Prepare for the Class 6 Sainik Schools Entrance Exam (AISSEE) with our comprehensive study guide on Art and Culture. Learn about Indian music, classical and folk dances, famous personalities, and musical instruments with MCQs, explanations, and key facts.
This article includes important questions and answers on Indian Music, Classical and Folk Dance, Renowned Personalities, and Instrumental & Vocal Music to help students prepare for the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE).
Art and Culture (Music, Classical and Folk Dance) – AISSEE Study Guide (Q&A Format)
1. Indian Music (Classical & Folk)
Q1. What are the two main types of Indian classical music? Explain their features.
A1. Indian classical music is divided into two types:
(a) Hindustani Classical Music (North Indian Style)
- Originated in North India.
- Based on Raagas (melodic framework) and Taalas (rhythmic patterns).
- Influenced by Persian and Mughal music traditions.
- Usually improvised during performances.
- Main instruments: Sitar, Tabla, Sarod, Santoor, Shehnai.
- Famous musicians: Tansen, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Ustad Zakir Hussain.
(b) Carnatic Classical Music (South Indian Style)
- Originated in South India (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh).
- More structured and composed than Hindustani music.
- Has fixed compositions with improvisation in some parts.
- Main instruments: Veena, Mridangam, Ghatam, Violin, Flute.
- Famous musicians: M. S. Subbulakshmi, Tyagaraja, Purandara Dasa, L. Subramaniam.
Q2. What are the key differences between Hindustani and Carnatic music?
A2.
| Hindustani Music | Carnatic Music |
|---|---|
| Originated in North India | Originated in South India |
| More focus on instrumental music | More focus on vocal music |
| Uses Sitar, Sarod, Tabla | Uses Veena, Mridangam, Violin |
| Raagas are performed with improvisations | Raagas are composed in a structured manner |
Q3. What are ‘Raagas’ in Indian music? Give examples.
A2. A Raaga is a melodic pattern in Indian classical music that creates a specific mood and is performed at a particular time of day.
Examples of Famous Raagas:
| Raaga Name | Mood/Emotion | Time of the Day |
|---|---|---|
| Raag Bhairav | Peaceful, Devotional | Early Morning |
| Raag Yaman | Romantic, Soft | Evening |
| Raag Malhar | Joyful, Associated with Rain | Monsoon |
| Raag Bhairavi | Devotional, Serene | Anytime |
Q4. Name some important Raagas and their moods.
A4.
| Raaga | Mood | Time of the Day |
|---|---|---|
| Raag Bhairav | Peaceful, spiritual | Early Morning |
| Raag Yaman | Romantic, serene | Evening |
| Raag Malhar | Energetic, associated with rain | Monsoon |
| Raag Bhairavi | Devotional | Morning or Anytime |
Q5. What are Taalas in Indian music? Name any three.
A5. Taalas are rhythmic cycles in Indian classical music that define beats. Examples:
- Teen Taal (16 beats)
- Ek Taal (12 beats)
- Jhaptal (10 beats)
Q6. Name some famous folk music traditions of India.
A6. Some folk music traditions of India are:
- Baul – West Bengal
- Bihu Geet – Assam
- Lavani – Maharashtra
- Rajasthani Maand – Rajasthan
- Ghazal & Qawwali – North India
2. Musical Instruments & Famous Personalities
Q7. Match the following musical instruments with their famous players.
| Instrument | Famous Player |
|---|---|
| Sitar | Pandit Ravi Shankar |
| Tabla | Ustad Zakir Hussain |
| Shehnai | Ustad Bismillah Khan |
| Santoor | Pandit Shivkumar Sharma |
| Veena | Dr. S. Balachander |
Q8. What is the Shehnai and who is its most famous player?
A8. Shehnai is a wind instrument used in Indian classical and folk music. The most famous Shehnai player is Ustad Bismillah Khan, who played it at India’s Independence Day (1947) at the Red Fort.
Q9. Who is known as the “Mozart of Madras”?
A9. A.R. Rahman is called the Mozart of Madras for his outstanding contribution to Indian and international music.
Q10. Who are the ‘Trinity of Carnatic Music’?
A10. The three greatest composers of Carnatic music are:
- Tyagaraja
- Muthuswami Dikshitar
- Shyama Shastri
3. Classical and Folk Dances of India
Q11. What are the main characteristics of Bharatanatyam?
A11. Bharatanatyam is a classical dance from Tamil Nadu. Its characteristics include:
- Mudras (Hand Gestures) for storytelling
- Natya (Drama) and Bhava (Expressions)
- Performed in temples as a devotional dance
Q12. What are the differences between Kathak and Kathakali?
A12.
| Kathak | Kathakali |
|---|---|
| North Indian dance | South Indian (Kerala) dance |
| Light costumes, fast footwork | Heavy costumes, makeup, masks |
| Persian and Mughal influence | Hindu mythology themes |
| Performed solo | Group performance |
Q13. Which Indian folk dances are performed during harvest festivals?
A13.
- Bihu – Assam
- Bhangra & Giddha – Punjab
- Garba & Dandiya Raas – Gujarat
- Lavani – Maharashtra
Q14. Name some female-oriented folk dances.
A14.
- Ghoomar – Rajasthan
- Giddha – Punjab
- Garba – Gujarat
- Mohiniyattam – Kerala
Q15. What is the significance of Manipuri dance?
A15. Manipuri Dance (from Manipur) is known for:
- Soft, graceful movements
- Vaishnavism and Lord Krishna themes
- Use of long flowing skirts
4. Renowned Personalities in Music & Dance
Q16. Who was Rukmini Devi Arundale and what was her contribution?
A16. Rukmini Devi Arundale was a Bharatanatyam dancer who revived and modernized the dance form, making it respected across the world.
Q17. Which legendary dancer is known as the ‘Father of Kathak’?
A17. Pandit Birju Maharaj is regarded as the Father of Kathak.
Q18. Who was Tansen and why is he famous?
A18. Tansen was a great musician in Akbar’s court and one of the Navratnas (Nine Gems) of the Mughal empire. He is believed to have created Raag Deepak and Raag Megh Malhar.
Q19. Name two famous Indian playback singers.
A19.
- Lata Mangeshkar – “Nightingale of India”
- Kishore Kumar – Versatile Bollywood singer
Q20. What is ‘Natya Shastra’ and who wrote it?
A20. Natya Shastra is an ancient Sanskrit text on dance, drama, and music written by Bharata Muni. It forms the foundation of Indian performing arts.
5. Quick Revision Points (For AISSEE Exam Preparation)
✅ Hindustani vs. Carnatic Music – Key differences
✅ Tansen – Mughal musician, created Raagas
✅ Pandit Ravi Shankar – Sitar maestro
✅ 8 Classical Dances – Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, etc.
✅ Folk Dances – Bhangra, Garba, Ghoomar, Bihu, Lavani
✅ Rukmini Devi Arundale – Revived Bharatanatyam
✅ Pandit Birju Maharaj – Kathak legend
Test Your Knowledge (Quiz)
Art & Culture Quiz
📖 Buy Complete Study Material
For complete AISSEE study material, visit:
🔗 https://publishers.anandclasses.co.in/
📚 Proprietor: NIRMAL ANAND Educations
📝 Written by: Neeraj Anand
🏢 Published by: Anand Technical Publishers Under Anand Classes
📞 Contact: +91-9463138669
📧 Email: anandclasses1996@gmail.com
Prepare well and crack the AISSEE 2025! 🚀
