Evaluation of Indian Culture (HISSEC-151)
FYUG Even Semester Exam, 2025

Course No: HISSEC-151 | Semester: 2nd | Full Marks: 50

Exam Duration: 3 Hours | Pass Marks: 20

UNIT-I

Question 1 1 × 3 = 3 Marks

(a) "The culture is described as the way of life." Is this statement True or False?

True. Culture encompasses the cumulative way of living, including customs and traditions.

(b) Which country is known as the Land of Spirituality to the West?

India is traditionally recognized as the Land of Spirituality to the Western world.

(c) "Religion is an element of culture." Is this statement True or False?

True. Religion is considered a fundamental component that helps define a specific culture.

(d) State one importance of culture.

Culture is important because it provides individuals with a sense of identity and belonging to a specific group.

Question 2 2 Marks

Option A

(a) Define the term 'culture'.

Culture can be defined as the complex whole of knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, morals, customs, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society.

Option B

(b) Write two components of culture.

  • Values and Beliefs: These are the shared ideas about what is right, fair, and important.
  • Symbols and Language: These are the tools used for communication and representing cultural concepts.

Question 3 5 Marks

Option A

(a) Review the basic features of Indian culture.

Indian culture is one of the oldest and most diverse in the world, characterized by several distinct features:

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  • Spirituality: A deep-rooted focus on spiritual growth and philosophical inquiry[span_12](end_span).
  • Unity in Diversity: The coexistence of various religions, languages, and ethnic groups within a single national fabric.
  • Continuity and Change: The ability to preserve ancient traditions while adapting to modern influences.
  • Tolerance: A historical tradition of accepting different viewpoints and ways of life.
Option B

(b) Analyze the importance of culture in human life.

Culture plays a vital role in shaping human existence by providing the framework through which we interpret the world:

  • Social Cohesion: It binds individuals together through shared traditions and values.
  • Personal Identity: It helps individuals understand who they are and their place in society.
  • Guidance: It provides a set of norms and rules that guide behavior and decision-making.

UNIT-II

Question 4 1 × 3 = 3 Marks

(a) What is performing art?

Performing arts are forms of creative expression that are performed in front of an audience, such as drama, music, and dance.

(b) Which dance form is considered as the oldest dance form of India?

Bharatanatyam (or sometimes Odissi, depending on historical interpretation) is often cited among the oldest classical dance forms.

(c) How many dance forms are recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi as classical Indian dances?

The Sangeet Natak Akademi recognizes 8 classical dance forms.

(d) Who is the composer of the Hindustani Classical Music?

Hindustani Classical Music does not have a single composer; it evolved through ancient Vedic chants and was later refined by figures like Amir Khusrau and Tansen.

Question 5 2 Marks

Option A

(a) Give two examples of performing art.

  • Classical Dance (e.g., Kathak).
  • Indian Classical Music (Hindustani or Carnatic).
Option B

(b) What are the two major traditions of Indian Classical Music?

  • Hindustani Classical Music: Prevalent in North India.
  • Carnatic Classical Music: Prevalent in South India.

Question 6 5 Marks

Option A

(a) Write a note on Carnatic Classical Music.

Carnatic Music is the classical music tradition of Southern India:

  • Foundation: It is deeply rooted in the Raga (melody) and Tala (rhythmic cycle) systems.
  • Focus: It places a heavy emphasis on vocal music and the lyrical content of the compositions, often devotional in nature.
  • The Trinity: Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri are considered the "Trinity" who perfected this form.
Option B

(b) Form an estimate of Bharatnatyam as a classical dance form.

Bharatanatyam is a major form of Indian classical dance that originated in Tamil Nadu:

  • Components: It is known for its fixed upper torso, bent legs, and flexed knees (Aramandi) combined with spectacular footwork.
  • Expression: It uses a sophisticated vocabulary of sign language based on Mudras (hand gestures) and Abhinaya (facial expressions) to tell stories from Hindu mythology.
  • Historical Context: Originally performed by Devadasis in temples, it was revived in the 20th century as a prominent stage art.

UNIT-III

Question 7 1 × 3 = 3 Marks

(a) Name one major folk dance form of Assam.

Bihu dance.

(b) Name one prominent folk singer of Barak Valley.

Kalikaprasad Bhattacharjee (or others associated with the regional folk tradition).

(c) "Goddess Saraswati is regarded as the Goddess of Art and Music." Is this statement True or False?

True.

(d) What is Sitar?

The Sitar is a plucked stringed instrument used in Hindustani classical music, known for its long neck and sympathetic strings.

Question 8 2 Marks

Option A

(a) What is folk music?

Folk music refers to the traditional music of a community or ethnic group, usually passed down orally through generations and reflecting the daily life and culture of the common people.

Option B

(b) What is Veena?

The Veena is a multi-stringed chordophone instrument from the Indian subcontinent, central to Carnatic music and associated with Goddess Saraswati.

Question 9 5 Marks

Option A

(a) Give an account on Bihu dance.

Bihu is the quintessential folk dance of Assam, performed during the Bihu festivals:

  • Character: It is characterized by brisk steps, rapid hand movements, and rhythmic swaying of the hips.
  • Performers: It is performed by both young men and women in traditional attire—Dhoti and Gamocha for men, and Mekhela Chador for women.
  • Music: Accompanying instruments include the Dhol (drum), Pepa (horn), and Tala (cymbals).
Option B

(b) Write a note on Shehnai.

The Shehnai is a double-reed woodwind instrument, thought to bring good luck:

  • Occasions: It is widely used in North India for marriages and processions.
  • Classical Status: It was elevated to the status of a classical concert instrument by masters like Ustad Bismillah Khan.

UNIT-IV

Question 10 1 × 3 = 3 Marks

(a) Where was Pandit Ravi Shankar born?

He was born in Varanasi (Benares).

(b) For playing which instrument is Ustad Bismillah Khan famous?

The Shehnai.

(c) In which year did Pandit Birju Maharaj get Padma Vibhushan award?

He received the Padma Vibhushan in 1986.

(d) Who is known as the Bard of Brahmaputra?

Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.

Question 11 2 Marks

Option A

(a) Name two albums of Pandit Ravi Shankar.

  • The Sounds of India.
  • West Meets East (with Yehudi Menuhin).
Option B

(b) Name two awards received by Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.

  • Bharat Ratna (Posthumous, 2019).
  • Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1992).

Question 12 5 Marks

Option A

(a) Examine the achievements of Pandit Birju Maharaj in the arena of Indian Classical Dance.

Pandit Birju Maharaj was the leading exponent of the Lucknow Kalka-Bindadin gharana of Kathak:

  • Technical Mastery: He was a master of rhythm and facial expression, bringing a new lyrical quality to Kathak.
  • Innovation: He successfully choreographed Kathak for the stage and cinema, notably in films like Shatranj Ke Khilari and Devdas.
  • Recognition: He received the Padma Vibhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his lifelong contribution.
Option B

(b) Discuss the contribution of Lata Mangeshkar in the field of Indian Music.

Lata Mangeshkar, the "Nightingale of India," was the most prolific playback singer in Indian cinema:

  • Versatility: She sang in over 36 languages, ranging from film music to devotional songs and ghazals.
  • Legacy: Her voice became the standard for feminine singing in Bollywood for over seven decades.
  • Honors: She was the second vocalist to receive the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor.

UNIT-V

Question 13 1 × 3 = 3 Marks

(a) Who was the author of Gitanjali?

Rabindranath Tagore.

(b) Where is Visva-Bharati located?

It is located in Santiniketan, West Bengal.

(c) "Baruni Mela is organized near Siddheshwar Temple of Badarpurghat." Is this statement True or False?

True.

(d) In which year did the first Karbi Youth Festival take place?

The first festival took place in 1974.

Question 14 2 Marks

Option A

(a) Name two festivals which are observed in Visva-Bharati.

  • Pous Mela.
  • Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival).
Option B

(b) Write the importance of Ambubachi Mela.

Ambubachi Mela is an annual Hindu mela held at Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam. It celebrates the annual menstruation course of Goddess Kamakhya and is considered a significant tantric festival attracting devotees from all over India.

Question 15 5 Marks

Option A

(a) Explain briefly about the observation of Basanta Utsav in Visva-Bharati.

Basanta Utsav was introduced by Rabindranath Tagore to celebrate the arrival of spring:

  • Tradition: Students and teachers dress in yellow (saffron) clothes and perform Tagore's songs and dances.
  • Ritual: Participants apply Abir (colored powder) to each other, fostering a sense of harmony and joy.
  • Global Appeal: It has become a world-renowned festival attracting thousands of tourists to Santiniketan.
Option B

(b) Give an account of Baruni Mela.

Baruni Mela is a significant religious and cultural fair in the Barak Valley of Assam:

  • Location: It is held annually at Badarpurghat on the banks of the Barak River, near the Siddheshwar Temple.
  • Significance: Devotees take a holy dip in the river during the auspicious Baruni Tithi.
  • Cultural Aspect: The fair serves as a meeting ground for different communities, featuring local crafts, foods, and traditional entertainment.

Exam Focus Enhancements

Exam Tips

  • When discussing personalities like Ravi Shankar or Bhupen Hazarika, always mention at least one major award (e.g., Bharat Ratna).
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  • For Unit-V festivals, link the location (e.g., Santiniketan for Basanta Utsav) to secure full marks[span_83](end_span).

Common Mistakes

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  • Confusing the 8 classical dances with folk dances like Bihu[span_85](end_span).
  • Misstating the year of Birju Maharaj's Padma Vibhushan (it is 1986, not 1987).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Who founded Visva-Bharati? A: Rabindranath Tagore.
  • Q: What is the Aramandi in dance? A: It is the basic half-sitting posture in Bharatanatyam.

Important Lists

  • Classical Music Traditions: Hindustani (North) and Carnatic (South).
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  • Folk Instruments: Dhol, Pepa, Gogona, Sitalpati (Barak Valley context)[span_91](end_span).

Answer Presentation Strategy

Use clear subheadings for 5-mark answers. For instrument-based questions (Sitar, Shehnai), describe the physical structure and its cultural role. [span_94](start_span)For festival questions, mention both the religious significance and the communal participation[span_94](end_span).

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