UPSC STATIC QUIZ – Art and Culture : 24 May 2024

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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.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question The sculptural tradition in Gandhara had the confluence of a) Bactria, Parthia and the local Gandhara tradition b) Bactria, Karla and Sri Lankan traditions c) Pahari, Karla and Kashmiri tradition d) Persian, Sri Lankan and Kashmiri tradition Correct Solution: a) The first century CE onwards, Gandhara (now in Pakistan), Mathura in northern India and Vengi in Andhra Pradesh emerged as important centres of art production. Buddha in the symbolic form got a human form in Mathura and Gandhara. The sculptural tradition in Gandhara had the confluence of Bactria, Parthia and the local Gandhara tradition. Developed between the 1st century BCE and the 7th century CE, the Gandhara style, of Greco-Roman origin, seems to have flourished largely during the Kushan dynasty and was contemporaneous with an important but dissimilar school of Kushan art at Mathura (Uttar Pradesh). The local sculptural tradition at Mathura became so strong that the tradition spread to other parts of northern India. The best example in this regard is the stupa sculptures found at Sanghol in the Punjab. The Buddha image at Mathura is modelled on the lines of earlier Yaksha images whereas in Gandhara it has Hellenistic features. Incorrect Solution: a) The first century CE onwards, Gandhara (now in Pakistan), Mathura in northern India and Vengi in Andhra Pradesh emerged as important centres of art production. Buddha in the symbolic form got a human form in Mathura and Gandhara. The sculptural tradition in Gandhara had the confluence of Bactria, Parthia and the local Gandhara tradition. Developed between the 1st century BCE and the 7th century CE, the Gandhara style, of Greco-Roman origin, seems to have flourished largely during the Kushan dynasty and was contemporaneous with an important but dissimilar school of Kushan art at Mathura (Uttar Pradesh). The local sculptural tradition at Mathura became so strong that the tradition spread to other parts of northern India. The best example in this regard is the stupa sculptures found at Sanghol in the Punjab. The Buddha image at Mathura is modelled on the lines of earlier Yaksha images whereas in Gandhara it has Hellenistic features.

#### 1. Question

The sculptural tradition in Gandhara had the confluence of

• a) Bactria, Parthia and the local Gandhara tradition

• b) Bactria, Karla and Sri Lankan traditions

• c) Pahari, Karla and Kashmiri tradition

• d) Persian, Sri Lankan and Kashmiri tradition

Solution: a)

The first century CE onwards, Gandhara (now in Pakistan), Mathura in northern India and Vengi in Andhra Pradesh emerged as important centres of art production. Buddha in the symbolic form got a human form in Mathura and Gandhara. The sculptural tradition in Gandhara had the confluence of Bactria, Parthia and the local Gandhara tradition.

• Developed between the 1st century BCE and the 7th century CE, the Gandhara style, of Greco-Roman origin, seems to have flourished largely during the Kushan dynasty and was contemporaneous with an important but dissimilar school of Kushan art at Mathura (Uttar Pradesh).

• The local sculptural tradition at Mathura became so strong that the tradition spread to other parts of northern India. The best example in this regard is the stupa sculptures found at Sanghol in the Punjab.

• The Buddha image at Mathura is modelled on the lines of earlier Yaksha images whereas in Gandhara it has Hellenistic features.

Solution: a)

• The Buddha image at Mathura is modelled on the lines of earlier Yaksha images whereas in Gandhara it has Hellenistic features.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question If you visit the Mahabalipuram group of Monuments, you are likely to see Giant open-air reliefs Evidence for the cult of Shiva Rock-cut rathas How many of the above options is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: c) Mahabalipuram is pre-eminently testimony to the Pallavas civilization of south-east India. The sanctuary, known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), and giant open-air reliefs, is one of the major centres of the cult of Siva. The influence of the sculptures of Mahabalipuram, characterized by the softness and supple mass of their modelling, spread widely (Cambodia, Annam, Java). Incorrect Solution: c) Mahabalipuram is pre-eminently testimony to the Pallavas civilization of south-east India. The sanctuary, known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), and giant open-air reliefs, is one of the major centres of the cult of Siva. The influence of the sculptures of Mahabalipuram, characterized by the softness and supple mass of their modelling, spread widely (Cambodia, Annam, Java).

#### 2. Question

If you visit the Mahabalipuram group of Monuments, you are likely to see

• Giant open-air reliefs

• Evidence for the cult of Shiva

• Rock-cut rathas

How many of the above options is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: c)

• Mahabalipuram is pre-eminently testimony to the Pallavas civilization of south-east India. The sanctuary, known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), and giant open-air reliefs, is one of the major centres of the cult of Siva. The influence of the sculptures of Mahabalipuram, characterized by the softness and supple mass of their modelling, spread widely (Cambodia, Annam, Java).

Solution: c)

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Which of the following is/are common between Vitthala temple at Hampi and Konark Sun Temple in Odisha? They were both built during Gupta age. They are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. They are both located next to a river bank. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: a) Only Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1: About Hampi: It is a UNESCO world heritage site. It was a part of the Mauryan Empire back in the third century BC. Hampi was the capital city during the four different dynasties altogether in the Vijayanagar city that came into existence in the year 1336 AD. The Vijayanagara Empire reached unfathomable heights under the guidance of King Krishnadeva Raya of the Tuluva Dynasty. ‘Kishkindha Kaand’ in Ramayana has special significance concerning Hampi. It is located near the Tungabhadra river. By 1500 CE, Hampi-Vijayanagara was the world’s second-largest medieval-era city after Beijing, and probably India’s richest at that time, attracting traders from Persia and Portugal. It has been described by UNESCO as an “austere, grandiose site” of more than 1,600 surviving remains of the last great Hindu kingdom in South India. Statement 2: Built in the 13th century, the Konark temple was conceived as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, with 12 pairs of exquisitely ornamented wheels pulled by seven horses. It was built by King Narasimhadeva I, the great ruler of Ganga dynasty. The temple is included in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 for its architectural greatness and also for the sophistication and abundance of sculptural work. The temple is perfect blend of Kalinga architecture, heritage, exotic beach and salient natural beauty. It is protected under the National Framework of India by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act (1958) and its Rules (1959) Incorrect Solution: a) Only Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1: About Hampi: It is a UNESCO world heritage site. It was a part of the Mauryan Empire back in the third century BC. Hampi was the capital city during the four different dynasties altogether in the Vijayanagar city that came into existence in the year 1336 AD. The Vijayanagara Empire reached unfathomable heights under the guidance of King Krishnadeva Raya of the Tuluva Dynasty. ‘Kishkindha Kaand’ in Ramayana has special significance concerning Hampi. It is located near the Tungabhadra river. By 1500 CE, Hampi-Vijayanagara was the world’s second-largest medieval-era city after Beijing, and probably India’s richest at that time, attracting traders from Persia and Portugal. It has been described by UNESCO as an “austere, grandiose site” of more than 1,600 surviving remains of the last great Hindu kingdom in South India. Statement 2: Built in the 13th century, the Konark temple was conceived as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, with 12 pairs of exquisitely ornamented wheels pulled by seven horses. It was built by King Narasimhadeva I, the great ruler of Ganga dynasty. The temple is included in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 for its architectural greatness and also for the sophistication and abundance of sculptural work. The temple is perfect blend of Kalinga architecture, heritage, exotic beach and salient natural beauty. It is protected under the National Framework of India by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act (1958) and its Rules (1959)

#### 3. Question

Which of the following is/are common between Vitthala temple at Hampi and Konark Sun Temple in Odisha?

• They were both built during Gupta age.

• They are both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

• They are both located next to a river bank.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: a)

Only Statement 2 is correct.

Statement 1: About Hampi:

• It is a UNESCO world heritage site.

• It was a part of the Mauryan Empire back in the third century BC.

• Hampi was the capital city during the four different dynasties altogether in the Vijayanagar city that came into existence in the year 1336 AD.

• The Vijayanagara Empire reached unfathomable heights under the guidance of King Krishnadeva Raya of the Tuluva Dynasty.

• ‘Kishkindha Kaand’ in Ramayana has special significance concerning Hampi.

• It is located near the Tungabhadra river.

• By 1500 CE, Hampi-Vijayanagara was the world’s second-largest medieval-era city after Beijing, and probably India’s richest at that time, attracting traders from Persia and Portugal.

• It has been described by UNESCO as an “austere, grandiose site” of more than 1,600 surviving remains of the last great Hindu kingdom in South India.

Statement 2: Built in the 13th century, the Konark temple was conceived as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, with 12 pairs of exquisitely ornamented wheels pulled by seven horses.

It was built by King Narasimhadeva I, the great ruler of Ganga dynasty. The temple is included in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 for its architectural greatness and also for the sophistication and abundance of sculptural work. The temple is perfect blend of Kalinga architecture, heritage, exotic beach and salient natural beauty. It is protected under the National Framework of India by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act (1958) and its Rules (1959)

Solution: a)

Only Statement 2 is correct.

Statement 1: About Hampi:

• It is a UNESCO world heritage site.

• It was a part of the Mauryan Empire back in the third century BC.

• Hampi was the capital city during the four different dynasties altogether in the Vijayanagar city that came into existence in the year 1336 AD.

• The Vijayanagara Empire reached unfathomable heights under the guidance of King Krishnadeva Raya of the Tuluva Dynasty.

• ‘Kishkindha Kaand’ in Ramayana has special significance concerning Hampi.

• It is located near the Tungabhadra river.

• By 1500 CE, Hampi-Vijayanagara was the world’s second-largest medieval-era city after Beijing, and probably India’s richest at that time, attracting traders from Persia and Portugal.

• It has been described by UNESCO as an “austere, grandiose site” of more than 1,600 surviving remains of the last great Hindu kingdom in South India.

Statement 2: Built in the 13th century, the Konark temple was conceived as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, with 12 pairs of exquisitely ornamented wheels pulled by seven horses.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Which of the following are the characteristics of the ‘Dravidian Style of Temple architecture’? It combined the features of both Nagara style and Vesara style of architecture. Temples were surrounded by high boundary walls. The front wall had a high entrance gateway known as the ‘gopuram’. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: b) Statement 1 is incorrect. Vesara style of architecture combined the features of both Nagara style and Dravidian style of Architecture. Dravidian style of architecture is distinct in nature. Well, high boundary walls, gopuram and single vimana are the characteristics of Dravidian style architecture. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 1 is incorrect. Vesara style of architecture combined the features of both Nagara style and Dravidian style of Architecture. Dravidian style of architecture is distinct in nature. Well, high boundary walls, gopuram and single vimana are the characteristics of Dravidian style architecture.

#### 4. Question

Which of the following are the characteristics of the ‘Dravidian Style of Temple architecture’?

• It combined the features of both Nagara style and Vesara style of architecture.

• Temples were surrounded by high boundary walls.

• The front wall had a high entrance gateway known as the ‘gopuram’.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is incorrect.

Vesara style of architecture combined the features of both Nagara style and Dravidian style of Architecture. Dravidian style of architecture is distinct in nature.

Well, high boundary walls, gopuram and single vimana are the characteristics of Dravidian style architecture.

Solution: b)

Statement 1 is incorrect.

Vesara style of architecture combined the features of both Nagara style and Dravidian style of Architecture. Dravidian style of architecture is distinct in nature.

Well, high boundary walls, gopuram and single vimana are the characteristics of Dravidian style architecture.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to Chalukyan architecture, consider the following statements. They built cave temples depicting both religious and secular themes. No Chalukyan age mural paintings can be found. The temples under the Chalukyas are an example of the Vesara style of architecture. How many of the above statements is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution: b) Statement 2 is incorrect. Chalukyas ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 6th and the 12th centuries. They built cave temples depicting both religious and secular themes. The temples had beautiful mural paintings also. The temples under the Chalukyas are a good example of the Vesara style of architecture. This is also called the Deccan style or Karnataka Dravida or Chalukyan style. It is a combination of Dravida and Nagara styles. Incorrect Solution: b) Statement 2 is incorrect. Chalukyas ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 6th and the 12th centuries. They built cave temples depicting both religious and secular themes. The temples had beautiful mural paintings also. The temples under the Chalukyas are a good example of the Vesara style of architecture. This is also called the Deccan style or Karnataka Dravida or Chalukyan style. It is a combination of Dravida and Nagara styles.

#### 5. Question

With reference to Chalukyan architecture, consider the following statements.

• They built cave temples depicting both religious and secular themes.

• No Chalukyan age mural paintings can be found.

• The temples under the Chalukyas are an example of the Vesara style of architecture.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• a) Only one

• b) Only two

• c) All three

Solution: b)

Statement 2 is incorrect.

Chalukyas ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 6th and the 12th centuries.

They built cave temples depicting both religious and secular themes. The temples had beautiful mural paintings also.

The temples under the Chalukyas are a good example of the Vesara style of architecture. This is also called the Deccan style or Karnataka Dravida or Chalukyan style. It is a combination of Dravida and Nagara styles.

Solution: b)

Statement 2 is incorrect.

Chalukyas ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 6th and the 12th centuries.

They built cave temples depicting both religious and secular themes. The temples had beautiful mural paintings also.

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