UPSC Static Quiz – Art and Culture : 1 January 2026

UPSC Static Quiz – Art and Culture : 1 January 2026 We will post 5 questions daily on static topics mentioned in the UPSC civil services preliminary examination syllabus. Each week will focus on a specific topic from the syllabus, such as History of India and Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, and more. We are excited to bring you our daily UPSC Static Quiz, designed to help you prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. Each day, we will post 5 questions on static topics mentioned in the UPSC syllabus. This week, we are focusing on Indian and World Geography.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Bharatanatyam dance is known as ekaharya, which implies a) Bharatanatyam performance always ends with a tillana b) Bharatanatyam is accompanied by musical syllables with a few lines of sahitya. c) Bharatanatyam leans heavily on the abhinaya or mime aspect of dance d) Bharatanatyam dancer takes on many roles in a single performance Correct Solution: D The term ekaharya in the context of Bharatanatyam refers to a classical convention where a single dancer portrays multiple characters and roles within the same performance. This concept is rooted in the broader framework of Indian dramaturgy as described in the Natyashastra, where different modes of presentation (aharya) are classified. Eka-aharya literally means “single costume/performer,” implying that one dancer, without changing costumes or performers, embodies various characters through changes in abhinaya (expression), hastas (hand gestures), body language, eye movements, and spatial orientation. Incorrect Solution: D The term ekaharya in the context of Bharatanatyam refers to a classical convention where a single dancer portrays multiple characters and roles within the same performance. This concept is rooted in the broader framework of Indian dramaturgy as described in the Natyashastra, where different modes of presentation (aharya) are classified. Eka-aharya literally means “single costume/performer,” implying that one dancer, without changing costumes or performers, embodies various characters through changes in abhinaya (expression), hastas (hand gestures), body language, eye movements, and spatial orientation.

#### 1. Question

Bharatanatyam dance is known as ekaharya, which implies

• a) Bharatanatyam performance always ends with a tillana

• b) Bharatanatyam is accompanied by musical syllables with a few lines of sahitya.

• c) Bharatanatyam leans heavily on the abhinaya or mime aspect of dance

• d) Bharatanatyam dancer takes on many roles in a single performance

Solution: D

The term ekaharya in the context of Bharatanatyam refers to a classical convention where a single dancer portrays multiple characters and roles within the same performance. This concept is rooted in the broader framework of Indian dramaturgy as described in the Natyashastra, where different modes of presentation (aharya) are classified. Eka-aharya literally means “single costume/performer,” implying that one dancer, without changing costumes or performers, embodies various characters through changes in abhinaya (expression), hastas (hand gestures), body language, eye movements, and spatial orientation.

Solution: D

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding semi-classical music form Thumri. The thumri is based on the romantic-devotional literature inspired by the bhakti movement. The lyrics are usually a dialect of Hindi called Brij bhasha. Thumri is one of the divisions of Carnatic music. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 3 is incorrect. Indian Hindustani Classical Music has various divisions like Khyaal, Thumari/Thumri, Tappa, Tarana, etc. The thumri is based on the romantic-devotional literature inspired by the bhakti movement. The text is usually derived from the Radha-Krishna theme and is of primary importance. The semi-classical music form ‘thumr is known to have derived its name from thumakna. Loosely translated the word means, “dance-like movements”. Thumri was about mild eroticism and dramatic gestures and was the invention of courtesans. The text is romantic and devotional in nature, and usually revolves around a girl’s love for Krishna. The language is a dialect of Hindi called Brij bhasha. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 3 is incorrect. Indian Hindustani Classical Music has various divisions like Khyaal, Thumari/Thumri, Tappa, Tarana, etc. The thumri is based on the romantic-devotional literature inspired by the bhakti movement. The text is usually derived from the Radha-Krishna theme and is of primary importance. The semi-classical music form ‘thumr is known to have derived its name from thumakna. Loosely translated the word means, “dance-like movements”. Thumri was about mild eroticism and dramatic gestures and was the invention of courtesans. The text is romantic and devotional in nature, and usually revolves around a girl’s love for Krishna. The language is a dialect of Hindi called Brij bhasha.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding semi-classical music form Thumri.

• The thumri is based on the romantic-devotional literature inspired by the bhakti movement.

• The lyrics are usually a dialect of Hindi called Brij bhasha.

• Thumri is one of the divisions of Carnatic music.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: A

Statement 3 is incorrect.

Indian Hindustani Classical Music has various divisions like Khyaal, Thumari/Thumri, Tappa, Tarana, etc. The thumri is based on the romantic-devotional literature inspired by the bhakti movement.

The text is usually derived from the Radha-Krishna theme and is of primary importance. The semi-classical music form ‘thumr is known to have derived its name from thumakna. Loosely translated the word means, “dance-like movements”.

Thumri was about mild eroticism and dramatic gestures and was the invention of courtesans. The text is romantic and devotional in nature, and usually revolves around a girl’s love for Krishna. The language is a dialect of Hindi called Brij bhasha.

Solution: A

Statement 3 is incorrect.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding Kathputli. It is the string puppets of Rajasthan. Carved from a single piece of wood, these puppets are like large dolls that are colourfully dressed. These puppets wear long trailing skirts and do not have legs. Oval faces, large eyes, arched eyebrows and large lips are some of the facial features of these puppets. Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 3, and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Correct Solution: D The traditional marionettes of Rajasthan are known as Kathputli. Carved from a single piece of wood, these puppets are like large dolls that are colourfully dressed. Their costumes and headgears are designed in the medieval Rajasthani style of dress, which is prevalent even today. The Kathputli is accompanied by a highly dramatised version of the regional music. Oval faces, large eyes, arched eyebrows and large lips are some of the distinct facial features of these string puppets. These puppets wear long trailing skirts and do not have legs. Puppeteers manipulate them with two to five strings which are normally tied to their fingers and not to a prop or a support. Incorrect Solution: D The traditional marionettes of Rajasthan are known as Kathputli. Carved from a single piece of wood, these puppets are like large dolls that are colourfully dressed. Their costumes and headgears are designed in the medieval Rajasthani style of dress, which is prevalent even today. The Kathputli is accompanied by a highly dramatised version of the regional music. Oval faces, large eyes, arched eyebrows and large lips are some of the distinct facial features of these string puppets. These puppets wear long trailing skirts and do not have legs. Puppeteers manipulate them with two to five strings which are normally tied to their fingers and not to a prop or a support.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Kathputli.

• It is the string puppets of Rajasthan.

• Carved from a single piece of wood, these puppets are like large dolls that are colourfully dressed.

• These puppets wear long trailing skirts and do not have legs.

• Oval faces, large eyes, arched eyebrows and large lips are some of the facial features of these puppets.

Which of the above statements are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only

• (b) 1, 3, and 4 only

• (c) 1, 2 and 3 only

• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution: D

The traditional marionettes of Rajasthan are known as Kathputli. Carved from a single piece of wood, these puppets are like large dolls that are colourfully dressed. Their costumes and headgears are designed in the medieval Rajasthani style of dress, which is prevalent even today. The Kathputli is accompanied by a highly dramatised version of the regional music. Oval faces, large eyes, arched eyebrows and large lips are some of the distinct facial features of these string puppets. These puppets wear long trailing skirts and do not have legs. Puppeteers manipulate them with two to five strings which are normally tied to their fingers and not to a prop or a support.

Solution: D

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question The earliest reference to the art of puppetry is found in a) Shakuntalam b) Sama veda c) Natyashastra d) Silappadikaaram Correct Solution: D Silappadikaaram provides clear, concrete, and contextual references to puppetry (pavaikoothu / bommalattam) as part of organized performance culture in ancient Tamil society. It situates puppetry alongside music, dance, and drama within urban cultural life, indicating that it was already a recognized and practiced theatrical form. This makes Silappadikaaram the earliest known textual source that treats puppetry as an art, rather than a symbolic analogy. Incorrect Solution: D Silappadikaaram provides clear, concrete, and contextual references to puppetry (pavaikoothu / bommalattam) as part of organized performance culture in ancient Tamil society. It situates puppetry alongside music, dance, and drama within urban cultural life, indicating that it was already a recognized and practiced theatrical form. This makes Silappadikaaram the earliest known textual source that treats puppetry as an art, rather than a symbolic analogy.

#### 4. Question

The earliest reference to the art of puppetry is found in

• a) Shakuntalam

• b) Sama veda

• c) Natyashastra

• d) Silappadikaaram

Solution: D

Silappadikaaram provides clear, concrete, and contextual references to puppetry (pavaikoothu / bommalattam) as part of organized performance culture in ancient Tamil society. It situates puppetry alongside music, dance, and drama within urban cultural life, indicating that it was already a recognized and practiced theatrical form. This makes Silappadikaaram the earliest known textual source that treats puppetry as an art, rather than a symbolic analogy.

Solution: D

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the folloiwng statements regarding Indian Puppetry. Puppets were present at excavation sites at Harappa and Mohenjodaro. Bommalattam and Yampuri and examples of string puppet. Gombeyatta has influence of Yakshagana theatre of Karnataka. How many of the above statements is/are incorrect? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 2 is incorrect. The excavation sites at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro have yielded puppets with sockets attached to them, which suggest the presence of puppetry as an art form. Bommalattam is a String puppet and Yampuri is a rod puppet. Gombeyatta — Karnataka: It has influence of Yakshagana theatre of Karnataka. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 2 is incorrect. The excavation sites at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro have yielded puppets with sockets attached to them, which suggest the presence of puppetry as an art form. Bommalattam is a String puppet and Yampuri is a rod puppet. Gombeyatta — Karnataka: It has influence of Yakshagana theatre of Karnataka.

#### 5. Question

Consider the folloiwng statements regarding Indian Puppetry.

• Puppets were present at excavation sites at Harappa and Mohenjodaro.

• Bommalattam and Yampuri and examples of string puppet.

• Gombeyatta has influence of Yakshagana theatre of Karnataka.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: A

Statement 2 is incorrect.

The excavation sites at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro have yielded puppets with sockets attached to them, which suggest the presence of puppetry as an art form.

Bommalattam is a String puppet and Yampuri is a rod puppet.

Gombeyatta — Karnataka: It has influence of Yakshagana theatre of Karnataka.

Solution: A

Statement 2 is incorrect.

The excavation sites at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro have yielded puppets with sockets attached to them, which suggest the presence of puppetry as an art form.

Bommalattam is a String puppet and Yampuri is a rod puppet.

Gombeyatta — Karnataka: It has influence of Yakshagana theatre of Karnataka.

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