UPSC 1997 Art and Culture Questions with Answers

Explanation

A is matched with 3: Varahamihira authored Brihat-Samhita, a significant text in ancient Indian astronomy and astrology, reflecting the scientific knowledge of the Gupta period. He also wrote Panchasiddhantika. B is matched with 4: Vishakhadatta is the author of two major historical Sanskrit dramas:

Devi-Chandraguptam play which describes the love story of King Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) and Queen Dhruvadevi. Mudrarakshasa is about Chandragupta Maurya’s rise with the help of Chanakya. C is matched with 2: Sudraka is known for Mrichchhakatikam (The Little Clay Cart), a Sanskrit play that tells the story of the romance between Charudatta, a noble but impoverished merchant, and Vasantika, a courtesan. The central themes include love, sacrifice, and the struggles of social classes, with an emphasis on the tensions between the upper and lower classes. D is matched with 5: Bilhana authored Vikramankadeva-Charita, an epic poem which celebrates the achievements and virtues of King Vikramaditya VI, who ruled the Western Chalukya dynasty (also known as the Kalyani Chalukyas) from 1076 to 1126 CE.

Explanation

The Kharosthi script was an ancient script used in northwest India. It was used mainly in the Gandhara region and is associated with the Buddhist texts and inscriptions of that area. It was derived from the Aramaic script and written from right to left, distinguishing it from most other Indian scripts like Brahmi, which were written from left to right. Nandnagari and Sharada scripts both evolved from Brahmi and were written from left to right.

Explanation

The dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama is one of the most famous philosophical exchanges found in the Kathopanishad, a part of Yajurveda. In their dialogue, Nachiketa asks profound questions about the nature of death, immortality, and the soul’s journey, which leads to deep philosophical teachings on the eternal nature of the self (Atman) and the ultimate truth (Brahman).

Explanation

The Milindapanho (Questions of King Milinda) is an important Buddhist text that records a philosophical dialogue between Indo-Greek King Menander I (Milinda) and the Buddhist monk Nagasena. This text explores profound Buddhist concepts like impermanence (Anicca), non-self (Anatta), and the doctrine of karma through logical discourse and metaphors. The Milindapanho is considered an important work in the Theravada tradition.

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.