UPSC Prelims Mock Test – AMAC 1

The UPSC Prelims Mock Test on Ancient, Medieval History, and Art & Culture is a vital tool for aspirants aiming to navigate the challenging terrain of the Civil Services Examination. Focused on assessing knowledge and analytical skills, this mock test replicates the actual exam environment. Covering Ancient and Medieval History, it challenges candidates to navigate through dynasties, socio-cultural transformations, and historical nuances. Additionally, it tests their understanding of Art & Culture, demanding insights into diverse art forms and their historical contexts. This mock test serves as a diagnostic tool, enabling aspirants to evaluate their preparedness, refine their strategies, and enhance their performance in the UPSC Preliminary Examination.

Q1. With reference to the Chalcolithic site ‘Ganeshwar’, consider the following statements:

1. The shape of copper objects finds a similarity with the Indus civilization.
2. This site is marked by Ochre Coloured Pottery (OCP) ware, represented in vase form.
3. This culture contributed to the making of a mature Harappan culture.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer – D

• Ganeshwar is a Chalcolithic site, located near rich copper mines of Sikar, Jhunjhunu area of Khetri copper belt in Rajasthan.
• Statement 1 is correct: The objects found from this area like arrowheads, spearheads, fish hooks, bangles, chisels etc. are made of copper. Objects found at Indus Valley sites have similar shapes.
• Statement 2 is correct: Ochre colored Pottery (OCP) wares, which are red slipped, were painted in black and represented in form of vase, have been found in Ganeshwar.
• Statement 3 is correct: Ganeshwar deposits are ascribed to 2800 to 2200 B.C. Microliths and stone tools of Ganeshwar can be considered as a pre Harappan Chalcolithic culture, which contributed to the making of a mature Harappan culture.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Rig Vedic Society:

1. Vrajapati was the officer responsible for the collection of Taxes.
2. Gramani was the head of a small tribal unit called Grama.
3. The King did not maintain any standing army.

Which of the statements given above is/ are not correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer – A

• Statement 1 is not correct: Though Rig Vedic titles do not show signs of areal administration, there are some references of officials having status of authority, attached to some territories like pastureland and villages. Vrajapati is mentioned in the Rig Veda as an official having authority over pastureland and not as an official responsible for the collection of taxes.
• Statement 2 is correct: The status and position of Gramani changed with the course of time. Initially, Gramani was the head of Grama (based fighting unit) while the head of families was called Kulapas. As the unit became more organized and settled, Gramani headed the village. Later, the position of Gramani became equivalent to Vrajapati.
• Statement 3 is correct: In Rig Vedic society the element of tribal militia is strong. Though there are no references of a standing army, the tribal groups such as Vrata, Gana and Sardha functioned as military units. As there was continuous expansion and migration from one place to another in Rig Vedic times, there was no civil or areal administration.

Q3. With reference to the traits of the Aryan Culture, consider the following statements:

1. Traits of the Aryan culture are found in Proto-Indo-European languages.
2. Agriculture and Pastoralism were principal sources of livelihood.
3. Aryans used spoked wheels and fought with bows and arrows.
4. All Indo-European communities practiced animal sacrifice.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer-D

Statement 1 is correct: The main features and other material reconstruction of Aryan culture are determined by the homogeneous words found in the Vedic, Iranian, and Greek literary texts and in the Proto-Indo-European languages and the texts like Rig Veda, Zend-Avesta, and Homer’s Iliad and the Odyssey. As these texts are related to different regions, they refer to the period when copper and bronze were in use. Iron was also mentioned in later parts of Homer.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct: In general, the above texts describe agriculture and animal husbandry as the main sources of livelihood. They domesticated horses for riding and driving. They used spoked wheels and fought with bows and arrows which were placed in quivers. They lived in a patriarchal society. They practiced burials, but also cremated them. Statement 4 is correct: Fire cult and soma were prevalent among Indo-European speakers in Iran as well as in the Indian subcontinent. However, animal sacrifice, including horse sacrifice, was practiced by all Indo-European communities

Q4. In the context of the Later Vedic Period, consider the following statements:

1. A larger number of iron-made ploughs were used.
2. Rice and Wheat became the chief crops.
3. Both Later Vedic texts and Excavations indicate the cultivation of specialized craft.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- B

Statement 1 is not correct: In later scriptures, six, eight, twelve and twenty-four oxen were also used for plowing. Ploughing was done with wooden ploughs and not with iron ploughs, it worked on light soils in the upper Gangetic plains. This suggests that agriculture was the main source of livelihood for the later Vedic people. But farm implements made of iron are very rare. Therefore, agriculture is ancient, but there is no doubt about its widespread spread. Shatapatha Brahman describes in detail the rituals of ploughing.

Statement 2 is correct: The Vedic people continued to produce barley, but in later Vedic times rice and wheat became their main crops. In later times, wheat became the staple food of the people of Punjab and western Uttar Pradesh (UP). For the first time, the Vedas introduced rice in Doab, which is known as Vrihi in the Vedic scriptures, and its remains from Hastinapur date
back to the eighth century BC. Around the same time, rice was also cultivated in Atranjikhera in Eta district of UP. The use of rice is recommended in Vedic rituals, but wheat is rarely used.

Statement 3 is correct: In the later Vedic stage, although weaving was restricted to women, leather work, pottery and carpentry made great progress with extensive practice. The later Vedic people were familiar with the four types of potsblack-red pots, black-slipped pots, paint-brown pots, and red-pots. Some people have used glass hoards and bangles found in PGW layers as prestigious objects. Overall, both later Vedic texts and excavations suggest a specific craft cultivation. There is also mention of ornaments in later Vedic texts.

Q5. Ashatangika Marga, which recommended the elimination of Human misery, is associated with which of the following religions?

(a) Shaivism
(b) Jainism
(c) Buddhism
(d) Vaishnavism

Answer-C

Gautama Buddha (Buddhism) recommended an eightfold path (Ashtangika Marga) for the elimination of Human misery. This path is attributed to him in a text of about the third century BC. It comprised Right Observation, Right Determination, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Awareness and Right Concern. If a person follows this eightfold path, one will free himself from the machinations of priests, and would reach one’s destination.
Additional Information:
The Buddha also laid down a ‘Code of Conduct’ for his followers on the same lines as those of the Jaina teachers. The principal tenets of it are:

• Do not commit violence.
• Do not covet the property of others.
• Do not use intoxicants.
• Do not tell a lie.
• Do not indulge in sexual misconduct and adultery

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding the Ajivikas sect:

1. Ajivika Sect was founded by Upali, a contemporary of Buddha and Mahavira.
2. Fate assigns everything to the central belief of Ajivikas.
3. Caves of Barabar were used by Ajivikas as their shelter house.

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct Answer?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer-C

Statement 1 is not correct: Around the time of the Buddha, in the 6th century BC, there was an explosion of distinct schools of thought and philosophy across India. The Ajivika sect was one of the most popular. It was a Sramana movement that stood in opposition to Vedic Hinduism, early Buddhism, and Jainism. Makkali Ghosh was a disciple of Mahavira and a contemporary of
Buddha in the early era, but he eventually quit Mahavira’s discipleship owing to a disagreement with him and created the Ajivika sect.

Statement 2 is correct: The primary doctrine of the Ajivikas was that everything is pre decided by fate, or Niyati, and that human behaviour has no bearing on this.

Statement 3 is correct: During the time of Ashoka and his grandson Dasaratha, the skill of cutting the mountain and building caves as residences was thoroughly established. After cutting the Barabar hills to withdraw and meditate, Ajivika disciples built dwelling caverns.

Q7. With reference to the Buddhist councils, consider the following statements:

1. The purpose of the first Buddhist council was to compile a religious doctrine (Dhamma) and a monastic code (Vinaya).
2. The Sthaviravada School was established during the 4th Council at Kundalvana.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer-A

Statement 1 is correct: Dhamma means religious doctrine while Vinaya means monastic code. Held in 483 BC at Rajgriha, the first Buddhist council’s purpose was set to establish monastic code for the monks and to compile the religious doctrine. So, the monastic code (Vinaya pitaka) was recited by Upali and sermons on matters of doctrine, ethics, and sayings of Buddha (Sutta pitaka) were recited by Ananda.

Statement 2 is not correct: Sthaviravada, an orthodox school of Buddhism, was formed during the third Buddhist council (not during fourth council) held in 250 BC at Patliputra under Mogliputta Tissa’s presidency.

Q8. In the context of various symbols associated with various life events of the Buddha, consider the following pairs:

Life events of the Buddha Symbol

1. Mahabhinishkramana Horse
2. Parinirvana Stupa
3. Nirvana Lotus

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer-C

Buddha was born as Siddhartha in 563 BC in the Shakya Kshatriya family in Lumbini in Nepal near Kapilvastu. He was a contemporary of Mahavira. The life of Buddha has been associated with many symbols and each symbol indicates a phase
attached to Buddha’s life such as:
Mahabhinishkramana refers to the great departure of Buddha from his home and the symbol associated with it is horse.

• (Pair 1 is correctly matched) Parinirvana, which is the death event of Gautam Buddha, has the symbol of Stupa attached to it.
• (Pair 2 is correctly matched) The event of Nirvana, which means nlightenment, has the symbol of the Bodhi tree (Peepal) associated with it.
• (Pair 3 is not correctly matched)

Q9. With reference to the religious history of India, one common feature between the sites of Chanderi and Palitana is:

(a) Both are Brahmanical pilgrimage centers
(b) Both are Theravada Buddhist sites
(c) Both are Jaina pilgrimage sites
(d) Both are Mahayana Buddhism Sites

Answer-C

The Jains built temples as abundantly as the Hindus, and their sacred shrines and pilgrimages are found all over the length and breadth of India except in the hills. Ancient Jain Shrines are located in Bihar. Many of these places are famous for their early Buddhist temples. In the Deccan, some important Jain sites can be found in Ellora and Aihole. In central India, there are some striking examples of Jain temples in Deogarh, Khajuraho, Chanderi and Gwalior.

Q10. Which reference to the Gautama Buddha, “Abhaya Mudra” was shown by him in which of the following events?

(a) During the final meditation under the Bodhi tree
(b) Moment of attaining enlightenment
(c) Immediately after attaining enlightenment
(d) While preaching the first sermon

Answer-C

The Abhaya mudra symbolizes fearlessness and symbolizes strength and inner security. The right arm is raised to shoulder height, the arm is bent. The palm of the right hand is facing outwards and the fingers are straight and connected. The left arm is hanging next to the body. The Buddha showed this gesture as soon as he attained enlightenment.
Additional information:

Dhyana Mudra: This refers to meditation and is also known as ‘Samadhi’ or ‘Yoga’ mudra. It depicts the Buddha on the abdomen of both hands, with the fingers stretched out over the palm of the left hand on the back of the right hand. In many sculptures, the toes of both hands are shown touching at the tips, forming a spiritual triangle. It signifies the attainment of spiritual perfection. The Buddha used this mudra in his last meditation under the Bodhi tree.

Bhumisparsha Mudra: This is one of the most common postures found in Buddha statues. It depicts the Buddha sitting in
meditation with his left hand, with the palm resting on his lap and his right hand touching the ground. This seal is usually associated with a blue Buddha called Akshobya. It represents the ‘call of the earth to bear witness to the truth’ and it represents the moment of the Buddha’s enlightenment.

Dharmachakra Mudra: This means ‘turning the wheel of Dharma or law’, which means keeping the Dharmachakra in motion. The right arm rests with the palm at chest level. A spiritual cycle is formed by combining the tips of the index finger and the big toe. The left hand is rotated inwards, and the index and thumb of These hands are joined to touch the circle of the right hand. This gesture was performed by Lord Buddha when he gave his first discourse to a companion after attaining enlightenment in the Deer Park in Sarnath.

11. With reference to the spread of material culture during the Mauryan Age, which of the following statements is/are correct?

• Kautilya advised that new settlements should be formed with the help of cultivators.
• Ashoka launched a deliberate and systematic policy of Acculturation.
  Select the correct answer using the code given below:
  (a) 1 only
  (b) 2 only
  (c) Both 1 and 2
  (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- C

statement 1 correct: The existence of inscriptions, occasional Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) sherds, and punch-marked coins in parts of Bangladesh, Orissa, Andhra, and Karnataka from about the third century BC shows that during the Maurya period attempts were made to spread elements of the mid-Gangetic basin culture in distant areas. Elements of the Middle Gangetic Basin culture were made to spread to distant lands. Kautilya advised that new bases should be set up with the help of farmers, who should be evacuated from areas with large populations, apparently Vaishyas and Shudra workers. To bring the soil into cultivation, new farmers were given tax deductions and cattle, seeds and money were supplied.

Statement 2 is correct: Ashoka maintained a close relationship with the tribal people who were encouraged to practice Dharma. His close association with the Dhamma Mahamatras appointed by Ashoka helped him to grasp the basic tenets of the high culture prevalent in the Ganges basin. Ashoka launched a deliberate and systematic policy of Acculturation. He said that as a result of the spread of Dharma people would unite in the gods. It signifies that tribals and others will adopt the habits of a settled, tax-paying, peasant society and develop patriarchy, monarchical authority and respect for the monks,
priests and officials who assisted in the exercise of their authority

Q12. With reference to the Mauryan Administration, ‘Hiranya’ refers to:

(a) Tax paid in cash
(b) Part of produce from fruit and flower
(c) Important rural officer
(d) Emergency tax

Answer- A

The Mauryan government was a centralized and extensive bureaucracy, with the king at the nucleus. According to Kautilya, the central government manages almost two dozen divisions of the state, which regulates social and economic activities at least in the areas adjacent to the capital. The king was assisted by a team of other officials called the Council of Ministers. Eighteen pilgrimages and twenty-seven superintendents or presidents, known as superiors or superiors, were mostly engaged in economic duties and certain military duties. The maintenance of a large bureaucracy and a large standing army involves
huge costs after various types of taxes. Some of the taxes that appeared during the Mauryan rule were as follows:

• Hiranya: Tax paid in cash
• Pranaya : Emergency tax
• Bali: Land tax, main source of revenue
• Pindakar: Tax assessed on a group of villages

Q13. With reference to the Kushans and Shakas in the ancient history of India, consider the following statements:

1. Kushans and Shakas did not have their own script, written language, or any organized religion and they adopted these components of culture from India.
2. They popularised the use of reins and saddles.
3. They introduced the Turban, Tunic, and heavy long Coat.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- D

Statement 1 is correct: Though Shakas and Kushans were outsiders, they did not have their own language or religion and got assimilated into Indian society and culture completely. The components of culture with which they enriched the society were considerably adopted from Indian society. So, they identified themselves as not outsiders but as an integral part of Indian
society.

Statement 2 is correct: As the evidence of terracotta figures form Begram (Afghanistan) and Buddhist sculptures of the time suggests, Kushans and Shakas were excellent horsemen. Their horsemen fought with spears and were heavily armored. The use of a stirrup for the swift movement as well as reins and saddles were popularised by them.

Statement 3 is correct: The use of turbans and sherwani by Afghans and Punjabis can be traced back to Shakas and Kushans. They used heavy long coats, turbans, tunics, and trousers. Their warriors used to wear caps, helmets, and boots.

Q14. In the context of the Satavahana period in the history of India, ‘Gathasattasai’ refers to:

(a) A Sanskrit text attributed to Ikshvaku

(b) A Prakrit text attributed to King Hala

(c) A Brahmanical prose text in praise of Gautamiputra Satakarni

(d) A Buddhist text in Prakrit attributed to Vasishta Putra Sri Pulamayi

Answer-B

Satavahanas used Prakrit as their official language in their inscriptions written in Brahmi script. They even composed books written in Prakrit. One such fine Prakrit text consisting of 700 verses, attributed to Satavahana king Hala is ‘Gathasattasai’ or
Gathasaptasati’

Q15. Consider the following statements about the reign of Harshvardhan:

1. The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang visited India during his rule.
2. In the empire of Harshavardhan, law and order was well maintained.

Which among the following statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- A

statement 1 is correct: Chinese pilgrim Hsuan Tsang, left China in AD 629 for India to study and collect Buddhist texts in Nalanda University (Bihar) during the reign of Harsha. Spending many years in Harsha’s court, he was able to get
general endowments in favor of Buddhism and ultimately influenced Harsha into a great supporter of Buddhism.

Statement 2 is not correct: In the Empire of Harshavardhan, law and order were not well maintained. Though Hsuan Tsang reported the severe punishment for crimes in Harsha’s reign, we find mention of Tsang’s belongings getting robbed.

Q16. Consider the following statements:

1. Dhamekh Stupa at Sarnath is an imposing cylindrical structure of the Gupta age, completely built of stone.
2. Chaukhandi Stupa is an ancient Buddhist site located in Bihar.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer- D

Statement 1 is not correct: The Dhamekh Stupa in Sarnath is a massive Gupta-era cylindrical building made partly of stone and partially of brick. The stone substructure features eight projecting faces with enormous niches for sculpture, as well as finely carved floral and geometrical designs.

Statement 2 is not correct: The Chaukhandi Stupa is a historic Buddhist landmark in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. The Chaukhandi Stupa was allegedly built as a terraced temple during the Gupta period (4th to 6th Century). Later, King Govardhan, Raja Todarmal’s song, added an octagonal tower on the stupa to commemorate the visit of Mughal king Humayun. The Pancha
Vargeeya bhikkhus, Buddha’s five friends who had earlier forsaken him at Rajgir, were reconciled with him at the Stupa.

Q17. The terms “Rekhapida, Pidhadeul, and Khakra” are the main architectural features of the following styles of Temple Architecture in India:

(a) Vanga style of Temple Architecture of Bengal
(b) Odisha School of Temple Architecture
(c) Dravida School of Temple Architecture
(d) Temple architecture in the Hill regions of India

Answer- B

Option (b) is correct: The main architectural features of Odisha Temples are classified in three orders-

• Rekhapida (curvilinear superstructure)
• Pidhadeul (monument with a pyramidal roof)
• Khakra (oblong building with waggon-vault roof)

Within the Nagara order, the Odisha Temples are a unique sub-style. Bhubaneswar or ancient Tribhuvanesh vara, Puri, and Konark are among the most important temple sites in the ancient Kalinga-modern Puri District.
In general, the shikhara, known in Odisha as Deul, is practically vertical until it turns sharply inwards towards the summit. Duels are preceded, as is customary in Odisha, by mandapas known as Jagamohana. The main temple’s ground layout is generally invariably square, but it becomes circular in the highest reaches of its superstructure in the crowning mistake. In terms of length, this gives the spirea a virtually cylindrical appearance. The interiors of the temples are often bare, with square compartments and niches. The exteriors of the temples are richly carved, but the interiors are generally bare. Boundary walls are common in Odisha temples.
Examples: Sun Temple at Konark (also known as Black Pagoda), Jagannath Temple at Puri, Lingaraj Temple at Bhubaneswar, etc.

Q18. With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Vesara’ refers to:

(a) An assembly of village elders

(b) A religious sect

(c) A style of temple construction

(d) An administrative functionary

Answer-C

Option (c) is correct: In the country, there are two major temple orders: Nagara in the north and Dravida in the south. Some academics have described the Vesara style of temples as an independent style produced by the selective merging of the Nagara and Dravida orders. Vesara School, also known as the Karnataka School of Architecture, was founded in the mid-7th century AD by the later Chalukya monarchs. It resulted in a hybridized style by combining aspects from both the Nagara and Dravidian schools. The following are some of its characteristics:

• Emphasis on Vimana and Mandapa
• Open ambulatory passageway
• The pillars, doorways, and ceilings were
• decorated with intricate carvings.

It has a Nagara-style curvilinear shikhara with a square foundation like Vesara temples. Intricate carvings and sculptures, as well as the design of the Vimana and step or terraced Shikara of Vesara temples, show the influence of the Dravidian style. Doddabasappa Temple in Dambal, Ladkhan Temple in Aihole, Badami Temples, and so on.

Q19. Consider the following pairs:

Tomb Located at

1. Tomb of Salim Chisti Fatehpur Sikri
2. Akbar’s Tomb Sikandra
3. Jahangir’s Tomb Shahdara

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- D

Pair 1 is correctly matched: The Tomb of Salim Chisti is located at Fatehpur Sikri, Agra (Uttar Pradesh). It was built by the Mughal Emperor Jalal-ud-din Mohammad Akbar, in honor of the great Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti. It was built during 1571 and 1585.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Akbar’s Tomb is the tomb of the Mughal emperor Akbar. It was built in 1605-1613 by his son Jahangir and is situated in 119 acres of grounds in Sikandra, a sub of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is an excellent
example of the assimilation of different styles of architecture, and it represents a significant departure from the earlier Mughal buildings. The tomb carries the characteristic flavor of the airy-tiered pavilions of the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: The tomb of Jahangir is located in Shahdara, a suburb of Lahore to the northwest of the city. The area had been a favorite spot of Jahangir and his wife Nur Jahan when they resided in Lahore, and the area was commonly used as a point of departure for travels to and from Kashmir and Lahore. When Jahangir died in 1627, he may have initially been buried in Shahdara in one of its many gardens. His son, Shah Jahan, ordered that a mausoleum befitting an Emperor to be built as a permanent memorial.

Q20. With reference to the Tughlaq architecture, consider the following statements:

1. The tomb of Ghiyasuddin was built upon a low platform.
2. A striking feature of the Tughlaq architecture was the sloping walls.
3. Lotus was used as a decorative device in all the buildings of Firuz Shah Tughlaq.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer-b

Statement 1 is not correct: There was great building activity in the Tughlaq period which marked the climax of the Delhi Sultanate as well as the beginning of its decline. Ghiyasuddin and Muhammad Tughlaq built the huge palace fortress
complex called Tughlaqabad. By blocking the passage of the Yamuna, a huge artificial lake was created around it. The tomb of Ghiyasuddin marks a new trend in architecture. To have a good skyline, the building was put upon a high platform. Its beauty was heightened by a marble dome.

Statement 2 is correct: A striking feature of the Tughlaq architecture was the sloping walls. This is called ‘batter’ and gives the effect of strength and solidity to the building. However, it is not there in any buildings of Firuz Tughlaq. A second feature of the Tughlaq architecture was the deliberate attempt to combine the principles of the arch, and the lintel and beam in their
buildings. This is found in a marked manner in the buildings of Firuz Tughlaq. The Hauz Khas was a pleasure resort and had a huge lake around it. It also had a Madarsa. The same is to be found in some buildings of Firuz Shah’s new fort which is now called the Kotla.

Statement 3 is correct: The Tughlaqs did not generally use the costly red sandstone in their buildings but the cheaper and more easily available greystone. Since it was not easy to carve this type of stone, the Tughlaq buildings have a minimum of decoration. But the decorative device found in all the buildings of Firuz is the lotus.

Q21. An important piece of Chola sculpture was:

(a) Bahubali Gomateshwara Statue
(b) Mayo Ashoka Statue
(c) Nataraja statue in the Tandava dance posture
(d) Ravana shaking Mount Kailash sculpture

Answer-C

Option (c) is correct: The Nataraja idol in the Tandava dance form is an important part of the Chola sculpture. Although the first Nataraja statue excavated in the Ravana Phadi Cave in Aihole was made during the early Chalukya rule, the sculpture reached its peak during the Chola rule.

Q22. With reference to the Mughal paintings, consider the following statements:

1. They were primarily aristocratic and secular in nature.
2. These paintings reached their pinnacle under the patronage of Aurangzeb. The use of brilliant colors and
3. ornamentation was the characteristic feature of these paintings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer-A

Mughal school of painting originated in the reign of Akbar in 1560 A.D. Emperor Akbar was keenly interested in the art of painting and architecture.

Statement 1 and statement 3 are correct: The Mughal style evolved as a result of a happy synthesis of the indigenous Indian style of painting and the Safavid school of Persian painting. The Mughal style is marked by supple naturalism based on close observation of nature and fine and delicate drawings. It is of high aesthetic merit. It is primarily aristocratic and secular.

• Other features of Mughal painting are:
• Mostly or generally miniature paintings
• Use of brilliant colors
• Accuracy in line drawing
• A variety of themes use fore-sighting
• technique

Statement 2 is not correct: Under Jahangir, painting acquired greater charm, refinement, and dignity. He had a great fascination for nature and took delight in the portraiture of birds, animals, and flowers. Aurangzeb was a Puritan and
therefore did not encourage art. Painting declined during his period and lost much of its earlier quality.

Q23. With reference to the Manjusha Paintings, consider the following statements:

• This art form belongs to the Bhagalpur region of Bihar.
• The presence of the snake motif is a main characteristic of these paintings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer-C

Statement 1 is correct: Manjusha painting is from Bhagalpur in Bihar. It is also known as Angika Kala, where ‘Anga’ refers to the Mahajanapada.

Statement 2 is correct: It is also known as snake painting since snake motifs are always present and these paintings are usually made of jute and paper boxes

Q24. With reference to the Carnatic Music, consider the following statements:

1. Tyagaraja, MuthuswamiDikshitar and SyamaSastri are known as the Musical Trinity of Carnatic Music.
2. Musical form Jatisvaram has no words.
3. The Pallavi, Anupallavi, and Charanam are the minimum and essential Angas of a Kriti.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer-D

statement 1 is correct: The musical trinity – Tyagaraja, Muthuswamy Diksithar and Shyam Shastri – was born in Thiruvarur between 1750 and 1850 AD during the period of dynamic development in Carnatic music. Not only Trinity contemporaries but also contemporaries of great Western composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, Wagner and Hayden. This is the ‘golden age’ of
music around the world. During this period Carnatic music reached the pinnacle of artistic excellence.

Statement 2 is correct: Like the vowel in a musical composition, this form vowel has no lyrics or words. The piece is sung only with solfa syllables. It is known for its rhythmic excellence and the caste model used in it. It is a musical
form of dance music.

Statement 3 is correct: The Kriti is an evolution from the Kirtana. It is the most developed form of music. Reached the highest limit of aesthetic excellence in creation. Raga Bhava is revealed in this form in all its rich and varied colours. The exact style of the musical compositions became possible only after the emergence of the masterpiece as a musical form. Pallavi, Anupalavi and Charanam are the essential angas of Kriti. The pallavi is sung first, then the anupalavi is sung and ends with the Pallavi. The work has a lot in common with Dhrupadra in Hindustani music as a musical form. Muthuswamy Dikshitar did many
works in the style of Dhrupad.

Q.25 With reference to the Bharatanatyam Dance, consider the following statements:

1. In Bharatanatyam Dance, one dancer
   cannot take on many roles in a single
   performance
2. The Devadasi system is associated with this dance.
3. The Abhinaya Darpana by Nandikesvara is one of the main sources of textual material for the study of the technique and grammar of body movement in the Bharatanatyam Dance.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer- B

Statement 1 is not correct: Bharatanatyam dance is called Ekaharya, where a dancer plays multiple roles in a single performance. In the early 19th century, the famous Tanjore Quartet, under King Serfoji, was responsible for the concerts of
Bharatanatyam dance.

Statement 2 is correct: The Bharatanatyam style was kept alive by the Devadasis, young women who were ‘gifted’ by their parents in the temples and married to the gods. Devadasis performed music and dance as offerings to the deities in the temple premises. Some of the famous artists and teachers of the early part of the century belonged to the Devadasi families, the famous name being Bala Saraswati.

Statement 3 is correct: Bharatanatyam dance is believed to be more than 2000 years old. Many texts beginning with Bharata Muni’s Natyashastra (200 BCE to 200 CE) provide information on this form of dance. Abhinaya Darpanam by Nandikeshwar is one of the major textual sources for studying body movement techniques and grammar in Bharatanatyam dance.

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