UPSC Static Quiz – Art and Culture : 23 January 2026

UPSC Static Quiz – Art and Culture : 23 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 Which one of the following animals was not depicted on the seals and terracotta art of the Harappan culture? a) Elephant b) Rhinoceros c) Tiger d) Camel Correct Solution: D The animal motifs found on Harappan seals and terracotta figurines provide valuable insights into the natural environment, economic life, and symbolic world of the Indus Valley people. Archaeological evidence shows frequent depictions of animals such as the elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, bull, buffalo, and various deer species. These animals were native to the northwestern Indian subcontinent during the Mature Harappan phase and are repeatedly seen on seals from sites like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. The rhinoceros and tiger, in particular, suggest dense forests and wetlands, while the elephant points to familiarity with large fauna of the region. In contrast, the camel is conspicuously absent from standard Harappan iconography. This absence is significant because archaeological and zoological evidence suggests that the domestication and widespread use of camels in the Indian subcontinent became prominent only in the later periods, especially during the early historic and medieval times, linked with arid-zone pastoralism and long-distance desert trade. Incorrect Solution: D The animal motifs found on Harappan seals and terracotta figurines provide valuable insights into the natural environment, economic life, and symbolic world of the Indus Valley people. Archaeological evidence shows frequent depictions of animals such as the elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, bull, buffalo, and various deer species. These animals were native to the northwestern Indian subcontinent during the Mature Harappan phase and are repeatedly seen on seals from sites like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. The rhinoceros and tiger, in particular, suggest dense forests and wetlands, while the elephant points to familiarity with large fauna of the region. In contrast, the camel is conspicuously absent from standard Harappan iconography. This absence is significant because archaeological and zoological evidence suggests that the domestication and widespread use of camels in the Indian subcontinent became prominent only in the later periods, especially during the early historic and medieval times, linked with arid-zone pastoralism and long-distance desert trade.

#### 1. Question

Which one of the following animals was not depicted on the seals and terracotta art of the Harappan culture?

• a) Elephant

• b) Rhinoceros

Solution: D

• The animal motifs found on Harappan seals and terracotta figurines provide valuable insights into the natural environment, economic life, and symbolic world of the Indus Valley people.

• Archaeological evidence shows frequent depictions of animals such as the elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, bull, buffalo, and various deer species.

• These animals were native to the northwestern Indian subcontinent during the Mature Harappan phase and are repeatedly seen on seals from sites like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa.

• The rhinoceros and tiger, in particular, suggest dense forests and wetlands, while the elephant points to familiarity with large fauna of the region.

• In contrast, the camel is conspicuously absent from standard Harappan iconography. This absence is significant because archaeological and zoological evidence suggests that the domestication and widespread use of camels in the Indian subcontinent became prominent only in the later periods, especially during the early historic and medieval times, linked with arid-zone pastoralism and long-distance desert trade.

Solution: D

• The animal motifs found on Harappan seals and terracotta figurines provide valuable insights into the natural environment, economic life, and symbolic world of the Indus Valley people.

• Archaeological evidence shows frequent depictions of animals such as the elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, bull, buffalo, and various deer species.

• These animals were native to the northwestern Indian subcontinent during the Mature Harappan phase and are repeatedly seen on seals from sites like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa.

• The rhinoceros and tiger, in particular, suggest dense forests and wetlands, while the elephant points to familiarity with large fauna of the region.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Ashokan edicts have been written in which of the following languages? Prakrit Greek Kharoshti Aramaic Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 3, and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Correct Solution: C Ashokan inscriptions comprise of major rock edicts, minor rock edicts and pillar edicts. Different languages like Prakrit, Greek, Aramaic and different scripts like Brahmi, Kharoshti were used. The most widely used script was Brahmi. Kharoshti was widely used in the inscriptions found in modern-day Pakistan. Greek and Aramaic was used in inscriptions found in Afghanistan – for example, the bilingual Greek-Aramaic inscription found in Kandahar. Incorrect Solution: C Ashokan inscriptions comprise of major rock edicts, minor rock edicts and pillar edicts. Different languages like Prakrit, Greek, Aramaic and different scripts like Brahmi, Kharoshti were used. The most widely used script was Brahmi. Kharoshti was widely used in the inscriptions found in modern-day Pakistan. Greek and Aramaic was used in inscriptions found in Afghanistan – for example, the bilingual Greek-Aramaic inscription found in Kandahar.

#### 2. Question

Ashokan edicts have been written in which of the following languages?

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1 and 2 only

• (b) 1, 3, and 4 only

• (c) 1, 2 and 4 only

• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution: C

Ashokan inscriptions comprise of major rock edicts, minor rock edicts and pillar edicts. Different languages like Prakrit, Greek, Aramaic and different scripts like Brahmi, Kharoshti were used. The most widely used script was Brahmi. Kharoshti was widely used in the inscriptions found in modern-day Pakistan. Greek and Aramaic was used in inscriptions found in Afghanistan – for example, the bilingual Greek-Aramaic inscription found in Kandahar.

Solution: C

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements. The temple is the largest of the rock-cut Hindu temples at the Ellora Caves. Most of the excavation of the temple is generally attributed to the eighth century Rashtrakuta king Krishna I. The above statements refer to a) Brihadishvara Temple b) Kailasha Temple b) Kailasha Temple d) Vitthala temple Correct Solution: B The Kailasha or Kailashanatha temple is the largest of the rock-cut Hindu temples at the Ellora Caves, Maharashtra. A megalith carved from a rock cliff face, it is considered one of the most remarkable cave temples in the world because of its size, architecture and sculptural treatment, and “the climax of the rock-cut phase of Indian architecture”. The Kailasa temple (Cave 16) is the largest of the 34 Buddhist, Jain and Hindu cave temples and monasteries known collectively as the Ellora Caves. Most of the excavation of the temple is generally attributed to the eighth century Rashtrakuta king Krishna I, with some elements completed later. The temple architecture shows traces of Pallava and Chalukya styles built by Kannadiga kings. Incorrect Solution: B The Kailasha or Kailashanatha temple is the largest of the rock-cut Hindu temples at the Ellora Caves, Maharashtra. A megalith carved from a rock cliff face, it is considered one of the most remarkable cave temples in the world because of its size, architecture and sculptural treatment, and “the climax of the rock-cut phase of Indian architecture”. The Kailasa temple (Cave 16) is the largest of the 34 Buddhist, Jain and Hindu cave temples and monasteries known collectively as the Ellora Caves. Most of the excavation of the temple is generally attributed to the eighth century Rashtrakuta king Krishna I, with some elements completed later. The temple architecture shows traces of Pallava and Chalukya styles built by Kannadiga kings.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements.

• The temple is the largest of the rock-cut Hindu temples at the Ellora Caves.

• Most of the excavation of the temple is generally attributed to the eighth century Rashtrakuta king Krishna I.

The above statements refer to

• a) Brihadishvara Temple

• b) Kailasha Temple

• d) Vitthala temple

Solution: B

The Kailasha or Kailashanatha temple is the largest of the rock-cut Hindu temples at the Ellora Caves, Maharashtra. A megalith carved from a rock cliff face, it is considered one of the most remarkable cave temples in the world because of its size, architecture and sculptural treatment, and “the climax of the rock-cut phase of Indian architecture”.

The Kailasa temple (Cave 16) is the largest of the 34 Buddhist, Jain and Hindu cave temples and monasteries known collectively as the Ellora Caves.

Most of the excavation of the temple is generally attributed to the eighth century Rashtrakuta king Krishna I, with some elements completed later. The temple architecture shows traces of Pallava and Chalukya styles built by Kannadiga kings.

Solution: B

The Kailasa temple (Cave 16) is the largest of the 34 Buddhist, Jain and Hindu cave temples and monasteries known collectively as the Ellora Caves.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question What is common to these personalities – Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri? a) Theatre Presentation b) Carnatic music c) Temple Architecture d) Tamil Poetry and Prose Correct Solution: B The birth of the Musical Trinity – Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri – at Tiruvarur between the years 1750 to 1850 A.D. ushered in an era of dynamic development in Carnatic music. The Trinity were not only contemporaries among themselves but, also contemporaries of great composers of Western Music, as Beethoven, Mozart, Wagner and Haydn. It was the ‘Golden Age’ of music throughout the world. Carnatic music reached its pinnacle of artistic excellence during this period. Incorrect Solution: B The birth of the Musical Trinity – Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri – at Tiruvarur between the years 1750 to 1850 A.D. ushered in an era of dynamic development in Carnatic music. The Trinity were not only contemporaries among themselves but, also contemporaries of great composers of Western Music, as Beethoven, Mozart, Wagner and Haydn. It was the ‘Golden Age’ of music throughout the world. Carnatic music reached its pinnacle of artistic excellence during this period.

#### 4. Question

What is common to these personalities – Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri?

• a) Theatre Presentation

• b) Carnatic music

• c) Temple Architecture

• d) Tamil Poetry and Prose

Solution: B

The birth of the Musical Trinity – Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri – at Tiruvarur between the years 1750 to 1850 A.D. ushered in an era of dynamic development in Carnatic music.

The Trinity were not only contemporaries among themselves but, also contemporaries of great composers of Western Music, as Beethoven, Mozart, Wagner and Haydn.

It was the ‘Golden Age’ of music throughout the world. Carnatic music reached its pinnacle of artistic excellence during this period.

Solution: B

The birth of the Musical Trinity – Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri – at Tiruvarur between the years 1750 to 1850 A.D. ushered in an era of dynamic development in Carnatic music.

The Trinity were not only contemporaries among themselves but, also contemporaries of great composers of Western Music, as Beethoven, Mozart, Wagner and Haydn.

It was the ‘Golden Age’ of music throughout the world. Carnatic music reached its pinnacle of artistic excellence during this period.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Vaisheshika School It believes in the physicality of the Universe and is considered to be the realistic and objective philosophy that governs the universe. It developed the atomic theory, i.e. all material objects are made of atoms. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: C The Vaisheshika school believes in the physicality of the Universe and is considered to be the realistic and objective philosophy that governs the universe. The Kanada who also wrote the basic text governing the Vaisheshika philosophy is often considered the founder of this school. They argue that everything in the universe was created by the five main elements: fire, air, water, earth and ether (sky). These material elements are also called Dravya. As this school has a very scientific approach, they also developed the atomic theory, i.e. all material objects are made of atoms. This school was also responsible for the beginning of physics in Indian subcontinent. They are considered to be the propounder of the mechanical process of formation of this Universe. Incorrect Solution: C The Vaisheshika school believes in the physicality of the Universe and is considered to be the realistic and objective philosophy that governs the universe. The Kanada who also wrote the basic text governing the Vaisheshika philosophy is often considered the founder of this school. They argue that everything in the universe was created by the five main elements: fire, air, water, earth and ether (sky). These material elements are also called Dravya. As this school has a very scientific approach, they also developed the atomic theory, i.e. all material objects are made of atoms. This school was also responsible for the beginning of physics in Indian subcontinent. They are considered to be the propounder of the mechanical process of formation of this Universe.

#### 5. Question

With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Vaisheshika School

• It believes in the physicality of the Universe and is considered to be the realistic and objective philosophy that governs the universe.

• It developed the atomic theory, i.e. all material objects are made of atoms.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• c) Both 1 and 2

• d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: C

The Vaisheshika school believes in the physicality of the Universe and is considered to be the realistic and objective philosophy that governs the universe. The Kanada who also wrote the basic text governing the Vaisheshika philosophy is often considered the founder of this school.

They argue that everything in the universe was created by the five main elements: fire, air, water, earth and ether (sky). These material elements are also called Dravya.

As this school has a very scientific approach, they also developed the atomic theory, i.e. all material objects are made of atoms.

This school was also responsible for the beginning of physics in Indian subcontinent. They are considered to be the propounder of the mechanical process of formation of this Universe.

Solution: C

They argue that everything in the universe was created by the five main elements: fire, air, water, earth and ether (sky). These material elements are also called Dravya.

As this school has a very scientific approach, they also developed the atomic theory, i.e. all material objects are made of atoms.

This school was also responsible for the beginning of physics in Indian subcontinent. They are considered to be the propounder of the mechanical process of formation of this Universe.

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