This page lists 3 previous year UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (General Studies Paper-I) questions on Art and Culture in the UPSC 2015 Prelims. Choose an option to see the correct answer and the full explanation on the same page.
Showing 1–3 of 3 questions
UPSC 2015Art and Culture · Temple Architecture
Q1. With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?
Explanation
The rock-cut elephant situated in Dhauli was constructed during the reign of Ashoka, who ruled from 272 to 231 BC (3rd Century AD). Varaha Image at Udayagiri Hill was built in the 5th century AD by Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) to commemorate the victory over the foreign Shaka. The rock-cut monuments in Mahabalipuram were constructed during the 7th and 8th centuries AD mainly by the Pallava king Narasimha. On the other hand, the Lingaraj Temple was built in the 11th century AD, under the reign of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The temple is a major Shaivite temple, a prime example of Kalinga architecture and is one of the largest temples in Odisha
UPSC 2015Art and Culture · Indian Painting
Q2. Kalamkari painting refers to:
Explanation
Indian folk paintings are traditional art forms rooted in local culture, depicting daily life, nature, and religious themes using vibrant colors and symbolic motifs. Examples include Madhubani from Bihar, known for its intricate patterns and mythological themes, Warli art from Maharashtra, which features tribal life and nature, and Pattachitra from Odisha.
Option (a) is correct: Kalamkari cotton textile is made in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and is either hand-painted or block-printed. The kalam (pen) is used for freehand drawing of the subject and filling in the colors is entirely done by hand. Kalamkari was first used to depict scenes from sacred texts such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Bhagavatam. It is practiced in two distinct styles: Srikalahasti (freehand drawing) and Machilipatnam (block-printing). The Srikalahasti style is more intricate and involves hand-painting while the Machilipatnam style uses wooden blocks for printing. Artists use natural dyes derived from plants, minerals, and other organic sources. The process involves multiple steps including dyeing, washing, and painting.
UPSC 2015Art and Culture · Buddhism and Jainism
Q3. Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? 1. Avanti 2. Gandhara 3. Kosala 4. Magadha Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Explanation
Kosala was one of the 16 Mahajanapadas (Great Kingdoms) during Buddha’s time. Buddha was born in Lumbini which was under the rule of the Kosala kingdom at that time. His father, King Suddhodana was the leader of the Shakya clan which a vassal state under Kosala. King Prasenajit (Pasenadi) of Kosala was a major contemporary of Buddha and a patron of Buddhism. Magadha was the most powerful Mahajanapada during Buddha’s lifetime. Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, which was in Magadha. King Bimbisara of Magadha was one of Buddha’s earliest royal patrons and donated the Venuvana monastery in Rajgir.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2015
(b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
2
2015
(a) A hand-painted cotton textile in South India
3
2015
(d) 3 and 4 only
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Art and Culture?
This page covers 3 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Art and Culture in the UPSC 2015 Prelims, asked between 1995 to 2024. 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 Art and Culture?
Questions on Art and Culture in the UPSC 2015 Prelims are available for 26 years, from 1995 to 2024. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
