UPSC Prelims: Indian Art & Culture

The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by

With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism?

The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the

With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries; which of the following statements are correct?

How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?

With reference to the religious history of medieval India, the Sufi mystics were known to pursue which of the following practices?

Lord Buddha's image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called Bhumisparsha Mudra. It symbolizes

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 The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. 3.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?

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

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

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.

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?

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?

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.

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?

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?

Every year, a monthlong ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?

With reference to 'Changpa' community of India, consider the following statements: 1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand. 2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool. 3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.

With reference to the cultural history of India, the term 'Panchayatan' refers to

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

The national motto of India, 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from

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?

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 given above is/are correct?

With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs: 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 (boar incarnation) 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" sculpted on the surface of huge boulders : Mamallapuram. Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

With reference to India's culture and tradition, what is 'Kalaripayattu?

Consider the following pairs: 1. Garba : Gujarat 2. Mohiniattam : Odisha 3. Yakshagana : Karnataka. Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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

Consider the following statements: 1. 'Bijak' is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal. 2. The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded by Madhvacharya. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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

In a particular region in India, the local people train the roots of living trees into robust bridges across the streams. As the time passes, these bridges become stronger. These unique living root bridges' are found in

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

Kalamkari painting refers to

Which of the following has/have been accorded 'Geographical Indication' status? 1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees 2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma 3. Tirupathi Laddu. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

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?

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?

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.

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?

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?

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?

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

Consider the following pairs: 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?

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:

Consider the following pairs: 1. Chapchar Kut festival - Mizoram 2. Khongjom Parba ballad - Manipur 3. Thang-Ta dance - Sikkim. Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

The well-known painting "Bani Thani" belongs to the

With reference to cultural history of India, consider the following statements: 1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna. 2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas. 3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries. 4. Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Consider the following pairs: 1. Puthukkuli shawls - Tamil Nadu 2. Sujni embroidery - Maharashtra 3. Uppada Jamdani saris - Karnataka Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to

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?

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

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?

Building 'Kalyaana Mandapas' was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of

Consider the following statements: 1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar. 2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct?

Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?

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 the Mahayana Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term 'paramitas'?

With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs: 1. Parivrajaka - Renunciant and Wanderer 2. Shramana - Priest with a high status 3. Upasaka - Lay follower of Buddhism. Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

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.

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

With reference to India, the terms 'Halbi, Ho and Kui' pertain to

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?

With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs: 1. Aryadeva - Jaina scholar 2. Dignaga - Buddhist scholar 3. Nathamuni - Vaishnava scholar How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

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?

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:

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?

With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs: 1. Devichandragupta : Bilhana 2. Hammira-Mahakavya : Nayachandra Suri 3. Milinda-panha : Nagarjuna 4. Nitivakyamrita : Somadeva Suri. How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

"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?

With reference to the Indian History, Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with

Consider the following pairs: 1. Besnagar: Shaivite cave shrine 2. Bhaja: Buddhist cave shrine 3. Sittanavasal: Jain cave shrine. How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by which of the following epithets? 1. Nayaputta 2. Shakyamuni 3. Tathagata Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Consider the following statements: 1. There are no parables in Upanishads. 2. Upanishads were composed earlier than the Puranas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO?

Which one of the following is a work attributed to playwright Bhasa?

Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO: 1. Shantiniketan 2. Rani-ki-Vav 3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya How many of the above properties were included in 2023?

The first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, a music training school, was set up in 1901 by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar in

Which one of the following Carnatic music ragas is similar to Raga Bilawal in Hindustani music?

Which of the following temples has/have a Nagara-style shikhara? 1. Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami 2. Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole 3. Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh 4. Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal Select the answer using the code given below:

Among the four main forms of existence of life recognized in Jainism, which one of the following is not included?

The Hallisalasya painting in the Bagh Caves represents:

Consider the following statements relating to the use of the place-value system in India: 1. The earliest epigraphic use of the place-value system in India is found in the Mankani plates from Gujarat (AD 595 - 596). 2. In the ninth century, place-values become general in inscriptions all over India. 3. The place-values have been found in Sanskrit inscriptions in South-east Asia as early as the seventh century. Which of the statements given above are correct?

What does an empty seat represent in early Buddhist iconography ?

Which of the following statements on the Amaravati Stupa and its relief sculpture is/are correct? 1. It was located in the lower Krishna valley. 2. In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size. 3. The Amaravati school of sculpture made a lasting impact on the later South Indian sculpture, and its products were carried to Sri Lanka and South-east Asia. Select the answer using the code given below :

Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur, the famous classical singer from Karnataka, represented the :

Which one of the following statements with regard to the Moidams, built by the Tai-Ahom kingdom and inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is/are correct? 1. They acted as army fortresses. 2. They were recreation centres of the Royals and Nobles. 3. They were burial grounds of the Royals and Nobles. 4. They were battle drill centres of the Royals and Nobles. Select the answer using the code given below: