Art & Culture Previous Year Questions UPSC Prelims (2013-2022)

Navigating the intricate realm of Art and Culture is a paramount challenge for UPSC Mains aspirants. This subject demands a profound understanding of the rich heritage and artistic expressions that have shaped our society throughout history. To help you on this journey, we’ve compiled a comprehensive series of previous year questions on Art and Culture from 2013 to 2023.

Art and culture aren’t merely aesthetic pursuits; they are a reflection of a society’s values, traditions, and history. The UPSC recognizes this significance and consistently includes questions on this topic to assess candidates’ depth of knowledge. In this series, we’ll journey through the past decade’s questions, exploring diverse aspects of art, architecture, literature, and cultural heritage. Whether it’s deciphering the intricacies of Indian classical dance forms or understanding the evolution of art during different historical periods, we’ve got you covered. So, if you’re ready to unravel the beauty and history of art and culture while preparing for UPSC Mains, stay tuned for our insightful analysis and answers to these thought-provoking questions.

2023

1. In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located? 

1. Andhra 
2. Gandhara 
3. Kalinga 
4. Magadha

2. With reference to Ancient India, consider the following statements: 

1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin. 
2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics. 
3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition. 

How many of the statements given above are correct? 

1. Only one 
2. Only two 
3. All three 
4. None 

3. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as:

1. capital cities 
2. ports 
3. centres of iron-and-steel trailing 
4. shrines of Jain Tirthankaras

4. Which one of the following explains the practice of ‘Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems? 

1. Kings employing women bodyguards 
2. Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters 
3. Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals 
4. A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death

5. Consider the following dynasties: 

1. Hoysala 
2. Gahadavala 
3. Kakatiya 
4. Yadava 

How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in early eighth century AD?

1. Only one 
2. Only two 
3. Only three 
4. None

6. With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs: 

              Literary                             work Author 

1. Devichandragupta             : Bilhana 

2. Hammira-Mahakavya              : Nayachandra Suri 

3. Milinda-panha                          : Nagarjuna 

4. Nitivakyamrita                          : Somadeva Sufi 

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? 

1. Only one 
2. Only two 
3. Only three 
4. All four  

7. “Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects.” 

The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India? 

1. Buddhism 
2. Jainism 
3. Shaivism 
4. Vaishnavism 

8. Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city? 

1. Devaraya I 
2. Mallikaijuna 
3. Vira Vijaya 
4. Virupaksha

9. Consider the following pairs: 

                        Site                :                 Well known for 

1. Besnagar         :                 Shaivite cave shrine 
2. Bhaja                :                Buddhist cave shrine 
3. Sittanavasal     :                Jain cave shrine  

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? 

1. Only one 
2. Only two 
3. All three 
4. None

2022

1. With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts: 

1. Nettipakarana 
2. Parishishtaparvan 
3. Avadanashataka 
4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana 

Which of the above are Jaina texts? 

(a) 1, 2 and 3 

(b) 2 and 4 only 

(c) 1, 3 and 4 

(d) 2, 3 and 4 

2. With reference to Indian History, consider the following pairs: 

                    Historical person                    Known as 

1. Aryadeva                         — Jaina scholar 
2. Dignaga                           — Buddhist scholar 
3. Nathamuni                      — Vaishnava scholar 

How many pairs given above are correctly matched? 

(a) None of the pairs 

(b) Only one pair 

(c) Only two pairs 

(d) All three pairs

3. According to Kautiyla’s Arthahastra, which of the following are correct? 

1. A person could be a slave as a result of a judicial punishment. 
2. If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free. 
3. If a son born to a female slave was fathered by her master, the son was entitled to the legal status of the master’s son. 

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

4. Consider the following pairs : 

Site of Ashoka’s major rock edicts 

Location in the                State of 

1. Dhauli                        – Odisha 

2. Erragudi                     – Andhra Pradesh 

3. Jaugada                     – Madhya Pradesh

4. Kalsi                           – Karnataka 

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?         

(a) Only one pair 

(b) Only two pairs 

(c) Only three pairs 

(d) All four pairs

5. Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct? 

(a) Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture. 

(b) The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets. 

(c) Sangam poems have no references to warrior ethic. 

(d) Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.

6. “Yogavasistha” was translated into Persian by Nizamuddin Panipati during the reign of: 

(a) Akbar 

(b) Humayun 

(c) Shahjahan 

(d) Aurangzeb

7. The world’s second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the, teachings of Ramanuja? 

(a) The best means of salvation was devotion. 

(b) Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative. 

(c) Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss. 

(d) Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.

8. The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? 

1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines. 
2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni. 
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present-day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2021

1. Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? 

1. Dholavira 
2. Kalibangan 
3. Rakhigarhi 
4. Ropar

2. From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India? 

1. The Guptas of Magadha 
2. The Paramaras of Malwa 
3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar 
4. The Maukharis of Kanauj 
5. The Yadavas of Devagiri 
6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi 

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1, 2 and 5 
2. 1, 3, 4 and 6 
3. 2, 3 and 4 
4. 5 and 6

3. With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following statements is/are correct?  

1.Mitakshara was the civil law for upper castes and Dayabhaga was the civil law for lower castes. 

2.In the Mitakshara system, the sons can claim right to the property during the lifetime of the father, whereas in the dayabhaga system, it is only after the death of the father that the sons can claim right to the property. 

3.The Mitakshara system deals with the matters related to the property held by male members only of a family, whereas the Dayabhaga system deals with the matters related to the property held by both male and female members of a family. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

1. 1 and 2 
2. 2 only 
3. 1 and 3 
4. 3 only 

4. With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi Ho and Kui’ pertain to 

1. dance forms of Northwest India 
2. musical instruments 
3. pre-historic cave paintings 
4. tribal languages

5. With reference to the history of ancient India Bhavabhuti Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous 

1. Jain monks 
2. Playwrights 
3. Temple architects 
4. Philosophers

6. Which one of the following statements is correct? 

1. Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river. 
2. Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal river. 
3. Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada river. 
4. Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari river.

7. With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements: 

1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty. 
2. It is the only circular temple built in India. 
3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region. 
4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 
2. 2 and 3 only 
3. 1 and 4 
4. 2, 3 and 4

8. Consider the following pairs: 

                  (Historical place)                            (Well-known for) 

1. Burzahom                        :               Rock-cut shrines 
2. Chandraketugarh           :               Terracotta art 
3. Ganeshwar                      :               Copper artefacts 

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? 

1. 1 only 
2. 1 and 2 
3. 3 only 
4. 2 and 3

2020

1. With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements: 

1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra 
2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana 
3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 
2. 2 and 3 only 
3. 3 only 
4. 1, 2 and 3

2. With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs: 

1. Aurang : In-charge of treasury of the State 
2. Banian : Indian agent of the East India Company 
3. Mirasidar : Designated revenue payer to the State 

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? 

1. 1 and 2 only 
2. 2 and 3 only 
3. 3 only 
4. 1, 2 and 3

3. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 

1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism. 
2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism. 
3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered Mahayana Buddhism. 

        Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 
2. 2 and 3 only 
3. 3 only 
4. 1, 2 and 3

4. Consider the following events in the history of India: 

1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja 
2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I 
3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka-I 
4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala 

What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time? 

(a) 2 – 1 – 4 – 3 

(b) 3 – 1 – 4 – 2 

(c) 2 – 4 – 1 – 3 

(d) 3 – 4 – 1 – 2

5. Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period? 

1. An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates 
2. A diary to be maintained for daily accounts 
3. A bill of exchange 
4. An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates

6. With reference to the history of India, the terms ‘kulyavapa’ and ‘dronavapa’ denote:

1. measurement of land 
2. coins of different monetary value 
3. classification of urban land 
4. religious rituals

7. Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription? 

“Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.” 

1. Ashoka 
2. Samudragupta 
3. Harshavardhana 
4. Krishanadeva Raya

8. With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs: 

      Famous Place               Present State 

1. Bhilsa               Madhya Pradesh 
2. Dwarasamudra Maharashtra 
3. Girinagar Gujarat 
4. Sthanesvara Uttar Pradesh 

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 

1. 1 and 3 only 
2. 1 and 4 only 
3. 2 and 3 only 
4. 2 and 4 only 

9. With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were known as:

1. ports handling foreign trade 
2. capitals of powerful kingdoms 
3. places of exquisite stone art and architecture 
4. important of Buddhist pilgrimage centres

10. With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs: 

1. Parivrajaka: Renunciant and Wanderer 
2. Shraman: Priest with a high status 
3. Upasaka: Lay follower of Buddhism

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 

1. 1 and 2 only 
2. 1 and 3 only 
3. 2 and 3 only 
4. 1, 2 and 3

11. With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas’? 

1. The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style 
2. Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas 
3. Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path 
4. Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India

2019

1. Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? 

1. Chanhudaro 
2. Kot Diji 
3. Sohgaura 
4. Desalpur

2. In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka? 

1. Kanganahalli 
2. Sanchi 
3. Shahbazgarhi 
4. Sohgaura

3. Consider the following: 

1. Deification of the Buddha. 
2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas. 
3. Image worship and rituals. 

Which of the above is/are the feature/ features of Mahayana Buddhism? 

1. 1 only 
2. 1 and 2 only 
3. 2 and 3 only 
4. 1, 2 and 3 

4. With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct? 

1. It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people. 
2. It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire. 
3. The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages. 
4. The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.

5. Building ‘Kalyana Mandapas’ was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of: 

1. Chalukya 
2. Chandela 
3. Rashtrakuta 
4. Vijayanagara 

2018

1. With reference to cultural history of India, consider the following statements: 

1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kirtis are devotional songs in Praise of Lord Krishna. 
2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas. 
3. Annamacharay and Tyagaraja are contemporaries. 
4. Annamacharaya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

1. 1 and 3 only 
2. 2 and 4 only 
3. 1, 2 and 3 
4. 2, 3 and 4

2. The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the 

1. Bundi School 
2. Jaipur School 
3. Kangra School 
4. Kishangarh School

3. Consider the following pairs: 

                   Tradition                               State 

1. Chapchar Kut festival                 Mizoram 
2. Khongiom Parba Ballad              Manipur 
3. Thang-Ta dance                          Sikkim 

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 only 
2. 1 and 2 only 
3. 3 only 
4. 2 and 3 only 

4. With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to 

1. Buddhism 
2. Jainism 
3. Vaishnavism 
4. Shaivism 

5. With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements: 

1. White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri. 
2. Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 only 
2. 2 only 
3. Both 1and 2 
4. Neither 1 nor 2 

6. With reference to India history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world? 

1. Avalokiteshvara 
2. Lokesvara 
3. Maitreya 
4. Padmapain

2017

1. With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.
2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron.
3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism.
2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form.

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

3. Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom?

(a) Kakinada

(b) Motupalli

(c) Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam)

(d) Nelluru

4. The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at:

(a) Ajanta

(b) Badami

(c) Bagh

(d) Ellora

5. Consider the following pairs:

	Traditions	Communities
1	Chaliha Sahib Festival	Sindhis
2	Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra	Gonds
3	Wari-Warkari	Santhals

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) None of the above

6. Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples?

1. Arasavalli
2. Amarakantak
3. Omkareshwar

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

7. With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements:

1. It is a song and dance performance.
2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.
3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 only

2016

1. In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs:

Term             Description

1. Eripatti       Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank
2. Taniyurs     Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins
3. Ghatikas    Colleges generally attached to the temples

Which of the pairs given above correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 3 only

(c) 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 3

2. With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following?

(a) Shramana

(b) Parivrajaka

(c) Agrahaarika

(d) Maagadha

3. Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?

(a) Georg Buhler

(b) James Prinsep

(c) Max Muller

(d) William Jones

4. Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty?

(a) Swapnavasavadatta

(b) Malavikagnimitra

(c) Meghadoota

(d) Ratnavali

5. With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements:

1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy.

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

6. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.
3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

7. What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram?

1. Both were built in the same period.
2. Both belong to the same religious denomination.
3. Both have rock-cut monuments.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) None of the statements given above is correct

2015

1. Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?

1. Avanti
2. Gandhara
3. Kosala
4. Magadha

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4

(d) 3 and 4 only

2. Kalamkari painting refers to

(a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India

(b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East India

(c) a block-painted woollen cloth in Western Himalayan region of India

(d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India

3. Who of the following founded a new city on the south bank of a tributary to river Krishna and undertook to rule his new kingdom as the agent of a deity to whom all the land south of the river Krishna was supposed to belong?

(a) Amoghavarsha I

(b) Ballala II

(c) Harihara I

(d) Prataparudra II

4. With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?

(a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar

(b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli

(c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram

(d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri

5. Which one of the following was given classical language status recently?

(a) Odia

(b) Konkani

(c) Bhojpuri

(d) Assamese

2014

1. Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?

1. Avanti
2. Gandhara
3. Kosala
4. Magadha

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2 and 4

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4

2. Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

(a) Mimamsa and Vedanta

(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika

(c) Lokayata and Kapalika

(d) Sankhya and Yoga

3. Consider the following towns of India:

1. Bhadrachalam
2. Chanderi
3. Kancheepuram
4. Karnal 

Which of the above are famous for the production of traditional sarees/fabric?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 1, 3 and 4

4. Consider the following languages

1. Gujarati
2. Kannada
3. Telugu

Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language / Languages’ by the Government?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

5. With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements:

1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama.
2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam.
3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.

Which of the statements above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

6. With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs:

	Famous work of sculpture	Site
1	A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below	Ajanta
2	A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boarincarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on rock	Mount Abu
3	“Arjuna’s Penance”/ “Descent of Ganga” sculpated on the surface of huge boulders	Mamalla-puram

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

7. With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is `Kalaripayattu’?

(a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India

(b) It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area

(c) It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar

(d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India

8. Consider the following pairs:

1. Garba : Gujarat
2. Mohiniattam : Odisha
3. Yakshagana : Karnataka

Which of the pairs given above is / are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

9. With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, consider the following pairs:

	Famous shrine	Location
1	Tabo monastery and temple complex	Spiti Valley
2	Lhotsava Lhakhang temple, Nako	Zanskar Valley
3	Alchi temple complex	Ladakh

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly atched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

10. A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their

(a) martial arts in North-East India

(b) musical tradition in North-West India

(c) classical vocal music in South India

(d) pietra dura tradition in Central India

11. With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to

(a) an assembly of village elders

(b) a religious sect

(c) a style of temple construction

(d) an administrative functionary

2013

1. Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?

1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance
2. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul
3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

2. The Chinese traveler Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery.
2. As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.
3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

3. Which of the following characterizes/ characterize the people of Indus Civilization?

1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

Select the correct statement/ statements using the codes given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) None of the statements given above is correct

4. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?

(a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks

(b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks

(c) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it

(d) There is no material difference between the two

5. Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?

(a) The extinction of the flame of desire

(b) The complete annihilation of self

(c) A state of bliss and rest

(d) A mental stage beyond all comprehension

6. With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements:

1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India
2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya
3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

7. In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?

(a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck

(b) Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters

(c) Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story

(d) A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism

8. Consider the following Bhakti Saints:

1. Dadu Dayal
2. Guru Nanak
3. Tyagaraja

Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 2

9. Consider the following historical places:

1. Ajanta Caves
2. Lepakshi Temple
3. Sanchi Stupa

Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) None

10. With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school:

1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul.
2. Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.

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

FAQs

1. Why is it important to study Art & Culture for the UPSC Prelims examination?

• Understanding art and culture is essential for comprehending the historical and sociocultural context of a society. It aids in comprehending the evolution of civilizations and their contributions to the world. Furthermore, it is critical for answering questions related to heritage, tourism, and the preservation of cultural identity.

Answer: Studying Art & Culture not only enriches one’s knowledge but is also a valuable tool for acing the UPSC Prelims. It helps candidates interpret the significance of cultural heritage and its role in society, which often forms a part of essay topics and general studies.

2. What are the key topics within Art & Culture that UPSC has focused on in recent years?

• UPSC’s examination trends can be quite dynamic. To prepare effectively, knowing which aspects of Art & Culture have been emphasized in recent years is crucial.

Answer: While the focus can change, topics such as ancient art and architecture, classical dance forms, historical monuments, and the preservation of cultural heritage have been recurrent themes in UPSC Prelim papers from 2013 to 2022.

3. How can I remember the vast amount of information related to Art & Culture for the UPSC Prelims?

• Memorizing facts and dates can be challenging. Aspirants often wonder about effective strategies to retain the diverse information in this subject.

Answer: Utilizing mnemonic devices, creating visual aids, and associating historical events with stories or analogies can help you remember and recall information more effectively. Consistent revision and practice are also key.

4. Can you provide an example of a recent Art & Culture question and its answer from the UPSC Prelims papers (2013-2022)?

• Aspirants typically benefit from concrete examples to understand the type of questions and the level of detail expected in their answers.

Answer: Sure, here’s an example: “Discuss the significance of Ellora Caves in the history of Indian rock-cut architecture.” In your response, you’d need to explain the architectural features, historical context, and cultural significance of Ellora Caves.

5. Are there any online resources or books that can aid in the preparation of Art & Culture for UPSC Prelims?

• Aspirants often seek recommendations for study materials to enhance their preparation.

Answer: Yes, there are several excellent resources. NCERT textbooks, NIOS materials, and standard reference books like “Indian Art and Culture” by Nitin Singhania are highly recommended. Additionally, online platforms, UPSC preparation websites, and YouTube channels dedicated to Art & Culture can be valuable sources of information and practice questions.

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