UPSC Static Quiz – Art and Culture : 30 June 2025

UPSC Static Quiz – Art and Culture : 30 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 The Vedic literature is broadly divided into two categories viz. Shruti and Smriti. What is the difference between them? Shruti is considered eternal whereas Smriti is subject to change. Smriti philosophy stands in direct opposition or contrast to Shruti philosophy. Select the correct answer code: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: a) The Vedic literature is broadly divided into two categories viz. Shruti and Smriti. Shruti is “that which has been heard” and is canonical, consisting of revelation and unquestionable truth, and is considered eternal. It refers mainly to the Vedas themselves. Smriti is “that which has been remembered” supplementary and may change over time. It is authoritative only to the extent that it conforms to the bedrock of Shruti. However, there is not a distinct divide between Shruti and Smriti. Both Shruti and Smriti can be represented as a continuum, with some texts more canonical than others Incorrect Solution: a) The Vedic literature is broadly divided into two categories viz. Shruti and Smriti. Shruti is “that which has been heard” and is canonical, consisting of revelation and unquestionable truth, and is considered eternal. It refers mainly to the Vedas themselves. Smriti is “that which has been remembered” supplementary and may change over time. It is authoritative only to the extent that it conforms to the bedrock of Shruti. However, there is not a distinct divide between Shruti and Smriti. Both Shruti and Smriti can be represented as a continuum, with some texts more canonical than others

#### 1. Question

The Vedic literature is broadly divided into two categories viz. Shruti and Smriti. What is the difference between them?

• Shruti is considered eternal whereas Smriti is subject to change.

• Smriti philosophy stands in direct opposition or contrast to Shruti philosophy.

Select the correct answer code:

• (a) 1 only

• (b) 2 only

• (c) Both 1 and 2

• (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: a)

The Vedic literature is broadly divided into two categories viz. Shruti and Smriti.

Shruti is “that which has been heard” and is canonical, consisting of revelation and unquestionable truth, and is considered eternal. It refers mainly to the Vedas themselves.

Smriti is “that which has been remembered” supplementary and may change over time. It is authoritative only to the extent that it conforms to the bedrock of Shruti.

However, there is not a distinct divide between Shruti and Smriti. Both Shruti and Smriti can be represented as a continuum, with some texts more canonical than others

Solution: a)

The Vedic literature is broadly divided into two categories viz. Shruti and Smriti.

Shruti is “that which has been heard” and is canonical, consisting of revelation and unquestionable truth, and is considered eternal. It refers mainly to the Vedas themselves.

Smriti is “that which has been remembered” supplementary and may change over time. It is authoritative only to the extent that it conforms to the bedrock of Shruti.

However, there is not a distinct divide between Shruti and Smriti. Both Shruti and Smriti can be represented as a continuum, with some texts more canonical than others

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements about the dynasties during the Sangam Age. Hereditary monarchy was the form of government during the Sangam period. Each of the Sangam dynasties had a royal emblem – such as carp for the Pandyas. Which of the above statements is/are incorrect? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution: d) During the Sangam period hereditary monarchy was the form of government. The king had also taken the advice of his minister, court-poet and the imperial court or avai. Each of the Sangam dynasties had a royal emblem – carp for the Pandyas, tiger for the Cholas and bow for the Cheras. Incorrect Solution: d) During the Sangam period hereditary monarchy was the form of government. The king had also taken the advice of his minister, court-poet and the imperial court or avai. Each of the Sangam dynasties had a royal emblem – carp for the Pandyas, tiger for the Cholas and bow for the Cheras.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements about the dynasties during the Sangam Age.

• Hereditary monarchy was the form of government during the Sangam period.

• Each of the Sangam dynasties had a royal emblem – such as carp for the Pandyas.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

• c) Both 1 and 2

• d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: d)

During the Sangam period hereditary monarchy was the form of government. The king had also taken the advice of his minister, court-poet and the imperial court or avai.

Each of the Sangam dynasties had a royal emblem – carp for the Pandyas, tiger for the Cholas and bow for the Cheras.

Solution: d)

During the Sangam period hereditary monarchy was the form of government. The king had also taken the advice of his minister, court-poet and the imperial court or avai.

Each of the Sangam dynasties had a royal emblem – carp for the Pandyas, tiger for the Cholas and bow for the Cheras.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following statements regarding Virupaksha temple, Hampi. It was constructed during the reign of the Vijayanagar empire. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated on the banks of Varaha River. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1, 3 b) 1, 2 c) 2, 3 d) 1 only Correct Solution: b) Virupaksha Temple is located in Hampi in the Ballari district of Karnataka, India. It is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple was built by Lakkan Dandesha, a nayaka (chieftain) under the ruler Deva Raya II also known as Prauda Deva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi, capital of the Vijayanagara empire, sits on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Virupaksha, as the consort of the local goddess Pampadevi who is associated with the Tungabhadra River. Incorrect Solution: b) Virupaksha Temple is located in Hampi in the Ballari district of Karnataka, India. It is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple was built by Lakkan Dandesha, a nayaka (chieftain) under the ruler Deva Raya II also known as Prauda Deva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi, capital of the Vijayanagara empire, sits on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Virupaksha, as the consort of the local goddess Pampadevi who is associated with the Tungabhadra River.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Virupaksha temple, Hampi.

• It was constructed during the reign of the Vijayanagar empire.

• The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

• It is situated on the banks of Varaha River.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Solution: b)

Virupaksha Temple is located in Hampi in the Ballari district of Karnataka, India. It is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple was built by Lakkan Dandesha, a nayaka (chieftain) under the ruler Deva Raya II also known as Prauda Deva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Hampi, capital of the Vijayanagara empire, sits on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Virupaksha, as the consort of the local goddess Pampadevi who is associated with the Tungabhadra River.

Solution: b)

Hampi, capital of the Vijayanagara empire, sits on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Virupaksha, as the consort of the local goddess Pampadevi who is associated with the Tungabhadra River.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Milindapanho is in the form of a dialogue between the king Menander and Buddhist monk: a) Nagaraja b) Nagarjuna c) Nagabhatta d) Nagasena Correct Solution: d) The Milindapanho (literally, “Questions of Milinda”) is a renowned Pali Buddhist text, presented in the form of a philosophical dialogue between the Indo-Greek king Menander I (known in Pali as Milinda) and the Buddhist monk Nagasena. This dialogue is considered a significant example of early Buddhist philosophical discourse, especially from the post-Ashokan period. The text covers deep questions related to Buddhist doctrines such as anatta (non-self), karma, rebirth, nirvana, and the nature of consciousness. Nagasena employs logical reasoning and metaphors to explain complex concepts in simple terms, reflecting a mature Buddhist scholasticism. Though traditionally attributed to a single dialogue, the Milindapanho is a compilation developed over time and may have had multiple authors or editors. The work is valued not only for its doctrinal clarity but also for highlighting cultural exchange between Hellenistic and Indian worlds during the second century BCE, a time of profound intellectual cross-fertilization. Incorrect Solution: d) The Milindapanho (literally, “Questions of Milinda”) is a renowned Pali Buddhist text, presented in the form of a philosophical dialogue between the Indo-Greek king Menander I (known in Pali as Milinda) and the Buddhist monk Nagasena. This dialogue is considered a significant example of early Buddhist philosophical discourse, especially from the post-Ashokan period. The text covers deep questions related to Buddhist doctrines such as anatta (non-self), karma, rebirth, nirvana, and the nature of consciousness. Nagasena employs logical reasoning and metaphors to explain complex concepts in simple terms, reflecting a mature Buddhist scholasticism. Though traditionally attributed to a single dialogue, the Milindapanho is a compilation developed over time and may have had multiple authors or editors. The work is valued not only for its doctrinal clarity but also for highlighting cultural exchange between Hellenistic and Indian worlds during the second century BCE, a time of profound intellectual cross-fertilization.

#### 4. Question

Milindapanho is in the form of a dialogue between the king Menander and Buddhist monk:

• a) Nagaraja

• b) Nagarjuna

• c) Nagabhatta

• d) Nagasena

Solution: d)

• The Milindapanho (literally, “Questions of Milinda”) is a renowned Pali Buddhist text, presented in the form of a philosophical dialogue between the Indo-Greek king Menander I (known in Pali as Milinda) and the Buddhist monk Nagasena.

• This dialogue is considered a significant example of early Buddhist philosophical discourse, especially from the post-Ashokan period.

• The text covers deep questions related to Buddhist doctrines such as anatta (non-self), karma, rebirth, nirvana, and the nature of consciousness.

• Nagasena employs logical reasoning and metaphors to explain complex concepts in simple terms, reflecting a mature Buddhist scholasticism.

• Though traditionally attributed to a single dialogue, the Milindapanho is a compilation developed over time and may have had multiple authors or editors.

The work is valued not only for its doctrinal clarity but also for highlighting cultural exchange between Hellenistic and Indian worlds during the second century BCE, a time of profound intellectual cross-fertilization.

Solution: d)

• This dialogue is considered a significant example of early Buddhist philosophical discourse, especially from the post-Ashokan period.

• The text covers deep questions related to Buddhist doctrines such as anatta (non-self), karma, rebirth, nirvana, and the nature of consciousness.

• Nagasena employs logical reasoning and metaphors to explain complex concepts in simple terms, reflecting a mature Buddhist scholasticism.

• Though traditionally attributed to a single dialogue, the Milindapanho is a compilation developed over time and may have had multiple authors or editors.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Which of the following themes are likely to be found in early Dravidian Literature? Glory of kings Heroic poetry Love poems Good and evil Select the correct answer code: a) 1, 2, 3 b) 1, 3, 4 c) 2, 3, 4 d) 1, 2, 3, 4 Correct Solution: d) Early classical Tamil literature is known as Sangam literature meaning ‘fraternity’, indicating mainly two schools of poets, aham (subjective love poems), and puram (objective, public poetry and heroic). Aham deals purely with the subjective emotions of the lover, and puram with all kinds of emotions, mainly the valour and glory of kings, and about good and evil. The Sangam classics, consisting of 18 works (eight anthologies of lyrics and ten long poems), are well known for their directness of expression. Incorrect Solution: d) Early classical Tamil literature is known as Sangam literature meaning ‘fraternity’, indicating mainly two schools of poets, aham (subjective love poems), and puram (objective, public poetry and heroic). Aham deals purely with the subjective emotions of the lover, and puram with all kinds of emotions, mainly the valour and glory of kings, and about good and evil. The Sangam classics, consisting of 18 works (eight anthologies of lyrics and ten long poems), are well known for their directness of expression.

#### 5. Question

Which of the following themes are likely to be found in early Dravidian Literature?

• Glory of kings

• Heroic poetry

• Love poems

• Good and evil

Select the correct answer code:

• a) 1, 2, 3

• b) 1, 3, 4

• c) 2, 3, 4

• d) 1, 2, 3, 4

Solution: d)

Early classical Tamil literature is known as Sangam literature meaning ‘fraternity’, indicating mainly two schools of poets, aham (subjective love poems), and puram (objective, public poetry and heroic). Aham deals purely with the subjective emotions of the lover, and puram with all kinds of emotions, mainly the valour and glory of kings, and about good and evil. The Sangam classics, consisting of 18 works (eight anthologies of lyrics and ten long poems), are well known for their directness of expression.

Solution: d)

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