UPSC Prelims 2021
Indian Art & Culture Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 3 — 1 and 4

The Chausath Yogini Temple near Morena is a circular temple built during the Kachchhapaghata Dynasty in the 11th century CE. Its unique circular design has inspired popular belief that it influenced the architecture of the Indian Parliament building, though this lacks definitive historical proof.

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The temple is indeed circular and was constructed during the reign of the Kachchhapaghata Dynasty around the 11th century CE.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: It is not the only circular temple in India; other examples include similar Chausath Yogini temples in Khajuraho, Jabalpur, and Bhedaghat.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: The temple was dedicated to the worship of 64 Yoginis (Tantric goddesses) and was meant to promote Shakti/Tantric cult, not the Vaishnava cult.
✅ Statement 4 – Correct: There is a popular belief that the circular, open-to-sky design of this temple inspired the architects of the Indian Parliament building, though not historically confirmed.

📝 Short Notes: Chausath Yogini Temples

• Meaning: Chausath means 64; these temples were dedicated to 64 Yoginis (female attendants of Goddess Durga/Shakti).
• Period: Mostly built between 9th-12th centuries CE during the rise of Tantric practices in India.
• Architecture: Typically circular or rectangular, hypaethral (open to sky), with small shrines arranged around a central courtyard.
• Major Temples: Morena (Madhya Pradesh), Hirapur (Odisha), Khajuraho (MP), Bhedaghat (MP), Jabalpur (MP), and Ranipur-Jharial (Odisha).
• Religious Significance: Associated with Shakti and Tantric worship, not Vaishnava or Shaiva traditions.
• Morena Temple Specifics: Built by Kachchhapaghata rulers; circular with 64 chambers; believed to have inspired the Indian Parliament's circular design.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 4 — Tribal languages

Halbi, Ho, and Kui are tribal languages spoken by indigenous communities in different regions of India. Halbi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Halba tribe in Chhattisgarh and neighboring states, Ho is an Austroasiatic language spoken by the Ho people in Jharkhand and Odisha, and Kui is a Dravidian language spoken by the Kondh tribe primarily in Odisha.

📝 Short Notes: Major Tribal Languages of India

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — Playwrights

Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla, and Kshemeshvara were renowned playwrights in ancient and early medieval India who contributed significantly to Sanskrit drama. Bhavabhuti (8th century) served in the court of King Yashovarman of Kannauj and wrote famous plays like Malatimadhava and Uttararamacharita. Hastimalla (13th century) was a Jain playwright during the Hoysala period known for works like Vikrantakaurava, while Kshemeshvara (10th century) served King Mahipala of the Pala dynasty and authored plays such as Chandakaushika.

📝 Short Notes: Famous Sanskrit Playwrights of Ancient India

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river.

The Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising 29 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments, are located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra in the horseshoe-shaped gorge of the Waghora River. Let us evaluate each statement:

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Ajanta Caves are indeed situated in the gorge of the Waghora River in Maharashtra.

❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Sanchi Stupa is located on a hilltop near the Betwa River in Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh, not near the Chambal River.

❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Pandu-lena Caves (Nasik Caves) are carved into the Trirashmi hills near Nashik, Maharashtra, not in the gorge of the Narmada River.

❌ Statement 4 – Incorrect: Amaravati Stupa is located on the banks of the Krishna River in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, not the Godavari River.

📝 Short Notes: Major Buddhist Monuments and Their Locations

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 3 — 1 and 3 Only

This question tests knowledge about St. Francis Xavier, an important historical figure associated with Christianity in Goa. Statement 1 and 3 are correct, while Statement 2 contains a factual error regarding his place of death.

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: St. Francis Xavier was indeed one of the seven founding members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order) in 1534, along with Ignatius of Loyola.

❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: St. Francis Xavier did not die in Goa; he died on Shangchuan Island (Sancian) off the coast of China in 1552. However, the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa houses his mortal remains and is dedicated to him.

✅ Statement 3 – Correct: The Feast of St. Francis Xavier (Goencho Saib) is celebrated annually on December 3rd in Goa, with his body exposed for public veneration every ten years.

📝 Short Notes: St. Francis Xavier and Christianity in Goa

• St. Francis Xavier (1506-1552): Spanish Jesuit missionary and co-founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order) in 1534.
• Mission to India: Arrived in Goa in 1542 and worked extensively in South India, converting thousands to Christianity.
• Death: Died on Shangchuan Island (off China coast) in 1552 while attempting to enter China.
• Basilica of Bom Jesus: UNESCO World Heritage Site in Old Goa, built in 1605, houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier.
• Feast of St. Francis Xavier: Celebrated on December 3rd annually; the saint's body is exposed for public viewing (Exposition) once every 10 years.
• Legacy: Patron saint of Goa and one of the most influential Christian missionaries in Asia.