UPSC Prelims 2024
Indian Art & Culture Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Explore 3 solved UPSC Prelims 2024 Indian Art & Culture questions with detailed step-by-step bilingual solutions, option analysis, and answer keys.
Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:
- Shantiniketan
- Rani-ki-Vav
- Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
- Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya
How many of the above properties were included in 2023?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — Only two
Out of the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites listed, only two were inscribed in 2023: Shantiniketan (inscribed in September 2023) and Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (inscribed in September 2023). The other two sites were inscribed much earlier: Rani-ki-Vav was added to the list in 2014, and the Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya was inscribed in 2002.
📝 Short Notes: India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Recent Additions
- Shantiniketan (2023): Founded by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore in 1863 and expanded by Rabindranath Tagore into Visva-Bharati University in 1921; represents a unique blend of traditional Indian and modern Western educational philosophies.
- Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (2023): Comprises three magnificent temples - Chennakeshava Temple (Belur), Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebidu), and Keshava Temple (Somanathapura); built during 12th-13th centuries CE; famous for star-shaped platforms (jagatis) and intricate stone carvings.
- Rani-ki-Vav (2014): An 11th-century stepwell in Patan, Gujarat; built by Queen Udayamati of the Solanki dynasty as a memorial to King Bhimdev I; showcases exceptional stepwell architecture with intricate sculptures.
- Mahabodhi Temple Complex (2002): Located at Bodhgaya, Bihar; originally built by Emperor Ashoka in 3rd century BCE; marks the site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment; one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick.
- India's UNESCO Count: As of 2023, India has 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (34 cultural, 7 natural, and 1 mixed), making it the sixth country globally with the most sites.
Which one of the following is a work attributed to playwright Bhasa?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Madhyama-vyayoga
Madhyama-vyayoga is a famous Sanskrit play attributed to Bhasa, one of ancient India's most celebrated playwrights who predated Kalidasa. The play, meaning 'The Middle One', is part of a trilogy based on the Mahabharata and showcases Bhasa's characteristic dramatic intensity and emotional depth.
Let's examine why the other options are incorrect:
❌ Option 1 – Kavyalankara: This is a treatise on Sanskrit poetics (alamkara shastra) composed by the scholar Bhamaha, not Bhasa.
❌ Option 2 – Natyashastra: This foundational text on Indian dramaturgy, dance, and performing arts is attributed to the sage Bharata Muni, not Bhasa.
❌ Option 4 – Mahabhashya: This is the great commentary on Panini's Ashtadhyayi grammar, composed by the grammarian Patanjali, not a dramatic work by Bhasa.
📝 Short Notes: Bhasa and Classical Sanskrit Drama
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Bhasa's Period | 3rd-4th century CE (possibly earlier); predated Kalidasa |
| Major Works | 13 plays attributed to him including Svapnavasavadatta, Pratijnayaugandharayana, Pancharatra, Madhyama-vyayoga, Dutavakya, Karnabhara, Urubhanga |
| Themes | Mostly based on Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Buddhist stories; known for emotional intensity and heroic characters |
| Style | Simple yet powerful dialogue; expert use of prakrit languages; focus on action and sentiment (rasa) |
| Madhyama-vyayoga | Part of a trilogy depicting events from Mahabharata; centers on Bhima as the 'middle' Pandava brother |
| Discovery | Bhasa's plays were rediscovered in early 20th century by Pandit Ganapati Shastri in Kerala |
Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO ?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Garba dance
Garba dance from Gujarat was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2023 during the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee held in Kasane, Botswana. Among the given options, this is the most recent inclusion, making it the correct answer.
📝 Short Notes: Indian Entries in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List (Chronological)
| Year | Cultural Heritage | Region/State |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Ramlila (Traditional Performance of Ramayana) | Uttar Pradesh |
| 2008 | Kutiyattam (Sanskrit Theatre) | Kerala |
| 2008 | Ramman (Religious Festival and Ritual Theatre) | Uttarakhand |
| 2009 | Mudiyettu (Ritual Theatre and Dance Drama) | Kerala |
| 2009 | Kalbelia Folk Songs and Dances | Rajasthan |
| 2010 | Chhau Dance | Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal |
| 2010 | Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh | Ladakh |
| 2013 | Sankirtana (Ritual Singing, Drumming and Dancing) | Manipur |
| 2014 | Thatheras of Jandiala Guru (Brass and Copper Craft) | Punjab |
| 2016 | Yoga | Pan-India |
| 2016 | Novruz (Shared with 11 countries) | Shared heritage |
| 2017 | Kumbh Mela | Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra |
| 2021 | Durga Puja | West Bengal |
| 2023 | Garba Dance | Gujarat |
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UPSC Prelims 2024 - Indian Art & Culture Chapter-wise Distribution
UNESCO Cultural Heritage
2 Qs (66.7%)Indian Theatre & Puppetry
1 Qs (33.3%)UPSC Prelims 2024 - Indian Art & Culture Questions FAQs
Q1 How many Indian Art & Culture questions were asked in UPSC Prelims 2024?
Q2 What is the chapter-wise question distribution for Indian Art & Culture in UPSC Prelims 2024?
- UNESCO Cultural Heritage: 2 questions (66.7%)
- Indian Theatre & Puppetry: 1 questions (33.3%)