UPSC CSE Pre 2009

Regional Cultural Identity

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Consider the following pairs: **Tradition** **State** 1. Gatka, a tradiational martial art - Kerala 2. Madhubani, a traditional painting - Bihar 3. Singhey Khababs Sindhu Darshan festival - Jammu and Kashmir Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Cultural geography involves identifying traditions, art forms, and festivals with their specific regional origins across India's diverse states.

Explanation State tourism reports and cultural heritage databases confirm Madhubani's origin in Mithila (Bihar) and Sindhu Darshan's focus on the Indus river in Ladakh.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Pair 1 is incorrect. Gatka is a traditional martial art of the Sikhs, primarily associated with the Punjab region, not Kerala (which is famous for Kalaripayattu).
Logic 2: Pair 2 is correct. Madhubani painting (Mithila art) originates from the Madhubani district of Bihar.
Logic 3: Pair 3 is correct. The Singhey Khababs (Sindhu Darshan) festival is held in Leh, Ladakh (formerly part of Jammu and Kashmir state) to celebrate the Indus River.

Active Recall

Question

What is the distinctive feature of Madhubani paintings?

Answer

They are characterized by eye-catching geometrical patterns and the use of natural dyes and pigments, traditionally done by women on walls and floors.

Core Insight

UPSC frequently tests pairs by swapping two similar categories from different states (e.g., Gatka vs. Kalaripayattu).