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

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — 1 and 2 only

This question tests knowledge about the historical and religious significance of Somnath Temple. Statement 3 is incorrect because the consecration was performed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, not Dr. S. Radhakrishnan.

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Somnath Temple houses one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva, making it one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Hinduism.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Al-Biruni, the Persian scholar who accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni, documented the grandeur of Somnath Temple in his writings, describing it as a stone structure built around the 10th century and fortified by the sea on three sides.

❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: The Pran Pratishtha (consecration) of the reconstructed Somnath Temple in 1951 was performed by India's first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, not Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (who was the second President).

📝 Short Notes: Somnath Temple

• Location: Veraval (Prabhas Patan), Gujarat, on the western coast of India
• Religious Significance: One of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines, considered the first among them
• Historical Destruction: The temple was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times; most notably by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026 CE
• Al-Biruni's Account: Described the temple's magnificent architecture and wealth, which attracted invasions
• Modern Reconstruction: Initiated by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and K.M. Munshi in 1947; completed in 1951
• Consecration (1951): Performed by President Dr. Rajendra Prasad on May 11, 1951
• Architectural Style: Present structure built in Chalukya style of temple architecture using sandstone

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — 2 and 4 only

Among the given texts, only Parishishtaparvan and Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana are Jaina texts. Nettipakarana is a Buddhist Theravada scripture, while Avadanashataka is a collection of Buddhist legends.

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Nettipakarana is a Buddhist scripture from the Theravada tradition that serves as a guide for interpreting the Pali Canon.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Parishishtaparvan (Sthaviravalicharitra) is a 12th-century Jaina text written by Hemachandra, providing historical accounts of early Jaina teachers.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Avadanashataka is a Sanskrit collection of one hundred Buddhist legends (Avadanas) detailing past lives and deeds.
✅ Statement 4 – Correct: Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana (Mahapurana) is a major 9th-century Jaina text by Digambara monks Jinasena and Gunabhadra, detailing the lives of 63 Shalakapurushas.

📝 Short Notes: Religious Texts Classification

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — Only two pairs

This question tests knowledge of the geographical locations of Ashoka's major rock edicts. Out of the four pairs given, only two are correctly matched: Dhauli (Odisha) and Erragudi (Andhra Pradesh). The other two locations are incorrectly matched.

✅ Pair 1 – Correct: Dhauli rock edicts are indeed located in Odisha (near Bhubaneswar).
✅ Pair 2 – Correct: Erragudi (also spelled Yerragudi) rock edicts are located in Andhra Pradesh (Kurnool district).
❌ Pair 3 – Incorrect: Jaugada rock edicts are located in Odisha (Ganjam district), not in Madhya Pradesh.
❌ Pair 4 – Incorrect: Kalsi rock edicts are located in Uttarakhand (Dehradun district), not in Karnataka.

📝 Short Notes: Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 3 — Only two pairs

This question tests knowledge of historical Indian scholars and their philosophical traditions. Out of the three pairs given, two are correctly matched while one is incorrect.

❌ Pair 1 – Incorrect: Aryadeva was a Buddhist philosopher and Madhyamaka scholar, not a Jaina scholar. He was a disciple of Nagarjuna and associated with Nalanda monastery.
✅ Pair 2 – Correct: Dignaga was indeed a Buddhist scholar renowned for his pioneering work in Buddhist logic (Pramana) and epistemology, influencing later philosophers like Dharmakirti.
✅ Pair 3 – Correct: Nathamuni was a Vaishnava scholar who revived the Sri Vaishnava tradition and compiled the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, a collection of Tamil devotional hymns.

📝 Short Notes: Major Indian Philosophical Scholars

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.

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 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 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 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 — Vijayanagara

The construction of elaborate 'Kalyana Mandapas' (marriage halls) within temple complexes was a distinctive architectural feature of the Vijayanagara Empire (14th-17th centuries). These ornate mandapas were specifically designed for the ceremonial marriage rituals of deities and became a hallmark of Vijayanagara temple architecture, distinguishing it from earlier South Indian styles.

📝 Short Notes: Vijayanagara Temple Architecture

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — 2 and 4 only

This question tests knowledge of two prominent Carnatic music composers and their contributions. Only statements 2 and 4 are factually correct regarding Tyagaraja's compositional innovations and Annamacharya's devotional focus.

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Most of Tyagaraja's kritis are devotional compositions in praise of Lord Rama, not Lord Krishna.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Tyagaraja is credited with creating several new ragas and enriching Carnatic music with his innovative compositions.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Annamacharya (1408-1503 CE) and Tyagaraja (1767-1847 CE) were not contemporaries; they lived approximately three centuries apart.
✅ Statement 4 – Correct: Annamacharya's kirtanas are devotional songs primarily in praise of Lord Venkateshwara (Balaji) of Tirupati.

📝 Short Notes: Saint Composers of Carnatic Music

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — 1 and 2

This question tests knowledge of traditional cultural practices and their associated states in Northeast India. Pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched, while Pair 3 incorrectly attributes Thang-Ta to Sikkim instead of Manipur.

✅ Pair 1 – Correct: Chapchar Kut is a vibrant spring festival celebrated by the Mizo people of Mizoram, marking the completion of jhum cultivation (slash-and-burn farming).

✅ Pair 2 – Correct: Khongjom Parba is a ritualistic ballad performance commemorating the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891, specifically the Battle of Khongjom where Manipuri soldiers fought against British forces.

❌ Pair 3 – Incorrect: Thang-Ta is a traditional martial art form of Manipur, not Sikkim. It combines armed ('Thang' - sword/spear) and unarmed ('Ta' - hand-to-hand) combat techniques and is an integral part of Manipuri culture.

📝 Short Notes: Cultural Traditions of Northeast India

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — Jainism

The Sthanakvasi sect is a reformist subsect within Jainism that emerged in the 17th century as a protest against idol worship and temple rituals. The name 'Sthanakvasi' literally means 'those who dwell in halls' (sthanak), referring to their practice of worshipping in simple prayer halls rather than ornate temples. This sect emphasizes ascetic practices, scriptural study, and spiritual discipline over ritualistic worship.

📝 Short Notes: Major Jain Sects

• The Sthanakvasi movement was founded by a merchant named Lavaji in Gujarat as a protest against the murtipujak (idol-worshipping) tradition.
• Both Sthanakvasi and Terapanthi sects focus on inner spirituality rather than external ritualism.
• These reformist movements emphasize the original teachings of Mahavira and strict adherence to Jain principles.

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — None

Both statements are incorrect regarding the materials used in the construction of these historical monuments.

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri were primarily constructed using red sandstone, not white marble. While some decorative elements might feature white marble inlay work, the dominant material is red sandstone characteristic of Mughal architecture at Fatehpur Sikri.

❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Bara Imambara in Lucknow is primarily constructed using lakhauri bricks with lime mortar and stucco plaster, not red sandstone and marble. Rumi Darwaza is similarly built with bricks and lime plaster. These structures exemplify the Awadhi architectural style which relied on brick construction rather than stone.

📝 Short Notes: Mughal and Awadhi Architecture Materials

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — 1 only

This question tests knowledge of traditional Indian crafts and their geographical origins. Only the first pair is correctly matched, while the other two pairs incorrectly associate crafts with the wrong states.

✅ Pair 1 – Correct: Puthukkuli shawls are indeed embroidered textiles traditionally crafted by the Toda tribe in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu.

❌ Pair 2 – Incorrect: Sujni embroidery is a traditional craft from Bihar (particularly Bhusura village), not Maharashtra.

❌ Pair 3 – Incorrect: Uppada Jamdani saris are famous silk saris from Uppada in Andhra Pradesh, not Karnataka.

📝 Short Notes: Traditional Indian Crafts and Their States