Art and Culture: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

Padmapani is a title often used for Avalokiteshvara. He is one of the most revered Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism, symbolizing compassion and mercy. His name means "The Lord Who Looks Down (upon the world with compassion)." Avalokitesvara is believed to postpone his own enlightenment to help all sentient beings achieve liberation. He is especially worshiped in Tibet, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. The Dalai Lama is considered an incarnation of Avalokitesvara in Tibetan Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism and represent key Bodhisattvas who embody different aspects of Buddhist ideals and qualities. Vajrapani: Vajrapani is a prominent Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, often depicted holding a vajra (thunderbolt), symbolizing power and the ability to ward off evil. Manjusri: Manjusri is a Bodhisattva associated with wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism. He is often depicted holding a sword to cut through ignorance and a scripture in his left hand, symbolizing the wisdom of the Buddha. Maitreya: Maitreya is the future Buddha in Buddhist tradition, believed to appear in the future to teach pure Dharma. Maitreya is often depicted as a joyful and benevolent figure, embodying hope and compassion for the future.

Explanation

Arthashastra, attributed to Kautilya, contains provisions related to social and economic aspects, including marriage and divorce. According to Arthashastra, a wife deserted by her husband had the legal right to seek divorce and remarry. If a man abandoned his wife without valid reason then she could remarry after waiting for a certain period. It also mentions conditions under which a woman could remarry if her husband was missing, dead, or had become a renunciate (ascetic).

Explanation

Buddhism and Jainism, both originating in ancient India around the 6th century BCE, share several common principles. Both religions advocate personal spiritual development through ethical conduct and meditation, offering alternative paths to liberation and enlightenment. Statement (1) is incorrect: Only Buddhism avoids extremes, not Jainism. Buddhism follows the Middle Path (Madhyamaka), avoiding both extreme penance and indulgence. Jainism, especially in Digambara tradition, follows extreme asceticism, advocating severe penance as a path to liberation. Statements (2), (3) and (4) are correct:

Both Buddhism and Jainism rejected the Vedas as the ultimate authority. They criticized the Brahmanical rituals, caste system, and the monopoly of Vedic priests. Both religions focused on direct realization, self-discipline, and ethical conduct over Vedic rituals. Buddha and Mahavira both opposed elaborate rituals and sacrifices performed by Brahmins. Buddhism emphasized meditation, moral conduct, and wisdom over rituals. Ahimsa (non-violence) is a fundamental principle in both Buddhism and Jainism. Jainism follows an extreme form of Ahimsa avoiding even harming microorganisms (e.g., Jain monks wear masks to avoid inhaling insects). Buddhism also preaches Ahimsa, but in a less extreme form compared to Jainism.

Explanation

Therigatha often translated as Verses of the Elder Nuns is a Buddhist text. It is part of the Sutta Pitaka, containing verses attributed to early Buddhist nuns. It documents the spiritual experiences and enlightenment of female disciples of the Buddha.

Option (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Acarangasutra is one of the oldest Jain scriptures belonging to the Shvetambara Jain canon. It discusses the ethical conduct, discipline, and lifestyle of Jain monks, especially emphasizing Ahimsa (non-violence). It is attributed to the direct disciples of Mahavira. Sutrakritanga is a Jain scripture from the Shvetambara canon. It contains theological discussions and criticizes rival religious philosophies, including Vedic traditions and Ajivikas. Brihatkalpasutra is a later Jain text which is part of the Shvetambara tradition. It deals with monastic discipline, rules for Jain monks and spiritual practices.

Explanation

A is matched with 2: Vishakhadatta is best known as a playwright and author of the Sanskrit drama Mudrarakshasa (The Signet Ring). The play is a historical drama set in the time of Chandragupta Maurya and his advisor Chanakya (Kautilya). B is matched with 3: Varahamihira was a renowned astronomer and mathematician of ancient India. He is best known for his works Brihat Samhita and Pancha Siddhantika which deal with astronomy, astrology, and mathematics. C is matched with 1: Charaka is considered one of the principal contributors to Ayurveda. He is traditionally regarded as the author of the Charaka Samhita, a foundational text of Ayurveda. D is matched with 4: Brahmagupta was a prominent mathematician and astronomer of ancient India. He is best known for his work Brahmasphutasiddhanta which covers topics in algebra, arithmetic, and astronomy.

Explanation

The Gupta Era (320 AD-550 AD) is considered to be the golden era of India in terms of art, literature, astronomy, medical science, etc. Sushruta is known as an ancient Indian physician and is often regarded as the "father of surgery." He authored the Sushruta Samhita, which provides detailed information on surgical techniques and medicinal practices. Although he lived slightly before the Gupta period, his work was highly influential and widely studied during the Gupta period. Hence the most appropriate answer is Susrutha. Sudraka was an ancient Indian playwright, best known for the Sanskrit drama Mrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart).Shaunaka was an ancient sage and scholar, traditionally credited with compiling the Brihaddevata. Saumilla is sometimes referenced in ancient Indian literature, but specific historical details are scarce.

Explanation

Gandhara sculptures are famous for their Greco-Roman influence, often crafted from green or bluish-gray schist, a stone abundant in the Gandhara region (modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan). This material was favored for its ease of carving and ability to capture intricate details, making it ideal for depicting Buddha and Bodhisattva figures. Gandhara art stands out for its unique blend of Indian and Hellenistic artistic traditions. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect Maurya Sculptures (3rd century BCE) are primarily associated with the use of polished sandstone, particularly the famous Chunar sandstone. Examples: The Mauryan pillars and capitals, such as the Lion Capital of Sarnath. The Mathura school of art (flourished from 1st century BCE to 3rd century CE) is known for red sandstone sculptures from the Mathura region in Uttar Pradesh. It is famous for early representations of Buddha, Jaina Tirthankaras, and Yaksha-Yakshini figures. Bharhut Sculptures (2nd century BCE) are associated with the use of red sandstone. The Bharhut stupa, now largely preserved in the Indian Museum, Kolkata, is a prime example of early Indian Buddhist art.

Explanation

The Nataraja bronze sculptures, of the Chola period (9th-13th century CE), are celebrated masterpieces of Indian art, symbolizing the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva. These icons, crafted using the lost-wax (cire perdue) casting technique, exemplify the technical and artistic sophistication of the era. An outstanding example is the Nataraja statue from Chidambaram, where Shiva is depicted in dynamic motion. Spiritual symbolism in these sculptures underscore the Chola dynasty’s devotion to Shaivism. The iconic Chola Bronze sculptures of Nataraja, the cosmic dance form of Shiva, depict the deity with four hands. Each hand represents different symbolic gestures (mudras): one holds a drum, another a flame, the third makes the ‘abhaya mudra’ (a sign of fearlessness), and the fourth points to the raised foot, symbolizing liberation.

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.

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