UPSC 2012 Art and Culture Questions with Answers

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.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Middle Path (Madhyamaka Marga) was a core teaching of Gautama Buddha. He rejected extreme asceticism as well as indulgence in sensual pleasures. Jainism of Mahavira advocated extreme asceticism, including rigorous penance, fasting, and self-mortification.

Statement 2 is Correct: Both Buddhism and Jainism did not accept the Vedas as supreme authority. They rejected the idea that Brahmins had a monopoly on religious knowledge. Buddha and Mahavira promoted rationalism, self-experience, and ethical conduct over scriptural authority.

Statement 3 is Correct: Both religions rejected the efficacy of Vedic rituals and sacrifices and instead emphasized the importance of moral conduct, meditation, and self-discipline. They believed that liberation (nirvana in Buddhism, moksha in Jainism) could not be achieved through rituals but only through personal effort and spiritual practice.

Explanation

Mudras in Buddhist iconography are symbolic hand gestures that convey specific spiritual meanings. For example, the Dharmachakra Mudra represents the teaching of the Dharma, while the Bhumisparsha Mudra symbolizes the Buddha’s moment of enlightenment.

Option (b) is correct: The"Bhumisparsha Mudra" hand gesture shown in Lord Buddha’s image symbolizes his calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara. It means ‘touching the earth’ in Sanskrit. This mudra, formed with all five fingers of the right hand extended to touch the ground, symbolizes the Buddha’s enlightenment under the bodhi tree, when he summoned the earth goddess, Vasundhara, to bear witness to his attainment of enlightenment.