UPSC Static Quiz – Art and Culture : 23 June 2025

UPSC Static Quiz – Art and Culture : 23 June 2025 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 contributions of Amir Khusrau to Indian culture. He is credited with the development of the Sitar and Tabla, and the creation of the Qawwali form of music. His literary works were exclusively in Persian, with no engagement with vernacular Hindavi. He served as a court poet only under the Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khilji. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: A Statement 1 is correct. Amir Khusrau (1253-1325 CE), a prolific poet, musician, and scholar, is widely credited with significant innovations in Indian music, including the development of the Sitar and Tabla (though these attributions are sometimes debated by musicologists regarding their modern forms, his influence on their precursors is acknowledged). He is also considered the father of Qawwali, a form of Sufi devotional music. He also introduced new ragas. Statement 2 is incorrect. While Amir Khusrau was a master of Persian poetry and wrote extensively in it, he was also a pioneer in using the vernacular Hindavi (an early form of Hindi/Urdu) for literary expression. He composed verses, riddles, and songs in Hindavi, famously expressing his love for this language. Statement 3 is incorrect. Amir Khusrau had a long and distinguished career, serving as a court poet and historian for a succession of Delhi Sultans, not just Alauddin Khilji. His patrons included rulers like Balban, Jalaluddin Khilji, Alauddin Khilji, Mubarak Shah Khilji, and Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. Incorrect Solution: A Statement 1 is correct. Amir Khusrau (1253-1325 CE), a prolific poet, musician, and scholar, is widely credited with significant innovations in Indian music, including the development of the Sitar and Tabla (though these attributions are sometimes debated by musicologists regarding their modern forms, his influence on their precursors is acknowledged). He is also considered the father of Qawwali, a form of Sufi devotional music. He also introduced new ragas. Statement 2 is incorrect. While Amir Khusrau was a master of Persian poetry and wrote extensively in it, he was also a pioneer in using the vernacular Hindavi (an early form of Hindi/Urdu) for literary expression. He composed verses, riddles, and songs in Hindavi, famously expressing his love for this language. Statement 3 is incorrect. Amir Khusrau had a long and distinguished career, serving as a court poet and historian for a succession of Delhi Sultans, not just Alauddin Khilji. His patrons included rulers like Balban, Jalaluddin Khilji, Alauddin Khilji, Mubarak Shah Khilji, and Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.

#### 1. Question

Consider the following statements regarding the contributions of Amir Khusrau to Indian culture.

• He is credited with the development of the Sitar and Tabla, and the creation of the Qawwali form of music.

• His literary works were exclusively in Persian, with no engagement with vernacular Hindavi.

• He served as a court poet only under the Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khilji.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: A

• Statement 1 is correct. Amir Khusrau (1253-1325 CE), a prolific poet, musician, and scholar, is widely credited with significant innovations in Indian music, including the development of the Sitar and Tabla (though these attributions are sometimes debated by musicologists regarding their modern forms, his influence on their precursors is acknowledged). He is also considered the father of Qawwali, a form of Sufi devotional music. He also introduced new ragas.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. While Amir Khusrau was a master of Persian poetry and wrote extensively in it, he was also a pioneer in using the vernacular Hindavi (an early form of Hindi/Urdu) for literary expression. He composed verses, riddles, and songs in Hindavi, famously expressing his love for this language.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Amir Khusrau had a long and distinguished career, serving as a court poet and historian for a succession of Delhi Sultans, not just Alauddin Khilji. His patrons included rulers like Balban, Jalaluddin Khilji, Alauddin Khilji, Mubarak Shah Khilji, and Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.

Solution: A

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Match List-I (Folk Dance/Theatre Form) with List-II (Associated State): List-I (Folk Dance/Theatre Form) List-II (Associated State) A. Garba 1. Punjab B. Bihu 2. Gujarat C. Tamasha 3. Assam D. Bhangra 4. Maharashtra Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3 (b) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1 (c) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4 (d) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1 Correct Solution: B Garba is a popular folk dance form that originated in Gujarat. It is especially performed during the Navaratri festival and involves circular movements with rhythmic clapping. Thus, A matches with 2. Bihu is a vibrant folk dance associated with the Bihu festival in Assam. It is characterized by brisk steps and rapid hand movements, performed by both men and women. Thus, B matches with 3. Tamasha is a traditional form of folk theatre with music and dance, originating from Maharashtra. It often includes humorous skits, lavani songs, and energetic dances. Thus, C matches with 4. D. Bhangra is an energetic and popular folk dance and music form that originated in the Majha area of the Punjab region. It is traditionally performed by men during harvest festivals and celebrations. Incorrect Solution: B Garba is a popular folk dance form that originated in Gujarat. It is especially performed during the Navaratri festival and involves circular movements with rhythmic clapping. Thus, A matches with 2. Bihu is a vibrant folk dance associated with the Bihu festival in Assam. It is characterized by brisk steps and rapid hand movements, performed by both men and women. Thus, B matches with 3. Tamasha is a traditional form of folk theatre with music and dance, originating from Maharashtra. It often includes humorous skits, lavani songs, and energetic dances. Thus, C matches with 4. D. Bhangra is an energetic and popular folk dance and music form that originated in the Majha area of the Punjab region. It is traditionally performed by men during harvest festivals and celebrations.

#### 2. Question

Match List-I (Folk Dance/Theatre Form) with List-II (Associated State):

List-I (Folk Dance/Theatre Form) | List-II (Associated State)

A. Garba | 1. Punjab

B. Bihu | 2. Gujarat

C. Tamasha | 3. Assam

D. Bhangra | 4. Maharashtra

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

• (b) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

• (c) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4

• (d) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

Solution: B

• Garba is a popular folk dance form that originated in Gujarat. It is especially performed during the Navaratri festival and involves circular movements with rhythmic clapping. Thus, A matches with 2.

• Bihu is a vibrant folk dance associated with the Bihu festival in Assam. It is characterized by brisk steps and rapid hand movements, performed by both men and women. Thus, B matches with 3.

• Tamasha is a traditional form of folk theatre with music and dance, originating from Maharashtra. It often includes humorous skits, lavani songs, and energetic dances. Thus, C matches with 4.

D. Bhangra is an energetic and popular folk dance and music form that originated in the Majha area of the Punjab region. It is traditionally performed by men during harvest festivals and celebrations.

Solution: B

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Match List-I (Philosophical Concept) with List-II (Associated School of Indian Philosophy) List-I (Philosophical Concept) List-II (Associated School) A. Syadvada (Anekantavada) 1. Nyaya B. Apoha 2. Vedanta (Advaita) C. Pramana 3. Jainism D. Maya 4. Buddhism (Dignaga School) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2 (b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4 (c) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2 (d) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1 Correct Solution: A Syadvada, also known as Anekantavada (doctrine of manifoldness of reality), is a core epistemological and metaphysical doctrine of Jainism. It posits that reality is complex and has multiple aspects, and truth claims are relative to the perspective from which they are made. Thus, A matches with 3. Apoha (theory of exclusion or differentiation) is a key concept in Buddhist epistemology, particularly developed by logicians like Dignaga and Dharmakirti (Buddhist schools). It suggests that the meaning of a word is derived not from what it directly refers to, but by excluding what it is not. Thus, B matches with 4. Pramana refers to the means of valid knowledge or sources of correct cognition. The study of Pramanas is a central concern in most schools of Indian philosophy, but it is particularly elaborated and systematized in the Nyaya school, which accepts four Pramanas: Pratyaksha (perception), Anumana (inference), Upamana (comparison), and Shabda (testimony). Thus, C matches with 1. D. Maya (illusion) is a fundamental concept in Advaita Vedanta, as expounded by Shankaracharya. It refers to the cosmic illusion or ignorance that veils the true nature of Brahman (the Ultimate Reality) and makes the phenomenal world appear as real, leading to the perception of multiplicity. Thus, D matches with 2. Incorrect Solution: A Syadvada, also known as Anekantavada (doctrine of manifoldness of reality), is a core epistemological and metaphysical doctrine of Jainism. It posits that reality is complex and has multiple aspects, and truth claims are relative to the perspective from which they are made. Thus, A matches with 3. Apoha (theory of exclusion or differentiation) is a key concept in Buddhist epistemology, particularly developed by logicians like Dignaga and Dharmakirti (Buddhist schools). It suggests that the meaning of a word is derived not from what it directly refers to, but by excluding what it is not. Thus, B matches with 4. Pramana refers to the means of valid knowledge or sources of correct cognition. The study of Pramanas is a central concern in most schools of Indian philosophy, but it is particularly elaborated and systematized in the Nyaya school, which accepts four Pramanas: Pratyaksha (perception), Anumana (inference), Upamana (comparison), and Shabda (testimony). Thus, C matches with 1. D. Maya (illusion) is a fundamental concept in Advaita Vedanta, as expounded by Shankaracharya. It refers to the cosmic illusion or ignorance that veils the true nature of Brahman (the Ultimate Reality) and makes the phenomenal world appear as real, leading to the perception of multiplicity. Thus, D matches with 2.

#### 3. Question

Match List-I (Philosophical Concept) with List-II (Associated School of Indian Philosophy)

List-I (Philosophical Concept) | List-II (Associated School)

A. Syadvada (Anekantavada) | 1. Nyaya

B. Apoha | 2. Vedanta (Advaita)

C. Pramana | 3. Jainism

D. Maya | 4. Buddhism (Dignaga School)

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2

• (b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4

• (c) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2

• (d) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

Solution: A

• Syadvada, also known as Anekantavada (doctrine of manifoldness of reality), is a core epistemological and metaphysical doctrine of Jainism. It posits that reality is complex and has multiple aspects, and truth claims are relative to the perspective from which they are made. Thus, A matches with 3.

• Apoha (theory of exclusion or differentiation) is a key concept in Buddhist epistemology, particularly developed by logicians like Dignaga and Dharmakirti (Buddhist schools). It suggests that the meaning of a word is derived not from what it directly refers to, but by excluding what it is not. Thus, B matches with 4.

• Pramana refers to the means of valid knowledge or sources of correct cognition. The study of Pramanas is a central concern in most schools of Indian philosophy, but it is particularly elaborated and systematized in the Nyaya school, which accepts four Pramanas: Pratyaksha (perception), Anumana (inference), Upamana (comparison), and Shabda (testimony). Thus, C matches with 1.

D. Maya (illusion) is a fundamental concept in Advaita Vedanta, as expounded by Shankaracharya. It refers to the cosmic illusion or ignorance that veils the true nature of Brahman (the Ultimate Reality) and makes the phenomenal world appear as real, leading to the perception of multiplicity. Thus, D matches with 2.

Solution: A

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Match List-I (Temple/Monument) with List-II (Location – State) and List-III (Key Architectural Feature/Patronage) List-I (Temple/Monument) List-II (Location – State) List-III (Key Architectural Feature/Patronage) 1. Shore Temple A. Odisha X. Kalinga Architecture, Sun God dedication 2. Konark Sun Temple B. Tamil Nadu Y. Pallava Dynasty, Dravidian style 3. Khajuraho Temples C. Madhya Pradesh Z. Chandela Dynasty, Nagara style, intricate sculptures Select the correct combination: (a) 1-C-Z, 2-A-X, 3-B-Y (b) 1-A-X, 2-B-Y, 3-C-Z (c) 1-B-Y, 2-A-X, 3-C-Z (d) 1-B-X, 2-C-Y, 3-A-Z Correct Solution: C The Shore Temple is located in Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), Tamil Nadu (B). It was built during the reign of the Pallava Dynasty (Y) and is an early structural temple showcasing Dravidian architectural elements. The Konark Sun Temple is situated in Konark, Odisha (A). It is a magnificent example of Kalinga architecture (a regional variation of Nagara style) (X) and is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, designed as a colossal chariot. The Khajuraho group of Temples are located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh (C). They were built by the rulers of the Chandela Dynasty (Z) and are renowned examples of the Nagara style of temple architecture, famous for their intricate and often erotic sculptures. Incorrect Solution: C The Shore Temple is located in Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), Tamil Nadu (B). It was built during the reign of the Pallava Dynasty (Y) and is an early structural temple showcasing Dravidian architectural elements. The Konark Sun Temple is situated in Konark, Odisha (A). It is a magnificent example of Kalinga architecture (a regional variation of Nagara style) (X) and is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, designed as a colossal chariot. The Khajuraho group of Temples are located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh (C). They were built by the rulers of the Chandela Dynasty (Z) and are renowned examples of the Nagara style of temple architecture, famous for their intricate and often erotic sculptures.

#### 4. Question

Match List-I (Temple/Monument) with List-II (Location – State) and List-III (Key Architectural Feature/Patronage)

List-I (Temple/Monument) | List-II (Location – State) | List-III (Key Architectural Feature/Patronage)

1.Shore Temple | A. Odisha | X. Kalinga Architecture, Sun God dedication
2.Konark Sun Temple | B. Tamil Nadu | Y. Pallava Dynasty, Dravidian style
3.Khajuraho Temples | C. Madhya Pradesh | Z. Chandela Dynasty, Nagara style, intricate sculptures

Select the correct combination:

• (a) 1-C-Z, 2-A-X, 3-B-Y

• (b) 1-A-X, 2-B-Y, 3-C-Z

• (c) 1-B-Y, 2-A-X, 3-C-Z

• (d) 1-B-X, 2-C-Y, 3-A-Z

Solution: C

• The Shore Temple is located in Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), Tamil Nadu (B). It was built during the reign of the Pallava Dynasty (Y) and is an early structural temple showcasing Dravidian architectural elements.

• The Konark Sun Temple is situated in Konark, Odisha (A). It is a magnificent example of Kalinga architecture (a regional variation of Nagara style) (X) and is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, designed as a colossal chariot.

• The Khajuraho group of Temples are located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh (C). They were built by the rulers of the Chandela Dynasty (Z) and are renowned examples of the Nagara style of temple architecture, famous for their intricate and often erotic sculptures.

Solution: C

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding Bhakti movement in medieval India. Statement-I: The Bhakti movement in medieval India significantly contributed to the development of regional languages and devotional literature. Statement-II: Bhakti saints often composed their hymns and teachings in the vernacular languages of the common people to make their message more accessible, rather than relying solely on Sanskrit. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Correct Solution: A Statement-I is correct. The Bhakti movement, which swept across medieval India, played a pivotal role in the growth and enrichment of regional languages such as Hindi (Braj, Awadhi), Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Kannada, Punjabi, etc. This period saw a flourishing of devotional literature in these languages. Statement-II is also correct. A key characteristic of many Bhakti saints (like Kabir, Surdas, Tulsidas, Mirabai, Namdev, Chaitanya, Alvars, Nayanars) was their deliberate choice to use vernacular languages spoken by the masses for their devotional compositions, sermons, and teachings. This was done to bypass the exclusivity of Sanskrit, which was largely accessible only to the priestly and elite classes, and to ensure their message of love, devotion, and social reform reached a wider audience. Furthermore, Statement-II provides the correct and direct explanation for Statement-I. Incorrect Solution: A Statement-I is correct. The Bhakti movement, which swept across medieval India, played a pivotal role in the growth and enrichment of regional languages such as Hindi (Braj, Awadhi), Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Kannada, Punjabi, etc. This period saw a flourishing of devotional literature in these languages. Statement-II is also correct. A key characteristic of many Bhakti saints (like Kabir, Surdas, Tulsidas, Mirabai, Namdev, Chaitanya, Alvars, Nayanars) was their deliberate choice to use vernacular languages spoken by the masses for their devotional compositions, sermons, and teachings. This was done to bypass the exclusivity of Sanskrit, which was largely accessible only to the priestly and elite classes, and to ensure their message of love, devotion, and social reform reached a wider audience. Furthermore, Statement-II provides the correct and direct explanation for Statement-I.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Bhakti movement in medieval India.

Statement-I: The Bhakti movement in medieval India significantly contributed to the development of regional languages and devotional literature.

Statement-II: Bhakti saints often composed their hymns and teachings in the vernacular languages of the common people to make their message more accessible, rather than relying solely on Sanskrit.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

• (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Solution: A

• Statement-I is correct. The Bhakti movement, which swept across medieval India, played a pivotal role in the growth and enrichment of regional languages such as Hindi (Braj, Awadhi), Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Kannada, Punjabi, etc. This period saw a flourishing of devotional literature in these languages.

• Statement-II is also correct. A key characteristic of many Bhakti saints (like Kabir, Surdas, Tulsidas, Mirabai, Namdev, Chaitanya, Alvars, Nayanars) was their deliberate choice to use vernacular languages spoken by the masses for their devotional compositions, sermons, and teachings. This was done to bypass the exclusivity of Sanskrit, which was largely accessible only to the priestly and elite classes, and to ensure their message of love, devotion, and social reform reached a wider audience.

• Furthermore, Statement-II provides the correct and direct explanation for Statement-I.

Solution: A

• Furthermore, Statement-II provides the correct and direct explanation for Statement-I.

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