Art and Culture: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

The Ajanta Caves located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra dates back to the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. The Caves were patronized by the Satavahanas during the early phase (2nd century BCE) and later by the Vakatakas, especially under King Harisena (5th-6th century CE). They are globally renowned for their exquisite mural paintings which depict Jataka tales, scenes from Buddha’s life and courtly settings. These paintings were created using the tempera technique (dry plaster method) showcasing remarkable artistry and intricate detailing. Some of the most famous artworks include Bodhisattva Padmapani, Bodhisattva Vajrapani and the Dying Princess. The Lepakshi Temple is located in Andhra Pradesh. It was built in the 16th century under the Vijayanagara Empire by the brothers Viranna and Virupanna. The Veerabhadra Temple at Lepakshi is particularly renowned for its mural paintings which adorn its ceilings and walls. These paintings depict Hindu deities, royal processions and mythological themes which showcases the distinct Vijayanagara style characterized by bright colors and intricate details.

Explanation

Tribhanga, literally meaning three parts break, where the body bends in one direction at the knees, the other direction at the hips and then the other again at the shoulders and neck. This pose goes back at least 2000 years. Tribhanga based sculptures can be seen in the temples of Khajuraho where it represents the harmony of the human form and spiritual ideals.

Option (a) is correct: The Tri-bent pose, also known as Tribhanga, is a standing position where the body is bent in three parts, creating three curves at the neck, waist, and knee. This results in a gentle "S" shape, with the body oppositely curved at the waist and neck. The Tribhanga pose is a hallmark of Odissi, one of the eight classical dance forms of India. Odissi dancers use this pose to convey various emotions and stories which is often inspired by the sculptures of the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Explanation

The Bhakti movement was a devotional reform movement in India that emphasized personal devotion to a chosen deity, transcending ritualism and caste distinctions. It gained momentum through saints like Kabir, Ramanuja, Mirabai, Tulsidas, Alvars, and Nayanars, who spread the message of love and surrender to God.

Option (b) is correct: Guru Nanak was preaching during the time when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over. He emphasized the oneness of God, equality of all people, selfless service, and devotion to truth, transcending religious divisions. While Dadu Dayal was born after the fall of the Lodi dynasty and was active during the latter part of the 16th century, so he was not preaching when Babur took over. Tyagaraja, on the other hand, lived in the 18th-19th century, much later than the fall of the Lodi dynasty.

Explanation

The Indian schools of orthodox philosophy (stika) include Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta, all of which accept the authority of the Vedas. These schools emphasize reasoning, metaphysical principles, and the pursuit of liberation through knowledge, ethics, and meditation.

Statement 1 is incorrect: While Samkhya accepts rebirth (or samsara) and acknowledges that the soul’s entanglement with Prakriti results in repeated cycles of reincarnation, it does not emphasize karma in the same way as the systems that directly teach the law of cause and effect leading to future rebirths. Samkhya philosophy is dualistic and not monistic because it has two entities, Purush (spirit) and Prakriti (nature).

Statement 2 is correct: Samkhya emphasizes the attainment of knowledge of the self by means of concentration and meditation. It believes that after you have ‘died’ in this life you will go through a process of rebirth where depending on your actions in your former life your status will be decided. Liberation (moksha) occurs when the Purusha realizes its distinct nature from Prakriti, ending the cycle of reincarnation.

Explanation

In Buddhist architecture, a chaitya is a prayer hall or sanctuary, typically containing a stupa (a mound-like structure that houses relics of the Buddha). Chaityas were places of worship, where Buddhist communities gathered for prayers, rituals, and meditation. These structures often have a barrel-vaulted roof and a central nave leading to the stupa at the far end. A vihara is a monastic dwelling or residence for monks. It usually consists of a series of cells or rooms surrounding a central courtyard, where monks lived, meditated, and studied. Viharas were intended for residential purposes, as opposed to chaityas, which were for communal worship. They can be found in Ajanta Caves, Karle Caves, etc.

Explanation

Buddhist philosophy emphasizes the Four Noble Truths, which teach that suffering (dukkha) arises from craving (tanha) and that the cessation of suffering is possible through the Eightfold Path. In Buddhism, Nirvana is the ultimate goal of the spiritual path, and it refers to the cessation of suffering (dukkha) and the end of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). It is achieved by extinguishing the "flame of desire". It is often described as the extinction of three fires- greed(raga), aversion(dwesha) and ignorance(moksha). When these flames are extinguished, the cycle of rebirth is skipped. Achieving Nirvana is the goal of the Buddhist path, attained through ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom.

Explanation

In Jainism, penance (tapas) is a key practice to purify the soul and annihilate karma. Through austerities, self-discipline, and spiritual practices, Jains believe one can reduce and eventually destroy karmic influences. Jainism teaches that all living beings, as well as non-living objects, possess a form of soul (jiva). This worldview leads to Jains’ strong commitment to ahimsa (non-violence), as every soul, whether human, animal, plant or even minute organisms, is considered sacred. Karma is considered the bane of the soul and must be ended to achieve liberation. Karma is viewed as a powerful force that binds the soul (jiva) to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). The ultimate goal is to achieve liberation (moksha) by ending the influence of karma through right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct.

Explanation

Temple architecture in India follows three main styles:

Nagara (Northern), Dravida (Southern), and Vesara (Mixed). Nagara Style (North Indian Temple Architecture) is found in Northern, Central, and Western India. Its key features are:

Shikhara (Tower) which is curvilinear in shape, rising progressively higher. Multiple Shikharas each smaller than the main one. Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum) which houses the deity. Mandapa (Pillared Hall) usually present in front of the sanctum. Amalaka (Ribbed Disc), a large stone disc placed on top of the shikhara. Notable examples are: Kandariya Mahadeva Temple (Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh), Sun Temple (Konark, Odisha), Lingaraj Temple (Bhubaneswar, Odisha), etc. Dravida Style (South Indian Temple Architecture) is seen across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana. Its key features:

Vimana (Tower) are pyramid-like structure over the sanctum. Gopurams (Gateway Towers) are large, ornate entrance towers. Sculptures & Mandapas are extensive carvings and pillared halls. Temple Tanks are found in major temples for ritualistic purposes. Notable examples are: Brihadeshwara Temple (Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu), Meenakshi Temple (Madurai, Tamil Nadu), Virupaksha Temple (Hampi, Karnataka), etc. Vesara Style (Hybrid or Mixed Style) is found in Deccan region (Maharashtra, Karnataka). It is a fusion of Nagara and Dravida styles like Shikhara of Nagara influence and temple layout of Dravida. Notable examples include: Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebidu, Karnataka), Virupaksha Temple (Pattadakal, Karnataka) and Chennakesava Temple (Belur, Karnataka), etc.

Explanation

Dhrupad is derived from ‘Dhruva’ (fixed star) and ‘Pada’ (song), is an ancient form of classical music that emerged from early vocal traditions. It is performed with tanpura and pakhawaj, its lyrics in Braj Bhasha often reflect devotion and heroism, expressing emotions like veera and sringar. Key gharanas include Dagarvani, Bishnupur, Darbhanga, and Mallik.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Dhrupad traces its roots back to the ancient text Sama Veda. Its modern form evolved during the 15th and 16th centuries particularly in the courts of the Rajput kingdoms and the Mughal emperors. The Rajput kings such as Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior were great patrons of Dhrupad. Dhrupad flourished under the patronage of emperors like Akbar, who admired musicians like Tansen.

Statement 2 is correct: Dhrupad is deeply rooted in spirituality and devotion. It often incorporates themes from Hindu scriptures, such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Puranas, and is traditionally performed in temples and royal courts. The lyrics of Dhrupad compositions (called prabandhas) are usually in praise of deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Durga.

Statement 3 is correct: The Dhrupad alap, which is the slow, improvisational opening section of a performance, often uses Sanskrit syllables from mantras and is rooted in spiritual tradition. These syllables, known as "Bol Alap", are often derived from ancient Vedic chants and mantras.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Kuchipudi dance form originates from Andhra Pradesh and is known for its dramatic elements. Dancers often incorporate spoken dialogues (Vachika Abhinaya) as part of the performance, especially in dance-dramas like Bhama Kalapam. The traditional Sutradhara (narrator) or lead performer in Kuchipudi often delivers dialogues. Bharatanatyam originates from Tamil Nadu and is primarily a silent dance form where expressions are conveyed through gestures (Mudras), facial expressions (Abhinaya), and body movements. Spoken dialogues are not part of traditional Bharatanatyam performances.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Dancing on a brass plate (Tarangam) is a signature feature of Kuchipudi, not Bharatanatyam. In Kuchipudi the dancer balances on the edges of a brass plate while moving gracefully and often with a pot of water on the head (symbolizing control and balance). Bharatanatyam focuses more on structured footwork, linear movements and geometric postures.