Sculpture: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Art and Culture)
This page lists 2 previous year UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (General Studies Paper-I) questions on Sculpture (Art and Culture), asked between 1995 to 1996. Choose an option to see the correct answer and the full explanation on the same page.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 1996Art and Culture · Sculpture
Q1. Which one of the following Sculptures invariably used green schist as the medium?
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.
UPSC 1995Art and Culture · Sculpture
Q2. Bronze icons of Nataraja cast during the Chola period invariably show the deity with:
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.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
1996
(d) Gandhara Sculptures
2
1995
(c) Four hands
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Sculpture?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Sculpture (Art and Culture), asked between 1995 to 1996. 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 Sculpture?
Questions on Sculpture (Art and Culture) are available for 2 years, from 1995 to 1996. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
