Art & Culture – Study Notes
(Jharkhand Patwari / Lekhpal – General Awareness & Current Affairs)
1. Simple Explanation
Art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting, sculpture, or performing arts.
Culture is the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterise a group of people. It includes language, customs, music, dance, festivals, cuisine, and rituals.
In the context of Jharkhand, art & culture reflect the tribal heritage, folk traditions, and the contemporary artistic movements that shape the state’s identity.
2. Key Points
| Theme | Highlights | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Tribal Art & Crafts | • Pahari and Birha painting, Mughal style in Hazaribagh. • Mithila mural style seen in some tribal villages. • Handloom & bamboo crafts (e.g., Bhojpuri mats, Sanghar baskets). |
These are UNESCO‑listed intangible cultural heritage and major sources of livelihood. |
| Folk Music & Dance | • Jhumar, Folk Jhumar, Chhau (Jharkhand style). • Folk dance of the Oraon, Santhal, Munda tribes. • Singing of Bhawaiya in Ranchi. |
Shows cultural diversity and is a tool for social cohesion. |
| Literature & Language | • Santhali, Ho, Oraon languages have rich oral literature. • Jharkhand’s first Sanskrit school (in Ranchi) and modern writers like Bidhuri Sinha. |
Language preservation is critical for cultural continuity. |
| Festivals | • Sarhul, Maha Shivaratri, Lohri, Durga Puja (Jharkhand style). • Karam (Bhumja) in Lohardaga. |
Festivals are expressions of cultural identity and attract tourism. |
| Contemporary Art Scene | • Jharkhand State Museum (Bhojpur) showcases tribal artifacts. • Jharkhand Academy of Fine Arts and Sangeet Natak Akademi initiatives. • Artists like Suresh Kumar (sculptor). |
Modern art integrates tradition with global trends. |
| Cultural Institutions | • Jharkhand State Museum (Ranchi). • Kolkata Art Gallery (Jharkhand branch). • National Museum of Tribal Culture (Bhubaneswar, but with Jharkhand exhibits). |
Provide platforms for artists and preserve heritage. |
| Current Affairs (2024‑25) | • UNESCO: Jharkhand’s Bhumij Dance added to Intangible Cultural Heritage list (2024). • Awards: Padma Shri to Santhal dance maestro Dr. Rani Singh (2025). • Festivals: Jharkhand International Folk Festival 2025 in Ranchi (focus on tribal music). |
Keeps the examer updated on recent developments. |
3. Worked Example
Sample Question (Patwari/ Lekhpal Exam)
Which of the following art forms from Jharkhand has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage?
a) Jhumar dance
b) Chhau (Jharkhand style)
c) Bhumij folk dance
d) Santhal folk music
Answer: c) Bhumij folk dance
Explanation:
- In 2024, UNESCO added Bhumij Folk Dance (also known as “Bhumij Nritya”) to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
- Chhau and Jhumar are important but have not yet been inscribed by UNESCO.
- Santhal folk music is significant culturally but not listed as a heritage item.
4. Quick Revision Summary
- Art = creative expression; Culture = shared values & practices.
- Tribal Art: Pahari, Birha, Mithila, bamboo crafts.
- Folk Music/Dance: Jhumar, Chhau, Santhal, Oraon.
- Literature: Santhali, Ho, Oraon oral traditions.
- Festivals: Sarhul, Karam, Lohri, Durga Puja (Jharkhand style).
- Key Institutions: Jharkhand State Museum, Academy of Fine Arts.
- 2024‑25 Highlights: UNESCO listing of Bhumij dance; Padma Shri to Dr. Rani Singh; Jharkhand International Folk Festival.
Tip: Keep a one‑page cheat sheet with the four main art forms (Pahari, Jhumar, Chhau, Bhumij) and their UNESCO status.
Good luck! Remember to stay updated with the latest cultural developments, as exams often include recent achievements.