Q61. In the context of medieval Indian classical music, which of the following defines the ‘Khayal’ style of singing?
Medieval Art, Architecture, Literature and Music: RAS Prelims MCQs
67 RAS Prelims MCQs on medieval art, architecture, literature and music cover the arcuate system, the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri, Mughal and Rajput painting, Persian and vernacular literature, and Hindustani music. Each question links a building, painter, poet or raga to its patron, region and period.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 61–67 of 67 questions
Q62. Which of the following statements regarding the Dhrupad style of classical music is incorrect?
Explanation
Dhrupad is one of the oldest forms of North Indian classical music, has devotional themes and was patronised by Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior. It is accompanied by the Pakhawaj, so A is incorrect.
Q63. Consider the following statements regarding the synthesis of music in medieval India:
Statement I: Amir Khusrau is traditionally credited with introducing several Perso-Arabic ragas like Aiman and Sazgiri into Indian classical music.
Statement II: The Mughal emperors, particularly Aurangzeb, heavily patronized classical music, leading to its greatest period of imperial expansion.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Statement I: Amir Khusrau is traditionally credited with introducing several Perso-Arabic ragas like Aiman and Sazgiri into Indian classical music.
Statement II: The Mughal emperors, particularly Aurangzeb, heavily patronized classical music, leading to its greatest period of imperial expansion.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Amir Khusrau is credited with introducing Perso-Arabic ragas such as Aiman and Sazgiri, so Statement I is correct. Aurangzeb disliked music at court, so Statement II is incorrect.
Q64. The spiritual musical form of Qawwali, which deeply influenced medieval North Indian musical traditions, was fundamentally popularized in India by which of the following groups?
Explanation
Qawwali was popularised by the Sufi mystics, especially the Chishti order in North India.
Q65. Consider the following statements regarding Mughal architecture during Shah Jahan’s reign:
Statement I: There was a distinct transition from the robust red sandstone architecture of Akbar to the refined elegance of white marble.
Statement II: The use of the cusped arch and bulbous dome became highly standardized and visually prominent.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Statement I: There was a distinct transition from the robust red sandstone architecture of Akbar to the refined elegance of white marble.
Statement II: The use of the cusped arch and bulbous dome became highly standardized and visually prominent.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Under Shah Jahan, Mughal buildings moved from the red sandstone of Akbar to refined white marble, and the cusped arch and bulbous dome became standard. Both statements are correct.
Q66. Identify the odd one out among the following musical instruments, based on the tradition that Amir Khusrau is historically credited with inventing or heavily modifying them:
Explanation
Tradition credits Amir Khusrau with inventing or modifying the Sitar and the Tabla, but not the Veena, which is an ancient instrument. So the Veena is the odd one out.
Q67. Which of the following is an exception, NOT being a Raga traditionally attributed to the creation of Miyan Tansen?
Explanation
Miyan ki Malhar, Miyan ki Todi and Darbari Kanada are attributed to Tansen. Raga Bhairavi is not, so it is the exception.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 61 | (a) A highly improvisational vocal form offering greater freedom to the artist than Dhrupad. |
| 62 | (a) It completely prohibits the use of the Pakhawaj or any percussion instruments during performances. |
| 63 | (c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect |
| 64 | (b) The Sufi mystics, particularly the Chishti order in the North. |
| 65 | (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct |
| 66 | (c) Veena |
| 67 | (a) Raga Bhairavi |
Key facts from Medieval Art, Architecture, Literature and Music
- The arcuate system uses load-bearing arches and domes with keystones; it was brought by Islamic builders.
- Akbar built the Buland Darwaza to mark the conquest of Gujarat; the Taj Mahal follows the Timurid hasht-bihisht plan with a double dome.
- Humayun brought the Persian painters Mir Sayyid Ali and Abd al-Samad; the Tasvir Khana was set up under Akbar.
- The Bani Thani, called the Mona Lisa of India, was painted by Nihal Chand under Raja Savant Singh of Kishangarh.
- Surdas wrote in Braj Bhasha, Jayasi in Awadhi and Kalhana composed the Rajatarangini on the kings of Kashmir.
- Qawwali was popularised by the Chishti Sufis; Dhrupad was patronised by Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Medieval Art, Architecture, Literature and Music?
This page has 67 practice MCQs on Medieval Art, Architecture, Literature and Music (Medieval Indian History). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What is the arcuate system of architecture?
A system of building with load-bearing arches and domes made with keystones. It was introduced by Islamic builders and replaced the older trabeate system of horizontal beams, though in the Sultanate period the two were often combined.
Why was the Buland Darwaza built?
Akbar built the Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri to commemorate his conquest of Gujarat in 1573. It is one of the tallest gateways in the world and is usually asked along with the other buildings of the complex.
Who painted the Bani Thani?
The painter Nihal Chand, under the patronage of Raja Savant Singh of Kishangarh. Its elongated eyes and refined features made the Kishangarh school famous, and the portrait is called the Mona Lisa of India.