UPSC Prelims 2014 GS Paper I · Q87 of 100 History easy

With reference to India's culture and tradition, what is 'Kalaripayattu'?

  1. (a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India
  2. (b) It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area
  3. (c) It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar
  4. (d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• Kalaripayattu is an ancient martial art of Kerala, practised in a 'kalari' (training ground) with strikes, kicks, grappling, weapons and healing arts; it is considered one of the oldest fighting systems and influenced Asian martial arts — option (d).

• It is not a Bhakti cult (a), metalwork (b) or dance-drama (c).

• Hence option (d).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India
Kalaripayattu is not a religious cult.
(b) It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel…
It is not a metalwork tradition.
(c) It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of…
It is a martial art, not dance-drama.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014, held on 24 August 2014. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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