After digging over ministry of culture website, I found some key words which might

be crucial for this year IAS exam. Due to paucity of time I am not being able to
spend time on 'google'every word.
Words:
Avudai akkai: Avudai Akkal a theatre performance based on the life and songs of Shenkottai Avudai Akkai, a child widow who lived
sometimes in early 18th century. in Tamil Nadu and acquired profound scholarship and practice of the Vedantic philosophy of Advaita with her
fearless courage.

ananda k Coomarswamy;
Shastrotsava;
Panchavadyam: Pancavadyam is a unique percussion system of Kerala where five kinds of instruments (hence the name
Pancavadyam) are harmoniously synthesized. The five instruments are Maddalam, Timila, Idaykka, Kompu and Shankhu accompanied with
Ilattalam, that is used in all Tatavadyas in Kerala. According to another opinion, the five instruments are Maddalam, Timila, Kompu, Ilattalam
and Idaykka acccompanied with Shankhu. The musical harmony and aesthetic rapture experienced through Pancavadyam have no parallels.
This is performed as part of rituals in temples before caparisoned decorated elephants with idols of Gods or Goddesses over them. The
performers of Pancavadyas also perform outside the temple premises for entertainment and aesthetic delight.

Kudiyattam:

Kudiyattam is a form of Sanskrit theatre preserved and performed in Kerala. Perhaps this is the only example of the
surviving tradition of Sanskrit theatre in India or in the whole world. This art form has a history and antiquity of more than thousand years.
Hence this art form is recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible heritage of humanity along with some other art
forms of similar type in the world. Kudiyattam has an elaborate scheme of the four types of acting Angika, Vacika, Aharya and Satvika
( SaAhVaAn hehe )prescribed by Bharata in Natyasastra. Though the method of acting in Kudiyattam is mainly based on Natyasastra, it has
incorporated in it many new deviations and innovations from the theatre of Bharata. Many incidents like Vadha and Yuddha that Bharata
recommends not to be presented on the stage are very effectively presented in Kudiyattam. Jatayuvadham presented on the stage in the
present scene itself is an example. Ashcaryacudamani is a Sanskrit drama written in Kerala by the great dramatist, Shaktibhadra based on the
story of Ramayana. The IVth act of the drama is popular in Kudiyattam stage as Jatayuvadha where the death of Jatayu at the hands of Ravana
is presented.

Kalamenzuthu: The art of creating very large pictures on floor, with coloured powders have been in vogue for
ages as a ritual art form. It is typically Indian as it is a harmonic blend of Arian, Dravidian and Tribal traditions. As
an art form it has found a significant place among our rich spectrum of fine arts. In most other parts of India this
art exists as a domestic routine of Hindus, who consider it auspicious to draw certain patterns at the door step and
courtyard to welcome a deity into the house. It is called by names like Rangoli,
Kolam etc.
Kalamezhuthu is unique form of this art found only in Kerala. Here it is essentially
a temple art. The patterns to be drawn and the colours chosen are traditionally
stipulated, and the tradition is strictly adhered to.
Kalams are drawn in connection with the worship of Devi, Naga and Sastha.
Certain variations of the rituals are found in Tantric rituals too. In each case the
patterns, minutest details, dimensions and colour choice are mandatory and not
arbitrary. The patterns vary considerably depending on the occasion, but rarely by
the choice of the artist. Even the order of creation is laid down.
The drawing is done directly with the hand, that is, without using any tools
whatsoever. The powders used are all natural (Vegetable or Mineral or combined).
The usual items used are: Rice (white), Turmeric (yellow), Charcoal from paddy husk (black), blend of Turmeric
powder and Lime (red) and powdered leaves (green). Although several leaves are found suitable, the most
commonly used are those of Albizzia lebbek.
The drawing of the large picture develops gradually about a central line, drawn with the black powder. Sketching, if
done, is also with powder only. The coloured picture is developed patch by patch, growing outward.
Usually Kalamezhuthu is conducted as part of the general festivities in the temple, or as part of a major ritual like
Nagapuja. The rituals related to the Kalam are performed by the artists themselves, usually the traditional
drummers. Offerings like rice and other grains are heaped in appointed places in and around the drawing and the
room is decorated with flowers, leaves and garlands. Lighting is of utmost importance in these rituals. Only oil
lamps are used. Singing hymns in praise of the deity is the most important part of the ritual. The type of songs
vary considerably (from folk to classical) depending on the deity being worshipped. The drawing starts at appointed
time and shall be erased immediately after the rituals related to the Kalam are over.

amrita shergil: Amrita Sher-Gil (30 January 1913,[1] 5 December 1941), was an eminent Indian painter born to a Punjabi Sikh father and
a Hungarian mother, sometimes known as India's Frida Kahlo,
of the Masters of Bengal Renaissance;

[3][4]

[2]

and today considered an important woman painter of 20th century India, whose legacy stands at par with that

she is also the 'most expensive' woman painter of India.

[5]

; jamini roy; Asghar Ali;

Thayambaka: Thayambaka or tayambaka is a type of solo chenda performance that developed in the south Indian state of Kerala, in which the main player at
the centre improvises rhythmically on the beats of half-a-dozen or a few more chenda and ilathalam players around.

BhandPathar: in Kashmir The plays of the Bhands are called pather, a

word that seems to have derived from patra, dramatic
character. Bhand comes from the bhaana, a satirical and realistic
drama, generally a monologue that is mentioned in Bharata's Natya
Shastra. The Bhand Pather though is not a monologue but a social
drama incorporating mythological legends and contemporary social
satire. Born Hindus, the Bhands converted to Islam and remain very
secular in their outlook. An extremely simple, witty and practical
people. The Bhand Pather unfortunately does not sustain them
economically and they have been driven to other professions
primarily weaving the basket work of the kangris, wolloen blankets
and carpets.
Gurbani; puppetry; phulkari; jaipur-atroligharana.
2)Dance related words:
bohada: Bohada is a mask festival of the tribes in Thane and Nasik district, which is held for three days. It is
celebrated every year during the month of May, any time after or between Hanuman Jayanti, Gudhi Padva or Naag
Panchami. Tribal and non-tribal people from nearby places attend this three days festival. In this festival 52 masks
of Indian Gods and Goddess are exhibited. Mask owners wear these masks and give several performances during
this celebration. Some chief mask makers, village heads and elder villagers organize this festival. The mask owners
are responsible for maintaining their masks. These masks are renovated every year some days before the festival
and later on preserved for next year.

DholCholom: The Dhol is a large drum used during Manipuri dances, especially on religious occasions. Dhol cholom is a
form of singing and dancing to the accompaniment of the Dhol and is performed by a group of male dancers. The drumming rises
gradually from a whisper to a thunderous climax as the tempo of the dance builds up in equal up in measure.This dance of the
Meiteis of Manipur valley is associated with Yaoshang or the Festival of colors. Dhol Cholom, is a part of the Manipuri sankirtana
tradition.
Dhamal: Earlier this dance was limited to the tribals and the locals of Gujarat. Today Dhamal is known at the international level
and this is due to the cultural exchange programs. Bharoch belongs to Gujarat region and here Siddi community is very active.
Originally they belong to Africa from where their ancestors came along with Portuguese and scattered every where. In Gujarat they
settle in Junagarh, Surendernagar, Jagrabad etc. People belonging to this community have preserved their African culture and
traditions alive. This can be very clearly seen in this dance
Pulikali: Pulikali / Kaduvakali
Pulikali is a colorful recreational folk art from the state of Kerala. It is performed by trained artists to entertain people on the occasion of Onam.
Pulikali, also known as Kaduvaakali, is a 200 year old art, carefully preserved by the artists of the state.
Literal meaning of Pulikali is the 'play of the tigers' hence the performance revolve around the theme of tiger hunting. The folk art is mainly practiced in Thrissur
(Trichur) and Palghat districts of Kerala. Best place to watch the show is Swaraj Ground at Thrissur on the fourth day of Onam, where Pulikali troupes from all over the
district assemble to display their skills.

Parichakkali-attam,

Bagrumba: Bagrumba is one of the main dance forms of Bodos, the largest tribal community of Assam. This is a dance form with slow steps and
outstretched hands. About 20 young girls dressed in traditional Bodo Tribal Costumes perform this dance according to the music of traditional Bodo
musical instruments.
The dance starts with horizontal lines but takes a circular pattern later on. The performers hold the ends of colorful scarves hung round their necks. The
dancers move forward and backward with alternate footsteps to the accompaniment of Kham (drum) and Sifung (flute). The harmonious jerks of the waist,
graceful forward and backward swinging of the body and wrist all together makes it worth watching for the spectators.

,mand, bihu, naadasamanwayamm, pandwani.

with best regards
Vineet