Architecture from Ancient and Medieval India is important part of UPSC syllabus. Previous Year Question (PYQ) papers are invaluable resources for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. In this article we present important PYQ on Art and Architecture.
PYQ on Architecture
Q- The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? (2022)
1.Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2.A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3.Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
Somnath Temple is situated on the Arabian Sea coast in Gujarat, making it the westernmost corner of the Indian subcontinent. It holds the distinction of being the foremost among the twelve Aadi Jyotirlingas of India, confirming statement 1.
The temple’s historical significance is underscored by its mention in the travelogue of the Arab traveler Al-Biruni. Influenced by this account, Mahmud Ghaznavi launched an attack on the Somnath Temple in 1024, leading to its destruction and looting, thus validating statement 2.
However, statement 3 is incorrect as the modern temple was rebuilt following the resolve of Sardar Patel after he visited the temple ruins on November 13, 1947. The re-consecration ceremony, known as Pran-Pratistha, was carried out by the then-President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, on May 11, 1951.
Q- Consider the following pairs: (2021)
(Historical place) (Well-known for)
1. Burzahom : Rock-cut shrines
2. Chandra- ketugarh : Terracotta art
3. Ganeshwar : Copper artefacts
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
At Burzahom in the Kashmir Valley, archaeological discoveries have revealed tools crafted from bones and stones, along with artifacts indicative of ritualistic practices, reflecting the lifestyle of Neolithic inhabitants. Therefore, Pair 1 is not accurately matched. Excavations at Chandra Ketugarh have yielded numerous terracotta artifacts, including plaques adorned with erotic art, aligning with Pair 2.
Similarly, at the Ganeshwar-Jodhpur site near the Khetri copper mines, archaeologists have unearthed various copper artifacts such as arrowheads, spearheads, bangles, pottery, and chisels, supporting Pair 3.
Ganeshwar was a significant supplier of copper objects to Harappa, and the archaeological site is known as Modiya Magari in the local vernacular, named after the nearby village of Gilund, which means “bald habitation mound.”
Q- 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.
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
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
According to an inscription, the temple was built by Maharaja Devapala of the Kacchapagata dynasty in 1323 CE, confirming statement 1. Situated atop a small hill, the temple features a circular plan, with pillared cloisters surrounding an open courtyard built on a high plinth. While originally each of the 64 subsidiary shrines had shallow pillared mandapas in front, they now house Shiva lingas, as the original Yoginis statues are missing.
Despite its circular design, the Chausath Yogini temple near Jabalpur does not share similarities with the mentioned temple, making statement 2 incorrect.
The temple’s focus on Yoginis suggests it was not intended to promote Vaishnavism, contradicting statement 3. There are notable architectural similarities between the temple and the Parliament building, leading some to speculate that it may have influenced the latter’s design, thereby affirming statement 4.
Q- With reference to the art and archaeo- logical history of India, which one among the following was made earliest? (2016)
(a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar
(b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
(c) Rock-cut Mahabalipuram Monuments
(d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
The rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli dates back to the reign of Ashoka (272-231 BC) and stands as the oldest among the provided options. The Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar was constructed in the 11th century AD. The rock-cut monuments at Mahabalipuram were crafted in the 7th century AD. Lastly, the Varaha Image at Udayagiri was carved in the 5th century AD.
Q- Consider the following pairs: (2015)
Place of Pilgrimage Location
- Srisailam : Nallamala Hills
- Omkareshwar : Satmala Hills
- Pushkar: Mahadeo Hills
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
- Srisailam: Nallamala Hills – Srisailam, located on the banks of the River Krishna in Andhra Pradesh, is a revered town. It is nestled in the Nallamala Hills, a subrange of the Eastern Ghats. Srisailam is renowned for the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga temple, counted among the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.
- Omkareshwar: Satmala Hills – Omkareshwar, positioned on the banks of the River Narmada in Madhya Pradesh, holds religious significance. Situated in the Satmala Hills, a segment of the Satpura Range, Omkareshwar is famed for the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga temple, which is among the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.
- Pushkar: Mahadeo Hills – Pushkar, situated in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, is a sacred town. It lies within the Aravalli Range, also recognized as the Mahadeo Hills. Pushkar is renowned for the Brahma Temple and the Pushkar Lake, esteemed as one of the holiest lakes in India.
Q- Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was (2014)
(a) the mosque for the use of Royal Family
(b) Akbar’s chamber private prayer
(c) the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions
(d) the room in which the nobles belonging to different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
The Ibadat Khana, constructed by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1575 AD at Fatehpur Sikri, served as a gathering place for spiritual leaders from diverse religious backgrounds. Its purpose was to facilitate discussions on the teachings of various religious leaders. Also referred to as the Hall of Prayer, it was frequented by theologians, mystics, and religious scholars renowned for their erudition and intellectual achievements.
Q- With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, consider the following pairs: (2014)
Famous shrine Location
- Tabo monastery and temple complex : Spiti Valley
- Lhotsava Lhakhang: Zanskar Valley temple, Nako
- Alchi temple complex : Ladakh
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
Tabo Monastery is situated in Tabo village within the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India, confirming the accuracy of Pair 1. Established in 996 CE by Tibetan Buddhist Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo under the patronage of King Yeshe-O of the Guge Kingdom, it holds historical significance.
The Alchi Temple Complex is located in Alchi village within the Leh District of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. This validates Pair 3. Constructed between 958 and 1055 AD by Guru Rinchen Zangpo, it is under the administration of Likir Monastery.
However, Pair 2 is inaccurate. Lhotsava Lhakhang Temple, located in Nako within the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh, dates back to the 12th century. It has been recognized as one of the hundred most endangered heritage sites by the World Monuments Fund.
Q- With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs: (2014)
Famous work of sculpture Site
1. A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinivana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below : Ajanta
2. A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on the rock: Mount Abu
3. “Arjuna’s Penance”/ “Descent of Ganga” sculpted on the surface of huge boulders :Mamallapuram
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
The depiction of the Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana in Cave 26, featuring celestial musicians above and grieving followers below, along with the sorrowful figure of Ananda near his feet, stands out as an extraordinary and expressive scene. These scenes are found within the Ajanta Caves, a collection of rock-cut caves situated in the Sahyadri ranges along the Waghora river in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The complex comprises 29 Buddhist caves, of which 25 are viharas (monasteries) and the remaining 4 are chaityas (prayer halls). Constructed between 200 BC and 658 AD, these caves were commissioned under the patronage of the Vakataka Kings and are renowned for their abundance of fresco paintings, predominantly outlined in red and centered around Buddhist themes. The Ajanta Caves were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
The Udaygiri Caves, located near Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh, consist of 20 rock-cut caves dating back to the fifth century, making them the oldest surviving Hindu temples in India. Among the notable sculptures found here is one depicting Vishnu in his incarnation as a boar rescuing Mother Earth, a tale from Hindu mythology. These caves were commissioned under the patronage of the Gupta rulers.
The monolithic sculpture known as “Arjuna’s Penance” or “Descent of Ganga” was created during the reign of Pallava King Mahendra Varma and is situated at the Sri Sathya Perumal Temple. Carved between 600 and 640 AD, it consists of two massive boulders, with dimensions comparable to those of a blue whale. The sculpture portrays various scenes, including Arjuna performing austerities to please Lord Shiva for obtaining a powerful weapon before the Kurukshetra war, as well as the penance conducted by King Bhagiratha to bring the River Ganges from the heavens to the earth. The artwork also features depictions of Lord Vishnu, sages, celestial beings, Nagas, deities, Gandharvas, Yakshas, auspicious animals, and other divine entities carved into the rock.
Q- Consider the following historical places: (2013)
- Ajanta Caves
- Lepakshi Temple
- Sanchi Stupa
Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Statement 1: Lepakshi temple is renowned for its collection of mural paintings from the Vijayanagar era, reflecting the culture and traditions of that time. Therefore, this statement is accurate.
Statement 2: Sanchi is not particularly associated with mural paintings; instead, it is renowned for its sculptures. Designs from Sanchi sculptures are not painted in Ajanta Caves murals. Hence, this statement is incorrect.
Statement 3: Indian Mural Paintings are indeed artworks created on the walls of caves and palaces, depicting the life, culture, and traditions of the respective periods. Examples include the famous murals at Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta, Bagh caves, and Sittanvasal. Consequently, this statement is accurate.
Q- With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements: (2013)
- The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
- The Barabar rock-cut caves were Ajivikas originally made for by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
- At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
The Barabar caves, among the oldest rock-cut caves, were constructed by Ashoka and were intended for the Aajivikas. Meanwhile, the caves at Ellora were dedicated to the Buddhist, Jain, and Brahmanical religions.