General Studies I: Art & Culture 2024 [150 words, 10 marks]
| Estimate implies to judge tentatively or approximately the significance of. Given the word limit of 150 words write about the core elements of art and literature and judge whether these elements led to the development of the art and literature of South India. |
Answer Structure:
- Introduction:(a) Evolution of Pallava art (b)Pallavas’ patrons of Sanskrit.
- Body: (a)Different styles of Pallava building art (b)Sanskrit works & scholars
- Conclusion: (a) Foundation of Dravidian style (b)Sanskritisation of South India
** Since the question has two components, introduction, body and conclusion are given for each component.
Answer
Art & Architecture
Introduction (a)
There was a regular evolution of Pallavas art of building with different styles:
Body (a)
Mahendra style (600 to 625 A.D.): Shrines excavated by Mahendravarman are simple pillared halls – Lakshitayatanam at Mandgapattu.
Mamalla style (625 to 674 A.D.): Under Narsimhavarman I open relief compositions of considerable size (Arjun’s penance) and carving in stone of real shrines known as Rathas.
Rajasimha and Nandivarman style (674 to 800 A.D.): Under Narasimhavarman II, Rajasimha produced the majestic Kailasanatha temple with its pyramidal tower,
Aparajita style (early ninth century): The Lingas became cylindrical. The abacus above the capital became more conspicuous- Mulanatha Swamy temple at Bahur.
Conclusion (a)
Thus, the productions of the Pallavas provided the foundations of the Dravidian style.
Literature
Introduction (b)
The Pallavas were great patrons of Sanskrit.
Body (b)
Bharavi, author of Karatarjuniyam was in the court of king Simhavishnu. Dandin flourished under Narasimhavarman II
Mahendravarman I wrote Mattavilasa Prahasana.
Royal patronage was extended to Tamil classics like Tirukkural written by Tiruvalluvar.
Conclusion (b)
Sanskritisation of South India and Indian colonies in the far east occurred under the Pallavas.
(The model answer provided by us strictly follows the word limit, the above answer is compiled in 174 words.)
Practicing answers sticking to the word limit will aid the aspirants to write answers precisely and to the point avoiding unnecessary things.
(Titles introduction, body and conclusion are just for reference, aspirants should not write these titles in the answer sheet.)