UPSC Preliminary Art and Culture Question Bank 2019

With reference to the Sangam age, terms Panar and Viraliyar are used to refer to

a) Temple guards

b) Bull fighters

c) Singing bards

d) Charity donors

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

Poetry, music and dancing were popular among the people of the Sangam age. Liberal donations were given to poets by the kings, chieftains and nobles.

The royal courts were crowded with singing bards called Panar and Viraliyar. They were experts in folk songs and folk dances.

Consider the following statements about Karla caves

1. The grand Chaitya griha of Karla is the largest of all the chaita-grihas of India.

2. It is a stately depicture of Jain intricacies in architecture.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: A

Explanation

The chaityagriha at Karla is the biggest of its type in the whole of India.

It is a stately depicture of Buddhist intricacies in architecture with special emphasis on the physical form of Buddha. Hence, 2 is incorrect.

Consider the following:

1. Temple at Deogarh near Jhansi

2. Sultanganj Buddha

3. Mahrauli Iron pillar

4. Bagh caves paintings

The above belong to periods of which of these dynasties of India?

a) Mauryans

b) Guptas

c) Paramars

d) Rashtrakutas

Correct Answer: B

Explanation

The Delhi Iron pillar of the Gupta period is still free from rust though completely exposed to sun and rain for so many centuries. The paintings of the Gupta period are seen at Bagh caves near

Gwalior. The beautiful statue of standing Buddha at Mathura reveals a little Greek style and is of the period of Guptas.

The terms Devadhana and Brahmadeya used in the context of the rule of South Indian dynasties is used to refer to

a) Pristine land.

b) Divine king rule.

c) Treasure appropriated to the Gods.

d) Land grants to the temples.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation

Land tax was the primary source of the government revenue. The Brahmadeya and Devadhana lands were exempted from tax.

The images of Shiva represented in various forms like Nataraja, Gangadhara, Ardhanareesvara, Somaskanda and Trimurthi can be found in which of the following places?

a) Ajanta Caves

b) Ellora caves

c) Elephanta Caves

d) None of the above

Correct Answer: C

Explanation

Elephanta is an island near Bombay. It was originally called Sripuri. The Portuguese after seeing the large figure of an elephant named it Elephanta. The sculptural art of the Rashtrakutas reached its zenith in this place.

•There is a close similarity between the sculptures at Ellora and those in Elephanta. They might have been carved by the same craftsmen.

•The most imposing figure of this temple is Trimurthi. The sculpture is six metre high. It is said to represent the three aspects of Shiva as Creator, Preserver and Destroyer.