UPSC Static Quiz – Art and Culture : 7 July 2025

UPSC Static Quiz – Art and Culture : 7 July 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 Which of the following dance forms has/have been influenced by the Vaishnavite cult? Mohiniyattam Manipuri Kathak Sattriya 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 The evolution in Kathak dance theme during the Bhakti movement centered primarily around divine Krishna, his lover Radha and milkmaids (gopis) – around legends and texts such as the Bhagavata Purana found in the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism. Manipuri dance is particularly known for its Hindu Vaishnavism themes, and exquisite performances of love-inspired dance drama of Radha-Krishna called Raslila. Mohiniyattam literally interpreted as the dance of ‘Mohini’, the celestial enchantress of the Hindu mythology. The details of the Mohini story varies by the Purana and region, but she is consistently an enchantress avatar of the supreme in Vaishnavism. Even Sattriya was influenced by Vaishnavism. Incorrect Solution: D The evolution in Kathak dance theme during the Bhakti movement centered primarily around divine Krishna, his lover Radha and milkmaids (gopis) – around legends and texts such as the Bhagavata Purana found in the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism. Manipuri dance is particularly known for its Hindu Vaishnavism themes, and exquisite performances of love-inspired dance drama of Radha-Krishna called Raslila. Mohiniyattam literally interpreted as the dance of ‘Mohini’, the celestial enchantress of the Hindu mythology. The details of the Mohini story varies by the Purana and region, but she is consistently an enchantress avatar of the supreme in Vaishnavism. Even Sattriya was influenced by Vaishnavism.

#### 1. Question

Which of the following dance forms has/have been influenced by the Vaishnavite cult?

• Mohiniyattam

Select the correct answer code:

• a) 1, 2, 3

• b) 1, 3, 4

• c) 2, 3, 4

• d) 1, 2, 3, 4

Solution: D

The evolution in Kathak dance theme during the Bhakti movement centered primarily around divine Krishna, his lover Radha and milkmaids (gopis) – around legends and texts such as the Bhagavata Purana found in the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism.

Manipuri dance is particularly known for its Hindu Vaishnavism themes, and exquisite performances of love-inspired dance drama of Radha-Krishna called Raslila.

Mohiniyattam literally interpreted as the dance of ‘Mohini’, the celestial enchantress of the Hindu mythology. The details of the Mohini story varies by the Purana and region, but she is consistently an enchantress avatar of the supreme in Vaishnavism.

Even Sattriya was influenced by Vaishnavism.

Solution: D

Manipuri dance is particularly known for its Hindu Vaishnavism themes, and exquisite performances of love-inspired dance drama of Radha-Krishna called Raslila.

Even Sattriya was influenced by Vaishnavism.

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question Consider the following statements. It is the folk dance performed by the women in Rajasthan. The costumes and dance movement are similar to that of the serpents. The UNESCO has inscribed this dance in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The above statements refer to which folk dance? a) Ghoomar b) Chhau c) Garba d) Kalbelia Correct Solution: D Kalbelia: It is a sensuous folk dance performed by the women of the Kalbelia community of Rajasthan. The costumes and dance movement are similar to that of the serpents. ‘Been’ (wind instrument played by snake charmers) is the popular musical instrument of this dance form. The UNESCO has inscribed Kalbelia folk songs and dances in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. Incorrect Solution: D Kalbelia: It is a sensuous folk dance performed by the women of the Kalbelia community of Rajasthan. The costumes and dance movement are similar to that of the serpents. ‘Been’ (wind instrument played by snake charmers) is the popular musical instrument of this dance form. The UNESCO has inscribed Kalbelia folk songs and dances in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.

#### 2. Question

Consider the following statements.

• It is the folk dance performed by the women in Rajasthan.

• The costumes and dance movement are similar to that of the serpents.

• The UNESCO has inscribed this dance in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The above statements refer to which folk dance?

• a) Ghoomar

• d) Kalbelia

Solution: D

It is a sensuous folk dance performed by the women of the Kalbelia community of Rajasthan. The costumes and dance movement are similar to that of the serpents. ‘Been’ (wind instrument played by snake charmers) is the popular musical instrument of this dance form. The UNESCO has inscribed Kalbelia folk songs and dances in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.

Solution: D

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question Consider the following pairs: Classical Dance Important Features Mohiniattam : Lasya aspect is dominant Manipuri : Tarangam Kuchipudi : Pung Musical Instrument Odissi : Mobile sculptures How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Correct Solution: B Pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched. Mohiniattam: The Lasya aspect (beauty, grace) of dance is dominant in a Mohiniattam recital. Hence, it is mainly performed by female dancers. Manipuri Dance: The drum – pung – is an intricate element of the recital. Flute, Khartals (wood clapper), dhols etc also accompany music. Kuchipudi: Apart from group performances, there are some popular solo elements in Kuchipudi as well. Some of them are: ➢ Manduk shabdam – Tells the story of a frog. ➢ Tarangam – The dancer performs with his/her feet on the edges of a brass plate and balancing a pot of water on the head or a set of diyas. ➢ Jala Chitra Nrityam – In this item, the dancer draws pictures on the floor with his or her toes. Odissi: Odissi dance form is unique in its representation of gracefulness, sensuality and beauty. The dancers create intricate geometrical shapes and patterns with her body. Hence, it is known as ‘mobile sculpture’. Incorrect Solution: B Pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched. Mohiniattam: The Lasya aspect (beauty, grace) of dance is dominant in a Mohiniattam recital. Hence, it is mainly performed by female dancers. Manipuri Dance: The drum – pung – is an intricate element of the recital. Flute, Khartals (wood clapper), dhols etc also accompany music. Kuchipudi: Apart from group performances, there are some popular solo elements in Kuchipudi as well. Some of them are: ➢ Manduk shabdam – Tells the story of a frog. ➢ Tarangam – The dancer performs with his/her feet on the edges of a brass plate and balancing a pot of water on the head or a set of diyas. ➢ Jala Chitra Nrityam – In this item, the dancer draws pictures on the floor with his or her toes. Odissi: Odissi dance form is unique in its representation of gracefulness, sensuality and beauty. The dancers create intricate geometrical shapes and patterns with her body. Hence, it is known as ‘mobile sculpture’.

#### 3. Question

Consider the following pairs:

Classical Dance Important Features

• Mohiniattam : Lasya aspect is dominant

• Manipuri : Tarangam

• Kuchipudi : Pung Musical Instrument

• Odissi : Mobile sculptures

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) Only three

• (d) All four

Solution: B

Pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched.

Mohiniattam: The Lasya aspect (beauty, grace) of dance is dominant in a Mohiniattam recital. Hence, it is mainly performed by female dancers.

Manipuri Dance: The drum – pung – is an intricate element of the recital. Flute, Khartals (wood clapper), dhols etc also accompany music.

Kuchipudi: Apart from group performances, there are some popular solo elements in Kuchipudi as well. Some of them are:

➢ Manduk shabdam – Tells the story of a frog.

➢ Tarangam – The dancer performs with his/her feet on the edges of a brass plate and balancing a pot of water on the head or a set of diyas.

➢ Jala Chitra Nrityam – In this item, the dancer draws pictures on the floor with his or her toes.

Odissi: Odissi dance form is unique in its representation of gracefulness, sensuality and beauty. The dancers create intricate geometrical shapes and patterns with her body. Hence, it is known as ‘mobile sculpture’.

Solution: B

Pairs 1 and 4 are correctly matched.

Mohiniattam: The Lasya aspect (beauty, grace) of dance is dominant in a Mohiniattam recital. Hence, it is mainly performed by female dancers.

Manipuri Dance: The drum – pung – is an intricate element of the recital. Flute, Khartals (wood clapper), dhols etc also accompany music.

Kuchipudi: Apart from group performances, there are some popular solo elements in Kuchipudi as well. Some of them are:

➢ Manduk shabdam – Tells the story of a frog.

➢ Tarangam – The dancer performs with his/her feet on the edges of a brass plate and balancing a pot of water on the head or a set of diyas.

➢ Jala Chitra Nrityam – In this item, the dancer draws pictures on the floor with his or her toes.

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements. Sittanavasal Cave Paintings are known for the paintings in the Jain temples. Murals at Badami Cave Temples are one of the earliest surviving Hindu paintings. The proponents of the Vajrayana school of Buddhism used and patronised Pala paintings. How many of the above statements is/are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: C Sittanavasal Cave (Arivar Koil) Paintings located 16 km northwest of Pudukkottai town in Tamil Nadu, these famous rock-cut caves are known for the paintings in the Jain temples. Though the Badami cave temples are famous for its sculptures, there are beautiful paintings too. Murals at Badami Caves having lost their original grandeur and charm, still offer a glimpse into the artistic capabilities of people of that era. They are one of the earliest surviving Hindu paintings. Pala School represents the earliest examples of miniature painting in India. The extant illustrated manuscripts of Pala Empire mostly belong to the Vajrayana School of Buddhism. Incorrect Solution: C Sittanavasal Cave (Arivar Koil) Paintings located 16 km northwest of Pudukkottai town in Tamil Nadu, these famous rock-cut caves are known for the paintings in the Jain temples. Though the Badami cave temples are famous for its sculptures, there are beautiful paintings too. Murals at Badami Caves having lost their original grandeur and charm, still offer a glimpse into the artistic capabilities of people of that era. They are one of the earliest surviving Hindu paintings. Pala School represents the earliest examples of miniature painting in India. The extant illustrated manuscripts of Pala Empire mostly belong to the Vajrayana School of Buddhism.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements.

• Sittanavasal Cave Paintings are known for the paintings in the Jain temples.

• Murals at Badami Cave Temples are one of the earliest surviving Hindu paintings.

• The proponents of the Vajrayana school of Buddhism used and patronised Pala paintings.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: C

Sittanavasal Cave (Arivar Koil) Paintings located 16 km northwest of Pudukkottai town in Tamil Nadu, these famous rock-cut caves are known for the paintings in the Jain temples.

Though the Badami cave temples are famous for its sculptures, there are beautiful paintings too. Murals at Badami Caves having lost their original grandeur and charm, still offer a glimpse into the artistic capabilities of people of that era. They are one of the earliest surviving Hindu paintings.

Pala School represents the earliest examples of miniature painting in India. The extant illustrated manuscripts of Pala Empire mostly belong to the Vajrayana School of Buddhism.

Solution: C

Sittanavasal Cave (Arivar Koil) Paintings located 16 km northwest of Pudukkottai town in Tamil Nadu, these famous rock-cut caves are known for the paintings in the Jain temples.

Pala School represents the earliest examples of miniature painting in India. The extant illustrated manuscripts of Pala Empire mostly belong to the Vajrayana School of Buddhism.

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question Consider the following statements regarding Pattachitra. 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 is/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.

#### 5. Question

Consider the following statements regarding Pattachitra.

• 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 is/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.

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