UPSC Prelims 2016
Indian Art & Culture Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — S. Ramanujan

The 2015 biographical film The Man Who Knew Infinity depicts the life of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan and his collaboration with G.H. Hardy at Cambridge University during 1914-1919.

The film is based on Robert Kanigel's 1991 biography of the same name, chronicling Ramanujan's journey from poverty in Madras to becoming a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 3 — Both 1 and 2

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil Nadu were part of a monotheistic devotional movement that emerged during medieval India. They believed in a formless supreme reality and strongly opposed idol worship, ritualism, and temple-centric practices. Their philosophy emphasized direct spiritual experience over external religious symbols.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The Lingayat movement, founded by Basavanna in 12th-century Karnataka, was a radical social-religious reform movement. Lingayats rejected the theory of rebirth and the associated karmic cycle that perpetuated caste hierarchy. They advocated social equality, opposed Brahmanical dominance, and rejected caste-based discrimination. They believed in liberation (aikya) immediately upon death rather than through cycles of rebirth.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — Malavikagnimitra

Malavikagnimitra is a classical Sanskrit play written by the renowned poet Kalidasa. It narrates the romantic love story of King Agnimitra, who was the son of Pushyamitra Shunga, the founder of the Sunga dynasty (circa 185 BCE). The play revolves around Agnimitra's love for Malavika, a beautiful maiden in the royal household. Swapnavasavadatta by Bhasa tells the story of King Udayana and Queen Vasavadatta, unrelated to the Sunga dynasty. Meghadoota is Kalidasa's lyrical poem about a Yaksha sending messages through a cloud to his beloved wife. Ratnavali by Harsha is a romantic comedy about King Udayana and Princess Ratnavali, with no connection to the Sungas.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — 2 and 3 only

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Mahayana Buddhism, not Hinayana (Theravada). Hinayana emphasizes the Arhat ideal—one who achieves personal liberation (Nirvana). Mahayana, in contrast, celebrates the Bodhisattva path of compassionate service to all beings.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: A Bodhisattva is a being who has developed enlightenment qualities but is characterized by boundless compassion. They are on the path to full Buddhahood while actively working for the welfare of all sentient beings.

✅ Statement 3 – Correct: The defining feature of a Bodhisattva is the vow to delay entering final Nirvana until all sentient beings are liberated. This selfless commitment distinguishes the Bodhisattva ideal from the Arhat ideal, making it the cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — 3 only

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Ajanta caves were built between 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE (primarily under Vakataka and Gupta periods), while Mahabalipuram monuments were constructed in 7th-8th centuries CE under the Pallava dynasty. They belong to different periods separated by at least a century.

❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Ajanta caves are Buddhist monuments serving as monasteries and prayer halls (chaityas and viharas), whereas Mahabalipuram monuments are predominantly Hindu, dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu with structures like Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas.

✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Both sites feature rock-cut architecture. Ajanta has 30 rock-cut cave temples carved into basalt cliffs, while Mahabalipuram showcases rock-cut monuments including rathas, mandapas, and relief sculptures carved from granite monoliths.