SSC CGL - Detailed Guide 2025
Self-Paced Course
Awards and Institutions Related to Art & Culture
Reference: Lucent GK, NCERT Class 6–12
1. Major Awards in Art & Culture
These awards honor excellence in literature, performing arts, visual arts, and contributions to Indian culture.
| Award | Given For | Conferred By | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bharat Ratna | Highest civilian award of India | President of India | Exceptional service in any field including art & literature |
| Padma Awards | Art, literature, public affairs | President of India | Padma Vibhushan > Padma Bhushan > Padma Shri |
| Sahitya Akademi Award | Literary excellence in 24 Indian languages | Sahitya Akademi | Annual award for prose/poetry/drama |
| Sangeet Natak Akademi Award | Music, dance, drama | Sangeet Natak Akademi | Also called "National Academy Award for Performing Arts" |
| Lalit Kala Akademi Award | Visual arts (painting, sculpture, graphic arts) | Lalit Kala Akademi | Recognizes contributions in fine arts |
| Jnanpith Award | Highest literary award in India | Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust | Lifetime achievement in literature |
Note: Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are not restricted to art & culture, but many artists and writers have received them.
2. Cultural Institutions of India
Apex bodies that preserve, promote, and develop Indian art, culture, and heritage.
| Institution | Full Form / Role | Under / Established |
|---|---|---|
| ASI | Archaeological Survey of India — conserves monuments & sites | Ministry of Culture, 1861 |
| ICCR | Indian Council for Cultural Relations — cultural diplomacy | Ministry of External Affairs, 1950 |
| IGNCA | Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts — multidisciplinary research in culture | Ministry of Culture, 1987 |
| SNA | Sangeet Natak Akademi — national academy for performing arts | Ministry of Culture, 1953 |
| Lalit Kala Akademi | National Academy of Fine Arts — promotes painting & sculpture | Ministry of Culture, 1954 |
| Sahitya Akademi | Promotes Indian literature and organizes literary events | Ministry of Culture, 1954 |
| NSD | National School of Drama — premier theatre training institute | Autonomous, under SNA (later Ministry of Culture), 1959 |
| FTII | Film & Television Institute of India — film education & training | Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Pune, 1960 |
| CCRT | Centre for Cultural Resources and Training — promotes value-based education through culture | Ministry of Culture |
ASI maintains over 3,600 monuments.
NSD alumni include Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Irrfan Khan.
ICCR promotes Indian culture abroad through cultural exchange programs.
FTII alumni include Rajkumar Hirani, Shabana Azmi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Bonus Tip for Exams:
- Bharat Ratna: First awarded in 1954; first recipients – C. Rajagopalachari, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, and C.V. Raman.
- Sahitya Akademi recognizes 24 languages: 22 scheduled + English & Rajasthani.
- Lalit Kala Akademi organizes the National Exhibition of Art annually.
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