Art & Culture PYQs

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1. Prelims 2013Q36Architecture

   Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?

   aVihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monksbChaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monkscChaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to itdThere is no material difference between the two
2. Prelims 2013Q37Religion & Philosophy

   Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?

   aThe extinction of the flame of desirebThe complete annihilation of selfcA state of bliss and restdA mental stage beyond all comprehension
3. Prelims 2013Q47Religion & Philosophy

   Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?

   1.The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.

   2.Every object, even the smallest particle, has a soul.

   3.Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.

   Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

   a1 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc1 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
4. Prelims 2013Q57Painting

   Consider the following historical places :

   1.Ajanta Caves

   2.Lepakshi Temple

   3.Sanchi Stupa

   Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?

   a1 onlyb1 and 2 onlyc1, 2 and 3dNone
5. Prelims 2013Q58Religion & Philosophy

   With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school :

   1.Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul.

   2.Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   a1 onlyb2 onlycBoth 1 and 2dNeither 1 nor 2
6. Prelims 2013Q79Dance

   In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today.

   Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?

   aOne leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neckbFacial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characterscMovements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a storydA little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism
7. Prelims 2012Q24Architecture

   The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the

   athree main racial groups of the Indian subcontinentbthree main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classifiedcthree main styles of Indian temple architecturedthree main musical Gharanas prevalent in India
8. Prelims 2012Q67Music

   With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct?

   1.Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period.

   2.Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music.

   3.Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.

   Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

   a1 and 2 onlyb2 and 3 onlyc1, 2 and 3dNone of the above is correct
9. Prelims 2012Q68Dance

   How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?

   1.Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.

   2.Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   a1 onlyb2 onlycBoth 1 and 2dNeither 1 nor 2
10. Prelims 2012Q72Sculpture

    Lord Buddha's image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called 'Bhumisparsha Mudra'. It symbolizes

    aBuddha's calling of the Earth to watch over Māra and to prevent Māra from disturbing his meditationbBuddha's calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of MāracBuddha's reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitorydBoth the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context
11. Prelims 2011Q77Religion & Philosophy

    The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by

    aUniversal LawbUniversal TruthcUniversal FaithdUniversal Soul
12. Prelims 2010Q55Painting

    There are only two known examples of cave paintings of the Gupta period in ancient India. One of these is paintings of Ajanta caves. Where is the other surviving example of Gupta paintings?

    aBagh cavesbEllora cavescLomas Rishi cavedNasik caves
13. Prelims 2009Q12Music

    The brothers Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha are

    aDhrupad vocalistsbKathak dancerscSarod maestrosdTabla players
14. Prelims 2009Q15Architecture

    In which State is the Buddhist site Tabo Monastery located?

    aArunachal PradeshbHimachal PradeshcSikkimdUttarakhand
15. Prelims 2009Q17Fairs, Festivals & Crafts

    Mahamasthakabhisheka, a great religious event, is associated with and done for who of the following?

    aBahubalibBuddhacMahavirdNataraja
16. Prelims 2009Q18Fairs, Festivals & Crafts

    Consider the following pairs:

    Tradition — State

    1.Gatka, a traditional martial art : Kerala

    2.Madhubani, a traditional painting : Bihar

    3.Singhye Khababs Sindhu Darshan Festival : Jammu and Kashmir

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    a1 and 2 onlyb3 onlyc2 and 3 onlyd1, 2 and 3
17. Prelims 2009Q20Music

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists:

    List I (Famous person)

    A.Amrita Sher-Gil

    B.Bhimsen Joshi

    C.Rukmini Devi Arundale

    D.Suryakant Tripathi Nirala

    List II (Well-known as)

    1.Dancer

    2.Painter

    3.Poet

    4.Singer

    aA-2 B-1 C-4 D-3bA-2 B-4 C-1 D-3cA-3 B-1 C-4 D-2dA-3 B-4 C-1 D-2
18. Prelims 2009Q25Heritage, Institutions & Awards

    Recently, which one of the following was included in the UNESCO's World Heritage list ?

    aDilwara TemplebKalka-Shimla RailwaycBhitarkanika Mangrove AreadVisakhapatnam to Araku valley railway line
19. Prelims 2009Q26Architecture

    Where is the famous Virupaksha temple located ?

    aBhadrachalambChidambaramcHampidSrikalahasti
20. Prelims 2009Q37Architecture

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists:

    List I (Famous Temple)

    A.Vidyashankara temple

    B.Rajarani temple

    C.Kandariya Mahadeo temple

    D.Bhimesvara temple

    List II (State)

    1.Andhra Pradesh

    2.Karnataka

    3.Madhya Pradesh

    4.Orissa

    aA-2, B-4, C-3, D-1bA-2, B-3, C-4, D-1cA-1, B-4, C-3, D-2dA-1, B-3, C-4, D-2