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UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 — Art & Culture Questions with Answers

All 7 Art & Culture previous-year questions from UPSC CSE Prelims 2026, each with the correct answer and a full explanation. Practise them as a free, timed mock test with instant scoring.

1. Q1.Indian Classical Music

   Which one of the following ragas is similar to Raga Bilawal in Hindustani music?

   • a)Nat Bhairavi
   • b)Kamavardhini
   • c)Hanumatodi
   • d)Dheera Shankarabharanam
2. Q2.Temple Architecture

   Which of the following temples has/have a Nagara-style shikhara? 1. Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami 2. Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole 3. Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh 4. Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal Select the answer using the code given below:

   • a)1 and 2
   • b)2 and 3
   • c)3 only
   • d)3 and 4
3. Q3.Indian Paintings

   The Hallisalasya painting in the Bagh Caves represents:

   • a)A joyous folk dance
   • b)Buddha in a meditative pose
   • c)The depiction of Shiva and Parvati on Kailasha
   • d)Samudramanthan (Churning of the Ocean)
4. Q4.Buddhism

   What does an empty seat represent in early Buddhist iconography?

   • a)The meditation of the Buddha
   • b)The Buddha's First Sermon
   • c)The Buddha's Mahaparinibbana
   • d)The Buddha's Mahabhinishkramana
5. Q5.Buddhist Architecture

   Which of the following statements on the Amaravati Stupa and its relief sculpture is/are correct? 1. It was located in the lower Krishna valley. 2. In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size. 3. The Amaravati school of sculpture made a lasting impact on the later South Indian sculpture, and its products were carried to Sri Lanka and South-east Asia. Select the answer using the code given below:

   • a)1 only
   • b)1 and 3
   • c)2 and 3
   • d)1, 2 and 3
6. Q6.Indian Classical Music

   Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur, the famous classical singer from Karnataka, represented the :

   • a)Agra Gharana
   • b)Gwalior Gharana
   • c)Patiala Gharana
   • d)Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana
7. Q7.Ancient Literature

   In which one among the following texts does the term kshetra-patni ('mistress of the field') originate ?

   • a)Rigveda
   • b)Atharvaveda
   • c)Ashtadhyayi
   • d)Arthashastra