UPSC Static Quiz – Art and Culture : 16 January 2026

UPSC Static Quiz – Art and Culture : 16 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 Consider the following statements regarding the Gupta rule in India: The Prayaga Prashasti (also known as the Allahabad Pillar Inscription) was composed by Harisena. Banabhatta, was the court poet of Samudragupta. The Prayaga Prashasti was composed in praise of SamudraGupta. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Only Statement 2 is correct. The Prayaga Prashasti (also known as the Allahabad Pillar Inscription) was composed by Harisena. Harisena was the court poet of Samudragupta while Banabhatta was the court poet of Harshavardhana. The Prayaga Prashasti was composed in praise of SamudraGupta in Sanskrit. Incorrect Solution: A Only Statement 2 is correct. The Prayaga Prashasti (also known as the Allahabad Pillar Inscription) was composed by Harisena. Harisena was the court poet of Samudragupta while Banabhatta was the court poet of Harshavardhana. The Prayaga Prashasti was composed in praise of SamudraGupta in Sanskrit.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Gupta rule in India:

• The Prayaga Prashasti (also known as the Allahabad Pillar Inscription) was composed by Harisena.

• Banabhatta, was the court poet of Samudragupta.

• The Prayaga Prashasti was composed in praise of SamudraGupta.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

Only Statement 2 is correct.

The Prayaga Prashasti (also known as the Allahabad Pillar Inscription) was composed by Harisena. Harisena was the court poet of Samudragupta while Banabhatta was the court poet of Harshavardhana. The Prayaga Prashasti was composed in praise of SamudraGupta in Sanskrit.

Solution: A

Only Statement 2 is correct.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements regarding Pattachitra style of painting is one of the oldest art forms of West Bengal. It is a painting done on canvas, and is manifested by rich colourful application, creative motifs and designs. Some of the popular themes represented through this art form are Thia Badhia, Krishna Lila and Dasabatara Patti. 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 incorrect. Pattachitra style of painting is one of the oldest and most popular art forms of Odisha. The name Pattachitra has evolved from the Sanskrit words patta, meaning canvas, and chitra, meaning picture. Pattachitra is thus a painting done on canvas, and is manifested by rich colourful application, creative motifs and designs, and portrayal of simple themes, mostly mythological in depiction. Some of the popular themes represented through this art form are Thia Badhia – depiction of the temple of Jagannath; Krishna Lila – enactment of Jagannath as Lord Krishna displaying his powers as a child; Dasabatara Patti – the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu; Panchamukhi – depiction of Lord Ganesh as a five-headed deity. With the passage of time, the art of Pattachitra has gone through a commendable transition, and the chitrakars have painted on tussar silk and palm leaves, and even created wall hangings and showpieces. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is incorrect. Pattachitra style of painting is one of the oldest and most popular art forms of Odisha. The name Pattachitra has evolved from the Sanskrit words patta, meaning canvas, and chitra, meaning picture. Pattachitra is thus a painting done on canvas, and is manifested by rich colourful application, creative motifs and designs, and portrayal of simple themes, mostly mythological in depiction. Some of the popular themes represented through this art form are Thia Badhia – depiction of the temple of Jagannath; Krishna Lila – enactment of Jagannath as Lord Krishna displaying his powers as a child; Dasabatara Patti – the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu; Panchamukhi – depiction of Lord Ganesh as a five-headed deity. With the passage of time, the art of Pattachitra has gone through a commendable transition, and the chitrakars have painted on tussar silk and palm leaves, and even created wall hangings and showpieces.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements regarding

• Pattachitra style of painting is one of the oldest art forms of West Bengal.

• It is a painting done on canvas, and is manifested by rich colourful application, creative motifs and designs.

• Some of the popular themes represented through this art form are Thia Badhia, Krishna Lila and Dasabatara Patti.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

Statement 1 is incorrect.

Pattachitra style of painting is one of the oldest and most popular art forms of Odisha. The name Pattachitra has evolved from the Sanskrit words patta, meaning canvas, and chitra, meaning picture. Pattachitra is thus a painting done on canvas, and is manifested by rich colourful application, creative motifs and designs, and portrayal of simple themes, mostly mythological in depiction.

Some of the popular themes represented through this art form are Thia Badhia – depiction of the temple of Jagannath; Krishna Lila – enactment of Jagannath as Lord Krishna displaying his powers as a child; Dasabatara Patti – the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu; Panchamukhi – depiction of Lord Ganesh as a five-headed deity.

With the passage of time, the art of Pattachitra has gone through a commendable transition, and the chitrakars have painted on tussar silk and palm leaves, and even created wall hangings and showpieces.

Solution: B

Statement 1 is incorrect.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding Bhaona is a traditional form of entertainment with religious messages, prevalent is Assam. It is a creation of Mahapurusha Sankardeva. These plays are popularly known as Ankiya Nats. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: C Bhaona is a traditional form of entertainment with religious messages, prevalent is Assam. The history of Assamese drama begins with the plays of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva (1449-1568) written in the early sixteenth century. These plays are popularly known as Ankiya Nats and their staging is known as bhaona. Bhaona was created by Sankardeva. The bhaonas are written in the Assamese and Brajavali languages. Incorrect Solution: C Bhaona is a traditional form of entertainment with religious messages, prevalent is Assam. The history of Assamese drama begins with the plays of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva (1449-1568) written in the early sixteenth century. These plays are popularly known as Ankiya Nats and their staging is known as bhaona. Bhaona was created by Sankardeva. The bhaonas are written in the Assamese and Brajavali languages.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding

• Bhaona is a traditional form of entertainment with religious messages, prevalent is Assam.

• It is a creation of Mahapurusha Sankardeva.

• These plays are popularly known as Ankiya Nats.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: C

Bhaona is a traditional form of entertainment with religious messages, prevalent is Assam. The history of Assamese drama begins with the plays of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardeva (1449-1568) written in the early sixteenth century. These plays are popularly known as Ankiya Nats and their staging is known as bhaona. Bhaona was created by Sankardeva. The bhaonas are written in the Assamese and Brajavali languages.

Solution: C

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding Hathigumpha Inscription. It was inscribed by King Kharavela during 2nd century BCE. It was written in Prakrit language. It is also known as Maski Inscription. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 3 is incorrect. The Hathigumpha Inscription also known as Elephant Cave Inscription from Udayagiri- Khandagiri Caves in Odisha, were inscribed by King Kharavela during 2nd century BCE. The Hathigumpha Inscription consists of seventeen lines in Prakrit language and in Brahmi script. Hathigumpha Inscription is the main source of information about Kalinga ruler Kharavela. Maski is a village and an archaeological site in Raichur district of Karnataka. It lies on the bank of the Maski river which is a tributary of the Tungabhadra. The site has a minor rock edict of Emperor Ashoka. It was the first edict of Emperor Ashoka that contained the name Ashoka in it instead of ‘Devanampriya’ or ‘Piyadassi’. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 3 is incorrect. The Hathigumpha Inscription also known as Elephant Cave Inscription from Udayagiri- Khandagiri Caves in Odisha, were inscribed by King Kharavela during 2nd century BCE. The Hathigumpha Inscription consists of seventeen lines in Prakrit language and in Brahmi script. Hathigumpha Inscription is the main source of information about Kalinga ruler Kharavela. Maski is a village and an archaeological site in Raichur district of Karnataka. It lies on the bank of the Maski river which is a tributary of the Tungabhadra. The site has a minor rock edict of Emperor Ashoka. It was the first edict of Emperor Ashoka that contained the name Ashoka in it instead of ‘Devanampriya’ or ‘Piyadassi’.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Hathigumpha Inscription.

• It was inscribed by King Kharavela during 2nd century BCE.

• It was written in Prakrit language.

• It is also known as Maski Inscription.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

Statement 3 is incorrect.

The Hathigumpha Inscription also known as Elephant Cave Inscription from Udayagiri- Khandagiri Caves in Odisha, were inscribed by King Kharavela during 2nd century BCE. The Hathigumpha

Inscription consists of seventeen lines in Prakrit language and in Brahmi script. Hathigumpha Inscription is the main source of information about Kalinga ruler Kharavela.

Maski is a village and an archaeological site in Raichur district of Karnataka. It lies on the bank of the Maski river which is a tributary of the Tungabhadra. The site has a minor rock edict of Emperor Ashoka. It was the first edict of Emperor Ashoka that contained the name Ashoka in it instead

of ‘Devanampriya’ or ‘Piyadassi’.

Solution: B

Statement 3 is incorrect.

The Hathigumpha Inscription also known as Elephant Cave Inscription from Udayagiri- Khandagiri Caves in Odisha, were inscribed by King Kharavela during 2nd century BCE. The Hathigumpha

Inscription consists of seventeen lines in Prakrit language and in Brahmi script. Hathigumpha Inscription is the main source of information about Kalinga ruler Kharavela.

of ‘Devanampriya’ or ‘Piyadassi’.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? Gatka: Ancient martial art from Punjab Kalaripayattu: Martial art form that originated in Kerala Yakshagana: Traditional theatre form of Madhya Pradesh Mallakhamba: Traditional state sport of Karnataka Select the correct answer code: (a) 2, 3 and 4 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 only Correct Solution: B Gatka is the name of an Indian martial art associated with the Sikhs of the Punjab and the Tanoli and Gujjar communities of the mountainous regions of northern Pakistan who practice an early variant of the martial art. The Punjabi name gatka properly refers to the wooden stick used. Kalaripayattu also known simply as Kalari, is an Indian martial art and fighting style that originated in modern-day Kerala. Yakshagana is a traditional Indian theatre form, developed in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Shimoga and western parts of Chikmagalur districts, in the state of Karnataka and in Kasaragod district in Kerala that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up, and stage techniques with a unique style and form. Mallakhamba is a traditional sport, originating from the Indian subcontinent, in which a gymnast performs aerial yoga postures and wrestling grips in concert with a vertical stationary or hanging wooden pole, cane, or rope. On April 9, 2013, Madhya Pradesh declared Mallakhamba the state sport. Incorrect Solution: B Gatka is the name of an Indian martial art associated with the Sikhs of the Punjab and the Tanoli and Gujjar communities of the mountainous regions of northern Pakistan who practice an early variant of the martial art. The Punjabi name gatka properly refers to the wooden stick used. Kalaripayattu also known simply as Kalari, is an Indian martial art and fighting style that originated in modern-day Kerala. Yakshagana is a traditional Indian theatre form, developed in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Shimoga and western parts of Chikmagalur districts, in the state of Karnataka and in Kasaragod district in Kerala that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up, and stage techniques with a unique style and form. Mallakhamba is a traditional sport, originating from the Indian subcontinent, in which a gymnast performs aerial yoga postures and wrestling grips in concert with a vertical stationary or hanging wooden pole, cane, or rope. On April 9, 2013, Madhya Pradesh declared Mallakhamba the state sport.

#### 5. Question

Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?

• Gatka: Ancient martial art from Punjab

• Kalaripayattu: Martial art form that originated in Kerala

• Yakshagana: Traditional theatre form of Madhya Pradesh

• Mallakhamba: Traditional state sport of Karnataka

Select the correct answer code:

• (a) 2, 3 and 4 only

• (b) 1 and 2 only

• (c) 1, 2 and 4 only

• (d) 1, 2 and 3 only

Solution: B

Gatka is the name of an Indian martial art associated with the Sikhs of the Punjab and the Tanoli and Gujjar communities of the mountainous regions of northern Pakistan who practice an early variant of the martial art. The Punjabi name gatka properly refers to the wooden stick used.

Kalaripayattu also known simply as Kalari, is an Indian martial art and fighting style that originated in modern-day Kerala.

Yakshagana is a traditional Indian theatre form, developed in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Shimoga and western parts of Chikmagalur districts, in the state of Karnataka and in Kasaragod district in Kerala that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up, and stage techniques with a unique style and form.

Mallakhamba is a traditional sport, originating from the Indian subcontinent, in which a gymnast performs aerial yoga postures and wrestling grips in concert with a vertical stationary or hanging wooden pole, cane, or rope. On April 9, 2013, Madhya Pradesh declared Mallakhamba the state sport.

Solution: B

Kalaripayattu also known simply as Kalari, is an Indian martial art and fighting style that originated in modern-day Kerala.

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