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Indian Architecture Previous Year Questions

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INDIAN ART & CULTURE UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

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INDIAN ART & CULTURE UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS INDEX No. of Page No. S.No. Topic Qns From To 01. Indian Architecture, and Pottery 27 1 14 02. Indian Paintings 2 14 16 03. Indian Music 2 16 16 04. Indian Dance Forms 5 18 21 05. Languages in 2 21 22 06. in India 7 22 28 07. Indian Literature 5 29 30 08. Schools of Philosophy 2 30 32 09. Calendars in India 1 33 33 10. Martial Arts in India 1 33 33

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1. Indian Architecture, Select the correct answer using the code given below. Sculpture and Pottery a) 1 and 2 only 1. Consider the following pairs : b) 3 only Famous place Region c) 1 and 3 only 1. Bodhgaya Baghelkhand d) 1, 2 and 3 2. Khajuraho Bundelkhand 4. With reference to the art and 3. Shirdi Vidarbha archaeological , which one 4. Nasik () Malwa among the following was made earliest? 5. Tirupati a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli Which of the pairs given above are correctly c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram matched? Codes d) Image at Udayagiri a) 1, 2 and 4 5. Consider the following pairs: b) 2, 3, 4 and 5 Place of Pilgrimage Location c) 2 and 5 only 1. Srisailam Nallamala Hills d) 1, 3, 4 and 5 2. Omkareshwar Satmala Hills 2. What is/are common to the two historical 3. Pushkar Mahadeo Hills places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? Which of the above pairs is/are correctly 1. Both were built in the same period. matched? 2. Both belong to the same religious Codes denomination. a) 1 only 3. Both have rock-cut monuments. b) 2 and 3 only Select the correct answer using the code c) 1 and 3 only given below. d) 1, 2 and 3 a) 1 and 2 only b) 3 only 6. With reference to Buddhist history, c) 1 and 3 only tradition and culture in India, which of d) None of the statements given above is correct the following pairs is/are correctly

3. The arrival of Babur into India led to the matched? 1. introduction of gunpowder in the Famous Shrine Location subcontinent 1. Tabo monastery and temple Spiti 2. introduction of the arch and dome in the complex valley region’s architecture Zanskar 2. LhotsavaLakhang temple, Nako 3. establishment of Timurid dynasty in the valley region 3. Alchi temple complex Ladakh www.laexias.co 1 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

Codes d) The room in which the nobles belonging to a) Only (i) differentreligions gathered to discuss b) (ii) & (iii) religious affairs. c) (i) & (iii) d) All of these 10. With reference to history of Indian rock-

7. With reference to the cultural history of cut architecture, consider the following India, the term Panchayatan refers to? statements: a) An assembly of village elders 1) The caves at are the oldest surviving b) A religious sect rock-cut caves in India. c) A style of temple construction 2) The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally d) An administrative functionary made for Ajivikas by the emperor 8. With reference to the Indian history of art Chandragupta Maurya. and culture, which ofthe following pairs 3) At Ellora, caves were made for different is/are correctly matched? faiths. Famous Work of Site Sculpture Which of the statement(s) given above is/are I. A grand image of Buddha’s Ajanta correct? Mahapariniravana with a) Only (i) numerous celestialmusicians b) (ii) & (iii) above and the sorrowful c) Only (iii) figuresof his followers below d) All of these II. A huge of Varaha Mt. Abu (Boar incarnation) of 11. Which of the following characterise(s) the as he rescuesgoddess earth people of Indus civilization? from the deep and 1. They possessed great palaces and temples. chaoticwaters, sculpted on 2. They worshipped both male and female rock . III. Arjuna’s penance/Descent Mamalla 3. They employed horse-drawn chariot for of Gangasculpted on the puram surface of huge boulders warfares. Codes Codes a) (i) & (ii) a) (i) & (ii) b) Only (iii) b) Only (ii) c) (i) & (iii) c) All of these d) All of these d) None of these

9. Ibadat Khana of was 12. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called a) The mosque for the use of royal family Chaityas while the others are called b) Akbar’s private chamber for prayer Viharas. What is the difference between c) The hall in which Akbar held discussions thetwo? with scholars of various religions a) Vihar is a place of worship while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks. www.laexias.co 2 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

b) Chaitya is a place of worship while Vihara is 16.Where is the famous Virupaksha temple the dwelling place of monks. located? c) Chaitya is a stupa at the far end of the cave a) Bhadrachalam while Vihar is the hall axial to it. b) Chidambaram d) There is no material difference between the c) two. d) Shrikalahasti 13.The Nagara, the Dravida and the 17.Where is the famous Vijaya-Vittala temple are the: a) Three main racial groups of the Indian sub- having its 56 carvedpillars emitting continent musical notes located? b) Three main linguistic divisions into which a) Belur the languages of India can be classified b) Bhadrachalam c) Three main styles of Indian temple architecture c) Hampi d) Three main musical gharanas prevalent in d) Srirangam India 18.The pillar inscription is 14. Regarding the Indus Valley civilisation, associated with which one ofthe following? consider the following statements: a) Mahapadmananda 1. It was predominantly a secular civilisation b) Chandragupta Maurya and the religious element, though present, c) did not dominate the scene. d) Samudragupta 2. During this period cotton was used for manufacturingtextiles in India. 19.The initial design and construction of which massive temple took place during Which of the statements given above is/are the reign of Suryavarman II? correct? a) Sri Mariamman temple a) Only (i) b) Angkor Vat temple b) Only (ii) c) Batu Caves temple c) Both (i) & (ii) d) Kamakhya temple d) Neither (i) & (ii) 20.Which of the following pairs is correctly 15. There are only 2 known examples of cave matched? painting of the Guptaperiod in ancient a) Vikramshila University – India. One of these is paintings of Ajanta b) HemkundGurudwara – Himachal Pradesh caves. c) – Where is the other surviving example? d) Amaravati Buddhist Stupa – a) b) 21.Which one the following pairs is not c) Lomash caves correctly matched? d) Nasik caves www.laexias.co 3 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

c) Mysore and Monastery State d) and Dharwar (a) Dhankar monastery Himachal Pradesh

(b) Rumtek monastery Sikkim 25. In which of the following cities is the Lingaraja temple located? (c) Tabo monastery Himachal Pradesh a) Bhubaneswar (d) Kye monastery Arunachal Pradesh b)

22. Match List I with List II and select the c) Kolkata correct answer using the codes given d) Shravana-Belgola below: 26. Which of the following animals was not List I List II (archaeological finding) represented in seals and terracotta art of (ancientsite) Harappan sculpture? A. Lothal 1. Plough field a) Cow B. Kalibangan 2. Dockyard b) Elephant

C. Dholavira 3. Terracotta replica of a plough c) Rhinoceros

4. An inscription comprising 10 d) Tiger D. Banawali large sized signs of the 27. Which of the following pairs is correctly arappan script matched? Codes a) Harappancivilisation – Painted grey ware a) A – 1; B – 2; C – 3; D – 4 b) The Kushanas – Gandhara school of art b) A – 2; B – 1; C – 4; D – 3 c) The Mughals – Ajanta paintings c) A – 1; B – 2; C – 4; D – 3 d) The Marathas – Pahari school of painting d) A – 2; B – 1; C – 3; D – 4

23.Which of the following statements is not 1. Key and Explanation correct? 1. KEY: C a) The statute of Gomateswara at Shravana- Explanation : Belagola represents the last tirthankar of the  Bodhgaya- Indo Gangetic Plain Jains.  Shirdi- Marathwada b) India’s largest Buddhist monastery is in  Nasik- Marathwada Arunachal Pradesh. Educational Objective : Famous Cultural c) Khajuraho temples were built under places and their location Chandela kings. 2. KEY: B d) is dedicated to . Explanation : Ajanta- 24. Hoysala monuments are found in  The are 30 (appro a) Hampi and Hospet ximately) rock-cut Buddhist cave monu b) Halebid and Belur www.laexias.co 4 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

ments which date from the 2nd detail. By the late 14th century, the century BCE to about 480 CE and the in district of Maharashtra state Empire were maintaining rockets and hand- of India. cannon squadrons in their respective  The caves include paintings and rock-cut militaries. described as among the finest  Indo-Islamic architecture begins with the surviving examples of ancient Indian art, Ghurid occupation of India at the close of particularly expressive paintings that the 12 century A.D. and Arch and Domes present emotions through gesture, pose and are important characteristics of Indo- Islamic form. Architecture Mahabalipuram :  , also known  Timurid dynasty moves on to conquer India as Mahabalipuram, is a town under the leadership of Zahir-ud-din in Chengalpattu district in the southeastern Muhammad Babur in 1526 C.E. and Indian state of , best known for established the Timurid dynasty of India. the UNESCO World Heritage Site of 7th- and Educational Objective : Establishment of 8th-century Hindu Group of Monuments at Mughal Empire Mamallapuram.  The site has 40 ancient monuments 4. KEY: B and Hindu temples, including Descent of the Explanation : or Arjuna's Penance – one of the  Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar(11th largest open-air rock in the world. Century CE)  The cave temples and monolithic temples  Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli(Around 250 were built during the Pallava Period. BCE) Educational Objective : Prominent Cultural  Rock-cut Monuments at sites Mahabalipuram(7th- 8th Century CE) 3. KEY: B  Varaha Image at Udayagiri(250-410 Explanation : CE ;During Gupta Period). Educational Objective : Architecture  Contrary to popular idea that it was Babur, during Ancient India founder of the Mughal Empire, who introduced gunpowder to India, gunpowder 5. KEY: A and gunpowder weaponry were known to Explanation : Indians long before. As early as the  Omkareshwar- Mandhata Hill 13th century Amir Khusrau describes the  Pushkar- Aravalli usage of rockets by the Sultanate. Educational Objective: Places of Pilgrimage in  Similar devices are described as having been India common among Rajputs, such as those at 6. KEY: C Ranthambore whose siege was described by Explanation : contemporary Muslim commentators in www.laexias.co 5 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

Lhotsava Lhakhang, Nako is in Himachal  At this place, he invited selected mystics Pradesh. Zanskar Valley is in Jammu and intellectuals and theologians and held Kashmir. Therefore 2 is wrong pair. discussions on religious and spiritual Educational Objective : Famous Buddhist themes. He invited scholars belonging to Shrines various such as , Islam , Zoroastrianism , Christianity and even 7. KEY: C atheists. Explanation : Temples are built in  He conducted religious debates with these the Panchayatana layout: the main shrine is people. surrounded by four subsidiary shrines. The  They visited Ibadat Khana and discussed origin of the name are their religious belief with Akbar. the words Pancha (five)set ayatana (con  taining). Generally, Hindu temples are built The result of these discussions at the Hall of along a west-east axis. So the four subsidiary Prayer led them to the conclusion that all shrines are at the north-east, south-east, south- religions lead to the same goal. west, north-west. Educational Objective : Akbar’s Religious Policy Educational Objective : Temple Architecture in Ancient India 10. KEY: C Explanation : 8. KEY: C  The cave temples are a complex Explanation : Badami of Hindu and Jain cave temples located  Cave 5 is a shallow niche more than a cave in Badami, a town in the in and contains the much-celebrated colossal northern part of , India. The caves Varaha panel of Udayagiri Caves. It is the are considered an example of Indian rock-cut narrative of Vishnu in his Varaha or man- architecture, especially Badami Chalukya boar avatar rescuing goddess earth in crisis. architecture, which dates from the 6th Educational Objective : Prominent Cultural century. sites  The Barabar Hill Caves are the oldest 9. KEY: C surviving rock-cut caves in India, dating Explanation : from the (322–185 BCE),  The Ibādat Khāna (House of Worship) was a some with Ashokan inscriptions, located in meeting house built in 1575 CE by the Makhdumpur region of Jehanabad the Mughal Emperor Akbar (1556–1605) district, , India, The cave of Lomas at Fatehpur Sikri to gather spiritual leaders Rishi is probably the most famous of the of different religious grounds so as to caves of Barabar, because of its beautifully conduct a discussion on the teachings of the carved door. respective religious leaders.  The were used by ascetics from the Ajivika sect, founded www.laexias.co 6 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

by Makkhali Gosala, a contemporary Educational Objective : Indus Civilization of , the founder of 12. KEY: B , and of , the last and Explanation : Chaitya is a place of worship 24th of . Most caves at while Vihara is the dwelling place of monks. Barabar consist of two chambers, carved Educational Objective:Religious Reform entirely out of granite, with a highly polished Movement- Buddhism internal surface, the "Mauryan polish" also found on sculptures, and exciting echo 13. KEY: C effects. Explanation : Three main styles of Indian  Ellora is a UNESCO World Heritage temple architecture Site located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. It is one of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes in the world, featuring Jain, Buddhist and Hindu, monuments, and artwork, dating from the 600–1000 CE period. Cave 16, in particular, features the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world, the Kailasha temple, Educational Objective : Architecture in a chariot shaped monument dedicated to Ancient India Lord Shiva. Educational Objective : Prominent Cultural 14. KEY: C Sites in Ancient India Explanation :  Secular society is where there is the lack of 11. KEY: B authority of religious leaders over political Explanation : Indus Civilization decisions. Religious elements were present in  Although there were large walls and citadels, Harappa Civilization like Pasupathi seal, there is no evidence of monuments, palaces, terracotta figurine of male and female, great or temples. bath of Mohenjo-Daro. However, Harappa  Prominent features of the Indus religion: a was predominantly a secular civilization, as Great Male God and a Mother Goddess; these elements, though present, did not terracotta figurine of male and female, dominate the political decisions as reflect deification or veneration of animals and from evidences. plants; symbolic representation of the  Farmers in Indus Valley Civilization used to phallus (linga) and vulva (yoni); and, use of weave cotton textiles. Some of cotton textiles baths and water in religious practice. were unearthed in 1929 in Mohenjo-Daro  Horse drawn chariot for warfares used site which is now in Pakistan. during later Vedic Period. www.laexias.co 7 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

Educational Objective: Know about Harappan the reliefs of the Sāñcī toraņa Civilization’s features. crossbars".Some connections with the art of Gandhara can also be noted, and there is 15. KEY: A evidence of a shared artistic idiom. Explanation : Ajanta Caves Bagh Caves :  The Ajanta Caves are 30  The Bagh Caves are a group of nine rock-cut (approximately) rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments, situated among the southern monuments which date from the 2nd slopes of the Vindhyas in Bagh town of Dhar century BCE to about 480 CE district in state in in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state central India. These monuments are located of India. The caves include paintings and at a distance of 97 km from Dhar town. rock-cut sculptures described as among the These are renowned for mural paintings by finest surviving examples of ancient Indian master painters of ancient India. art, particularly expressive paintings that  The Bagh caves, like those at Ajanta, were present emotions through gesture, pose and excavated by master craftsmen on form. perpendicular sandstone rock face of a hill  The paintings in the Ajanta caves on the far bank of a seasonal stream, the predominantly narrate the Jataka tales. Baghani. Buddhist in inspiration, of the nine These are Buddhist legends describing the caves, only five have survived. All of them are previous births of the Buddha. These fables 'viharas' or resting places of embed ancient morals and cultural lores that monks monasteries having quadrangular are also found in the fables and legends of plan. A small chamber, usually at the back, Hindu and Jain texts. The Jataka tales are forms the 'chaitya', the prayer hall. Most exemplified through the life example and significant of these five extant caves is the sacrifices that the Buddha made in Cave 4, commonly known as the Rang hundreds of his past incarnations, where he Mahal (Palace of Colors). is depicted as having been reborn as an  The Bagh Caves were quarried in the 5th - animal or human. 6th century AD, in the very late stages of  Mural paintings survive from both the earlier Buddhism in India, and long after most of and later groups of caves. Several fragments the Indian Buddhist Caves had been built, of murals preserved from the earlier caves many of them since the 2nd or 1st centuries (Caves 10 and 11) are effectively unique BCE. survivals of ancient painting in India from  They are believed to have been built this period, and "show that by during the 5-7th by Sātavāhana times, if not earlier, the century. Archaeological Survey of India has Indian painters had mastered an easy and restored the place over 17 years. fluent naturalistic style, dealing with large groups of people in a manner comparable to www.laexias.co 8 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

 The paintings on the wall and ceilings of this temple is his addition. There is a stone the viharas of Bagh, the fragments of which slab beside the hall which has inscriptions are still visible in Cave 3 and Cave 4 that explain his offerings for the temple. (remnants seen also in Caves 2, 5 and 7), Educational Objective- were executed in tempera. These paintings Temples in Hampi are materialistic rather than spiritualistic. 17. KEY: C The ground prepared was a reddish-brown Explanation : gritty and thick mud plaster, laid out on the  The renowned Vittala Temple dates back to walls and ceilings. Over the plaster, lime- the . It was built during the priming was done, on which these paintings reign of King Devaraya II (1422 – 1446 A.D.), were executed. Some of the most beautiful one of the rulers of the . paintings were on the walls of the portico of Several portions of the temple were expanded Cave 4. and enhanced during the reign Educational Objective: Ajanta and Bagh Cave of (1509 – 1529 A.D.), the Paintings most famous ruler of the Vijayanagara 16. KEY: C dynasty. Explanation :  The temple is also called Vijaya Vittala  The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi is Temple and is dedicated to Vittala, an dedicated to lord Shiva. Hampi is a temple incarnation of Lord Vishnu. town in and is acknowledged as  The temple is built in the Dravidian style of one of the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO. architecture This temple was constructed in Lakkana The Stone Chariot, which stands tall in the Dandesha’s assistance who was a courtyard of the temple, is one of the most commander under King Raya II. stunning architectural wonders and is also  Hampi is on the embankment of River one of the three famous stone chariots in the Tungabhadra. country. The other two chariots are located  The temple has a shrine or the holy place of in Konark and Mahabalipuram. This chariot worship, a hall with a number of pillars and shrine is dedicated to - the carrier of Lord Vishnu, and one can find an image of 3 antechambers. There are courtyards, a Garuda housed in its sanctum. pillared monastery, few small shrines; and  entrance ways surrounding the The large Ranga Mantapa is well known for its 56 musical pillars. These pillars are also temple.Among all the gateways, the eastern known as SaReGaMa pillars, which are gateway is the greatest. attributed to the musical notes emerging out  A renowned Vijayanagara King, of them. The musical notes can be heard Krishnadevaraya was a contributor of the when the pillars are gently tapped. One can temple. It is believed that the main pillared hall which is the most adorned structure of www.laexias.co 9 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

find a set of main pillars and also several It was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman smaller ones at the mantapa. II in the early 12th century in Yaśodharapura, Educational Objective: Temples in Hampi the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. Breaking from 18. KEY: D the Shaiva tradition of previous kings, Angkor Explanation : Wat was instead dedicated to Vishnu.  The inscription is a panegyric praising Some 72 major temples or other buildings are Samudragupta and lists the political and found within this area, and the remains of military achievements of his reign including several hundred additional minor temple sites his expeditions to the south. It provides a unique snapshot of the and its are scattered throughout the landscape beyond. neighbours and is the source of much of Educational Objective : Angkor Vat what is known of the geopolitical landscape Temple, Combodia of that era. 20. KEY: D  was the author of allahabad pillar Explanation : inscription .  The Vikramshila University remains are  The Pillar was established during Ashoka located near Antichak in Bhagalpur district regime. of Bihar. Vikramashila was founded by Pāla  A later inscription in Persian traces the king Dharmapala in the late 8th or early 9th ancestry of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. It century. It prospered for about four was carved by Mir Abdullah Mushkin Qalam, centuries before it was destroyed by shortly before his accession to the throne Bakhtiyar Khilji along with the other major when he was still Salim.The Jahangir centres of Buddhism in India around 1193. inscription overwrote and "ruthlessly  Hemkund Sahib, formally known as destroyed" the significant portion of the Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji, is a ancient Ashoka inscription, states Sikh place of worship and pilgrimage site in Cunningham. Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India. It is Educational Objective: Allahabad Pillar inscription devoted to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, and finds mention in Dasam 19. KEY: B Granth, a work dictated by Guruji himself. Explanation : Angkor Wat is an enormous  The Udayagiri Caves are twenty rock-cut Buddhist temple complex located in northern caves near , Madhya Pradesh from Cambodia. It was originally built in the first half the early years of the 5th century CE. They of the 12th century as a . Originally dedicated to the Hindu god contain some of the oldest Vishnu, Angkor Wat became a surviving Hindu temples and iconography in Buddhist temple by the end of the 12th century. India. They are the only site that can be verifiably associated with a Gupta www.laexias.co 10 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

period monarch from its inscriptions. Explanation : Udayagiri caves contain iconography  Lothal (Manchester of Indus Valley of (Vishnu), ( a Civilisation) in – dockyard, double nd Matrikas) and (Shiva). They are burial, risk husk, fire altars, painted jar, notable for the ancient modern day chess, terracotta figure of ship, monumental relief sculpture of Vishnu in his instruments for measuring 45, 90 and 180- incarnation as the man-boar Varaha, degree angles.  in - Ploughed field, rescuing the earth symbolically represented Kalibangan Earthquake, Fire altars, A charging bull, no by Bhudevi clinging to the boar's tusk as drainage system described in .[  Dholavira in Gujarat – water reservoir,  The Amarāvatī Stupa, popularly known as unique water harnessing system, stadium, the great stūpa at Amarāvathī, is a dams and embankments, inscription ruined Buddhist monument, probably built comprising 10 large sized signs like an in phases between the third century BCE advertisement board. and about 250 CE, at Amaravathi village,  Banawali in Haryana – toy plough, barley Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The grains, oval-shaped settlement, the only city Chinese traveller and Buddhist monk Hiuen with radial streets. Tsang (Xuanzang) visited Amaravati in 640 Educational Objective: Know about Harappan CE, stayed for sometime and studied Civilization’s features. 'Abhidhammapitakam'. Xuanzang wrote a 23. KEY: A glorious account of the place, Viharas and Explanation : monasteries that existed.  ,a much revered figure Educational Objective : Prominent Cultural among Jains, was the son Sites in Ancient India of (the first tirthankara of 21. KEY: D Jainism) and the younger brother of Bharata Explanation : Kye Gompa is a Tibetan Chakravartin. He is said to have meditated Buddhist monastery located on top of a hill at motionless for twelve years in a standing an altitude of 4,166 metres above sea level, close posture () and that during this to the Spiti River, in the Spiti Valley of Himachal time, climbing plants grew around his legs. Pradesh, Lahaul and Spiti district, India. It is After his years of meditation, Bahubali is the biggest monastery of Spiti Valley and a said to have attained omniscience (Kevala religious training centre for Lamas. Gyana). Educational Objective : Famous Buddhist  Bahubali's other names are Kamma Centers teswara, Gommateshwara because of the Gommateshwara dedicated to him. 22. KEY: B The statue was built by the Ganga www.laexias.co 11 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

dynasty minister and  The Shiva Linga in the temple made of commander ; it is a 57-foot marble is the major attraction of the temple. (17 m) monolith (statue carved from a single Here you can see nearly 800 carved piece of rock) situated above a hill sculptures and 646 . in in the Hassan  (Hale'beedu) literally means "the district, Karnataka state, India. It was built ruined city". It was then known as circa 981 A.D. and is one of the largest free- Dwarasamudra (gateway to the seas). It was standing statues in the world. Bahubali was the capital of Hoysalas before they shifted not a Tirthankar. the capital to Belur. The height of Hoysalan  Mahavira (6th century bce) was the last art and architecture survives in the form of Tirthankara to appear. According to tradition, Hoysaleshvara Temple at Halebidu. The his predecessor, , lived about temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 250 years earlier Educational Objective-  Tawang Monastery, located in Tawang city of Prominent Cultural Sites in India Tawang district in the Indian state of 24. KEY: B Arunachal Pradesh, is the largest monastery Explanation : Belur and Halebidu are the best in India and second largest in the world after known temples of the Hoysala dynasty. The the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Belur and Halebid temples give a glimpse of  The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a Hindu temple art at its glorious best of the group of Hindu temples and Jain 16th century. They are famous for their carvings temples in Chhatarpur district, Madhya and splendid architecture. The Hoysalas Pradesh, India, about 175 kilometres improved on the Calukyan style of architecture (109 mi) southeast of Jhansi. They are by building extremely ornate temples in many a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples parts of Karnataka noted for the sculptures in are famous for their nagara-style the walls, ceilings, curved pillars and many more. architectural symbolism and their erotic They followed vesara style of architecture. sculptures. Chennakeshava Temple in Belur was  Most Khajuraho temples were built between commissioned by Vishnuvadhana the Hoysala 950 AD and 1050 AD by king himself to celebrate an important military the Chandela dynasty. victory in 1117 AD against the Cholas in battle  In Khajuraho group of temples, Kandariya of Talakad. Mahadev temple is the largest and tallest The wall-images of the Chennakesava-temple are Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The one of the large sculptural attractions of the architectural styles of the temple resemble monument, among them are Shiva dancing on a the with the main spire at a demon, Incarnation of Vishnu as and height of 31 meters. Varaha, , Ganesh, Mahisasuramardini. In ornate Hoysala temples the depiction of www.laexias.co 12 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

numerous gods and attendants in a horizontal  In the 11th century, Lingaraj Temple was row of large images is common. The temples in built by the King Jajati Keshari, who Belur are dedicated to Vishnu. Scenes from the belonged to Soma Vansh. epics, elephants in battle and sensuous dancers Educational Objective : Prominent Cultural come alive in stone. There are 42 celestial Sites in India dancers and the sculpture is simply outstanding. 26. KEY: A The other two Hoysala temples are Kappe Explanation : Chennigaraya and Viranarayana. Varying type of animals were present on Halebidu (Hale'beedu) literally means "the Harappan seals like sheep, goat, humped bull, ruined city". It was then known as buffalo, elephant, tiger, lion, the gaur or Indian Dwarasamudra (gateway to the seas). It was the bison, the rhinoceros, a short-horned humpless capital of Hoysalas before they shifted the bull, etc. There are mythical and composite capital to Belur. The height of Hoysalan art and creatures too; e.g. human faced goat or part ram architecture survives in the form of or goat, part bull and part elephant, three- Hoysaleshvara Temple at Halebidu. The temple headed chimeras, semi-human semi-bovine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has two shrines creatures. So, cow was not represented on the each shrine has the lingam of Hoysaleshwara seal and terracotta art of the Harappan and Shanthaleshwara, Ketumalla. Opposite to culture. Shiva there is a big statue of . Educational Objective : Know about The wall inscriptions include endless display of Harappan Civilization’s features. gods, human, animals and images of war, 27. KEY: B hunting, music, and dance. Other temples to Explanation : watch are Kedareswara Temple, trikuta temple,  The Harappan pottery is uniformly sturdy, Jain temples etc. well-baked and bright or dark in color. The Educational Objective : Prominent Cultural plain pottery usually of red clay with or Sites in India without a fine red slip is more common than 25. KEY: A the painted ware. The painted pottery is Explanation : mostly of red and black colors.  Lingaraja Temple is a Hindu temple  Painted Grey Ware is associated with Vedic dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest Period.  temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the Gandhara art, style of Buddhist visual art that developed in what is now Indian state of . northwestern Pakistan and  The uniqueness of the Lingaraj Temple lies eastern Afghanistan between the 1st in the fact that the Shiva lingam in the century BCE and the 7th century CE. The sanctum sanctorum , considered to be a self- style, of Greco-Roman origin, seems to have originated one, is worshipped as both Lord flourished largely during the Kushan Shiva and Lord Vishnu. dynasty and was contemporaneous with an www.laexias.co 13 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

important but dissimilar school of Kushan b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts art at (Uttar Pradesh, India). in North-EastIndia  The Ajanta Caves are 30 c) a block-painted woollen cloth in Western (approximately) rock-cut Buddhist cave Himalayan region of India monuments which date from the 2nd d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in century BCE to about 480 CE North-Western India in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state of India. 2. Key and Explanation The Ajanta Caves are generally agreed to have been made in two distinct periods, 1. KEY: B Caves of the first (Satavahana) period Explanation : The word ‘mural’ derived from the Caves of the later, or Vākāṭaka, period Latin word ‘murus’ which means wall. It can be  Pahari painting (literally meaning a painting defined as any piece of artwork painted or from the mountainous regions: pahar means applied directly onto a wall, ceiling or other a mountain in ) is an umbrella term larger permanent surfaces, flat, concave or used for a form of , done mostly in miniature forms, originating from convex, to be precise Himalayan hill kingdoms of North India, Mural Paintings in India during 17th-19th century, notably Basohli,  India has a rich tradition of mural wealth. Mankot, Nurpur, Chamba, Kangra, Guler, M The treatises such as Vishnudharmottara, andi, and Garhwal. Silpashastra, Manasollasa, Shilparatna, Educational Objective : Different Periods Narada-shilpa- and - and their unique characteristics. shilpa, discuss at length all aspects of painting, including murals. 2. Indian Paintings  The highest achievements of this time are 1. Consider the following historical places: the caves of Ajanta, Bagh, Sittanavasal, 1. Ajanta caves Armamalai Cave (Tamil Nadu), 2. Lepakshi temple RavanChhaya rock shelter, Kailasanatha 3. Sanchi stupa temple in Ellora Caves, Lepakshi Temple. Which of the above places is/ are also known Saanchi stupa for mural paintings?  Sanchi Stupa is a UNESCO world heritage a) Only (i) site since 1989. Sanchi is in Madhya b) (i) and (ii) Pradesh. c) All of these  There are many small stupas here with three d) None of these mains ones – stupa 1, stupa 2 and stupa 3.

2. Kalamkari painting refers to Stupa 1 is also called the Great Stupa at a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India Sanchi. It is the most prominent and the oldest and is believed to have the Buddha’s relics. www.laexias.co 14 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

 Ashoka built it in the 3rd century BCE.  The chhatra is an umbrella on top of the  Originally, it was smaller than its present harmika. There is a sandstone pillar in the dimensions. It was expanded in later site on which Ashoka’s Schism Edict is periods. inscribed.  The original brick dome was expanded into double its size during the reign of the Shunga dynasty with stone slabs covering the original dome. Educational objective: to know about famous site of India and their specification.

2. KEY: A Explanation : Kalamkari:  The original structure was made out of  Kalamkari is an ancient style of hand bricks. Later on, it was covered with painting done on cotton or silk fabric with a stone, vedica, and the torana (gateway). tamarind pen, using natural dyes. The word  There are four gateways to the stupa with Kalamkariis derived from a Persian word the southern one being built first. The others where ‘kalam‘means pen and ‘kari‘refers were later added. The gateways are adorned to craftsmanship. with beautiful sculptures and carvings. Each  There are two identifiable styles of Kalamkari torana consists of two vertical pillars and art in India – Srikalahasti style and three horizontal bars on top. The bars Machilipatnam style. contain exquisite carvings on front and back.  In the Machilipatnam style of Kalamkari, They contain images of shalbhanjikas – motifs are essentially printed with hand- lady holding the branch of a tree. Stories carved traditional blocks with intricate from the Jataka tales are carved here. detailing painted by hands.  The structure has a lower and  On the other hand, Srikalahasti style of upper pradakshinapatha or painting draws inspiration from the Hindu circumambulatory path. The upper mythology describing scenes from the epics pradakshinapatha is unique to this stupa. and folklore. This style holds a strong  On the southern side of the stupa, the religious connect because of its origin in the Ashokan Lion Capital pillar is found with temples. inscriptions on it.  Karrupur is a style of Kalamkari that  The hemispherical dome of the stupa is developed in the Thanjavur region during called the anda. It contains the relics of the the Maratha rule. The Kalamkari work was Buddha. a further embellishment to the gold brocade  The harmika is a square railing on top of the work in the woven fabric, which was used as dome/mound. sarees & dhotis by the royal family during www.laexias.co 15 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

the period of Raja Sarfoji and later Raja Shivaji. 3. Key and Explanation  After independence of India, the Handicrafts 1. KEY: B Development Board took up the task of Explanation : reviving this art, which had dwindled due to  The Manganiar communities lives in the lack of buyers. desert of Rajasthan, (Barmer,  The , under the district) and Sindh in Pakistan. Geographical Indications of Goods  They are known for their folk music. (Registration and Protection) Act 1999,  They are the groups of hereditary has issued GI tag to the Kalamkari industry professional musicians, whose music has in 2012 been supported by wealthy landlords and Educational objective: to know about aristocrats for generations famous handicraft. Educational objective: to know about famous 3. Indian Music native tribe and there culture

1. A community of people called 2. KEY: B Manganiyars is well - known for their Explanation : a) Martial arts in North-East India  The word Dhrupad is derived from Dhruva, b) Musical tradition in North-West India the steadfast evening star that moves c) Classical vocal music in South India through the galaxy, and Pada meaning d) Pietra dura tradition in Central India poetry.  Traditionally, the dhrupad style of singing 2. With reference to Dhrupad, one of the was performed with major traditions of India that has been a tanpura and pakhawaj. kept alive for centuries, which of the  The lyrics sung in Dhrupad are in a medieval following statements are correct? form of Hindi and typically heroic in theme, 1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the or praise of a particular . Rajput kingdomsduring the Mughal period.  It is a form of devotional music that traces 2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and its origin to the ancient text of Samveda. spiritual music.  One significant characteristic of Dhrupad 3. Dhrupad Map uses Sanskrit syllables from is the emphasis on maintaining the . purity of the Raga Select the correct answer using the codes Educational objective: to know about classical given below music style. a) (i)and (ii) b) (ii) and (iii) c) (i), (ii) and (iii) d) None of these www.laexias.co 16 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

www.laexias.co 17 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

b) Facial expressions, hand gestures and make- 4. Indian Dance Forms up are combined to symbolize certain epic or 1. Consider the following pairs: historic characters 1. Garba : Gujarat c) Movements of body, face and hands are used 2. Mohiniattam : Odisha to express oneself or to tell a story 3. : Karnataka d) A little smile, slightly curved waist and Which of the pairs given above is/are certain hand gestures are emphasized to correctly matched? express the feelings of love or eroticism a) (i) only b) (ii) and (iii) only 4. How do you distinguish between c) (i) and (iii) only and Bharatnatyam dances? d) (i), (ii) and (iii) 1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues are

2. With reference to the famous found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatnatyam. dance, consider the following statements: 2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the 1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance feet on its edges is a feature of and drama. Bharatnatyam but Kuchipudi dance does 2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of nothave such a form of movements. Vaishnavites ofAssam. Which of the statements given above is/are 3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of correct? devotional songs composed by , a) (i) only and Mirabai. b) (ii) only Which of the statements given above is /are c) Both (i) and 2 correct? d) Neither (i) nor (ii) a) (i) only b) (i) and (ii) only 5. Match List I with List II and select the correct Codes c) (i), (ii) and (iii) d) (ii) and (iii) only List-II List-I (Dancer) (Dance) 3. In the context of cultural history of India, A KalamandalamKshemavaty 1 a pose in dance and dramatics called B KottakkalSivaraman 2 Manipuri ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian C Viswanathan 3 Mohiniattam artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements D N Madhabi 4 Bharatnatyam best describes this pose? A B C D a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but a) 1 3 2 4 b) 3 1 4 2 oppositely curved at waist and neck www.laexias.co 18 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

c) 1 3 4 2 Kashmir KudDandiNach d) 3 1 2 4 Alkap, Munda, , Jhumar, Janani Jhumar, MardanaJhumar, Paika, 4. Key and Explanation Phagua 1. KEY: C Yakshagana, Huttari, Suggi, Karnataka Explanation : Kunitha, Karga

State of List of Folk Dances in India OttamThullal, Kaikottikali Origin Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Maharashtra VilasiniNatyam, Gafa, DahikalaDasavtar. Andhra Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Pradesh Dappu, TappetaGullu, Jawara, Matki, Aada, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam. Madhya KhadaNach, Phulpati, Grida Pradesh Dance, Selalarki, Selabhadoni Arunachal Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pradesh PasiKongki, Ponung, Popir DolCholam, Thang Ta, Lai Manipur Haraoba, PungCholom , Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Assam Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Meghalaya Gopal. Nongkrem, Laho

Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Cheraw Dance, Khuallam, Bihar Panwariya Mizoram Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Zangtalam Gaur Maria, Panthi, Chattisgarh RautNacha, Pandwani, Rangma, Bamboo Dance, Vedamati, Kapalik Nagaland Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Gethinglim Garba, DandiyaRaas, Gujarat Savari, Ghumara, Painka, TippaniJuriun, Bhavai Odisha Munari Tarangamel, Koli, Dekhni, Fugdi, Shigmo, Ghode, Modni, Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Punjab Samayinrutya, Jagar, Dhaman, Bhand Ranmale Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhumar, Phag, Daph, Rajasthan JhulanLeela, Jhuma, Suisini, Haryana Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor. Ghapal

Himachal Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Chu Faat, Sikmari, Pradesh Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu SinghiChaam or the Snow Sikkim Lion, Yak Chaam, DenzongGnenha, Jammu & Rauf, Hikat, Mandjas, TashiYangku www.laexias.co 19 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

 Two varieties of Ojapali dances are still Tamil Nadu Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi prevalent in Assam i.e. Sukananni or Maroi Tripura Hojagiri Goa Ojah and Vyah Goa Ojah. SukananniOjapaali Uttar Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, SukananniOjapaali is of Sakti cult Pradesh Jhora, Chappeli Vyah Goa Ojapaali Garhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Vyah Goa Ojapaali is of Vaishnava cult. Uttarakhand Jhora, Raslila Educational objective: to know about classical dances of India. Educational objective: to know about 3. KEY: A famous folk dance of different state. Explanation : 2. KEY: D Sattriya  The great Vaishnava saint and reformer of Assam, Mahapurusha Sankaradeva as a powerful medium for the propagation of the Vaishnava faith, introduced the Sattriya dance form in the 15th century A.D.  This Indian dance form evolved and expanded as a distinct style of dance later on. . It is one of the pre-eminent classical dance  This neo-Vaishnava treasure of Assamese forms of India which originated in the dance and drama has been, for centuries, Hindu temples of the eastern coastal state nurtured and preserved with great of Odisha in India. commitment by the Sattras i.e. Vaishnava . It is a dance of love and passion touching on maths or monasteries. Because of its the divine and the human, the sublime and religious character and association with the the mundane. Sattras, this dance style has aptly named . Odhra , mentioned in Natya Sattriya. Shastra can be identified as the earliest  Sankaradeva introduced this dance form precursor of present day Odissi dance. by incorporating different elements from . The techniques of dance movement are built various treatises, local folk dance with his around the two basic postures of the . own rare outlook Chowk and the Tribhanga.  There were two dances form prevalent in . The chowkis a position imitating a square - Assam before the neo- Vaishnava movement a very masculine stance with the weight such as Ojapali and Devadasi with many of the body equally balanced. classical elements. www.laexias.co 20 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

. The tribhanga is a very feminine 5. Languages in India stance where the body is deflected at the neck, torso and the knees. 1. Which one of the following was given . An Odissi orchestra essentially consists of a classical language status recently? a) Odia pakhawaj player (usually the Guru b) Konkani himself), a singer, a flutist, a sitar or c) Bhojpuri violin player and a manjira player d) Assamese Educational objective: to know about classical dances of India. 2. Consider the following languages: 1. Gujarati 4. KEY: A 2. Explanation : 3. Telugu 1) Bharatnatyam is a form of Classical dance Which of the above has/have been declared from Tamil Nadu whereas Kuchipudi is a as ‘Classical Language/Languages’ by the classical dance form from Andhra Pradesh. Government? 2) Bharatnatyam has more sculptured poses whereas Kuchipudi has more rounded poses. a) (i) and (ii) only 3) Bharatnatyam is termed the fire dance b) (iii) only replicating the inner fire within the human c) (ii) and (iii) only body. On the other hand, Kuchipudi d) (i), (ii) and (iii) replicates man’s undying desire to unite with God. 5. Key and Explanation 3) The Bharatnatyam costumes have three fans of dissimilar lengths. But the Kuchipudi 1. KEY: A dresses have a single fan that is lengthier 2. KEY: C than the lengthiest fan in the former Explanation : Currently, six languages enjoy 4) Dancer occasionally speaks dialogue in the ‘Classical’ status: Tamil (declared in 2004), Kuchipudi but not in . Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), 5) Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014) feet on its edges is a feature of Kuchipudi. According to information provided by the Educational objective: to know about Ministry of Culture in the Rajya Sabha in classical dances of India. February 2014, the guidelines for declaring a 5. KEY: B language as ‘Classical’ are: Option B is correct Explanation : (i) High antiquity of its early texts/recorded Educational objective: to know about famous history over a period of 1500-2000 years; personality linked to classical dances of India. (ii) A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers; www.laexias.co 21 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

(iii) The literary tradition be original and not 6. Religions in India borrowed from another speech community; (iv) The classical language and literature being 1. With reference to the cultural history of distinct from modern, there may also be a , consider the following discontinuity between the classical language statements: and its later forms or its offshoots.” 1) (Sittars) of Tamil region were How are the Classical languages promoted? monotheistic and condemned idolatry. The Human Resource and Development 2) Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the Ministry in its reply to a starred question in theory of rebirthand rejected the caste the Lok Sabha in July 2014 noted the hierarchy. benefits it provides once a language is Which of the statements given above is/are notified as a Classical language: correct? i) Two major annual international awards for a) 1 only scholars of eminence in classical Indian b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 languages d) Neither 1 nor 2 ii) A Centre of Excellence for studies in Classical Languages is set up 2. Which of the following kingdoms were iii) The University Grants Commission is associated with the life of the Buddha? requested to create, to start with at least in 1) the Central Universities, a certain number of 2) Gandhara Professional Chairs for the Classical 3) Kosala Languages so declared.” 4) Magadha In a 2019 Lok Sabha reply, the Ministry of Select the correct answer using the code Culture listed the institutions that have been given below. dedicated to Classical languages. a) 1, 2 and 3 Sanskrit: Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, New b) 2 and 3 only Delhi; Maharishi Sandipani Rashtriya VedVidya c) 1, 3 and 4 Pratishthan, ; Rashtriya Sanskrit d) 3 and 4 only Vidyapeetha, Tirupati; and Sri Lal Bahadur 3. With reference to the history of ancient Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, New India, which of thefollowing was/were Delhi common to both ? Telugu and Kannada: Centres of Excellence for 1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and Studies in the respective languages at the enjoyment. Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) 2. Indifference to the authority of the . established by the HRD Ministry in 2011. 3. Denial of efficacy of rituals. Educational objective: to know about classical Select the correct answer using the codes languages of india. given below www.laexias.co 22 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

a) Only (i) b) Jainism b) (ii) and (iii) c) Sikhism c) (i) and (iii) d) Vaishnavism d) (i), (ii) and (iii) 7. Consider the following statements: 4. Which of the following statements is/are 1. Arya samaj was founded in 1835. correct about Brahmo samaj? 2. LalaLajpat Rai opposed the appeal of Arya 1. It opposed Idolatry samaj to theauthority of the Vedas in 2. It denied the need of a priestly class for support of its social reformprogramme. interpreting the religious texts. 3. Under Keshab Chandra sen, the Brahmo 3. It popularized the doctrine that the Vedas Samaj campaignedfor women’s education. are infallible. 4. Vinoba Bhave founded the Sarvodaya Samaj Select the correct answer using the code to work amongrefugees. given below: Which of these statements are correct? a) Only (i) a) (i) and (ii) b) (i) and (ii) b) (ii) and (iii) c) Only (iii) c) (ii) and (iv) d) (i), (ii) and (iii) d) (iii) and (iv)

5. The ‘’ and ‘Rita’ depict a central 6. Key and Explanation idea of ancient Vediccivilization of India. 1. KEY: C In this context, consider the following Explanation : Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil statements region 1. ‘Dharma’ was a conception of obligations and  In Tamil Nadu, South India,a refers of thedischarge of one’s duties to oneself and to a being who has achieved a high degree of to others. physical as well as spiritual perfection or 2. ‘Rita’ was the fundamental moral law enlightenment. governing thefunctioning of the Universe and  The ultimate demonstration of this is that all it contained. siddhas allegedly attained physical Which of the statements given above is/are immortality. Thus siddha, like siddhar, correct? refers to a person who has realised the goal a) Only (i) of a type of and become a perfected b) Only (ii) being. c) Both (i) and (ii)  Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were d) Neither (i) nor (ii) monotheistic and condemned idolatry 6. is a core theory and Lingayat philosophy of which one ofthe following? a) Buddhism www.laexias.co 23 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

 The term Lingayat denotes a person who Buddhist influence, notably during the reign wears a personal linga, an iconic form of god of Asoka. Shiva, on the body which is received during Educational objective: to know about the initiation ceremony. Buddhism  Lingayats are the followers of the 12th- 3. KEY: B century social reformer-philosopher poet, Explanation : Similarities: in Buddhism Basaveshwara. and Jainism religion  Basaveshwara was against the caste system 1) The source of both the religion is Vedic and Vedic rituals. religion and both and indebted to  The Lingayats are strict monotheists. They enjoin the worship of only one God, namely, 2) Both Gautama Buddha and Mahavir Linga (Shiva). belonged to princely families and not to  The word ‘Linga’ does not mean Linga priestly families. established in temples, but universal 3) Both deny the existence of God. consciousness qualified by the universal 4) Both denied the authority of the Vedas and energy (). the necessity of performing sacrifices and  Lingayats had been classified as a Hindu rituals. subcaste called “VeerashaivaLingayats” and 5) Both have accepted the theories of Karma they are considered to be Shaivites. rebirth and .  They questioned the theory of rebirth and 6) Both taught in the language of the common rejected the caste hierarchy. people i.e. Prakrit and not in Sanskrit, Educational objective: to know about which was the language of the priests. various sects of India. 7) Both of them were opposed to animal

2. KEY: D sacrifices. Explanation : 8) Both of them admitted disciples from all the castes and from both sexes.  Avanti was not directly related to life of Buddha. 9) is the prominent principle of both the religions.  We have read that (Prasenajit), king 10) Both Buddhism and Jainism put stress on of Kosala, was the Buddha’s contemporary right conduct and right knowledge and not and is frequently mentioned in Pali texts. on religious ceremonial and ritual as the Kosala and Magadha were linked through way to obtain salvation. matrimonial tiesBuddha wandered through 11) Both the Religions were later on divided into the towns and villages in the kingdoms of two sects. Buddhism was divided into Kosala and Magadha teaching his philosophy. Mahayana and Hinayana. Jainism was  Gandhara is not directly associated with the divided into Svetambara and . life of Buddha. It was expansion of Maurya empire that Gandhara received much www.laexias.co 24 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

12) Both had their own three gems or 'Tri Ratna'. Most of the Jain texts are in Sanskrit and Tri Ratna of Jainism were right philosophy Prakrit whereas Buddhist text are in Pali. right knowledge and right character. The (7) Their connection with Hinduism: Jain Tri-Ratna of Buddhism were Budhha, religion is nearer to Hinduism whereas Dhamma and . Buddhism followed the policy of keeping 13) Both had three main religious texts. away from Hinduism. Tripitaka, i.e. Vinaypitak, Suttapitaka and (8) Caste system: Abidhammapitak were the three religious Jains opposed it but Buddhism opposed and texts of Buddhism, where asAngai.e, Anga, attacked vehemently. Upanga and Mulgrajitha were those of the (9) Royal support and patronage: Jainism. Buddhism received the royal support and

Dis-similarities in Buddhism and Jainism patronage of kings like Ashoka and Kanishka. religion But Jainism could never receive strong royal (1) Difference regarding conception Moksha : support and Patronage. According to Buddhism, a man attains (10) Propagation : Moksha when he ends all the desires and Buddhism spread to foreign countries can attain it while living in the world. But whereas Jainism did not travel outside the according, to Jainism Moksha is freedom boundaries of India from miseries and can be attained only after Educational objective: to know about death. Buddhism and Jainism (2 : ) Means of attainment of Moksha 4. KEY: B According to Buddhist Sangha is proper for Explanation : attainment of Moksha and they hate self- Aims and Objectives of Brahmo Samaj- mortifications and severe penances. Jainism 1. To purify Hinduism and to preach believes in fasts and severest penances. monotheism. (3) Ahimsa: 2. Opposition to idolatry. Though both emphasize the principle of 3. They also taught good things about other Ahimsa, yet Jainism is more strict in this religions. connection. Raja Ram Mohan Roy does not want to (4) Soul: create another religion. He only wants to Buddhists do not believe in the existence of purify Hinduism. soul whereas Jainism believes the existence Educational objective: to know about of soul in every living being. Brahmo Samaj (5) Regarding Conduct: Buddhism emphasizes the eight noble piths 5. KEY: C whereas Jainism emphasizes Tri Ratna. Explanation : (6) Language of Religious texts: www.laexias.co 25 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

 Dharma is so called, because it holds;  Swami Dayananda , the founder of Dharma holds the people. Etymologically, the Arya Samaj, was one of the makers of Dharma is derived from the root Dhr—to modern India. With an indigenous hold—and its meaning is ‘that which orientation, he wanted to bring a new social, holds’ this world. religious, economic and political order in  Rita is predecessor to Dharma and is the India. Taking inspiration from the Vedas, he Original Rig Vedic concept, which refers to criticized evil practices like idolatry, caste the principle of natural order, which system, untouchability etc. as prevailed in regulates and coordinates the operation of the then Indian society. Swami Dayanada, the universe and everything within it. through the Arya Samaj, tried to reform the  Rita is described as that which is Hindu society and religion. ultimately responsible for the proper  The Arya Samaj emphasized on the functioning of the natural, moral and liberation of the Hindu society. Dayananda sacrificial orders. claimed that only Vedas were the repositories  In Rig Veda, Rita appears as many as 390 of true knowledge and the only religion was times. Rita has been characterized as “the the religion of the Vedas. The principles of one concept which pervades the whole of economics, politics, social sciences, Rig-Vedic thought. humanities can be found in the Vedas. His Educational objective: to know about clarion call “Go Back to the Vedas” created Jainism and Buddhism. consciousness among the people. He rejected 6. KEY: B other scriptures and ‘’. He strongly Explanation : Anekantavada: opposed idol worship, ritualism, practice of Emphasizes that the ultimate truth and animal-sacrifice, the concept of polytheism, reality is complex, and has multiple-aspects the idea of heaven and hell and fatalism. i.e. theory of plurality. It refers to the  The Arya Samaj simplified Hinduism and simultaneous acceptance of multiple, diverse, made conscious of their glorious even contradictory viewpoints. It is linked to heritage and superior value of Vedic Jainism. knowledge. It said that the Hindus should Educational objective: to know about not look towards Christianity, Islam or Jainism. western culture for guidance. 7. KEY: D Keshab Chandra Sen Explanation :  Keshab Chandra Sen (also spelled Keshab Arya Samaj Chander Sen) was born in an affluent family  On April 10th, 1875, Arya Samaj was of Calcutta on 19 November 1838. He lost formally registered in Bombay. Arya Samaj, his father Peary Mohan when he was ten and as the name signifies, is a Samaj was then brought up by his uncle. (Organisation or Society) of the Aryas (people who are noble). www.laexias.co 26 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

 In 1854, he became the secretary of the theological perspective, nevertheless, he was Asiatic Society. He also worked as a clerk in criticised severely in India. a bank but monotonous clerical work did not  Sen founded the Indian Reform interest him. Association in 1870 after returning from a  In 1855, at the age of 17, he established the Europe visit. The chief areas of activity of British India Society. In 1857, he joined the this association were female improvement, Brahmo Samaj and took up studying inexpensive literature, education, philosophy. and charity. In his later years,  He read the works of and was influenced he delivered lectures that were against the by Theodore Parker, an American Europeanizing of Asia and against western Transcendentalist and delivered speeches on sectarianism. religion and morality.  He was criticized when he got his daughter  He also set up the ‘Goodwill Fraternity’ in married to the prince of Cooch Behar. His his house. He developed a great rapport with daughter was then under 14 and the prince Debendranath Tagore, the head of the Samaj. about 15 years of age. His associates  Sen was inspired by Christian teachings ridiculed him for his supposed stance and sought to fuse Christian teachings into against child marriage and his actual actions. the Hindu framework. He thought that only  He formed the NaboBidhan (New the Christian doctrine would help instill new Dispensation) in 1881 which intended to life into Hindu society. He was also incorporate the best principles of impressed with the discipline of Christian Christianity and western spirituality with missionary work and started following it Hinduism. himself.  While many members of Brahmo Samaj  In 1865, this lean towards Christianity rejected it, many appreciated it as well. His caused a rift between him and Tagore and he critics thought that Sen had strayed away broke away from the Samaj and formed the from the core ideologies of the Samaj whereas his supporters opined that he was Bharat BarshiyaBrahmo Samaj (Brahmo realizing Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s philosophy Samaj of India). The old Brahmo Samaj of a universal religion. was now called the AdiBrahmo Samaj. Sarvodaya Samaj:  Sen preached against child marriage and Vinoba Bhave founded this to implement the advocated widow remarriage and inter-caste ideals of Sarvodaya. marriages. He was also instrumental in Educational objective: to know about famous getting native marriages legalised. reformers of India.  In 1870, he met the British monarch Queen Victoria and expressed acceptance of the British rule which angered people at home. His acceptance of the British rule was from a www.laexias.co 27 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

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7. Indian Literature 7. Key and Explanation

1. With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, 1. KEY: A dynastic histories and epic tales was the Explanation : Magadha, Suta were ancient profession of who of the following? chronicle, history writers. a) Shramana Educational objective: to know about b) Parivraajaka Indian literature. c) Agrahaarika d) Maagadha 2. KEY: B Explanation : Mālavikāgnimitram 2. Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son Mālavikāgnimitram is the Sanskrit play, of the founder of Sunga dynasty? which depicts Agnimitra as its hero. Malvika a) Swapnavasavadatta is a maid servant whom Agnimitra falls in b) Malavikagnimitra love.This was known to his chief queen, who c) Meghadoota imprisons her. Later it was known that d) Ratnavali Malvika was of a royal birth and she was 3. Who of the following had first deciphered accepted as queen of the edicts of Emperor Ashoka? Agnimitra.Mālavikāgnimitram gives account a) Georg Buhler of Rajsuya of Pushyamitra Shunga, b) James Prinsep father of Agnimitra. c) Max Muller Educational objective: to know about d) William Jones famous novels and there writers. 4. Which of the following four Vedas contains note on magical charms and spells? 3. KEY: B a) Explanation : James Prinsep deciphered the b) edicts of emperor Asoka. c) Educational objective: to know about d) Asiatic society of India 5. ‘Mrichchhakatika’ an ancient Indian book 4. KEY: C written by Shudrakadeals with Explanation : a) the love affair of a rich merchant with the Atharvaveda contains the magic spells, daughter of a courtesan incorporates much of early traditions of b) the victory of Chandragupta II over the healing and magic that are paralleled in ShakaKshatrapas of Western India other Indo-European literatures. c) the military expeditions and exploits of to know about Samudragupta Educational objective: d) the love affairs between a Gupta King and a Vedas princess of Kamarupa

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5. KEY: A 8. Key and Explanation Explanation : Mṛcchakaṭika - M cchaka ika is a play set in the ancient city of Ujjayanai during 1. KEY: C ṛ ṭ the reign of a King Pālaka of the Pradyota Explanation : dynasty.The hero (Nayaka) is Charudatta, a Six Orthodox Schools (Classical Schools) noble but impoverished and heroine is of Nagaravadhu Vasantsena.The villain is a The 6 classical schools (shatdarshan) are courtier called Samsthanka, who uses all his Sankhya, , , Vaisheshik, tricks but unable to get Vasantsena. PurvaMimansa and Uttar Mimansa (). Educational objective: to know about famous Almost all Indian schools of thought novels and there writers accepted the theory of karma and rebirth, and the ideal of moksha is conceived as 8. Schools of Philosophy liberation from the cycle of births and deaths. Moksha/liberation is considered as the 1. Which one of the following pairs does not highest goal of human struggle. form part of the six systems of Indian Sankhya Philosophy Philosophy?  Sankhya is the oldest philosphy. It was put a) Mimamsa and Vedanta forward by . b) Nyaya and  Sankhya philosophy provided the c) Lokayata and Kapalika d) and Yoga materialistic ontology for Nyaya and Vaisheshik, but there is very little original 2. With reference to the history of literature in Sankhya. philosophical thought in India, consider  It is generally believed that Sankhya the following statements regarding Philosophy is dualistic and not monistic Samkhya School: 1. Samkhya does not accept the theory of because it has two entities, purush (spirit) rebirth ortransmigration of soul. and prakriti (nature) in it. Samkhya 2. Samkhya holds that it is the self-knowledge emphasizes the attainment of knowledge of that leads to liberation and not any exterior self by means of concentration and influence or agent. meditation. Which of the statements given above is/are  Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge correct? that leads to liberation and not any exterior a) Only (i) influence or agent. Samkhya forms the b) Only (ii) philosophical basis for Yoga. In Samkhya, c) Both (i) and (ii) the necessity of God is not felt for d) Neither (i) nor (ii) epistemological clarity about the interrelationship between higher Self, individual self, and the universe around us. www.laexias.co 30 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

 Purush vs Prakriti: In the beginning, the i.e. the knowledge obtained through the 5 philosophy was materialistic as it talked only senses. There are also other like about Prakrithi, but later the element of anumana (inference, through which we can purushwas also added to it. While Purusha obtain true knowledge) and shabdapramana is posited as the only sentient being, ever (a statement of an expert). existent, and immaterial, Prakriti is said to  Subsequent philosophers who claimed to be be the material basis of this universe, Nyayiks, e.g. Vatsyayan (who wrote Nyaya composed of three basic elements (Gunas) – Bhashya), Udayan (who wrote Kusumanjali) namely , , and . etc. distorted the Nyaya philosophy by Yoga Philosophy introducing theological elements in it. Navya  Yoga presents a method of physical and Nyaya scholars like Gangesh resorted to mental discipline. gymnasics in logic.  The Yoga presents a practical path for the Vaisheshik Philosophy realization of the self where as the Samkhya The classical Indian philosophy Vaisheshik emphasizes the attainment of knowledge of was the physics of ancient times. It self by means of concentration and propounded the atomic theory of its founder meditation. Releasing Purush from Prakriti Kannada. At one time Vaisheshik was by means of physical and mental discipline regarded as part of the Nyaya philosophy is the concept of Yoga. since physics is part of science. But since  Founder of Yoga is Pathanjai. Yoga does not physics is the most fundamental of all require belief in God, although such a belief sciences, Vaisheshik was later separated is accepted as help in the initial stage of from Nyaya and put forth as a separate mental concentration and control of the philosophy. To make it short, Vaisheshik is a mind. realistic and objective philosophy of the Nyaya Philosophy universe.  Nyaya Philosophy states that nothing is Purvamimansa (mimansa) acceptable unless it is in accordance with The word Mimamsa means to analyze and reason and experience (scientific approach). understand thoroughly. PurvaMimamsa Founder of this philosophy is Gautam and examines the teachings of the Veda in the the principles are mentioned in Nyaya . light of karma-kanda rituals, ie karma- Nyaya says that the world is real and the mimamsa system is calledpurva-mimamsa. philosophy does not follow a monist view. Purvamimansa (or briefly mimansa) lays  Nyaya philosophy relies on several pramanas emphasis on the performance of the yagya i.e. means of obtaining true knowledge as its for attaining various spiritual and worldly epistemology. According to it, the benefits. Hence this philosophy relies on the pradhanpramana or principal means of (and ) part of the Vedas. obtaining knowledge is pratyakshapramana Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanda) www.laexias.co 31 https://elearn.laex.in Indian Art & Culture UPSC Previous Year Questions

Vedanta says that the world is unreal, . 2. KEY: B Vedanta is monistic, in other words, it says Explanation : that there is only one reality, . Sankhya Philosophy Vedanta lays emphasis on brahmagyan,  Sankhya is the oldest philosphy. It was put hence relies on the Upanishad part of the forward by Kapila. Vedas. Vedanda has its roots in Sankya  Sankhya philosophy provided the Philosophy. materialistic ontology for Nyaya and There are three sub-branhces for Vedanda: Vaisheshik, but there is very little original  Absolute Monism of Shankara literature in Sankhya.  VishishthaAdvaita or qualified monism of  It is generally believed that Sankhya Philosophy is dualistic and not monistic  Dvaita of Madhva because it has two entities, purush (spirit) Carvaka and prakriti (nature) in it. Samkhya  It is characterised as a materialistic and emphasizes the attainment of knowledge of aesthetic school of thought. Accepted direct self by means of concentration and perception as the surest method to prove the meditation. truth of anything. Insists on joyful living.  Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge  Also known asLokayata, Carvaka is a that leads to liberation and not any exterior materialistic school of thought. Its founder influence or agent. Samkhya forms the was Carvaka, author of the Barhaspatya philosophical basis for Yoga. In Samkhya, Sutras in the final centuries B.C. the necessity of God is not felt for  The original texts have been lost and our epistemological clarity about the understanding of them is based largely on interrelationship between higher Self, criticism of the ideas by other schools. As individual self, and the universe around us. early as the 5th Century, Saddaniti and  Purush vs Prakriti: In the beginning, the Buddhaghosa connected the Lokayatas with philosophy was materialistic as it talked only the Vitandas (or Sophists), and the term about Prakrithi, but later the element of Carvaka was first recorded in the 7th purushwas also added to it. While Purusha Century by the philosopher Purandara, and is posited as the only sentient being, ever in the 8th Century by Kamalasila and existent, and immaterial, Prakriti is said to be the material basis of this universe, Educational objective: to know about composed of three basic elements (Gunas) – Indian school of philosophy namely Tamas, Rajas, and Sattva. Educational objective: to know about Indian school of philosophy

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b) It is an ancient style bronze and brass work 9. Calendars in India still found in Southern part of Coromandel 1. Consider the following statements: area. 1. Islamic calendar is 12 days shorter than the c) It is an ancient form of dance, drama and a Gregorian calendar. living tradition in the Northern part of 2. The Islamic calendar begun in AD 632. Malabar. 3. Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar. d) It is an ancient martial art and a living Which of the above is/are correct? tradition in some parts of South India. a) (i) only b) (i) and (ii) 10. Key and Explanation c) (i) and (iii) 1. KEY: D d) (iii) only Explanation :  Kalaripayattu is a martial art based 9. Key and Explanation on the ancient knowledge of the human body. 1. KEY: D  It originated in Kerala during 3nd century Explanation : BC to the 2nd century AD. It is now Islamic calendar: practised in Kerala and in some parts of  It is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 lunar Tamil Nadu. months in a year of 354 or 355 days  The place where this martial art is  The Islamic calendar employs the Hijri era practisedis called a 'Kalari'. It is a Malayalam whose epoch was established as the Islamic word that signifies a kind of gymnasium. New Year of 622 AD/CE. Kalari literally means 'threshing floor' or Georgian calendar: Gregorian calendar is a 'battlefield'. The word Kalari first appears solar calendar. in the Tamil Sangam literature to Educational objective: to know about various describe both a battlefield and combat calenders. arena.  It is considered one of the oldest fighting 10. Martial Arts in India systems in existence.  It is also considered as the father of modern 1. With reference to India’s culture and Kung - Fu. tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’? Educational objective: to know about a) It is an ancient cult of Shaivism still famous martial art of India. prevalent in some parts of South India.

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