and language that shape a society
.
- Additionally, it can be categorized into High Culture (classical arts) and Folk/Popular Culture (traditions of the masses)
.
34. Write a note on Kathak dance. [5 Marks]
Kathak is one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance
.
- Origin: Its roots lie in the traveling bards of North India known as Kathakars, who told stories from epics using dance
.
- Features: It is characterized by rhythmic footwork (Tatkar), spectacular spins (Chakkars), and subtle facial expressions (Abhinaya)
.
- Gharanas: The dance evolved into three distinct schools or Gharanas: Lucknow, Jaipur, and Benares
.
- Exponents: Pandit Birju Maharaj is the most famous modern exponent of this form
.
37. Discuss the contributions of Pandit Ravi Shankar in the field of Indian classical music. [5 Marks]
Pandit Ravi Shankar was a global ambassador of Indian classical music
.
- Globalizing Sitar: He was instrumental in introducing the sitar and Indian music to the Western world
.
- Collaborations: His work with Western musicians like Yehudi Menuhin and George Harrison of The Beatles created a unique East-West musical synthesis
.
- Compositions: He composed several new ragas and worked on film scores, including the famous 'Apu Trilogy'
.
- Recognition: He was awarded the Bharat Ratna and multiple Grammy Awards for his contribution
.
38. Examine the contribution of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika in Indian music. [5 Marks]
Dr. Bhupen Hazarika was a multi-faceted artist whose work transcended regional boundaries.
- Lyricist and Singer: His songs, often called "Bhupendra Sangeet," were deeply rooted in the soil of Assam and the Brahmaputra
.
- Social Message: His music often carried powerful messages of humanity, communal harmony, and social justice (e.g., 'Manush Manusher Jonno')
.
- Film Music: He contributed significantly to Indian cinema as a music director, singer, and filmmaker
.
- Awards: He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna for his immense contribution to Indian culture
.
40. Give an account of Ambubachi Mela. [5 Marks]
Ambubachi Mela is one of the most important religious festivals of Eastern India
.
- Venue: It is celebrated annually at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam
.
- Significance: It marks the annual menstruation cycle of the Goddess Kamakhya and is associated with the fertility cult and Tantric traditions
.
- Practices: During the four days of the fair, the temple remains closed. On the fourth day, devotees gather for the reopening and to receive the 'Rakta Bastra' as a blessing.
- Attraction: It draws thousands of pilgrims, Sadhus, and tourists from across the country
.