Miscellaneous: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Art and Culture)
This page lists 3 previous year UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (General Studies Paper-I) questions on Miscellaneous (Art and Culture), asked between 1995 to 2018. Choose an option to see the correct answer and the full explanation on the same page.
Showing 1–3 of 3 questions
UPSC 2018Art and Culture · Miscellaneous
Q1. Consider the following pairs: Craft Heritage of 1. Puthukkuli shawls - Tamil Nadu 2. Sujni embroidery - Maharashtra 3. Uppada Jamdani saris - Karnataka Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Pair 1 is correctly matched: Puthukkuli shawls are a traditional craft of the Toda tribe in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. The shawls are adorned with intricate Toda embroidery, locally called "Pugur," meaning flower. This craft has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status and is a significant cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.
Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Sujni embroidery originates from Bihar, not Maharashtra. It is a traditional form of embroidery from the Bhusura village in Bihar, often used to create quilts and other textile products. It has also received a GI tag.
Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Uppada Jamdani saris are woven in Uppada, East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, not Karnataka. These saris are known for their fine silk and intricate weaving patterns and have been granted a GI tag.
UPSC 1995Art and Culture · Miscellaneous
Q2. According to Mimamsa system of philosophy, liberation is possible by means of:
Explanation
Mimamsa system of philosophy is one of the 6 schools of orthodox Indian philosophy. It was started by Jaimini. In the Mimamsa system of philosophy, liberation (moksha) is primarily achieved through the performance of proper rituals (karma), which align with the Vedic prescriptions. Mimamsa emphasizes that correct action, particularly ritualistic duties (such as yajnas), leads to purification of the self and ultimately liberation. By doing so, an individual can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and achieve the highest good, which is initially seen as heavenly bliss and later as freedom from bodily bondage. While Jnana (knowledge) and Yoga are central to other philosophies like Vedanta and Sankhya, Mimamsa focuses on Karma as the means to attain liberation.
UPSC 1995Art and Culture · Miscellaneous
Q3. The concept of Anuvrata was advocated by:
Explanation
Anuvrata is a concept in Jainism that refers to the small vows or lesser vows prescribed for lay followers (householders) as opposed to the Mahavratas (great vows) followed by monks and nuns. The Anuvratas are a set of ethical guidelines that help laypeople lead a morally upright life while still engaging in worldly activities. They include:
Ahimsa (non-violence) Satya (truthfulness) Asteya (non-stealing) Brahmacharya (chastity) Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) These vows are less strict than the Mahavratas and are tailored to the practical realities of household life. v v v
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2018
(a) 1 only
2
1995
(d) Karma
3
1995
(c) Jainism
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Miscellaneous?
This page covers 3 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Miscellaneous (Art and Culture), asked between 1995 to 2018. 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 Miscellaneous?
Questions on Miscellaneous (Art and Culture) are available for 2 years, from 1995 to 2018. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
