This page lists 3 previous year UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (General Studies Paper-I) questions on Art and Culture in the UPSC 2016 Prelims. Choose an option to see the correct answer and the full explanation on the same page.
Showing 1–3 of 3 questions
UPSC 2016Art and Culture · Indian Architecture
Q1. What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? 1. Both were built in the same period. 2. Both belong to the same religious denomination. 3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: Ajanta Caves were built in two phases: Satavahana period (2nd century BCE) and later in the Vakataka period (5th-6th century CE). They are primarily associated with Buddhist art and culture. They are famous for murals, sculptures, and rock-cut chaityas (prayer halls) and viharas (monasteries). Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) was built in the 7th-8th century CE during the reign of Narasimhavarman I (630-668 CE) of Pallava dynasty.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Ajanta caves are mostly dedicated to Buddhist denominations while Mahabalipuram is known for rock-cut monolithic temples, cave temples, and the Shore Temple (structural temple built with granite blocks) mostly dedicated to Shaivaite and Vaishnavite traditions.
Statement 3 is correct: Both Mahabalipuram and Ajanta are one of the finest examples of rock-cut monuments. The Ajanta Caves are a series of rock-cut caves carved into a horseshoe-shaped cliff housing chaityas and viharas with intricate carvings and paintings. The monuments at Mahabalipuram include rock-cut temples and bas-reliefs such as the Shore Temple, the Pancha Rathas and the Arjuna’s Penance relief.
UPSC 2016Art and Culture · Culture in India
Q2. Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of the Shunga dynasty?
Explanation
The Malavikagnimitra is a Sanskrit play by Kalidas. The play tells the love story of Agnimitra the son Of Pushyamitra Shunga- the founder of the Shunga dynasty. He falls in love with the servant girl named Malavika.
Option (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect Swapnavasavadatta: A Sanskrit play by Bhasa that tells the story of the love between King Udayana of Vatsa and his wife Vasavadatta, with themes of separation, reunion, and devotion. Meghadoota: A lyrical Sanskrit poem by Kalidasa in which a yaksha (a celestial being) sends a message to his beloved through a cloud, expressing longing and deep emotion. Ratnavali: A Sanskrit play by Harsha that explores the romantic and political intrigue surrounding the king Udayana and his love for Ratnavali, with themes of virtue, love, and diplomacy.
UPSC 2016Art and Culture · Buddhism and Jainism
Q3. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. 3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
In Mahayana Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is a being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of birth and death (samsara) out of compassion for all sentient beings. They vow to help others achieve enlightenment before fully entering Nirvana themselves.
Statement 1 is incorrect: A Bodhisattva is literally a living being(Sattva) who aspires to attain enlightenment(Bodhi). The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.
Statement 2 is correct: Compassion, an empathetic sharing of the sufferings of others, is Bodhisattva’s greatest characteristic.
Statement 3 is correct: Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help others on the same path. It is held that the Bodhisattva makes four vows expressing a determination to work for the happiness of others
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2016
(b) 3 only
2
2016
(b) Malavikagnimitra
3
2016
(b) 2 and 3 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 2016 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 2016 Prelims are available for 26 years, from 1995 to 2024. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
