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

Detailed Explanation:

Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur (1910–1992) was one of the greatest Hindustani classical vocalists from Karnataka and is best known as a leading exponent of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana.

• He received advanced training under Ustad Manji Khan and Ustad Bhurji Khan, sons of the gharana's founder Ustad Alladiya Khan.

• He was renowned for his mastery over rare and complex ragas.

• Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana

Important Facts

• The Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana is one of the most respected gharanas of Hindustani music.

• It is particularly known for preserving and performing rare (Jod and Sankirna) ragas.

• Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur played a major role in popularizing this tradition across India.

Detailed Explanation:

Boong is a Manipuri-language coming-of-age film that achieved a historic milestone at the BAFTA Awards.

• Statement 1 is Correct: Boong won the BAFTA Award for Best Children's and Family Film.

• Statement 2 is Correct: The film was written and directed by Lakshmipriya Devi.

• Statement 3 is Correct: It became the first Indian film to win a BAFTA award in the Children's and Family Film category.

• Therefore, all three statements are correct, making Option A the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation:

The Amaravati Stupa (Maha Chaitya) was an important Buddhist monument of ancient India.

• Statement 1 is Correct: It was located in the lower Krishna River valley in present-day Andhra Pradesh.

• Statement 2 is Incorrect: Amaravati Stupa was larger than the Great Stupa at Sanchi and is considered one of the largest stupas in India.

• Statement 3 is Correct: The Amaravati School of Sculpture greatly influenced later South Indian art and spread to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia through trade and cultural contacts.

• Therefore, Statements 1 and 3 are correct, making Option B the correct answer.

Statement-wise Analysis

Amaravati Stupa & Amaravati School of Art

Important Features

• Famous for its intricate narrative relief sculptures depicting Jataka tales and events from Buddha's life.

• Early Buddhist art at Amaravati largely followed the aniconic tradition, later incorporating Buddha images.

• Influenced later Pallava, Chola, Sri Lankan, and Southeast Asian sculpture traditions.

Detailed Explanation:

Indian classical music has two major traditions: Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian). Many ragas in these systems have equivalent scales.

• Dheera Shankarabharanam in Carnatic music is equivalent to Raga Bilawal in Hindustani music.

• Both use all Shuddha (natural) notes and correspond to the Western Major Scale (Ionian Mode).

• Nat Bhairavi, Kamavardhini, and Hanumatodi correspond to other Hindustani thaats/ragas.

• Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

Detailed Explanation:

The Hallisalasya painting in the Bagh Caves (Madhya Pradesh) depicts a joyous folk dance performed by a group of women.

• Female dancers are shown dancing in a circle while striking small wooden sticks, similar to modern Dandiya or Garba.

• The dancers are accompanied by female musicians playing instruments such as the hudukka (drum) and cymbals.

• The painting is an important source for understanding the social and cultural life of ancient India.

• Therefore, Option A is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

Bagh Caves

Important Facts

• The Bagh Caves are known for their vibrant mural paintings depicting both religious and secular themes.

• The Hallisalasya mural is valued for showcasing everyday life, music, dance, and cultural traditions of the Gupta period.

• It is often compared to modern Dandiya/Garba due to the use of sticks in the dance.

Detailed Explanation:

The Nagara style of temple architecture is characterized by a curvilinear (beehive-shaped) shikhara and is mainly associated with North India.

• Statement 1 is Incorrect: Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami is built in the Dravida style and does not have a Nagara shikhara.

• Statement 2 is Correct: Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole features a curvilinear Nagara-style shikhara.

• Statement 3 is Correct: Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh is one of the earliest examples of a Nagara-style temple in North India.

• Statement 4 is Incorrect: Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal is a classic Dravida-style temple with a pyramidal vimana.

• Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct, making Option B the correct answer.

Nagara vs Dravida Architecture

Important Facts

• Aihole is known as the "Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture."

• Pattadakal contains both Nagara and Dravida style temples.

• Dashavatara Temple (Deogarh) is a famous Gupta-period temple and an early example of Nagara architecture.

Memory Trick:

👉 Nagara = North = Curved Shikhara
👉 Dravida = South = Pyramid Tower

Detailed Explanation:

Moidams (Maidams) are the traditional burial mounds of the Tai-Ahom Kingdom in Assam.

• Statement 1 is Incorrect: Moidams were not army fortresses.

• Statement 2 is Incorrect: They were not recreation centres for royals and nobles.

• Statement 3 is Correct: Moidams served as burial grounds (royal necropolis) for Ahom kings, queens, and nobles.

• Statement 4 is Incorrect: They were not battle drill centres.

• Therefore, only Statement 3 is correct, making Option C the correct answer.

Why Other Statements Are Wrong

Detailed Explanation:

Correct Answer: ✅ Option 4 (Lahore)

Vishnu Digambar Paluskar founded the first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in Lahore in 1901. His objective was to make Hindustani classical music accessible to common people through formal institutional education.

✅ Statement I is Correct: The first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya was established in Lahore in 1901.

✅ Statement II is Correct: Paluskar broke the traditional gharana-based exclusivity and promoted systematic music education for all sections of society.

❌ Delhi, Gwalior and Ujjain are Incorrect: Although Gandharva Mahavidyalaya later expanded to other cities, the first institution was established in Lahore.

Short Notes: Vishnu Digambar Paluskar and Gandharva Mahavidyalaya

• Vishnu Digambar Paluskar (1872–1931) was a pioneer of Hindustani classical music.

• He founded the first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in 1901 at Lahore.

• The institution promoted formal music education outside the hereditary gharana system.

• Paluskar played a major role in popularizing classical music among the masses.

• He standardized music teaching through structured curricula and notation.

• The Gandharva Mahavidyalaya movement later spread to many Indian cities.

• He is regarded as one of the architects of modern Hindustani music education.

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)

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

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.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — Only two

Out of the three statements, only statements 2 and 3 are correct. While stupas were indeed repositories of relics and served as votive and commemorative structures in Buddhist tradition, the concept of stupa itself predates Buddhism and originated as pre-Buddhist burial mounds.

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: The concept of stupa is not Buddhist in origin; it existed in pre-Buddhist times as burial mounds and was later adopted and transformed by Buddhism into a sacred monument.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Stupas generally served as repositories of relics, containing physical remains or belongings of the Buddha or revered Buddhist monks.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Stupas functioned as votive (devotional offerings) and commemorative structures, marking significant events in Buddha's life or expressing religious devotion.

📝 Short Notes: Stupas in Ancient India

• Pre-Buddhist Origin: Stupas originally existed as burial mounds (chaityas) in ancient India before Buddhism emerged.
• Buddhist Adoption: Buddhism adopted and transformed the stupa into a central religious monument, especially after Buddha's Parinirvana (483 BCE).
• Purpose: Stupas served triple functions - repositories of sacred relics (sarira), commemorative monuments marking important Buddhist events, and votive structures built as acts of devotion.
• Key Components: A typical stupa consists of a hemispherical dome (anda), a square railing (harmika), and an umbrella-like structure (chhatravali).
• Famous Examples: Sanchi Stupa (Madhya Pradesh), Amaravati Stupa (Andhra Pradesh), and Dhamek Stupa (Sarnath) represent different architectural styles and periods.
• Circumambulation: Devotees perform pradakshina (clockwise walking) around stupas as a form of worship and meditation.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — Andhra

Dhanyakataka (modern-day Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh) was an ancient city located in the Andhra region of South India. It flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghika sect, one of the earliest Buddhist schools that later influenced the development of Mahayana Buddhism. The site is renowned for its magnificent stupa and sculptural art, making it a major pilgrimage and learning centre in ancient times.

📝 Short Notes: Ancient Buddhist Centres in India

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — Only two

Out of the three given pairs, two are correctly matched. Bhaja is correctly associated with Buddhist cave shrines (2nd century BC rock-cut caves near Pune), and Sittanavasal is correctly known for Jain cave shrines (ancient Jain monument in Tamil Nadu). However, Besnagar (Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh) is not particularly known for a Shaivite cave shrine; it is more famous for the Heliodorus Pillar, an ancient Garuda pillar dedicated to Lord Vishnu, along with remains of Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples.

✅ Pair 1 (Besnagar : Shaivite cave shrine) – Incorrect: Besnagar (Vidisha) is primarily known for the Heliodorus Pillar (Garuda pillar dedicated to Vishnu), not for a Shaivite cave shrine.
✅ Pair 2 (Bhaja : Buddhist cave shrine) – Correct: Bhaja Caves in Maharashtra are well-known rock-cut Buddhist caves dating to the 2nd century BC.
✅ Pair 3 (Sittanavasal : Jain cave shrine) – Correct: Sittanavasal in Tamil Nadu is famous for its ancient Jain cave shrine with beautiful frescoes.

📝 Short Notes: Famous Cave Shrines of India

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — Only two

This question tests the correct pairing of ancient Indian literary works with their respective authors. Out of the four given pairs, only two are correctly matched—Hammira-Mahakavya with Nayachandra Suri and Nitivakyamrita with Somadeva Suri.

❌ Pair 1 – Incorrect: Devichandraguptam was authored by Vishakhadatta, a renowned Sanskrit playwright, not by Bilhana who was a later Kashmiri poet famous for Vikramankadevacharita.

✅ Pair 2 – Correct: Hammira-Mahakavya was indeed composed by Nayachandra Suri, a Jain scholar and poet, celebrating the valor of Chauhan ruler Hammiradeva.

❌ Pair 3 – Incorrect: Milinda-Panha (Questions of King Milinda) records dialogues between Buddhist monk Nagasena and Indo-Greek King Menander (Milinda), not Nagarjuna who was a later Mahayana philosopher.

✅ Pair 4 – Correct: Nitivakyamrita, a work on political ethics and wisdom, was written by Somadeva Suri, a Jain scholar.

📝 Short Notes: Ancient Indian Literary Works and Authors

• Bilhana: 11th-century Kashmiri poet, authored Vikramankadevacharita and Caurapancasika
• Nagarjuna: 2nd-century CE Mahayana Buddhist philosopher, founder of Madhyamaka school; authored Mulamadhyamakakarika
• Nagasena vs Nagarjuna: Often confused—Nagasena was a Theravada monk (2nd century BCE), while Nagarjuna was a Mahayana philosopher (2nd century CE)
• Vishakhadatta: Also authored Mudrarakshasa, a political drama about Chandragupta Maurya and Chanakya
• Jain Literary Contributions: Both Nayachandra Suri and Somadeva Suri represent the rich tradition of Jain scholarship in ethics, politics, and literature