UPSC PYQs: Art & Culture

Review complete published questions grouped by subject: Art & Culture.

28 published questions

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Questions

Vijayanagara architecture exemplifies the amalgamation of past traditions with contemporary practices. Elucidate with examples.2026 · Mains GS1 · Art & Culture · Vijayanagara Architecture
The sculptors filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigor and breadth of life. Elucidate.2025 · Mains GS1 · Art & Culture · Chandella Art
Dhanyakataka, an important Mahasanghika Buddhist centre, was located in which region?2023 · Prelims GS1 · Art & Culture · Buddhist Centres
What did the Sangam-age practice “Vattakirutal” refer to?2023 · Prelims GS1 · Art & Culture · Sangam Literature
How many literary work–author pairs are correct: Devichandragupta–Bilhana; Hammira-Mahakavya–Nayachandra Suri; Milinda-panha–Nagarjuna; Nitivakyamrita–Somadeva Suri?2023 · Prelims GS1 · Art & Culture · Literature & Authors
The belief that souls exist not only in animals/plants but also in rocks, water and other natural objects reflects which ancient Indian tradition?2023 · Prelims GS1 · Art & Culture · Jain Philosophy
Alexander Rea, A.H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were chiefly associated with what in Indian history?2023 · Prelims GS1 · Art & Culture · Archaeology
How many site–association pairs are correct: Besnagar–Shaivite cave shrine; Bhaja–Buddhist cave shrine; Sittanavasal–Jain cave shrine?2023 · Prelims GS1 · Art & Culture · Cave & Heritage Sites
Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives, successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.2016 · Mains GS1 · Art & Culture · Buddhist Stupa Art
Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty?2016 · Prelims GS1 · Art & Culture · Ancient Literature
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?2016 · Prelims GS1 · Art & Culture · Buddhism
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.2016 · Prelims GS1 · Art & Culture · Rock-cut Architecture
A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of2016 · Prelims GS1 · Art & Culture · Modern Cultural References
Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate this comment.2015 · Mains GS1 · Art & Culture · Mesolithic Rock-cut Art
To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present day urbanization? Discuss.2014 · Mains GS1 · Art & Culture · Indus Valley Civilization
Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain.2014 · Mains GS1 · Art & Culture · Gandhara Sculpture
Taxila university was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were associated a number of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in the modern sense. Discuss.2014 · Mains GS1 · Art & Culture · Taxila University
Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of Hindu/Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment.2014 · Mains GS1 · Art & Culture · Sufis and Mystic Saints
Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions.2013 · Mains GS1 · Art & Culture · Tandava Dance
Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss.2013 · Mains GS1 · Art & Culture · Chola Architecture
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?2013 · Prelims GS1 · History & Culture, Art & Culture · Rock-cut Architecture
Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?2013 · Prelims GS1 · Art & Culture · Buddhist Cave Architecture
Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?2013 · Prelims GS1 · History & Culture, Art & Culture · Buddhism, Buddhist Philosophy
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.2013 · Prelims GS1 · Art & Culture · Jain Philosophy
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?2013 · Prelims GS1 · History & Culture, Art & Culture · Bhakti Movement
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?2013 · Prelims GS1 · History & Culture, Art & Culture · Indian Painting, 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. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?2013 · Prelims GS1 · Art & Culture · Sankhya Philosophy
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?2013 · Prelims GS1 · History & Culture, Art & Culture · Indian Dance and Sculpture, Tribhanga Pose