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UPSC CSE Prelims 2013 — Art & Culture Questions with Answers

All 6 Art & Culture previous-year questions from UPSC CSE Prelims 2013, each with the correct answer and a full explanation. Practise them as a free, timed mock test with instant scoring.

1. Q1.Rock-cut Architecture

   With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements: which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

   Explanation: Only the statement that Ellora's caves were built for multiple faiths is true; the oldest rock-cut caves and the Barabar attribution to Chandragupta are factually wrong.

2. Q2.Buddhist Architecture

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

   • a)Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is a dwelling place for Buddhist monks.
   • b)Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is a dwelling place for Buddhist monks.
   • c)Chaitya has a stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara has an axial chamber in the cave.
   • d)There is no objective difference between the two.

   Explanation: A Chaitya is a Buddhist prayer/worship hall, while a Vihara is the monastery serving as the monks' dwelling.

3. Q3.Indian Paintings

   Consider the following historical places. Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?

   • a)1 only
   • b)1 and 2 only
   • c)1, 2 and 3
   • d)None

   Explanation: Both Ajanta and Lepakshi are famous for mural paintings, while Sanchi is known for its stupa rather than murals.

4. Q4.Indian Philosophy

   With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding the Sankhya school. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

   Explanation: Sankhya holds that self-knowledge leads to liberation, but it does accept rebirth, so only statement 2 is correct.

5. Q5.Tribes of India

   Consider the following pairs of tribes and States. Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

   • a)1 and 3 only
   • b)2 and 4 only
   • c)1, 3 and 4 only
   • d)1, 2, 3 and 4

   Explanation: Only Limboo (Sikkim) and Dongaria Kondh (Odisha) are correctly matched; Karbi and Bonda are paired with the wrong States.

6. Q6.Indian Dance Forms

   In the context of the 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?

   • a)One leg is bent, and the body is slightly curved at the waist and neck in opposite directions.
   • b)Facial expressions, hand gestures, and adornments are combined to express the symbolic form of epic or historical characters.
   • c)The movement of the body, face, and hands is used to express oneself or tell a story.
   • d)Emphasis is placed on a slow stance, slightly curved waist, and certain hand gestures, to express feelings of love and adornment.

   Explanation: Tribhanga is a graceful pose in which the body is bent at the knee, waist and neck in opposite directions.