When it comes to UPSC Civil Services and other competitive exams, one book that consistently stands out is “Indian Art and Culture” by Nitin Singhania. This book has become a trusted name for UPSC aspirants who wish to build a solid foundation in Indian heritage, art, and cultural studies.
The 6th Edition (2026–27) of this book, published by McGraw Hill, has been completely updated to reflect the latest UPSC syllabus, 2025 questions, and recent cultural developments.
It’s not just a book anymore — it’s a complete learning ecosystem that includes eBook access, videos, practice questions, and conceptual summaries.
📘 About the Book – Overview
The 6th Edition (2026–27) of Indian Art & Culture is designed as a structured, exam-focused courseware that combines
traditional knowledge with modern pedagogy.
While maintaining the scholarly rigor of earlier editions, this version introduces:
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50+ conceptual videos by the author
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400+ integrated UPSC PYQs (Prelims + Mains)
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500+ practice questions for exam readiness
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Visual infographics, diagrams, and maps
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Access to a Full Colour eBook and McGraw Hill Edge platform for online learning
It’s a one-stop resource for aspirants who want conceptual clarity and quick revision support.
🧩 Book Structure (Organized Learning for UPSC)
The book is divided into 5 comprehensive sections, containing 31 chapters, which cover everything from prehistoric art to modern cultural institutions.
Section A: Visual Arts
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Prehistoric Cultures in India
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Indian Architecture
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Sculpture and Pottery
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Edicts and Inscriptions
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Coins in India
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Legendary Cities of India
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Indian Paintings
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Indian Handicrafts
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Geographical Indications
Section B: Performing Arts
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Indian Music
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Indian Dance
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Indian Theatre, Puppetry, Circus, Martial Arts & Sports Forms
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Indian Cinema
Section C: Literary Arts
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Languages and Scripts
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Indian Literature
Section D: Indian Heritage
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
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UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Section E: Indian Culture
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Religion in India
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Buddhism and Jainism
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Bhakti and Sufi Traditions
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Schools of Philosophy
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Fairs and Festivals in India
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Education in India
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Science and Technology through the Ages
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Calendar Forms
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Cultural Institutions in India
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Awards and Honours
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Law and Culture
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Trade, Traders and Cultural Exchange
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India through the Eyes of Foreign Travellers








Rachna –
Thanks for it