Art and Culture: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)
100 previous year UPSC Prelims Art and Culture questions are listed here, from 1995 to 2025, in 12 chapters. Buddhism and Jainism is the largest chapter, followed by Culture in India, Literature and Indian Architecture. Painting, dance, music and temple styles each add a smaller group. Open a chapter to revise one theme, or use the year filter to see how recent papers framed culture.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 31–40 of 100 questions
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UPSC 2018Art and Culture · Buddhism and Jainism
Q31. Which reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?
Explanation
A Bodhisattva in Buddhism is an enlightened being who, out of compassion, chooses to remain in the cycle of birth and death (samsara) to help all sentient beings attain liberation. The Bodhisattva path emphasizes the cultivation of perfections (paramitas) like generosity, wisdom, and patience to achieve Buddhahood. According to Buddhist tradition, Maitreya is a Bodhisattva who will appear on earth in future, attain enlightenment and teach pure dharma. He will be the future Buddha. Avalokiteshvara (The Lord Who Looks Down), also called Padmapani (The Lotus-Bearer) and Lokesvara in Sanskrit (The Lord of the World) is believed to hear the cries of suffering beings and assist in their liberation, offering help and comfort. The Bodhisattva is often depicted with multiple arms, symbolizing the ability to reach out and help countless beings simultaneously.
UPSC 2018Art and Culture · Miscellaneous
Q32. 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 2017Art and Culture · Temple Architecture
Q33. Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples? 1. Arasavalli 2. Amarkantak 3. Omkareshwar Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Sun temples in India, dedicated to the Sun God Surya, are renowned for their architectural grandeur and symbolic representation of cosmic order. Famous Sun temples in India are Konark Sun Temple (Odisha), Dakshinaarka Temple at Gaya (Bihar), Bhramanya Dev Temple at Unao (Madhya Pradesh), Sun Temple at Modhera (Gujarat).
Option 1 is correct: Arasavalli located in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh is famous for the Suryanarayana Temple is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya). This temple is one of the few ancient Sun temples in India and is believed to have been built in the 7th century CE by the Kalinga king Devendra Varma. The temple is designed in such a way that the sun’s rays fall directly on the feet of the Sun God’s idol twice a year, during the months of March and September.
Option 2 is incorrect: Amarkantak is a pilgrimage town in Madhya Pradesh which marks the origin of the Narmada River. Here Lord Shiva is worshiped as Narmadeswar Amarkantak.
Option 3 is incorrect: Omkareshwar located in Madhya Pradesh is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is famous for the Omkareshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated on an island in the Narmada River and is a major pilgrimage site for Shaivites. Arasavalli Temple
UPSC 2017Art and Culture · Indian Painting
Q34. The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous illustrated paintings at:
Explanation
A Bodhisattva in Buddhism is a being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of birth and death to help others achieve liberation. Bodhisattvas embody compassion and selflessness, exemplified by figures like Avalokiteshvara and Manjushri.
Option (a) is correct: The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is in Ajanta Cave no 1 located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra which dates back to the 5th century AD. The fresco depicts Bodhisattva Padmapani (the compassionate one holding a lotus) with a calm and meditative expression. Other paintings of Bodhisattvas include Vajrapani (protector and guide, a symbol of Buddha’s power) and Manjusri (manifestation of Buddha’s wisdom). In this painting, Bodhisattva is holding a lotus in his hand in a Tribhanga pose. Fig.: Bodhisattva Padmapani in
UPSC 2017Art and Culture · Indian Dance Forms
Q35. With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements: 1. It is a song and dance performance. 2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance. 3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Sankirtana is a Meitei cultural performance art which includes a wide range of artistic expressions carried out to commemorate special religious occasions and different phases in the lives of the Vaishnava people of the Manipur plains. Sankirtana rituals are centered around temples and domestic spaces, where dancers and singers narrate stories of Lord Krishna’s life and actions through dance and song. In 2013, UNESCO added Manipur’s distinctive cultural legacy to its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Statement 1 is correct: Manipuri Sankirtana is a vibrant combination of song and dance. It is a form of devotional performance that involves singing, drumming, and dancing, often performed in a circular formation. The performers sing hymns and devotional songs, accompanied by rhythmic movements and drumming.
Statement 2 is incorrect: While cymbals (kartal) are an essential part of Manipuri Sankirtana but they are not the only instruments used. The primary instrument in Sankirtana is the Pung, a traditional Manipuri drum. Other instruments such as the harmonium and flute may also be used in some performances.
Statement 3 is correct: Manipuri Sankirtana is deeply connected to the Vaishnavite tradition and its themes often revolve around the life and deeds of Lord Krishna. The lyrics of the songs are usually devotional praising Krishna and recounting episodes from his life such as his childhood exploits (Bal Leela) and his divine love for Radha.
UPSC 2017Art and Culture · Culture in India
Q36. Consider the following pairs: Traditions: Communities 1. Chaliha Sahib Festival-Sindhis 2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra-Gonds 3. Wari -Warkari - Santhals Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Explanation
India’s cultural landscape is marked by a wide array of religious traditions that include the Chaliha Sahib Festival (Sindhis), Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra (Garhwalis), Wari-Warkari (Maharashtrians), Baisakhi (Punjabis), Bohag Bihu (Assamese), and Onam (Keralites)
Pair 1 is correctly matched: The Chaliha Sahib Festival is a significant religious festival celebrated by the Sindhi community. It is dedicated to Jhulelal the patron saint of the Sindhis and involves 40 days of fasting, prayers, and rituals.
Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: The Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra is a major pilgrimage in Uttarakhand associated with Garhwali and Kumaono community, not Gond community. It is a traditional yatra (pilgrimage) that takes place every 12 years, and involves a journey to the Nanda Devi peak.
Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: The Wari-Warkari tradition is associated with the Warkari sect of Maharashtra, not the Santhal community. The Warkari sect is a devotional movement centered around the worship of Lord Vitthal (a form of Lord Krishna) and involves an annual pilgrimage to the Pandharpur temple.
UPSC 2017Art and Culture · Buddhism and Jainism
Q37. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism. 2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Buddhism.
Statement 2 is correct: Sarvastivadin considers everything empirical to be impermanent, they maintain that the dharma factors are eternally existing realities. Sarvastivadin:
Believes in the eternal existence of dharma factors Affirms the presence of past, present, and future Criticized by Sautrantikas for violating the Buddhist idea of impermanence. Sautrantika:
Descended from the Sarvastivadins Relies on sutras rather than Abhidharma commentaries Adheres to extreme momentariness, believing only the current moment exists Criticizes Sarvastivadin’s belief in the existence of past, present, and future phenomena Sammitiya and other sub-schools:
Branches off from Vatsiputriya, a parent school Well-known in Gujarat and Sindh during the Maitraka dynasty Split into two sub-schools: Avantakas and Kurukulas
UPSC 2016Art and Culture · Indian Architecture
Q38. What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? 1. Both were built in the same period. 2. Both belong to the same religious denomination. 3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: Ajanta Caves were built in two phases: Satavahana period (2nd century BCE) and later in the Vakataka period (5th-6th century CE). They are primarily associated with Buddhist art and culture. They are famous for murals, sculptures, and rock-cut chaityas (prayer halls) and viharas (monasteries). Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) was built in the 7th-8th century CE during the reign of Narasimhavarman I (630-668 CE) of Pallava dynasty.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Ajanta caves are mostly dedicated to Buddhist denominations while Mahabalipuram is known for rock-cut monolithic temples, cave temples, and the Shore Temple (structural temple built with granite blocks) mostly dedicated to Shaivaite and Vaishnavite traditions.
Statement 3 is correct: Both Mahabalipuram and Ajanta are one of the finest examples of rock-cut monuments. The Ajanta Caves are a series of rock-cut caves carved into a horseshoe-shaped cliff housing chaityas and viharas with intricate carvings and paintings. The monuments at Mahabalipuram include rock-cut temples and bas-reliefs such as the Shore Temple, the Pancha Rathas and the Arjuna’s Penance relief.
UPSC 2016Art and Culture · Culture in India
Q39. Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of the Shunga dynasty?
Explanation
The Malavikagnimitra is a Sanskrit play by Kalidas. The play tells the love story of Agnimitra the son Of Pushyamitra Shunga- the founder of the Shunga dynasty. He falls in love with the servant girl named Malavika.
Option (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect Swapnavasavadatta: A Sanskrit play by Bhasa that tells the story of the love between King Udayana of Vatsa and his wife Vasavadatta, with themes of separation, reunion, and devotion. Meghadoota: A lyrical Sanskrit poem by Kalidasa in which a yaksha (a celestial being) sends a message to his beloved through a cloud, expressing longing and deep emotion. Ratnavali: A Sanskrit play by Harsha that explores the romantic and political intrigue surrounding the king Udayana and his love for Ratnavali, with themes of virtue, love, and diplomacy.
UPSC 2016Art and Culture · Buddhism and Jainism
Q40. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. 3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
In Mahayana Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is a being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of birth and death (samsara) out of compassion for all sentient beings. They vow to help others achieve enlightenment before fully entering Nirvana themselves.
Statement 1 is incorrect: A Bodhisattva is literally a living being(Sattva) who aspires to attain enlightenment(Bodhi). The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.
Statement 2 is correct: Compassion, an empathetic sharing of the sufferings of others, is Bodhisattva’s greatest characteristic.
Statement 3 is correct: Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help others on the same path. It is held that the Bodhisattva makes four vows expressing a determination to work for the happiness of others
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
31
2018
(c) Maitreya
32
2018
(a) 1 only
33
2017
(a) 1 only
34
2017
(a) Ajanta
35
2017
(b) 1 and 3 only
36
2017
(a) 1 only
37
2017
(b) 2 only
38
2016
(b) 3 only
39
2016
(b) Malavikagnimitra
40
2016
(b) 2 and 3 only
What UPSC has tested in Art and Culture
Questions are usually matched to a place or a text: where a monument stands, which school a painting belongs to, who wrote a play.
Pair questions are common, such as festivals and states, dances and states, and sites and edicts.
Buddhism and Jainism questions test sects, councils, epithets, doctrines and sacred places.
The 2025 paper asked about the first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, set up by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar at Lahore.
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Art and Culture?
This page covers 100 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Art and Culture, asked from 1995 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
Which Art and Culture chapter has the most questions?
Buddhism and Jainism, with 30 questions. Culture in India follows with 19, then Literature with 13 and Indian Architecture with 9. Martial Arts in India has a single question.
How do I revise Art and Culture efficiently?
Group by theme with the chapter filter: architecture and temples together, then painting, music and dance, then religion and literature. Each chapter page lists the facts UPSC has tested, so you can revise from those.
Is the 2025 Art and Culture question included?
Yes. The 2025 question on the first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, set up by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar in 1901 at Lahore, is filed under Indian Music with its full explanation, so you can see how UPSC asked it.
