All questions of Martial Arts in India for UPSC CSE Exam

Consider the following statements about Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972.
1. Any painting in paper which have been produced before 300 years, is to be considered as 'Antiquity'
2. Someone with the authority from the central government can export antiquity
Which of these statements are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sahana Menon answered
The correct answer is option 'D', i.e., neither of the statements is correct.

Explanation:

The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 is a legislation enacted by the Indian government to regulate the export, import, and transfer of antiquities and art treasures in order to preserve India's cultural heritage. Let's analyze the given statements one by one:

1. Any painting in paper which have been produced before 300 years is to be considered as 'Antiquity':
This statement is incorrect. According to the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, an 'antiquity' refers to any artistic work, document, or article which is one hundred years old or more. The act does not specifically mention any criterion related to the material of the object or a specific timeline of 300 years for paintings on paper. Therefore, the statement is incorrect.

2. Someone with the authority from the central government can export antiquity:
This statement is also incorrect. The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 prohibits the export of antiquities unless they are covered by a license or permit issued by the central government. The license is granted only under certain circumstances, such as for temporary exhibitions, research purposes, or for restoration and preservation. The act aims to prevent the unauthorized export of valuable cultural artifacts and ensure their preservation within the country. Therefore, the statement is incorrect.

In conclusion, neither of the statements provided in the question is correct. It is important to have a clear understanding of the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 to prevent any misconceptions regarding the regulations and provisions related to antiquities and art treasures in India.

Consider the following statements about Inuban Wrestling.
1. It is a native martial art form of Manipur
2. It is also known as Nicobarese Wrestling
Which of these statements are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Amit Sharma answered
Inbuan Wrestling: A native martial art form of Mizoram, Inbuan Wrestling is believed to have its genesis in 1750 A.D. in Dungtlang village. It has very strict rules that prohibit stepping out of the circle, kicking and knee bending. The way to win this is by lifting the opponent off their feet, while stringently adhering to the rules. It also involves catching the belt (worn around their waist) by the wrestlers. This art form was regarded as a sport only after the people of Mizoram migrated from Burma to Lushai hills. Kirip, Saldu - originated in Nicobar - also known as Nicobarese Wrestling.

Consider the following statements about Kalaripayattu.
1. It was originated in the state of Karnataka
2. It is accompanied by the courageous songs and the most important aspect is the style of fighting
3. It involves mock duels and physical exercises
Which of these statements are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    3 only
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Kritika Sharma answered
Kalaripayattu is an ancient Indian martial art form that originated in the state of Kerala, not Karnataka. It is known for its unique fighting techniques, physical exercises, and cultural significance. Let us analyze the given statements to determine which ones are correct.

1. It was originated in the state of Karnataka: Incorrect
Kalaripayattu originated in the state of Kerala, which is located in the southern part of India. It has a long history and is considered one of the oldest martial arts in existence. Karnataka, on the other hand, is a neighboring state of Kerala but is not the place of origin for Kalaripayattu.

2. It is accompanied by courageous songs, and the most important aspect is the style of fighting: Correct
Kalaripayattu is often performed with traditional songs and percussion instruments to create an energetic and lively atmosphere. These songs, known as "Vadakkan Pattukal," narrate tales of bravery, history, and mythology. The style of fighting in Kalaripayattu is a key aspect of the art form. It involves various techniques such as strikes, kicks, locks, and grappling, making it a comprehensive and dynamic martial art.

3. It involves mock duels and physical exercises: Correct
Kalaripayattu includes both mock duels and physical exercises. The mock duels, known as "Pattu," are choreographed fights that showcase the practitioner's skill and technique. These duels are performed with precision and control, emphasizing the artistry and discipline of Kalaripayattu. Physical exercises, known as "Meithari," are an integral part of the training regimen. These exercises improve flexibility, strength, and stamina, allowing practitioners to perform the intricate movements and techniques of Kalaripayattu effectively.

Therefore, the correct statements are 2 and 3. Kalaripayattu did not originate in Karnataka but in Kerala. It is characterized by courageous songs and involves mock duels and physical exercises.

Consider the following statements about Article 29 of the Indian Constitution.
1. It confirms that their right to receive help from the State and any state-funded agency to receive grants and State funds to conserve their heritage
2. It makes the distinction that no citizen shall be denied assistance from an institution maintained by the state on grounds of their religion, caste, language, race or any of them
Which of these statements are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Amit Sharma answered
This article focuses solely on the defence of the culture of those communities that constitute the minority according to the Constitution of India. According to the Constitution: "Any section of the citizens residing in the territory of India or any part thereof having a distinct language, script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same". As this quote clarifies, this allows communities like the tribal populations of Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, North-Eastern regions, Odisha and numerically small groups like the Parsis to take steps to preserve their culture, language and literature. It also confirms that their right to receive help from the State and any state-funded agency to receive grants and State funds to conserve their heritage. It also makes the distinction that no citizen shall be denied assistance from an institution maintained by the state on grounds of their religion, caste, language, race or any of them.

This is a traditional Maharashtrian armed martial art, which is practiced widely in the district of Kolhapur. It focuses primarily on skills of weaponry, especially swords, swift movements and use of low stances that are suited to its originating place, the hill ranges. It is known for the use of the unique Indian Pata (sword) and Vita (corded lance).
  • a)
    Mardani Khel
  • b)
    Lathi
  • c)
    Gatka
  • d)
    Kuttu Varisai
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ojasvi Mehta answered
Lathi: An ancient armed martial art form of the country, Lathi also denotes one the world's oldest weapons used in martial arts. Lathi refers to a stick' (usually cane sticks), which is generally 6 to 8 feet in length and sometimes metal tipped. Indian police can be seen using such Lathis to control crowds. It is majorly practiced in Punjab and Bengal.

Consider the following statements about Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904.
1. The Central Government and the owner shall sign an agreement for the conservation of any protected monument
2. This also stops the owner from adding on to, demolishing, altering or disfiguring the monument
3. In case of selling the land on which the monument stands, the government would have the first right to purchase the land
Which of these statements are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    All of them
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Kabir Verma answered
Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904: The British Government instituted this Act to provide effective preservation and authority over the monument to the government so that it can protect the national herit articularly concerned with those monuments that were in the custody of individual or private ownership.
The Central Government and the owner shall sign an agreement for the conservation of any protected monument. This also stops the owner from adding on to, demolishing, altering or disfiguring the monument. In case of selling the land on which the monument stands, the government would have the first right to purchase the land. The Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, which was first enacted in 1904, was amended in 1932 to be Ancient Monuments Preservation (Amendment) Act. Furthermore in 1958, the Central Government enacted The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Site and Remains Act to broaden the kind of sites in urban and rural archeological settlements, which can be covered under this law. Further, the Parliament also formulated The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010 to better preserve the historic monuments and archeological sites of national importance.

Which of the following martial arts find its mention in the Sangam literature?
  • a)
    Musti Yuddha
  • b)
    Kuttu Varisai
  • c)
    Gatka
  • d)
    Bandesh
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Meera Kapoor answered
Kuttu Varisai: First mentioned in Sangam literature (first or second century B.C.), Kuttu Varisai translates to empty hand combat'. Kuttu Varisai is mainly practiced in Tamil Nadu, although.it is quite popular in north-eastern part of Sri Lanka and Malaysia too. An unarmed Dravidian martial art, it is used to advance athleticism and footwork through starching, yoga, gymnastics and breathing exercises. The major techniques used in this art include grappling, striking and locking. It also uses animal based sets including snake, eagle, tiger, elephant and monkey. It is considered as an unarmed component of silambam.

According to The ancient monument and archaeological sites and remains (Amended and Validation) act, which of the following has the power to declare any monument or archaeological site of ancient and medieval times as a repository of national importance?
  • a)
    Central government
  • b)
    State government
  • c)
    Both A and B
  • d)
    Neither A nor B
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Kavita Mehta answered
The Ancient monument and Archeological Sites and Remains (Amended and Validation) Act, 2010. The main provisions of this Act are: The Central Government has the power to declare any monument or archeological site of ancient and medieval times as a repository of national importance. The Director General will have the authority from the Central government to presume the guardianship, purchase or take lease of any such site or monument and ensure its preservation and maintenance. The Act also provides the Government and Director General the power to antiquities for their preservation, control the movement of the objects; demand acquire compensation or levy penalties for damage to land, object, monument, etc.

Consider the following statements about Pari Khanda
1. It is a form of martial art from Jharkhand
2. It forms the basis of Chhau dance
Which of these statements are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Rahul Mehta answered
Pari-khanda: Pari-khanda, created by Rajputs, is a form of martial art from Bihar. It involves fighting using a sword and shield. Still practiced in many parts of Bihar, its steps and techniques are widely used in Chhau dance. In fact this martial art forms the basis of Chhau dance in which all its elements are absorbed.
The name of this martial art consists of two words, 'Pari' that means shield while 'khanda' refers to sword, thus the use of both sword and shield in this art.

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