Art & Culture - 1

Abundance of thoughts
about art & culture…!
Questions….
▪ How important is Art & Culture?

▪ What sources to refer for Art & Culture?

(And should I read ‘Nitin Singhania’ also?)

▪ There seems to be a lot to learn in art &

culture, where should I focus?
How important is Art
& Culture?
Sources
What sources to refer?
Books
▪ R S Sharma – Ancient India (11th Standard Old NCERT)
▪ Themes in India History Part 1 (12th Standard New NCERT)
▪ Our Past – 1 (6th Standard New NCERT)
▪ Satish Chandra – Medieval India (11th Standard Old NCERT)
▪ Themes in India History Part 2 (12th Standard New NCERT)
▪ Our Past – 2 (7th Standard New NCERT)
▪ Introduction to Indian Art – Part 1 (11th Standard New NCERT)
▪ OIA Art & Culture Book

Nitin Singhania?
What sources to refer?
Books
▪ R S Sharma – Ancient India (11th Standard Old NCERT)
▪ Themes in India History Part 1 (12th Standard New NCERT)
▪ Our Past – 1 (6th Standard New NCERT)
▪ Satish Chandra – Medieval India (11th Standard Old NCERT)
▪ Themes in India History Part 2 (12th Standard New NCERT)
▪ Our Past – 2 (7th Standard New NCERT)
▪ Introduction to Indian Art – Part 1 (11th Standard New NCERT)
▪ OIA Art & Culture Book
Prev. Year’s UPSC MCQs on Art & Culture
Let’s look at previous
year’s questions…..
2015
 UPSC Prelims Questions
Which of the following kingdoms
were associated with the life of the
Buddha? (2015)
1. Avanti
2. Gandhara
3. Kosala Religion: Buddhism
4. Magadha
Select the correct answer using the
code given below.
(a)1, 2 and 3
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1, 3 and 4
(d)3 and 4 only
10
 UPSC Prelims Questions
Kalamkari painting refers to?
[2015]

(a) a hand-painted cotton textile in

South India
(b) a handmade drawing on bamboo Paintings: Folk Painting
handicrafts in North-East India
(c) a block-painted woolen cloth in
Western Himalayan region of India
(d) a hand-painted decorative silk
cloth in North-Western India

11
 UPSC Prelims Questions
Which of the following has/have
been accorded 'Geographical
Indication' status? [2015]
1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees
2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
3. Tirupathi Laddu GI Tags

Select the correct answer using the code

given below.

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
12
 UPSC Prelims Questions - Ancient India
Which one of the following was
given classical language status
recently? [2015]

(a) Odia
Languages: Classical Language
(b) Konkani
(c) Bhojpuri
(d) Assamese

13
 UPSC Prelims Questions
With reference to the art and
archaeological history of India,
which one among the following was
made earliest? [2015]

(a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubneshwar Architecture:

(b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli Temples/Rock Cut Structures
(c) Rock-cut Monuments at
Mahabalipuram
(d) varaha Image at Udayagiri

14
2016
 UPSC Prelims Questions
What is/are common to the two
historical places known as Ajanta
and Mahabalipuram? [2016]
1. Both were built in the same period.
2. Both belong to the same religious
denomination. Architecture:
3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Temples/Rock Cut Structures
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
16
 UPSC Prelims Questions
With reference to the religious
history of India, consider the
following statements [2016]
1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana
sect of Buddhism.
2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to Religion: Buddhism
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
17
 UPSC Prelims Questions
Which one of the following
books of ancient India has the
love story of the son of the
founder of Sunga dynasty?
[2016] Literature: Books & Authors
(a) Swapnavasavadatta
(b) Malavikagnirnitra
(c) Meghadoota
(d) Ratnavali
18
 UPSC Prelims Questions
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? [2016]
Cultural phenomenon
(a) Shramana
(b) Parivraajaka
(c) Agrahaarika
(d) Maagadha

19
 UPSC Prelims Questions
With reference to the cultural
history of medieval India, consider
the following statements [2016]
1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were
monotheistic and condemned idolatry.
2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the Religion: Heterodox Religions
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
20
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
2017
 UPSC Prelims Questions
With reference to the religious
history of India, consider the
following statements [2017]
11. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of
Jainism.
2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of Religion: Buddhism/Jainism
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

22
 UPSC Prelims Questions
The painting of Bodhisattva
Padmapani is one of the most
famous and oft-illustrated paintings
at? [2017]

(a) Ajanta Painting/Religion: Buddhism

(b) Badami
(c) Bagh
(d) Ellora

23
 UPSC Prelims Questions
With reference to Manipuri
Sankirtana, consider the following
statements [2017]
1. It is a song and dance performance.
2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments
used in the performance. Dance/Music
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
24
(d) 1 only
 UPSC Prelims Questions
Which of the following is/are
famous for Sun temples? [2017]
1. Arasavalli
2. Amarakantak
3. Omkareshwar

Select the correct answer using the code given below: Architecture: Temples

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

25
 UPSC Prelims Questions
Consider the following pairs:
[2017]
Traditions Communities
1. Chaliha Sahib Festival — Sindhis
2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra — Gonds
3. Wari-Warkari — Santhals Festivals

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
26
2018
 UPSC Prelims Questions
The well-known painting
"Bani Thani" belongs to
the [2018]
(a) Bundi school Paintings: Classical/folk
(b) Jaipur school
(c) Kangra school
(d) Kishangarh school

28
 UPSC Prelims Questions
Consider the following pairs:
[2018]
Traditions State
1. Chapchar Kut festival — Mizoram
2. Khongjom Parba ballad — Manipur
3. Thong-To dance — Sikkim Festivals

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct

?

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3
29
 UPSC Prelims Questions
Consider the following pairs:
[2018]
Craft Heritage of the State
1. Puthukkuli shawls — Tamil Nadu
2. Sujni embroidery — Maharashtra
3. Uppada Jamdani saris — Karnataka Handicraft/Embroidery
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

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

30
 UPSC Prelims Questions
With reference to the cultural
history of India, consider the
following statements : [2018]
1. White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza
and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri.
2. Red sandstone and marble were used in making Architecture: Indo-Islamic
Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow.
Architecture
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

31
 UPSC Prelims Questions
With reference to Indian history,
who among the following is a future
Buddha, yet to come to save the
world? [2018]

(a) Avalokiteshvara Religion: Buddhism

(b) Lokesvara
(c) Maitreya
(d) Padmapani

32
 UPSC Prelims Questions
With reference to the religious
practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi"
sect belongs to [2018]

(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism Religion: Heterodox Sects
(c) Vaishnavism
(d) Shaivism

33
 UPSC Prelims Questions
Which one of the following foreign
travellers elaborately discussed
about diamonds and diamond
mines of India? [2018]

(a) Francois Bernier Cultural Phenomenon

(b) Jean-Baptiste Tavernier
(c) Jean de Thevenot
(d) Abbe Barthelemy Carre

34
 UPSC Prelims Questions
With reference to cultural history of
India, consider the following
statements [2018]
1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in
praise of Lord Krishna.
2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas. Music: Classical
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?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2, 3 and 4
35
2019
 UPSC Prelims Questions
Consider the following statements:
[2019]
1. Deification of the Buddha
2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas
3. Image worship and rituals
Religion: Buddhism
Which of the above is/are the feature/
features of Mahayana Buddhism?

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
37
 UPSC Prelims Questions
With reference to Mian Tansen,
which one of the following
statements is not correct? [2019]

(a)Tansen was the title given to him by

Emperor Akbar. Music: Hindustani
(b)Tansen composed Dhrupads on
Hindu gods and goddesses.
(c)Tansen composed songs on his
patrons.
(d)Tansen invented many Ragas.

38
 UPSC Prelims Questions
Who among the following Mughal
Emperors shifted emphasis from
illustrated manuscripts to album
and individual portrait [2019]

(a) Humayun Paintings: Miniatures

(b) Akbar
(c) Jahangir
(d) Shah Jahan

39
 UPSC Prelims Questions
Building 'Kalyaana Mandapas' was
a notable feature in the temple
construction in the kingdom of
[2019]

(a) Chalukya Architecture: Temples

(b) Chandela
(c) Rashtrakuta
(d) Vijayanagara

40
 UPSC Prelims Questions
In which of the following relief
sculpture inscriptions is
'Ranyo Ashoka' (King Ashoka)
mentioned along with the
stone portrait of Ashoka? Art & Culture: Mauryans
[2019]
(a) Kanganahalli
(b) Sanchi I
(c) Shahbazgarhi
(d) Sohgaura

41
 UPSC Prelims Questions
Consider the following statements
[2019]
1. Saint Nimbarka was a contem-porary of
Akbar.
2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by
Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi. Religion: Bhakti Movement.

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
42
2020
 UPSC Prelims Questions
With reference to the religious
history of India, consider the
following statements [2020]
1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism
2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of
Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism. Religion: Buddhism
3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas
fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

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

44
 UPSC Prelims Questions
Who among the following rulers
advised his subjects through this
inscription? [2020]
“Whosoever praises his religious sect or
blames other sects out of excessive devotion
to his own sect, with the view of glorifying Art & Culture: Mauryans
his own sect, he rather injuries his own sect
very servely.”

(a) Ashoka
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Harshavardhana
(d) Krishnadeva Raya
45
 UPSC Prelims Questions
With reference to the cultural
history of India, which one of the
following is the correct
description of the term ‘paramitas’?
[2020]
Religion: Buddhism
(a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts written
in aphoristic (sutra) style
(b) Philosophical schools that did not accept
the authority of Vedas
(c) Perfections whose attainment led to the
Bodhisattva path
(d) Powerful merchant guilds of early
medieval South India
46
 UPSC Prelims Questions
With reference to the cultural
history of India, consider the
following pairs: [2020]
1. Parivrajaka - Renunciant and Wanderer
2. Shramana - Priest with a high status
3. upasaka - Lay follower of Buddhism Religion: Heterodox Sects

Which of the pairs given above are correctly

matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3
47
2021
 UPSC Prelims Questions
With reference to India, the terms
‘Halbi, Ho and Kui’ pertain to
[2021]

(a) dance forms of Northwest India

Languages: Tribal Languages
(b) musical instruments

(c) pre-historic cave paintings

(d) tribal languages

49
 UPSC Prelims Questions
With reference to the history of
ancient India, Bhavabhuti,
Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were
famous [2021]

(a) Jain monks Literature

(b) playwrights

(c) temple architects

(d) philosophers

50
 UPSC Prelims Questions
Which one of the following
statements is correct? [2021]

(a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of

Waghora river.
Art & Culture + Geography
(b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of
Chambal river.

(c) Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the

gorge of Narmada river.

(d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge

of Godavari river. 51
 UPSC Prelims Questions
Consider the following statements
[2021]
1. 21st February is declared to be the
International Mother Language Day by
UNICEF.
2. The demand that Bangla has to be one of
the national languages was raised in the Language: Modern History
Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.

Which of the above statements is/are

correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(e) Both 1 and 2
52
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
 UPSC Prelims Questions
With reference to Chausath Yogini
Temple situated near Morena,
consider the following statements
[2021]
1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of
Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
2. It is the only circular temple built in India. [How can it be Architecture: Temples
possible]. Eliminate this statement, and you have the
answer.
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?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4 53
 UPSC Prelims Questions
Consider the following pairs:
[2021]
Historical place Well-known for
Burzahom: Rock-cut shrines
Chandraketugarh: Terracotta art
Ganeshwar: Copper artefacts Rock Cut architecture + Terracotta
Which of the pairs given above is /are correctly
+ Copper findings
matched?

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

54
 UPSC Prelims Questions
According to Portuguese writer
Nuniz, the women in Vijayanagara
Empire were expert in which of the
following areas? [2021]
1. Wrestling Culture: Status of Women
2. Astrology
3. Accounting
4. Soothsaying

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 arid 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 55
What do we gather from all of these questions?
UPSC is fond of asking questions in the following areas:
1. Religion
2. Paintings
3. Architecture
4. Literature
5. Languages
6. Dance
7. Music
8. Festivals
9. Handicrafts
10. GI Tags
What sources to refer?
Books
▪ R S Sharma – Ancient India (11th Standard Old NCERT)
▪ Themes in India History Part 1 (12th Standard New NCERT)
▪ Our Past – 1 (6th Standard New NCERT)
▪ Satish Chandra – Medieval India (11th Standard Old NCERT)
▪ Themes in India History Part 2 (12th Standard New NCERT)
▪ Our Past – 2 (7th Standard New NCERT)
▪ Introduction to Indian Art – Part 1 (11th Standard New NCERT)
▪ OIA Art & Culture Book
Prev. Year’s UPSC MCQs on Art & Culture
Current Affairs
Now, let’s reverse-engineer
Art & Culture topics from
Current Affairs
Art & Culture in Current Affairs
1. Sun Temple of Konark
▪ Jagamohan
▪ Odisha/Kalinga Architectural Style
2. Putola Nach (Puppetry)
▪ Types of Puppetry
▪ Different states and its own puppetry
3. New UNESCO World Heritage Sites
▪ Types of Heritage sites & Criteria for selection
▪ New sites declared: Satpura Tiger Reserve, Ghats of Varanasi, Megalithic site of
Hire Benkal, Maratha Military Architecture, Bhedaghat-Lametaghat in
Narmada Valley-Jabalpur, Temples of Kanchipuram.
▪ Ramappa temple in Telangana – Sandbox technique
▪ Dholavira
4. Yoga
Art & Culture in Current Affairs
5. Paryushan and Das Lakshan
▪ Festivals of Jains
6. National Maritime Heritage Complex (at Lothal)
▪ Significance of Lothal as an IVC site
7. Kesaria Buddha Stupa
▪ About Stupas in India
▪ Chinese travellers associated
8. Official Language Status
▪ Tulu language
▪ Yuelu Proclamation for Linguistic diversity (UNESCO)
9. Kartarpur Corridor
▪ Guru Nanak Dev
▪ Bhakti Movement
Art & Culture in Current Affairs
10. Thamirabarani Civilization at Sivakalai in Thoothukudi
▪ Association with IVC
11. Keezhadi in Sivagangai
▪ Association with IVC
12. Kushinagar
▪ Mahaparinirvana
▪ Buddhist Tourism
▪ Reclining Buddha
13. Uttaramerur Inscriptions
▪ Thenneri inscriptions
▪ Kudavolai
▪ Kanthaleeswarar temple
14. UNESCO Creative City Network
▪ Srinagar as “Creative City”
Art & Culture in Current Affairs
15. Sahitya Akademi Awards
16. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
▪ Jyotirlingas
17. Darjeeling toy train
18. Durga Puja Festival
▪ “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”.
19. Decolonisation of Minds
▪ Rhodes Must Fall Movement
20. Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
▪ Birsa Munda
21. Sri Aurobindo
▪ Role in freedom struggle
22. Vernacular Innovation Program
Art & Culture in Current Affairs
23. Apatani Textiles
▪ GI tag application for the Arunachal Pradesh Apatani textile
24. Kaavi Art
▪ Introduced by Portuguese
25. Best tourism villages (BTV) by UNWTO
26. Tai Khamti mutiny of 1839
▪ Khampti dance
27. Karuppur kalamkari paintings from Tamil Nadu
▪ Kallakurichi wood carvings from Tamil Nadu
28. National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM)
29. GI Tag To Judima Rice Wine
30. Meenakari art
▪ Introduced to India by the Mughals
So, what shall we
learn?
All that is important for UPSC
1. Religion
2. Paintings
3. Architecture
4. Literature But first…
5. Languages
6. Dance Let’s interact
7. Music
8. Festivals
9. Handicrafts
10. GI Tags