ART AND CULTURE ONLYIAS - Sheet5 Flashcards
1,”Consider the following pairs: (2022) Site of Ashoka’s major rock edicts Location in the State of Dhauli Odisha Erragudi Andhra Pradesh Jaugada Madhya Pradesh Kalsi Karnataka How many pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs (c) Only three pairs (d) All four pairs”,2022
1,b,”Sub-Theme: Ashoka’s Rock Edicts and Inscription. Pair 1: Dhauli Rock edict located in dhauli hills, close to 10 kms from Bhubaneswar in Odisha, engraved on a large piece of rock, written in Pali. Pair 2: Erragudi or Yerragudi rock edict in Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh, important treasures of Mouryan king Ashoka. Pair 3: Jaugada situated on the northern bank of Rushikulya river, Ganjam district, Odisha. Part of ancient kingdom of Kalinga. Pair 4: Kalsi, a small town located in between Chakrata and Dehradun on the banks of Yamuna River in Uttarakhand, singularly unique site of Ashoka’s inscriptions, preaching the principle of Dhamma.”
2,”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”,2022
2,a,”Sub-Theme: Temple Architecture. Statement 1: Somnath Temple, sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus, believed to be first among twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva, located in Prabhas Patan, Veraval in Gujarat, India. Statement 2: A description of the temple by Al-Biruni, an Arab traveller, was so glowing that it prompted a visit in 1024 by Mahmud of Ghazni. Statement 3: The contemporary Somnath temple’s reconstruction was started under the orders of the first Home Minister of India Vallabhbhai Patel and completed in May 1951 after his death, then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, did the Pran-Pratistha at the existing temple on 11 May 1951, presently the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi is the chairman of Shree Somnath Mandir trust.”
3,”Which one of the following statements is correct? (2021) (a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of the Waghora river. (b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of the Chambal river. (c) Pandu-Lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of the Narmada river. (d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of the Godavari river.”,2021
3,a,”Sub-Theme: Ancient Architecture/Sculpture/Ajanta Cave. Option (a): Famous Buddhist site of Ajanta lies in Sahyadri hills by gorge of Waghora river. Option (b): Sanchi lies to west of Betwa river, Madhya Pradesh’s Sanchi Stupa built by Ashoka in 3rd century BCE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Option (c): Pandu-Lena cave shrines, also known as Nasik Caves, located at Gomai river, about 6 kilometres north of Shahada, Maharashtra. Option (d): Amaravati stupa lies in gorge of Krishna river, largest one in state of Andhra Pradesh, with diameter of about 50 metres and height of about 27 metres.”
4,”With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements: (2018) 1. White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri. 2. Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2”,2018
4,d,”Sub-Theme: Medieval Architecture/Islamic Architecture. Statement 1: Buland Darwaza situated at Fatehpur sikri, built by Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat, Red sandstone used in construction, according to UPSC answer key. Statement 2: Bada Imambara, located in Lucknow, built by Asaf-ud-doula in 1784, made by interlocking bricks without use of mortar in construction, Rumi Darwaza also in Lucknow, built by Nawab of Awadh Asaf-ud-doula, built using bricks, coated with lime.”
5,”What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? (2016) 1. Both were built in the same period. 2. Both belong to the same religious denomination. 3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) None of the statements given above is correct”,2016
5,b,”Sub-Theme: Ancient Architecture/Sculpture/Ajanta Cave. Statement 1: Ajanta Caves are 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating from 2nd century BCE to 480 or 650 CE, Mahabalipuram has a group of sanctuaries, carved out of rock along Coromandel coast in 7th and 8th centuries. Statement 2: Ajanta caves mostly dedicated to Buddhist denominations while Mahabalipuram has more inclination towards Vaishnavite sect. Statement 3: Both Mahabalipuram and Ajanta are one of finest examples of rock-cut monuments.”
6,”With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs. (2014) Famous works of sculpture Site A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below Ajanta 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 “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”,2014
6,c,”Sub-Theme: Ancient Architecture/Sculpture/Ajanta Cave. Pair 1: Image of Mahaparinirvana of Buddha in cave 26 of Ajanta caves in Sahyadri range on Waghora river in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, built under patronage of Vakataka rulers. Pair 2: Huge image of Varaha Avatar of Lord Vishnu, rescuing Goddess Earth from deep and chaotic waters in Udayagiri caves near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, built under patronage of Gupta rulers around 5th century AD. Pair 3: Arjuna’s penance/Descent of Ganga monolithic sculpture built under reign of Pallava King Mahendravarman, located in Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), Tamil Nadu, included in UNESCO World heritage sites.”
7,”Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was: (2014) (a) The mosque for the use of Royal Family (b) Akbar’s private prayer chamber. (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.”,2014
7,c,”Sub-Theme: Mughal Architecture/Islamic Architecture. Option (c): Ibadat Khana used for discussions with various spiritual leaders of different religious grounds and to conduct a discussion on teachings of various religious leaders, also known as the Hall of prayer. Ibadat Khana: z Meeting house built by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575 AD. Emperor increasingly indulged in intellectual pursuits, came in contact with ascetics and disciples of Sufi saint Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti. He also expected to receive Mirza Suleiman of Badakhshan, a Sufi with a strong taste for theological discussions. Hence, he resolved to construct a debating hall that could accommodate a large number of Muslim theologians. Construction of Ibadat Khana started in early 1575 CE at Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory) and was completed in 1576 CE.”
8,”With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements: (2013) 1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. 2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. 3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3”,2013
8,c,”Sub-Theme: Ancient Indian Architecture. Statement 1: Badami caves constructed in 6th century by Chalukya dynasty, in their capital Badami, earlier known as Vatapinagar. Barabar caves oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. Statement 2: Barabar caves constructed by Emperor Ashoka, located in Jehanabad district, Bihar. Statement 3: Ellora caves complex of Hindu (Caves 13-29), Buddhist (Caves 1-12) and Jain (Caves 30-34) monuments, built during Rashtrakuta dynasty, designated as World heritage site By UNESCO.”
9,”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 the 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”,2021
9,c,”Sub-Theme: Ancient Indian Temple Architecture. Statement 1: Chausath Yogini temple in Morena district in Madhya Pradesh, according to an inscription dated 1323 CE, built by Kachachapaghata king Devapala (1055-1075). Statement 2: Temple with circular design pattern situated on top of a small hill, not only circular temple in India. Statement 3: Originally 64 yoginis placed in 64 subsidiary shrines around central shrine of Maha Shakti, today Shiva linga have taken their place in shrines, central shrine also holds a Shivalinga. Statement 4: Temple’s circular design has given rise to popular idea that Indian parliament’s design was taken from here. Under central vista project, new parliament building is constructed, existing parliament building is replica of Chausath Yogini Temple.”
10,”The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the: (2012) (a) Three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent (b) Three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified. (c) Three main styles of Indian Temple Architecture (d) Three main musical gharanas were prevalent in India.”,2012
10,c,”Sub-Theme: Ancient Indian Temple Architecture. Option (c): Three main styles of temple architecture are the Nagara (Northern style), the Dravida (the southern style), and the Vesara style (Mixed style). Temple Architecture: z Three main styles of temple architecture are the Nagara (Northern style), the Dravida (the southern style), and the Vesara style (Mixed style). z In Nagara style entire temple is built on platform with multiple steps. z In Dravida style, temple is enclosed within compound wall with features like Gopuram and Vimana. z Vesara temple architecture is blend of temple architecture from Nagara and Dravidian traditions.”
11,”Building ‘Kalyana Mandapam’ was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of (2019) (a) Chalukya (b) Chandela (c) Rashtrakuta (d) Vijayanagara”,2019
11,d,”Vijayanagara kingdom’s temple construction included “Kalyana Mandapas”; chief characteristics of Vijayanagara architecture were: Raya Gopurams, carved-pillared Kalyana mandapam inside the temple grounds, Garbhagriha, Amman shrine; horse was prevalent animal on pillars where sculptures were engraved; a prominent aspect of this kingdom’s temple construction was the construction of “Kalyana Mandapas”.”
12,”Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples? (2017) 1. Arasavalli 2. Amarkantak 3. 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 3”,2017
12,a,”Arasavalli Sun temple located in Andhra Pradesh, dates back to the 7th century, constructed by a Kalinga king; Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, origin of Narmada river, Lord Shiva worshipped as Narmadeswar Amranath; Omkareshwar, Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Madhya Pradesh, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas; list of famous Sun temples in India provided: Dakshinaarka temple at Gaya in Bihar, Bhramanya Dev Temple at Unao in Madhya Pradesh, Sun Temple at Surya Pahar in Assam, Suryanar Temple near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, Suryanarayana Swamy temple at Arasavalli in Andhra Pradesh, Sun Temple at Modhera in Gujarat, Sun Temple at Konarak in Orissa.”
13,”With reference to the art and archaeological 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 Mahabalipuram (d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri”,2015
13,b,”Rock-cut elephant situated in Dhauli constructed during reign of Ashoka, who ruled from 272-231 BCE; Lingaraj Temple built in the 11th century AD; rock-cut monuments in Mahabalipuram constructed during the 7th and 8th centuries AD; Varaha Image built in the 5th century AD.”
14,”With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to: (2014) (a) An assembly of village elders (b) A religious sect (c) A style of temple construction (d) An administrative functionary”,2014
14,c,”Panchayatan Style: style of temple construction where main shrine is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines; exemplified by Dashavatara Vishnu Temple, Deogarh, built in the early sixth century CE.”
15,”The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the (2018) (a) Bundi school (b) Jaipur school (c) Kangra school (d) Kishangarh school”,2018
15,d,”Bani Thani painting belongs to the Kishangarh school of paintings; painted by an artist named Nihal Chand; Bani Thani, singer and poetess in the court of Raja Samant Singh (1748-1764).”
16,”The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous illustrated paintings at: (2017) (a) Ajanta (b) Badami (c) Bagh (d) Ellora”,2017
16,a,”The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is in Ajanta cave no 1, which dates back to the 5th century AD; other paintings of Bodhisattvas include Vajrapani and Manjusri; Bodhisattva is holding a lotus in his hand in a tribhanga pose.”
17,”Kalamkari painting refers to: (2015) (a) A hand-painted cotton textile in South India (b) A handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East India (c) A block-painted woollen cloth in the Western Himalayan region of India (d) A hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India”,2015
17,a,”Kalamkari: cotton textile made in Andhra Pradesh, hand-painted or block-printed; kalam (pen) used for freehand drawing and filling in colours; present states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are where kalamkari first appeared; kalamkari used to depict scenes from sacred texts such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Bhagavatam.”
18,”Consider the following historical places: (2013) 1. Ajanta Caves 2. Lepakshi Temple 3. 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”,2013
18,b,”The paintings on the caves of Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta are truly magnificent; Lepakshi temple in Andhra Pradesh known for mural paintings of the Vijayanagar kings; Sanchi known for sculptures, not paintings.”
19,”With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements: (2018) 1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna. 2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas. 3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries. 4. Annamacharya Keertanas 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”,2018
19,b,”Tyagaraja known for devotion to Lord Rama through soulful music; Tyagaraja created thousands of devotional compositions mostly in praise of Lord Rama; Rama is the main theme of most of Tyagaraja’s songs; Annamacharya belonged to the 15th century.”
20,”With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, Which of the following statements are correct? (2012) 1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period. 2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music. 3. Dhrupad alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None of the above is correct.”,2012
20,b,”Dhrupad: ancient form of devotional music; originated from chanting of Vedic hymns and mantras; emphasises purity of ragas; lyrics generally performed in Braj Basha; notable characteristics include emphasis on preserving the Raga’s purity; significant personalities include Raja Man Singh Tomar, Emperor Akbar, Tansen, Baiju Bawra, and Swami Haridas; major gharanas include dagarvani, bishnupur, darbhanga, mallik, and bettiah.”
21,”With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements: (2017) 1. It is a song and dance performance. 2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance. 3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 only”,2017
21,b,”Manipuri Sankirtana involves ritual singing, drumming, and dancing; inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Of Humanity in 2013; Lord Krishna life and deeds main theme; practised primarily by the Vaishnavite community.”
22,”With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements: (2014) 1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama. 2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam. 3. 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”,2014
22,b,”Sattriya dance: combination of music, dance, and drama; introduced in the 15th century A.D by Mahapurusha Sankaradeva; based on songs composed by Sankaradeva and Madhvadeva.”
23,”Consider the following pairs: (2014) 1. Garba : Gujarat 2. Mohiniattam : Odisha 3. 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”,2014
23,c,”Garba: famous dance form of Gujarat, performed to honor Goddess Durga; Mohiniattam: classical dance form of Kerala; Yakshagana: musical dance theatre form of Karnataka.”
24,”In the context of the cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. (2013) Which one of the following statements best describes this pose? (a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at the waist and neck (b) Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters (c) Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story (d) A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism”,2013
24,a,”Tri-bent pose creates three curves at the neck, waist, and knee; literal meaning ‘three parts break’; goes back at least 2000 years in Indian art and sculpture.”
