2014 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2014 · GS Paper I
Question 87: History and Culture
With reference to India's culture and tradition, what is 'Kalaripayattu'?
aIt is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India
bIt is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area
cIt is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar
dIt is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
Kalaripayattu is an ancient martial art of Kerala, practised in the training halls called kalaris, and it is still a living tradition in parts of South India, particularly Kerala. It involves strikes, kicks, weapons training and healing techniques. It is not a Bhakti cult, a bronze work or a dance-drama; Kathakali and Koodiyattam are the dance-drama forms of Kerala.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. It is a martial art, not a Shaivite Bhakti cult.
- (b) Wrong. It is not a style of bronze and brass work.
- (c) Wrong. It is not a dance-drama.
- (d) Right. It is an ancient martial art, a living tradition in the south.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2014, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.