Familiarize yourself with the UPSC syllabus for Indian Heritage and Culture. The syllabus outlines the topics you need to cover for the examination.
Refer to standard textbooks recommended for UPSC preparation.
Start with the NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) books on Indian history and culture. Books like "An Introduction to Indian Art" (Class XI) and "Themes in Indian History" (Class XII) provide a solid foundation.
Cover the various periods of Indian history, including ancient, medieval, and modern. Understand the evolution of culture, art, and architecture during these periods.
Focus on the significant developments in Indian art and architecture. Understand the features of various architectural styles, such as Indo-Islamic, Dravidian, and Nagara.
Study the major religions and philosophies that have shaped Indian culture, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Understand their beliefs, practices, and historical development.
Learn about important cultural institutions in India, such as the National School of Drama, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and Sahitya Akademi.
Explore traditional and contemporary performing arts like classical dance, music, and theater. Understand the significance of major festivals celebrated across India.
Familiarize yourself with the diversity of languages in India and the rich literary heritage. Know about classical and regional languages and the works of renowned authors.
Stay updated on government initiatives related to the preservation and promotion of Indian culture and heritage. This may include policies supporting archaeological sites, museums, and cultural events.
Keep abreast of current affairs related to Indian culture. Read newspapers, magazines, and online sources to stay informed about recent developments in the cultural sphere.
Solve previous years' question papers to understand the exam pattern and the type of questions asked. It will also help you manage time during the actual examination.