RBI Assistant – General Awareness & Current Affairs
Topic: Art & Culture
1. Simple Explanation
Art & culture is a broad umbrella that covers all forms of human creativity, expression and heritage.
For the RBI‑Assistant exam it mainly includes:
| Area | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Visual Arts | Painting, sculpture, architecture – both ancient and modern |
| Performing Arts | Classical & folk music, dance, drama, film |
| Literature | Indian & world literature, literary awards |
| Cultural Heritage | UNESCO World & Intangible Heritage sites, national symbols |
| Festivals & Traditions | Major Indian festivals, rituals, and their cultural significance |
| Contemporary Trends | Digital art, e‑culture, awards & recognitions |
2. Key Points (in bullet form)
2.1 Indian Visual & Performing Arts
- Classical Music – Hindustani & Carnatic; 10 ragas in the 2020‑21 RBI syllabus.
- Dance – Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, Manipuri, Sattriya.
- Architecture – Vedic, Buddhist, Mughal, Maratha, British colonial, and modern.
- Paintings – Mughal miniatures, Rajput, Bengal School (Abanindranath Tagore), modern Indian painters (M.F. Husain, S.H. Raza).
2.2 Literature & Language
- Classic Texts – Ramayana, Mahabharata, Mahasāhitya (Kautilya’s Arthashastra).
- Award Winners – Jnanpith Award (latest 2023: S. R. Srinivasa Iyengar), Sahitya Akademi Awards.
- Poetry & Prose – Modern writers like R.K. Narayan, M. R. K. Narayan, Salman Rushdie.
2.3 Cultural Heritage & UNESCO
- World Heritage Sites (India) – 37 sites (e.g., Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves, Qutb Minar).
- Intangible Heritage – Bhangra, Sufi music, Indian classical dance forms.
- National Symbols – Flag (Tricolor), National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana), National Emblem (Lion Capital).
2.4 Festivals & Traditions
- Major Festivals – Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, Onam, Pongal, Durga Puja.
- Cultural Significance – How festivals promote social cohesion, heritage preservation.
2.5 Contemporary Developments
- Digital & Visual Arts – Rise of NFTs, virtual museums.
- Film & Television – International awards (BAFTA, Oscars) received by Indian films.
- Music & Dance Fusion – Collaborations with Western genres.
2.6 Awards & Recognitions
- National Awards – Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan for arts.
- International Awards – National Film Awards, International Film Festival of India (IFFI) awards.
3. Worked Example
Question: Which of the following is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of India?
A. Taj Mahal
B. Kathak dance
C. Red Fort
D. Indian Classical Music (Hindustani and Carnatic)
Answer: B. Kathak dance
Explanation:
| Option | Type | UNESCO Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Architectural | World Heritage Site | Physical monument, not intangible |
| B | Performing art | Intangible Heritage (2019) | Recognised as a living tradition |
| C | Architectural | World Heritage Site | Physical monument, not intangible |
| D | Performing art | Not formally listed as Intangible Heritage (though Indus Valley culture is intangible)* | No official UNESCO listing for Hindustani/Carnatic music as of 2023 |
Hence the correct choice is B.
Tip for examiners: Always verify the most recent UNESCO lists (updated annually).
4. Quick Revision Summary
| Section | Take‑away |
|---|---|
| Visual & Performing Arts | Know major dance forms, music ragas, and key Indian painters. |
| Literature | Be familiar with classic texts, Nobel laureates, and recent Jnanpith winners. |
| Heritage Sites | Remember 37 World Heritage Sites; 5 Intangible ones in India. |
| National Symbols | Flag, Anthem, Emblem, and their design details. |
| Festivals | Dates (if possible) and cultural significance of major Indian festivals. |
| Contemporary Trends | Digital art, NFTs, Indian films in international festivals. |
| Awards | Padma awards, National Film Awards, IFFI, and recent laureates. |
Final Tips for RBI‑Assistant Preparation
- Keep a quick‑reference sheet with the 37 World Heritage Sites + 5 Intangible Heritage items.
- Flashcards for major festivals and their dates.
- Monthly updates: Check the RBI news bulletin for any new awards or heritage recognitions.
- Practice with past RBI questions on art & culture