The UPSC Prelims examination serves as the gateway to one of India’s most prestigious career paths. Among its diverse array of subjects, Art and Culture hold a profound significance, encapsulating the rich heritage and aesthetic traditions of the nation. Within this realm, the exploration of Art, Architecture, and Painting unveils a tapestry woven with historical narratives, artistic ingenuity, and cultural evolution. From the majestic monuments of ancient civilizations to the intricate strokes of masterful painters, this domain beckons aspirants to delve into the nuances of creativity and expression. As candidates embark on their journey to grasp the intricacies of Art and Culture for the UPSC Prelims, the exploration of Art, Architecture, and Painting stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and profound influence of artistic endeavors on society and civilization.
Q1. The Nagara, the Dravida, the Vesara are
(a) the three main racial group of the Indian Subcontinent
(b) the three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified
(c) the three main styles of Indian temple architecture
(d) the three main musical gharanas prevalent in India.
Ans. (c)
The Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara represent the three primary styles of Indian temple architecture. The Nagara style dominated in North India, while the Dravida style thrived in the southernmost regions. The Vesara style emerged as a hybrid or blend of Dravidian and Nagara styles, gaining prominence under later rulers and flourishing notably under the Hoysalas of Dwara Samudram (Halebid).
Q2. The Mughal school of painting formed the spinal column of the various schools of Indian miniature art. Which one of the following painting styles was not affected by Mughal painting. (1995)
(a) Pahari
(b) Rajasthani
(c) Kangra
(d) Kalighat
Ans. (d)
The Kalighat painting style remained unaffected by Mughal paintings. Originating in the 19th century near the Kalighat Kali temple in Kolkata, West Bengal, this distinctive form of art evolved into its own school within Indian painting. In contrast, Pahari, Rajasthani, and Kangra paintings were influenced by Mughal painting techniques.
Q3. Which one of the following sculptures invariably used green schist as the medium? (1996)
(a) Maurya sculptures
(b) Mathura sculptures
(c) Bharhut sculptures
(d) Gandhara sculptures
Ans. (c)
The sculptures at Bharhut consistently employed green schist as their primary medium. They serve as among the earliest manifestations of both Indian and Buddhist art. While initially attributed to Mauryan King Ashoka’s era in the 3rd century BC, additional artistic elements, notably the gateways and railings, seem to have been added during the Shunga period.
Q4. Which one of the following temples figured in the news regarding the institution of the Devadasis?
(a) Jagannath temple, Puri
(b) Pasupatinath temple, Kathmandu
(c) Kandariyamahadev temple, Khajuraho
(d) Chausathyogini temple, Bheraghat
Ans. (a)
The Jagannath temple recently gained attention due to discussions about the Devadasi tradition. This tradition originated approximately 800 years ago during the 12th century within the precincts of the Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha. Locally referred to as Maharis, these Devadasis played a significant role within the temple complex. However, the Devadasi system at the temple waned over time, particularly after the Odisha government assumed control of the shrine from the Pun royal family in 1955 through legislation.
Q5. Which one of the following statements regarding Ashoka stone pillars is incorrect? (1997)
(a) These are highly polished
(b) These are monolithic
(c) The shaft of pillars is tapering in shape
(d) These are parts of architectural structures
Ans. (d)
Statement (d) is inaccurate concerning Ashoka stone pillars. These pillars were not architectural components but served as conduits for propagating the Dhamma. They symbolize the earliest tangible manifestation of the Buddhist faith.
Q6. The Badami rock Inscription of Pulakeshin I is dated in the Saka year 465. If the same were to be dated in Vikrama Samvat, the year would be
(a) 601
(b) 300
(c) 330
(d) 407
Ans. (a)
The Badami rock inscription of Pulakeshin I is recorded as being in the Saka year 465. If we were to translate this into Vikrama Samvat, it would correspond to the year 601. Given that the Saka era commenced in 78 AD and the Vikram era started in 58 BC, adding these to the Saka year provides the Vikrama Samvat equivalent: 465 (Saka year) + 78 (years since Saka era) + 58 (years since Vikram era) = 601.
Q7.
Assertion (A) The Gandhara School of Art bears the mark of Hellenistic influence. (1998)
Reason (R) Hinayana form was influenced by
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation that art of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
Ans. (c)
Assertion (A): The Gandhara school of Art exhibits Hellenistic influence. Reason (R): The Gandhara school of Art primarily depicts Lord Buddha and the Bodhisattvas due to its close association with Mahayana Buddhism, not because of Hellenistic influence.
Q8. Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve food grains to be utilised during the crises in the country?
(a) Sohagaura copper plate
(b) Rummindei pillar-edict of Ashoka
(c) Prayaga-Prasasti
(d) Mehrauli pillar inscription of Chandra
Ans. (a)
The Sohagaura copper plate, an ancient Indian artifact, stands as the earliest known royal decree for the preservation of food grains during times of crisis. This inscription, composed in Prakrit using the Brahmi script, is located in the Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh.
Q9. What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India? (1998)
1. Gold coins
2. Punch-marked silver coins
3. Iron plough
4. Urban culture
Select the correct answer using the codes given.
(a) 3, 4, 1,2
(b) 3, 4, 2, 1
(c) 4, 3, 1,2
(d) 4,3,2,1
Ans. (d)
The correct chronological order is 4-3-2-1.
The earliest known urban culture in the Indian subcontinent was the Indus Valley Civilisation, also known as the Harappan Civilisation, which thrived from about 2500 to 1700 BC. It was a sophisticated urban society characterized by well-planned cities that served as centers of commerce.
The Iron Age in India began during the Vedic period, spanning approximately from 1500 to 600 BC. Evidence of ironworking, including the use of iron ploughs, dates back to around 1300 to 1000 BC, with early sites found in places like Hallur in Karnataka and Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu.
Punch-marked coins, referred to as Aahat coins, emerged during the 6th to 2nd century BC. Initially issued by the Magadha dynasty during its Mahajanapada phase, these coins such as Puranas, Karshapanas, and Pana, were early forms of Indian coinage.
The issuance of gold coins in India began with the Indo-Greek rulers during the 1st century BC. Menander, for instance, introduced the first 24-carat gold coins in ancient India around 165-145 BC. Subsequently, the Kushans also contributed significantly to the production of gold coins in large quantities.
Q10. Which one of the following statements is not correct? (2002)
(a) The statue of Gomateshwara at Sravana-belagola represents the last Tirthankara of Jains
(b) India’s largest Buddhist monastery is in Arunachal Pradesh
(c) The Khajuraho temples were built under Chandela kings
(d) The Hoysaleswara temple is dedicated to Siva
Ans. (a)
Statement (a) is inaccurate as the statue located at Stavana-belagola depicts the Jain deity Bahubali, not Gomateshwara. Bahubali is renowned as the son of Rishabdev and the sibling of Bharata Chapravartin. This monumental statue stands at a towering height of 17 meters and is carved from a single piece of stone, situated on Vindhyagin Hill in Karnataka.
Q11. Which one of the following statements is not correct? (2003)
(a) Ali Mardan Khan introduced the system of revenue farming in Bengal
(b) Maharaja Ranjit Singh set-up modern foundries to manufacture cannons at-Lahore
(c) Sawai Jai Singh of amber had euclid elements of Geometry’ translated into Sanskrit
(d) Tipu Sultan of Mysore gave money for the construction of the idol of Goddess Sharda in the Sringeri temple
Ans. (a)
The assertion in Statement (a) is inaccurate. Murshid Quli Khan implemented the revenue farming system in Bengal, replacing the Mughal Jagirdari system with the Mal Jasmani system, akin to France’s fermiers généraux. He required security bonds from the contractors or ijara holders, who subsequently managed the collection of land revenue.
Q12. The Archaeological Survey of India is an attached office of the Department/Ministry of (2004)
(a) Culture
(b) Tourism
(c) Science and Technology
(d) Human Resource Development
Ans. (a)
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), founded in 1861 AD, operates under the Department of Culture. Its primary functions encompass the upkeep, safeguarding, and conservation of centrally protected monuments/sites, along with conducting archaeological surveys, excavations, and explorations. Additionally, it spearheads epigraphical research, establishes and revamps site museums across India, undertakes numismatic studies, and publishes findings. Presently, ASI oversees approximately 3644 centrally protected monuments of national significance, including 17 sites listed as world heritage monuments.
Q13. The Archaeological Survey of India is an attached office of the Department/Ministry of (2004)
(a) Culture
(b) Tourism
(c) Science and Technology
(d) Human Resource Development
Ans. (a)
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), founded in 1861 AD, operates under the Department of Culture. Its primary functions encompass the upkeep, safeguarding, and conservation of centrally protected monuments/sites, along with conducting archaeological surveys, excavations, and explorations. Additionally, it spearheads epigraphical research, establishes and revamps site museums across India, undertakes numismatic studies, and publishes findings. Presently, ASI oversees approximately 3644 centrally protected monuments of national significance, including 17 sites listed as world heritage monuments.
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