Literature: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Art and Culture)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Literature (Art and Culture). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 1998Art and Culture · Literature
Q1. The concept of the Eightfold Path forms the theme of:
Explanation
The Dharma Chakra Pravartana Sutta records the Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath, where he expounded the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This path provides a practical guide to overcoming dukkha (suffering) and achieving Nirvana. The Eightfold Path consists of: Right View; Right Intention; Right Speech; Right Action; Right Livelihood; Right Effort; Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. It advocates a balanced approach, avoiding extremes of asceticism and indulgence, laying the foundation for Buddhist ethics and practice. This sermon marks the beginning of the Sangha (monastic community).
UPSC 1998Art and Culture · Literature
Q2. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? 1. Mrichchakatikam-Shudraka 2. Buddhacharita-Vasuvandhu 3. Mudrarakshasa-Vishakadatta 4. Harshacharita-Banabhatta Select the correct answer using the codes:
Explanation
Pair 1 is correctly matched: Mrichchakatikam (The Little Clay Cart) is an ancient Sanskrit play by Shudraka, blending romance, social commentary, and drama, and is known for its vivid portrayal of love, class struggles, and moral dilemmas.
Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Buddhacharita was written by Ashvaghosha, not Vasuvandhu. The work, composed in the 2nd century CE, narrates the life and teachings of Sakyamuni (Gautama Buddha), including his birth, renunciation, enlightenment, and his efforts to spread the Dharma.
Pair 3 is correctly matched: Mudrarakshasa is a classical Sanskrit play by Vishakhadatta, depicting the political intrigue and cunning diplomacy of Chanakya as he helps Chandragupta Maurya rise to power, showcasing themes of statecraft and strategy.
Pair 4 is correctly matched: Harshacharita (The Deeds of Harsha) is a biographical work on Emperor Harsha (7th century CE), written by Banabhatta. He was the court poet of Harshavardhana and is considered one of the earliest Indian biographers.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
1998
(d) Dharma Chakra Pravartana Sutta
2
1998
(b) 1, 3, and 4
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Literature?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Literature (Art and Culture), asked from 1996 to 2024. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Literature?
Questions on Literature (Art and Culture) are available for 8 years, from 1996 to 2024. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
