Subject: GS 1
Syllabus: Art and Culture: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Questions
- Sanskrit Literature contributed not only to the genre of romantic tales but also to the fields of science and state governance. Examine. (250 Words, 15 Marks)
- The temple architecture of both North and South reflects the religious practices and social life prevalent at that time. Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
Model Structure
1. Sanskrit Literature contributed not only to the genre of romantic tales but also to the fields of science and state governance. Examine. (250 Words, 15 Marks)
Introduction
- Sanskrit Literature contributed immensely to various fields, including Kavya (epic poetry), nataka (classical drama), as well as to medicine, statecraft, grammar, astronomy, mathematics, etc.
Main Body
Contribution of Sanskrit Literature to the genre of romantic tales
- Lyrical Poetry: Sanskrit literature is renowned for its lyrical poetry, which beautifully expresses the nuances of love, longing, and desire. Eg. The Gita Govinda by Jayadeva is a famous example, exploring the divine love between Lord Krishna and Radha through poignant verses.
- Dramatic Plays: Sanskrit drama, represented by works like the plays of Kalidasa, also incorporated romantic tales as central themes.
- Kalidasa was a great contributor to this genre, having written Malavikagnimitra (love story of Malavika, a maiden of the Queen and Agnimitra, the son of Pushyamitra Shunga), Vikramorvasiya (Love Story of Vikram and Urvasi) and Abhigyana Shakuntalam (The Recognition of Sakuntala).
- Another great work was Sudraka’s Mricchakatika (The Little Clay Cart), which was about the love affair of young brahmin Charudatta with a wealthy courtesan.
Contribution of Sanskrit Literature to the field of sciences:
- Astronomy and Mathematics: Sanskrit texts such as the Siddhāntas (astronomical treatises) provided comprehensive knowledge of celestial bodies, planetary motion, and mathematical calculations. The renowned work "Aryabhatiya" by Aryabhata is a significant example of Sanskrit literature in this domain.
- Medicine: Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, was extensively documented in Sanskrit texts. Prominent treatises such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita covered various aspects of medical science, including anatomy, physiology, and herbal medicine. These texts had a lasting impact on the development of medical knowledge.
- Linguistics: Sanskrit itself became the foundation for linguistic studies in ancient India. The discipline of Vyakarana (grammar) was highly developed and explored in texts like the Ashtadhyayi by Panini. Panini's work on grammar not only provided a detailed analysis of the Sanskrit language but also laid the foundation for linguistic typology and phonetics.
Contribution of Sanskrit Literature to the field of state governance:
- Several books on law were written and compiled, which are called the Dharmasutras. These were compiled alongside the Smritis that are known as Dharmashastras.
- Another major text is Manusmriti (laws of Manu), which defines the role of man and woman in a society and the code of conduct that they were supposed to follow.
- Kautilya’s Arthashastra treatise on statecraft, political science, economic policy and military strategy.
Conclusion:
- Therefore, Sanskrit literature has imparted unique richness and diversity to Indian Literature. The various texts that form part of Sanskrit Literature continue to enrich their respective fields.
2. The temple architecture of both North and South reflects the religious practices and social life prevalent at that time. Discuss. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
Model Structure
Introduction
- Nagara, Dravida and Vesara are three types of temples in India according to the features and type of architecture followed.
- The Mundeshwari temple in Bihar and Bhitargaon of Uttar Pradesh are two oldest temples in India from which the study of temple architecture begins.
Main Body
- The three aforementioned styles are structural types of temples. Vesara was developed by the Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas after the other two were developed on a large scale. They were built keeping in mind the practices of the people because religion was very close to the people, and temples were a means to practice it.
- They reflect the religious practices and social life by -
- Large gatherings of people in sabha and samiti were a recurring feature, which also took place in the mandapa of a temple, especially during festivals.
- Just like the most important person in society lived at the centre of habitation, garbhagriha was in the centre of mandap and was a place to keep the deity.
- For ceremonial baths during auspicious occasions, like Makar Sankranti, there were large water tanks, especially in Dravidian temples.
- Dance was and is an important part of culture, and it was performed in the Mandapa area.
- Also, they were great centres of Vedic learning and were also used to deliver justice.
- Presiding deities with family members were arranged in Panchayatan style.
- Few areas, especially tribal areas, saw the presiding deity to be female due to a matrilineal society. Eg- the Kamakhya temple of Assam.
Conclusion
- Thus, it can be said that temple architecture of ancient times by dynasties like Pallavas, Cholas, Guptas, Rashtrakuta, etc, was in line with the social realities of those times.
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