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UPPSC 2016 — Art & Culture Questions with Answers

All 5 Art & Culture previous-year questions from UPPSC 2016, each with the correct answer and a full explanation. Practise them as a free, timed mock test with instant scoring.

1. Q1.Sanskrit Literature

   Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty?

   • a)Swapnavasavadatta
   • b)Malavikagnimitra
   • c)Meghaduta
   • d)Ratnavali

   Explanation: Kalidasa's 'Malavikagnimitra' narrates the love story of Agnimitra, son of Pushyamitra Sunga (founder of the Sunga dynasty). Hence option (b).

2. Q2.Bhakti Movement

   With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements:

   • a)1 only
   • b)2 only
   • c)Both 1 and 2
   • d)Neither 1 nor 2

   Explanation: The Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil Nadu were monotheistic and opposed idolatry; the Lingayats/Virashaivas of Karnataka challenged rebirth and the caste hierarchy. Both statements are correct.

3. Q3.Buddhism

   With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

   • a)1 only
   • b)2 and 3 only
   • c)2 only
   • d)1, 2 and 3

   Explanation: The Bodhisattva ideal is central to Mahayana (not Hinayana), so 1 is wrong. Statements 2 and 3 correctly describe the compassionate Bodhisattva who delays his own salvation. Hence 2 and 3 only.

4. Q4.Architecture

   What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram?

   • a)1 and 2 only
   • b)3 only
   • c)1 and 3 only
   • d)None of the statements given above is correct

   Explanation: Ajanta (Buddhist, c. 2nd century BCE-6th century CE) and Mahabalipuram (Hindu/Pallava, 7th-8th century CE) belong to different periods and religions, so 1 and 2 are wrong. Both feature rock-cut monuments (3 correct). Hence only 3.

5. Q5.Personalities

   A recent movie titled 'The Man Who Knew Infinity' is based on the biography of

   • a)To bring small entrepreneurs into the formal financial system.
   • b)To provide loans to poor farmers for the cultivation of special crops.
   • c)To provide pensions to the elderly and helpless people.
   • d)To fund voluntary organizations engaged in skill development and employment generation.

   Explanation: 'The Man Who Knew Infinity' is based on the life of the mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. Hence option (a).