Art and Culture 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 Culture.
PYQ on Art and Culture
Q- Consider the following statements: (2021)
1. 21st February is declared to be the International Mother Language Day by UNICEF.
2. The demand that Bangla has to be one of the national languages was raised in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer– Option B
EXPLANATION
The Constituent Assembly of Pakistan convened in Karachi, the capital at that time, starting from 23 February 1948. During the assembly sessions, it was initially stipulated that members could only speak either Urdu or English. However, Dhirendra Nath Datta, representing the East Pakistan Congress Party, proposed an amendment to include Bangla as an official language of the assembly. This move, as described in statement 2, is accurate.
In the same year, the Government of the Dominion of Pakistan declared Urdu as the sole national language, leading to widespread protests among the Bengali-speaking population of East Bengal. Tensions escalated, and the government responded by banning public gatherings and demonstrations. Despite this, students of the University of Dhaka and other activists organized a protest on 21 February 1952, which resulted in violent clashes with the police and the loss of student lives. This event, known as the Language Movement, intensified public discontent.
After years of strife, the central government eventually recognized Bengali as an official language in 1956, addressing the grievances of the Bengali-speaking population. In Bangladesh, 21 February is commemorated as Language Movement Day, a national holiday. Moreover, UNESCO later designated 21 February as International Mother Language Day in 1999, honoring the Language Movement and advocating for the linguistic rights of people globally.
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
Statement 1 accurately states that the temple was constructed by Maharaja Devapala of the Kacchapagata dynasty in 1323 CE.
However, statement 2 contains an error. The Chausath Yogini temple near Jabalpur is indeed circular in design, so the statement should be corrected to reflect this fact.
Statement 3 is inaccurate. The temple is dedicated to Yoginis, not meant to promote Vaishnavism, so the statement should be revised accordingly.
Statement 4 correctly suggests that there are similarities between the design of the temple and the Parliament building, implying that the former may have inspired the latter.
Q- With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas’? (2020)
(a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style
(b) Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas
(c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
(d) Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
The term ‘paramita’ is often rendered as “perfection” in translation. According to Buddhist teachings, there exists a path aimed at refining specific virtues, ultimately guiding the practitioner towards attaining the status of a Samma Sambuddha (Enlightened Universal Buddha) or Bodhisattva. These virtues are referred to as Paramis in Southern traditions and as Paramitas in Eastern and Northern traditions.
Q- With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements: (2020)
- Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga.
- Amarasimha Harshavardhana. is associated with
- Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta – II.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
Panini, born in Shalatula on the Indus River (now in present-day Pakistan), was a renowned Sanskrit grammarian who provided a systematic and scientific framework for phonetics, phonology, and morphology. Often regarded as the founder of Sanskrit language and literature, his seminal work, the Astadhyayi, is a treatise comprising eight chapters, each further divided into quarter chapters.
Within this work, Panini made distinctions between the language of sacred texts and everyday communication, offering formal production rules and definitions to describe Sanskrit grammar. He categorized around 1700 basic elements such as nouns, verbs, vowels, and consonants into classes. While Pushyamitra Shunga was a post-Mauryan king, the birth year of Panini remains unknown, with p
roposed dates ranging from the 4th to 7th century BCE, all predating the Mauryan era, rendering Pair 1 incorrect. Amarsimha, a Sanskrit grammarian and poet, known for the ‘Amara-Kosha’, was believed to have lived during the Gupta era, a period following the reign of Harshavardhana, thus contradicting Pair 2. Kalidasa, celebrated as ancient India’s greatest playwright and dramatist, wrote famous works such as Malavika and Agnimitra, Urvashi, and Shakuntala. Although his association with Chandra Gupta Vikramaditya’s court is legendary, the precise dates of his life remain uncertain, affirming Pair 3.
Q- With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs:
- Parivrajaka: Renunciant and Wanderer
- Shramana: Priest with a high status
- Upasaka: Lay follower of Buddhism
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer-Option B
EXPLANATION
Parivrajaka were known as renunciants and wanderers, while Shramana referred to ascetics and renouncers in ancient India. The term encompassed a diverse group of ascetics, monks, and lay followers from different sects including Buddhist, Jaina, Ajivika, and others. Upasaka specifically denoted lay followers of Buddhism.
Q- Consider the following pairs: (2018)
Craft Heritage of
1.Puthukkuli shawls Tamil Nadu
2.Sujni embroidery Maharashtra
3.Uppada Jamdani saris Karnataka
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
Puthukkuli shawls, originating from the Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu, are crafted by the Todas tribe. Known locally as Pugur, meaning “flower,” these shawls feature intricate embroidery by tribal men and women, earning them the name Poothkuli.
Sujni embroidery, hailing from Bihar’s Bhusura village, has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, distinguishing it as a unique form of embroidery.
Uppada Silk sarees, also known as Jamdani Sari, are woven in Uppada, located in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district, and have been accorded a GI tag.
Q- With reference to cultural history of India, consider the following statements: (2018)
- Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna.
- Tyagaraja created several new ragas.
- Annamacharya and Tyagaraja contemporaries. are
4.
Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Tyagaraja, born on May 14, 1767, in Thiruvayaru village, Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district, was a devout follower of Lord Rama. He composed numerous musical operas and approximately twenty-four thousand songs dedicated to Lord Rama, a fact that has been debated among music historians, thus rendering Statement 1 incorrect.
Tyagaraja is credited with introducing several unconventional ragas in Carnatic music, validating Statement 2. Annamacharya, also known as Annamayya, was a 15th-century Hindu saint born on May 22, 1408, and passed away on April 4, 1503, hence disproving Statement 3.
He is renowned for his devotional songs, known as kirtanas, which praise Lord Venkateshwara, representing Vishnu, affirming Statement 4.
Q- The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the (2018)
(a) Bundi school
(b) Jaipur school
(c) Kangra school
(d) Kishangarh school
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
Bani Thani is an Indian miniature painting created by Nihal Chand, belonging to the Marwar school of Kishangarh. The artwork depicts a woman known for her elegance and grace. The subject of the painting, Bani Thani, was a singer and poet during the reign of King Sawant Singh (1748–1764) in Kishangarh. Inspired by Radha, Bani Thani is recognized for her idealized features, including arched eyebrows, elongated eyes resembling lotus petals, and a pointed chin.
Q- Consider the following pairs: (2018)
Tradition State
1.Chapchar Kut festival Mizoram
2.Khongjom Parba ballad Manipur
3.Thang-Ta dance Sikkim
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Chapchar Kut, the primary festival of the Mizos, is celebrated in March following the conclusion of the jhum cultivation season, marking the onset of spring, thus validating Statement 1.
Khongjom Parba is a traditional style of ballad singing in Manipur, accompanied by the Dholak drum, portraying the valiant resistance of Manipuris against the British Empire in the 1891 battle. This musical art form is highly revered in Manipur, fostering sentiments of patriotism and nationalism, hence confirming Statement 2. However, Statement 3 is inaccurate.
Thang-Ta, a traditional martial art form from Manipur, is not a dance but rather a combative discipline. While Manipur boasts a diverse range of dance forms, including Ras, Sankirtana, and others, Thang-Ta is distinguished as a martial art that originated from drills endorsed by Manipuri rulers, emphasizing combat techniques rather than dance movements.
Q- Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples? (2017)
- Arasavalli
- Amarakantak
- Omkareshwar
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and
Answer- Option A
Q- With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements: (2017)
- It is a song and dance performance.
- Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.
- It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 only
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Manipuri Sankirtana encompasses ceremonial singing, drumming, and dancing, rendering Statement 1 accurate. Recognized as a part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013, it is predominantly practiced by the Vaishnava community in Manipur, as well as in certain regions of Tripura and Assam, supporting Statement 3. While cymbals play a significant role, drums are also utilized during the performance, indicating that Statement 2 is incorrect.
Q- Which one of the following was given classical language status recently? (2015)
(a) Odia
(b) Konkani
(c) Bhojpuri
(d) Assamese
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
The ancient texts and recorded history of this language span a period of 1500 to 2000 years, reflecting its deep antiquity. This body of ancient literature is highly esteemed by successive generations of speakers, cherished as a valuable cultural heritage. Notably, the literary tradition of this language is indigenous and not borrowed from another community. Furthermore, its classical language and literature exhibit distinct characteristics from modern forms, often featuring a discontinuity between the classical language and its later iterations.
Q- With reference to the art and archaeo- logical history of India, which one among the following was made earliest? (2015)
(a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar
(b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
(c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram
(d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
The rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli dates back to the reign of Ashoka, from 272 to 231 BC, making it the oldest among the provided options. Following this, the Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar was constructed in the 11th century AD. The rock-cut monuments at Mahabalipuram were created during the 7th century AD. Lastly, the Varaha Image at Udayagiri was crafted in the 5th century AD.
Q-Consider the following pairs: (2014)
- Garba: Gujarat
- Mohiniattam : Odisha
- Yakshagana: Karnataka
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
Bharatanatyam: Tamil Nadu
Mohiniyattam: Kerala
Kathakali: Kerala
Kathak: North India (Uttar Pradesh)
Kuchipudi: Andhra Pradesh
Sattriya: Assam
Odissi: Odisha
Manipuri: Manipur
Q- With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider following statements : (2014)
- Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama.
- It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam.
- It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Sattriya dance originated within the Sattra monasteries as part of the neo-Vaishnavite movement led by Srimanta Sankardev in Assam. This dance form, which emerged in the 15th century A.D., emphasizes the practice of “ek sharan naama dharma” or devout chanting of the name of one God.
Recognized as a classical dance in 2000 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sattriya often depicts themes revolving around Radha Krishna and various myths. Its performances typically include dhemali, a form of drum playing called gayan bayan involving several men playing drums in different rhythms, and intricate hand gestures.
Notable artists in this dance tradition include Guru Jatin Goswami and Sharodi Saikia, among others. Sattriya dance is rooted in devotional songs composed by Sankardeva.
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 to engage in discussions on the teachings of various faiths. Also referred to as the Hall of Prayer, it was a venue where theologians, mystics, and religious scholars of great erudition convened. Akbar’s intention was to foster harmony among different religions, leading him to formulate a new faith known as Din-e-Ilahi, or the Divine Faith. This faith amalgamated elements from Islamic Sufism, Bhakti and devotional movements, as well as influences from Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, and others in an attempt to create a synthesis of diverse religious beliefs.
Q- Every year, a monthlong ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/ tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes? (2014)
(a) Bhutia and Lepcha
(b) Gond and Korku
(c) Irula and Toda
(d) Sahariya and Agariya
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Every monsoon, the Gond and Korku tribes residing in the districts of Betul and Harda in Madhya Pradesh observe Hari Jiroti. This month-long celebration revolves around the theme of greenery, during which tribal communities engage in the planting of saplings, particularly those of fruit-bearing trees.
Q- Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy? (2014)
(a) Mimamsa and Vedanta
(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika
(c) Lokayata and Kapalika
(d) Sankhya and Yoga
Answer- Option C
EXPLANATION
Lokayata, or Charvaka, and Kapalika are not included in the six systems of Indian philosophy. Lokayata, also known as Charvaka, is a materialistic philosophical school that denies the validity of the Vedas, asserting that only material substances exist and consciousness arises from matter.
Kapalika, on the other hand, is a tantric tradition focused on the worship of Shiva and is notorious for its extreme rituals, including the use of human skulls. Both Lokayata and Kapalika are excluded from the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy due to their rejection of Vedic authority.
Q- Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days? (2014)
(a) 22nd March (or 21st March)
(b) 15th May (or 16th May)
(c) 31st March (or 30th March)
(d) 21st April (or 20th April)
Answer- Option A
EXPLANATION
The Saka Era initiated the Saka Samvat, an ancient Hindu calendar, which was subsequently adopted as the ‘Indian National Calendar’ in 1957.
The Saka calendar comprises 365 days and 12 months, mirroring the format of the Gregorian Calendar. Chaitra, the first month of the Saka Samvat, commences on March 22, aligning with March 21 in leap years, thus affirming Option 1 as accurate.
Q- With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu? (2014)
(a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India
(b) It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area
(c) It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar
(d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India
Answer- Option D
EXPLANATION
Kalaripayattu, a form of martial art, has its origins in Kerala, dating back from the 3rd century BC to the 2nd century AD. The training ground where this martial art is practiced is known as a ‘Kalari’. Regarded as one of the oldest surviving martial arts, Kalaripayattu holds significant historical importance, confirming the accuracy of option 4.
Q- A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their (2014)
(a) martial arts in North-East India
(b) musical tradition in North-West India
(c) classical vocal music in South India
(d) pietra dura tradition in Central India
Answer- Option B
EXPLANATION
Manganiyars are Muslim communities residing in the Jaisalmer and Barmer districts of Rajasthan. They are celebrated for their expertise in classical folk music and their adeptness in playing the Khartals, a traditional percussion instrument integral to Rajasthani folk music. The name “Khartal” is derived from the Hindi words ‘kara,’ meaning hand, and ‘tala,’ meaning rhythm, signifying the instrument’s rhythmic usage with hands.
Khartals are employed during religious and social festivities and are typically crafted from Sheesham wood or teak, although some variants may be fashioned from metals.
The Manganiyars are traditionally supported by the Bhati Rajput community and continue to perform during various auspicious occasions and festivals. They identify themselves as descendants of the Rajput lineage and are esteemed as prominent folk musicians hailing from the Thar desert region.