UPSC Static Quiz – Art and Culture : 14 February 2026

UPSC Static Quiz – Art and Culture : 14 February 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.

Why Participate in the UPSC Static Quiz?

Participating in daily quizzes helps reinforce your knowledge and identify areas that need improvement. Regular practice will enhance your recall abilities and boost your confidence for the examination. By covering various topics throughout the week, you ensure a comprehensive revision of the syllabus.

#### Quiz-summary

0 of 5 questions completed

Questions:

#### Information

Best of Luck! 🙂

You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.

Quiz is loading...

You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.

You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz:

0 of 5 questions answered correctly

Your time:

Time has elapsed

You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0)

#### Categories

• Not categorized 0%

• Question 1 of 5 1. Question Consider the following table regarding historical sites and their artistic attributes: Site Primary Patronage Religious/Thematic Focus 1. Ajanta Vakataka Dynasty Buddhist Jataka stories 2. Sittanavasal Pandya Kings Jain Samavasarana 3. Lepakshi Vijayanagara Empire Shaivite/Ramayana themes How many of the above rows are correctly matched? (a) Only one row (b) Only two rows (c) All three rows (d) None of the rows Correct Solution: C Ajanta flourished particularly under the Vakataka dynasty, especially during the reign of Harisena. The caves are renowned for their exquisite murals depicting Buddhist Jataka tales, illustrating previous births of the Buddha. Thus, both patronage and thematic focus are correctly matched. Sittanavasal is associated with the Pandya dynasty. The cave paintings depict Jain themes, particularly the Samavasarana (the divine preaching hall of a Tirthankara), along with lotus ponds and ascetics. The match is correct. Lepakshi was built under the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple is dedicated to Veerabhadra (a Shaivite deity), and its murals include scenes from the Ramayana and other Hindu epics. Hence, both patronage and thematic focus are accurate. Incorrect Solution: C Ajanta flourished particularly under the Vakataka dynasty, especially during the reign of Harisena. The caves are renowned for their exquisite murals depicting Buddhist Jataka tales, illustrating previous births of the Buddha. Thus, both patronage and thematic focus are correctly matched. Sittanavasal is associated with the Pandya dynasty. The cave paintings depict Jain themes, particularly the Samavasarana (the divine preaching hall of a Tirthankara), along with lotus ponds and ascetics. The match is correct. Lepakshi was built under the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple is dedicated to Veerabhadra (a Shaivite deity), and its murals include scenes from the Ramayana and other Hindu epics. Hence, both patronage and thematic focus are accurate.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following table regarding historical sites and their artistic attributes:

Site | Primary Patronage | Religious/Thematic Focus

1.Ajanta | Vakataka Dynasty | Buddhist Jataka stories
2.Sittanavasal | Pandya Kings | Jain Samavasarana
3.Lepakshi | Vijayanagara Empire | Shaivite/Ramayana themes

How many of the above rows are correctly matched?

• (a) Only one row

• (b) Only two rows

• (c) All three rows

• (d) None of the rows

Solution: C

• Ajanta flourished particularly under the Vakataka dynasty, especially during the reign of Harisena. The caves are renowned for their exquisite murals depicting Buddhist Jataka tales, illustrating previous births of the Buddha. Thus, both patronage and thematic focus are correctly matched.

• Sittanavasal is associated with the Pandya dynasty. The cave paintings depict Jain themes, particularly the Samavasarana (the divine preaching hall of a Tirthankara), along with lotus ponds and ascetics. The match is correct.

• Lepakshi was built under the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple is dedicated to Veerabhadra (a Shaivite deity), and its murals include scenes from the Ramayana and other Hindu epics. Hence, both patronage and thematic focus are accurate.

Solution: C

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Which one of the following instruments is classified as a Sushira Vadya (wind instrument)? (a) Sarangi (b) Shehnai (c) Mridangam (d) Manjira Correct Solution: B According to the classification system in the Natyashastra, instruments are grouped by their sound-producing mechanism. The Shehnai is a classic example of a Sushira Vadya because it produces sound through a vibrating column of air when blown. It is a double-reed instrument popular in North Indian marriages and temple rituals. In contrast, the Sarangi is a Tata Vadya (stringed) as it uses bowed strings. The Mridangam is an Avanaddha Vadya (percussion) because it features a stretched skin membrane. The Manjira is a Ghana Vadya (solid) because it consists of small metal cymbals that are struck together. Distinguishing between these categories is essential for identifying the nature of various folk and classical instruments. Incorrect Solution: B According to the classification system in the Natyashastra, instruments are grouped by their sound-producing mechanism. The Shehnai is a classic example of a Sushira Vadya because it produces sound through a vibrating column of air when blown. It is a double-reed instrument popular in North Indian marriages and temple rituals. In contrast, the Sarangi is a Tata Vadya (stringed) as it uses bowed strings. The Mridangam is an Avanaddha Vadya (percussion) because it features a stretched skin membrane. The Manjira is a Ghana Vadya (solid) because it consists of small metal cymbals that are struck together. Distinguishing between these categories is essential for identifying the nature of various folk and classical instruments.

#### 2. Question

Which one of the following instruments is classified as a Sushira Vadya (wind instrument)?

• (a) Sarangi

• (b) Shehnai

• (c) Mridangam

• (d) Manjira

Solution: B

• According to the classification system in the Natyashastra, instruments are grouped by their sound-producing mechanism.

• The Shehnai is a classic example of a Sushira Vadya because it produces sound through a vibrating column of air when blown. It is a double-reed instrument popular in North Indian marriages and temple rituals.

• In contrast, the Sarangi is a Tata Vadya (stringed) as it uses bowed strings. The Mridangam is an Avanaddha Vadya (percussion) because it features a stretched skin membrane.

• The Manjira is a Ghana Vadya (solid) because it consists of small metal cymbals that are struck together. Distinguishing between these categories is essential for identifying the nature of various folk and classical instruments.

Solution: B

• According to the classification system in the Natyashastra, instruments are grouped by their sound-producing mechanism.

• In contrast, the Sarangi is a Tata Vadya (stringed) as it uses bowed strings. The Mridangam is an Avanaddha Vadya (percussion) because it features a stretched skin membrane.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Which of the following statements regarding the Vijayanagara ruler Krishnadevaraya is correct? (a) He prohibited the use of animal sacrifices in his kingdom to emulate the policy of Ashoka. (b) He authored the Telugu work Amuktamalyada, which translates to "One who offered the garland after wearing it herself." (c) His Sanskrit drama Jambavati Kalyanam was the first Indian play to be translated into English in 1872. (d) He was the founder of the Sangama dynasty and built the city of Vijayanagara. Correct Solution: B Krishnadevaraya, one of the greatest rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire (reigned 1509–1529 CE), composed the celebrated Telugu literary work Amuktamalyada. The title refers to Andal (a Vaishnava saint-poetess) who would first wear the garland intended for Lord Vishnu before offering it to the deity—hence the meaning given in the option. The work reflects deep Vaishnavite devotion and is considered a classic of Telugu literature. Incorrect Solution: B Krishnadevaraya, one of the greatest rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire (reigned 1509–1529 CE), composed the celebrated Telugu literary work Amuktamalyada. The title refers to Andal (a Vaishnava saint-poetess) who would first wear the garland intended for Lord Vishnu before offering it to the deity—hence the meaning given in the option. The work reflects deep Vaishnavite devotion and is considered a classic of Telugu literature.

#### 3. Question

Which of the following statements regarding the Vijayanagara ruler Krishnadevaraya is correct?

• (a) He prohibited the use of animal sacrifices in his kingdom to emulate the policy of Ashoka.

• (b) He authored the Telugu work Amuktamalyada, which translates to "One who offered the garland after wearing it herself."

• (c) His Sanskrit drama Jambavati Kalyanam was the first Indian play to be translated into English in 1872.

• (d) He was the founder of the Sangama dynasty and built the city of Vijayanagara.

Solution: B

• Krishnadevaraya, one of the greatest rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire (reigned 1509–1529 CE), composed the celebrated Telugu literary work Amuktamalyada. The title refers to Andal (a Vaishnava saint-poetess) who would first wear the garland intended for Lord Vishnu before offering it to the deity—hence the meaning given in the option. The work reflects deep Vaishnavite devotion and is considered a classic of Telugu literature.

Solution: B

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding the literary work Yuktikalpataru: It contains a section on the characteristics of various types of wood and their suitability for building boats. It lists the qualities of a king, including the importance of maintaining an efficient system of urban planning. It was authored by Harshavardhana during his religious assembly at Kanauj. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is correct: The Yuktikalpataru is a rare historical source for early Indian maritime history, detailing boat construction and the selection of raw materials. Statement 2 is correct: It is a “Jewel-Tree of Reason”covering secular subjects like statecraft, city-building, and military science, effectively serving as a guide for a pre-modern administrator. Statement 3 is incorrectbecause the work is attributed to Raja Bhoja Paramara (11th century), not Harsha (7th century). Harsha authored dramas, while Bhoja specialized in such encyclopedic technical treatises. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct: The Yuktikalpataru is a rare historical source for early Indian maritime history, detailing boat construction and the selection of raw materials. Statement 2 is correct: It is a “Jewel-Tree of Reason”covering secular subjects like statecraft, city-building, and military science, effectively serving as a guide for a pre-modern administrator. Statement 3 is incorrectbecause the work is attributed to Raja Bhoja Paramara (11th century), not Harsha (7th century). Harsha authored dramas, while Bhoja specialized in such encyclopedic technical treatises.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the literary work Yuktikalpataru:

• It contains a section on the characteristics of various types of wood and their suitability for building boats.

• It lists the qualities of a king, including the importance of maintaining an efficient system of urban planning.

• It was authored by Harshavardhana during his religious assembly at Kanauj.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct: The Yuktikalpataru is a rare historical source for early Indian maritime history, detailing boat construction and the selection of raw materials.

• Statement 2 is correct: It is a “Jewel-Tree of Reason”covering secular subjects like statecraft, city-building, and military science, effectively serving as a guide for a pre-modern administrator.

• Statement 3 is incorrectbecause the work is attributed to Raja Bhoja Paramara (11th century), not Harsha (7th century). Harsha authored dramas, while Bhoja specialized in such encyclopedic technical treatises.

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct: The Yuktikalpataru is a rare historical source for early Indian maritime history, detailing boat construction and the selection of raw materials.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Which of the following statements regarding the “Ayagapatas” of Mathura is correct? (a) They were stone slabs used by Buddhists for meditation. (b) They were votive tablets associated with Jain worship at Kankali Tila. (c) They were royal edicts issued by Kanishka. (d) They were coins minted by the Indo-Greeks found in Mathura. Correct Solution: B Ayagapatas are stone votive tablets discovered mainly at Kankali Tila, an important Jain archaeological site in Mathura. The term derives from “āyāga,” meaning offering or worship. These slabs were installed in Jain sacred enclosures and were used as objects of devotion. They often depict symbols such as the stupa, railing motifs, srivatsa, dharmachakra, and occasionally seated or standing Jina figures. Many inscriptions on them record donations by lay followers, indicating their ritual and commemorative function within early Jainism (particularly around the early centuries CE). Incorrect Solution: B Ayagapatas are stone votive tablets discovered mainly at Kankali Tila, an important Jain archaeological site in Mathura. The term derives from “āyāga,” meaning offering or worship. These slabs were installed in Jain sacred enclosures and were used as objects of devotion. They often depict symbols such as the stupa, railing motifs, srivatsa, dharmachakra, and occasionally seated or standing Jina figures. Many inscriptions on them record donations by lay followers, indicating their ritual and commemorative function within early Jainism (particularly around the early centuries CE).

#### 5. Question

Which of the following statements regarding the “Ayagapatas” of Mathura is correct?

• (a) They were stone slabs used by Buddhists for meditation.

• (b) They were votive tablets associated with Jain worship at Kankali Tila.

• (c) They were royal edicts issued by Kanishka.

• (d) They were coins minted by the Indo-Greeks found in Mathura.

Solution: B

• Ayagapatas are stone votive tablets discovered mainly at Kankali Tila, an important Jain archaeological site in Mathura. The term derives from “āyāga,” meaning offering or worship. These slabs were installed in Jain sacred enclosures and were used as objects of devotion.

• They often depict symbols such as the stupa, railing motifs, srivatsa, dharmachakra, and occasionally seated or standing Jina figures. Many inscriptions on them record donations by lay followers, indicating their ritual and commemorative function within early Jainism (particularly around the early centuries CE).

Solution: B

Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE for Motivation and Fast Updates

Join our Twitter Channel HERE

Follow our Instagram Channel HERE

Stay Consistent

Consistency is key in UPSC preparation. By making the UPSC Static Quiz a part of your daily routine, you will steadily improve your knowledge base and exam readiness. Join us every day to tackle new questions and make your journey towards UPSC success more structured and effective.