Art & Culture UPSC PYQ 2013 — UPSC Practice Questions

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck

Answer

Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters

Answer

Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story

Answer

A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

2 only

Answer

1 only

Answer

Both 1 and 2

Answer

Neither 1 nor 2

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The extinction of the flame of desire

Answer

The complete annihilation of self

Answer

A state of bliss and rest

Answer

A mental stage beyond all comprehension

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

1 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

None

Question 5

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.

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks

Answer

Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks

Answer

Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it

Answer

There is no material difference between the two

Question 7

Consider the following pairs: Tribe State
1. Limboo (Limbu) : Sikkim
2. Karbi : Himachal Pradesh
3. Dongaria Kondh : Odisha
4. Bonda : Tamil Nadu
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

2 and 4 only

Answer

1, 3 and 4 only

Answer

1, 2, 3 and 4

Question 8

With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements:
1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

3 only

Answer

1 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3