Revise ENTIRE Prelims 2024

Syllabus through 3000+ MCQs

ART & CUTLURE

(SOLUTIONS & EXPLANATIONS)

Join Telegram Channel- t.me/ sunyanotes50

Contact : 8279688595| w w w .sunyaias.com
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs

INDEX
CHAPTER - 1 INDIAN ARCHITECTURE, SCULPTURE & POTTERY 3
CHAPTER - 2 EDICTS AND INSCRIPTIONS. 13
CHAPTER - 3 INDIAN PAINTINGS AND HANDICRAFTS. 17
CHAPTER - 4 UNESCO’S LIST OF WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN INDIA. 24
CHAPTER - 5 INDIAN MUSIC 31
CHAPTER - 6 INDIAN DANCE 39
CHAPTER - 7 INDIAN THEATRE, PUPPETRY AND MARTIAL ARTS 47
CHAPTER - 8 UNESCO’S LIST OF INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE 53
CHAPTER - 9 RELIGIONS AND LANGUAGES IN INDIA. 59
CHAPTER - 10 LITERATURE 66
CHAPTER - 11 INDIAN SCHOOL OF PHILOSOPHY 72
CHAPTER - 12 FESTIVAL, AWARD, SCIENCE AND LAWS 75

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 2
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs

CHAPTER-1
INDIAN ARCHITECTURE, SCULPTURE & POTTERY
1. Answer: A
Explanation:
A distinct style of temple architecture developed in north India is known as the Nagara style of architecture.
Statement 1 is correct. Some of the features of Nagara school of architectures are;
● These temples generally follows the Panchayatana style, in which the principal shrine is located in the
middle and subsidiary shrines are located in four corners.
● These temples were generally built on a uprised stone platform.
● Generally the temple premises do not have boundary walls or gateways. Statement 2 is incorrect.
● Generally, these temples do not have water tanks in the premises. Statement 3 is incorrect.
● The garbhagriha is always located directly under the tallest tower.
● There are many sub-categories of nagara style of temples depending on the shape of the shikhara.

2. Answer: B
Explanation:
The post-Mauryan period shows the emergence of various local schools of art and some were of indigenous styles
and others with external influences.
Mathura School:
● The Mathura school flourished on the banks of River Yamuna.
● It focused on the portrayal of Indian deities, especially images of the Buddha, in a more indigenous style.
Statement 1 is correct.
● Sculptures of this school were influenced by the stories of all three religions, such as Buddhism, Jainism
and Hinduism.
● This school was patronised by the Kushana rulers.
Amaravati School:
● Amaravati school of art was developed in the banks of River Krishna.
● This school mostly focussed and created depictions of scenes from the life of the Buddha and Jataka tales.
Statement 2 is incorrect.
● This school was patronised by the Satavahana rulers.
Gandhara School:
● The post-Mauryan period saw the rise of Gandhara art developed in the North-western frontier.
● It was influenced by Greco-Roman art due to the interactions with Greek and Roman sculptures through
trade and conquest.
● Gandhara art is characterised by its realistic and naturalistic depictions of Buddha.
● This school was patronised by the Kushana rulers. Statement 3 is correct.

3. Answer: C
Explanation:
Kanheri Caves:
● The Kanheri Caves are a group of rock cut caves located in Mumbai.
● It is located in the forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
● It flourished under the patronage of Satavahana and Vakatakas reign.
Lord Murugan Temple:
● Lord Murugan temple is located in the foothills of Palani hills, Dindigul district in Tamilnadu.
● It is considered as one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan (Arupadai Veedu).
Sabarimala Temple:
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 3
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● This temple is situated in the forests of the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala.
● This temple is located on the banks of the river Pamba.
● The main deity in this temple is Lord Ayyappa, who is considered to be a celibate.
Badami Cave Temples:
● This group of cave temples are located in the town of Badami, along the Malaprabha river valley.
● It was developed under the eastern Chalukyas of Badami which dates back to 6th century AD.
● It is a group of four rock-cut cave temples.
● Out of four, 3 are brahmanical temples and 1 is Jaina temple.
Ranganathaswamy Temple:
● Srirangam Temple is dedicated to Sri Ranganatha (a form of Vishnu) located in Srirangam of
Tiruchirapalli district in Tamilnadu.
● It is one of the most important temples of Lord Vishnu.
● It is located in the isle of River Cauvery.
● The temple has the largest temple compound in India.

4. Answer: C
Explanation:
Bhaja Caves:
● These are the group of 22 rock-cut caves located in the Bhaja village, near Pune in Maharashtra.
● It is located in the ancient trade route between the Arabian sea and the Deccan Plateau.
● It belongs to the Hinayana sect and has many stupas and stone carved sculptures.
● One of the stone carvings of women playing tabla shows the usage of tabla and percussion musical
instruments since ancient times. Pair 1 is incorrect.
Kanheri Caves:
● Kanheri Caves are the group of more than 100 rock cut caves located in the forests of the Sanjay Gandhi
National Park in Mumbai.
● It contains numerous Buddhist sculptures of Buddha and Bodhisattvas, various relief carvings, paintings
and inscriptions, dating to 1st century AD.
● It flourished under the patronage of Satavahana and Vakatakas reign.
● Vishnu depicted as Trivikrama was found in Varaha cave temples of Mamallapuram in Tamilnadu. Pair 2
is incorrect.
Chittanavasal cave:
● It is located in the Pudukottai district of Tamilnadu.
● It is a jain cave architecture which dates back to 2nd century BC.
● The Fresco paintings on the ceiling of the cave temple are considered to be among the best of ancient
paintings. Pair 3 is correct.

5. Answer: B
Explanation:
Bronze dancing girl (Mohenjodaro):
● The bronze dancing girl sculpture of Harappan period was discovered at Mohenjodaro.
● It is the greatest surviving metal work of the Harappan age.
● This figure shows a dancing female standing in a tribhanga pose during a dance, with her right hand on
her hip and the left kept free.
● She wears ornaments like bangles, amulets and bracelets.
● The bronze statues were casted using ‘lost wax method’ or ‘Cire Perdue’.
● In this method, wax figures were first made and then coated with wet clay and then dried.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 4
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● Then the wax inside is removed by melting and the liquid metal is poured into the empty clay casting
mould through a tiny hole.
● After the metal is cooled and the clay is removed, so that the required metal figure is finally casted using
this method.
Mother Goddess:
● The Mother Goddess sculpture have found in many Indus sites.
● It is a crude figure of a standing female adorned with necklaces hanging over prominent breasts.
● It wears loincloth and headgear.
● The facial features are also shown very crudely.
● It was probably worshipped for prosperity.
● It might also have been a goddess of fertility cults.
Bearded Priest:
● Bearded Priest was found in Mohenjodaro and is sculpted in steatite.
● It is the figure of a bearded man, draped in a shawl with trefoil patterns.
● Its eyes are elongated, and half closed as in meditation.
Male Torso:
● The red sandstone figure of a male torso was found in Harrapa.
● It is made up of Red sandstone.
● The torso has a frontal posture with well baked shoulders and a prominent abdomen.
● There are socket holes in the neck and shoulders which are used for the attachment of head and arms.

6. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Indo-Islamic architecture begins with the Arab invasions of India at the close of the 12 century A.D.
● During the medieval period, Indian architecture underwent significant changes by introducing
spaciousness, massiveness to the buildings.
● Important elements in the Islamic architecture are the introduction of arches, domes, and its arcuate style
of construction.
● They introduced the use of minars around the mosques and mausoleums.
● The Indo-Islamic architecture avoided the usage of human and animal figurines in the architecture and
sculptures, as it was prohibited.
● Arabesque, Calligraphy and Jaali works were used for decoration. Both statements are correct.

7. Answer: B
Explanation:
Malwa School (1405-1569 AD):
● This school of architecture was developed in the towns of Malwa plateau.
● Dhar and Mandu were the important cities.
● The usage of multiple coloured stones and marbles was the most important feature in these
architectures.
● It had spacious windows and stylised arches and pillars. Statement 1 is correct.
● The staircases were also used to improve the building's aesthetics.
● Minars were not used in this school of architecture. Statement 2 is incorrect.
● It is also known as the Pathan School of Architecture.
● Malwa School of architecture is one of the greatest examples of environmental adaptation of the
period.
● The structures and rooms were well ventilated due to the use of large windows, and the pavilions were
lightly arched, which allows the buildings to stay cool in the summer.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 5
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● Reservoirs known as 'baulis' were built for storage of water.
● Materials used in these buildings were readily available in the local area. Statement 3 is correct.
● Examples of this school of Architecture: Rani Roopmati Pavilion, Jahaz Mahal, Ashrafi Mahal, etc.

8. Answer: B
Explanation:
Mughal Architecture:
During the reign of Mughal emperors the art and architectural developments in India reached its heights, as they
were the great patrons of art and architecture.
● Statement 1 is correct: Akbar’s reign was marked by the use of red sandstone as the prime building material.
○ He also introduced the use of the four centred arch.
○ Examples: Agra fort, Buland Darwaza in Fatehpur Sikri, etc.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Jahangir’s wife Noorjahan undertook the building of the Tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah
(Noor Jahan's father).
○ This tomb was built using white marbles, thus marking the replacement of red sandstone as the prime
building material.
● Statement 3 is correct: Architecture developments slowed down during the reign of Jahangir, as he focused
more on paintings.
○ Even though, his contribution to architecture continued as he overtook the construction of Akbar's Tomb
in Sikandra.

9. Answer: D
Explanation:
Rajput Style:
● The Rajput style of architecture was influenced by the Mughal style of the time, but they were unique in
their constructions.
● It reflects an indigenous tradition of architecture found in the northern part of India.
● It also includes temples, forts, stepwells, gardens, and palaces.
● They generally undertook the building of palaces and forts.
● The forts were specially built for defense and military purposes.
● They used the concept of hanging balconies (Jhaokha).
● The cornices were made in the shape of an arch so that the shadow took the shape of a bow.
Mandu Style:
● Mandu is a small town in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh.
● Mandu is the largest fortified city of medieval India.
● The wall encompassing Mandu has 12 major gates or darwazas.
● The Mandu architecture is typically devoid of emotion and ornamentation.
● The mosques at Mandu are of Arabian type, lacking minars.
● Mandu is home to several historical structures, including Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal, Hoshang Shah’s
Tomb, Jama Masjid, Rewa Kund, Rani Roopmati’s Pavillion, and Baz Bahadur’s Palace.
Bijapur School:
● Bijapur style or the Deccan style of architecture was developed under the patronage of Adil Shah.
● The mosques, tombs and palaces built were unique in the use of 3-arched facade and bulbous dome.
● He also introduced the use of cornices.
● The special feature of the this school was the treatment of its ceilings, which were without any apparent
support.
● Iron clamps and a strong plaster of mortar were used to give strength to the buildings.
● The walls were decorated by rich carvings.
● Example: Gol Gumbaj (the mausoleum of Adil Shah) in Bijapur.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 6
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
Sikh Style:
● Sikh style of architecture was developed in the region of Punjab.
● It was heavily influenced by the Mughal style and the Rajput style of architecture.
● Multiple Chhatris or kiosks are used on the top of the construction.
● Use of shallow cornices and onion dome.
● These buildings had fluted domes, which were generally covered with brass and copper guilds for
decoration and support.
● The arches are decorated using numerous foliations.
● Example: Harmandir Sahib (constructed during the 16th–17th century).

10. Answer: A
Explanation:
Rumi Darwaza:
● It was built in 1784 by the Nawab of Awadh, Asaf-ud-Daula.
● It is situated in between Bara and Chota Imambara in Lucknow. Pair 1 is incorrect.
● It is also known as Turkish Gate.
● The structure is marked by an eight-faceted umbrella-like structure in its upper part.
● The architectural style of the gate is different from the Mughal style by the material used.
● It is made up of bricks coated in lime, allowing more room for detailed sculpting.
Buland Darwaza:
● It wаs built in Fatehpur Sikri by the Mughаl emрerоr, Аkbаr in 1575 tо commemorate his viсtоry оver
Gujаrаt. Pair 2 is correct.
● It is the highest gаtewаy in the wоrld.
● It is mаde up оf red аnd buff sаndstоne.
● It is decorated by the carving аnd inlаying оf white аnd blасk mаrble.
Alai Darwaza:
● It was built by Alauddin Khilji in 1311.
● It is the southern gateway to Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in Qutb complex at Mehrauli in Delhi. Statement
3 is incorrect.
● It is a square domed gatehouse with arched entrances which is made of red sandstone.

11. Answer: C
Explanation:
Rakhigarhi:
● This site is located in Haryana.
● It is considered to be the largest site of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Pair 1 is correct.
● Here, granary, cemetery, drains, and terracotta bricks were found.
● It is known to be the provincial capital of Harappan Civilisation.
Dholavira:
● This site is located in Gujarat.
● Here, there is a giant water reservoir, unique water harnessing system, dams and embankments were
found.
● There is also an inscription consisting of 10 large sized signs like an advertisement board.
● This is the latest IVC city found.
● Dockyard was found in Lothal, an important trade centre during the Harappan age. Pair 2 is incorrect.
Chanhudaro:
● This site is located in Sindh province of Pakistan.
● This was the only Indus Valley city that was found without a citadel. Pair 3 is correct.
● Here a Bead making factory was found and hence known to be as the Lancashire of IVC.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 7
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
12. Answer: C
Explanation:
Lothal:
● This site is located in Gujarat.
● It is considered to be the Manchester of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
● This was an important site for naval trade, which had a dockyard.
● Rice husk, fire altars, painted jar, modern day chess, terracotta figures of horse and ship, instruments for
measuring 45, 90 and 180 degree angles were found in this site.
Mohenjodaro:
● It is located on the banks of River Indus in present day Pakistan.
● The citadel, the great bath, the great granary, burials, sculpture of bearded priest, bronze statue of the
Dancing Girl and Pashupati Seal were found in this site.
Kalibangan:
● It is located in the Rajasthan.
● In this site, a famous bangle factory was found.
● Apart from that, toy carts, camel bones, decorated bricks, citadel and lower town, fire altar were found in
this site.
Kot Diji:
● It is located in present day Pakistan.
● Tar, statues of Bull and mother goddess have been excavated from this site.

13. Answer: B
Explanation:
Nayaka School:
● Statement 1 is correct: The Nayaka school of temple architecture flourished under the Nayaka rulers of
Madurai in the 16-18th centuries AD.
○ This school was also known as Madurai School.
○ This school was architecturally similar to the Dravidian style, but larger in its scope.
○ This school had islamic influences also in its structures.
○ Presence of Prakarms or huge corridors in the portico, around the garbhagriha, along with roofed
ambulatory passageways.
● Statement 2 is correct: The gopurams built by the Nayaka rulers were some of the largest gopurams.
○ The Meenakshi temple in Madurai has the tallest gopuram in the world.
○ The art of making gopuram reached its climax under the Nayaka rule.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur was one of the finest examples of Chola
Architecture.

14. Answer: D
Explanation:
Abhaya Mudra:
● It indicates fearlessness, which symbolises the strength and inner security.
● The right hand is raised to shoulder height and the right hand faces outwards and the fingers are upright
and joined.
● The left hand hangs downwards by the side of the body.
● It represents the moment immediately after attaining enlightenment.
Bhumisparsa Mudra:
● It is one of the Mudras most commonly found in statues of Buddha.
● It depicts that Buddha is sitting in meditation with his left hand in his lap, and his right hand touching the earth.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 8
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● It signifies ‘Buddha calling the Earth to witness the Truth’.
● It represents the moment when Buddha attained enlightenment.
Vitarka Mudra
● It indicates teaching and discussion or intellectual debate.
● Here, the tips of the thumb and index finger touch each other and form a circle.
● It signifies the teaching phase of preaching in Buddhism.
Vajra Mudra:
● This Mudra indicates the importance of knowledge.
● The forefinger of the left hand is covered by the fist of the right hand.
● It signifies the importance of supreme wisdom.

15. Answer: A
Explanation:
Ajanta Caves:
● Ajanta caves are rock-cut caves in the Sahyadri ranges near Waghora River in Aurangabad district of
Maharashtra.
● It was developed in the period between 200 BC to 650 AD.
● These caves were inscribed under the patronage of the Vakataka kings. Pair 1 is incorrect.
● There are 29 caves present here and out of which 25 were Viharas and 4 were Chaityas.
● Among these, five were developed during the Hinayana phase.
● The remaining were developed during the Mahayana phase of Buddhism.
Ellora Caves:
● Ellora caves are located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra.
● It is the group of 34 caves, out of which 17 are Brahmanical, 12 are Buddhist and 5 are Jain caves.
● These caves were developed during the period of 5th - 11th centuries AD.
● They were built by various guilds from Vidarbha, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
● Hence, the caves show a variety in terms of its theme and architectural styles.
● The Hindu and Buddhist Caves were constructed under the patronage of the Rashtrakutas and Jain Caves
by the Yadavas. Pair 2 is incorrect.
Udaygiri Caves:
● Udaygiri Caves are the group of 20 rock-cut caves located in Vidisha of Madhya Pradesh.
● It was constructed in the 5th century AD under the patronage of Chandragupta II of the Gupta dynasty.
Pair 3 is correct.
● It is famous for sculptures like the Varaha or Boar incarnation of Vishnu.
● These caves are dedicated to Shiva, Narasimha, Narayana and Skanda.

16. Answer: D
Explanation:
Achaemenian pillars:
● Achaemeninian pillars were erected in ancient Persia (around 500 BC).
● The shafts of Achaemenian pillars were made up of various pieces of sandstone cemented together.
Statement 1 is incorrect.
● These pillars were generally attached to the state buildings.
Ashokan pillars:
● During the reign of Ashoka, he erected various inscriptions on pillars as a symbol of State or to
commemorate his battle victories.
● He also used the pillars to propagate imperial sermons.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 9
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● The pillars were usually made of chunar sandstone and comprised of Shaft and Capital.
● The shaft of the Ashokan pillars were monolithic, i.e. inscribed from a single piece of stone. Statement 2
is incorrect.
● On top of it laid the capital, which was either lotus shaped or bell shaped.
● The bell shaped capitals were influenced by the Iranian pillars, which was the highly polished and lustrous
finish.
● The top portion of the pillar was carved with capital figures like the bull, the lion, elephant, etc.
● These Ashokan pillars were erected independently.
● Examples: Lauria Nandangarh Pillar in Champaran, Lion Capital of Sarnath, etc.

17. Answer: C
Explanation:
Sanchi:
● Sanchi Town is located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh.
● It lies in the uplands west of Betwa river. Pair 1 is correct.
● It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites located in India.
● This town is famous for the stupa commissioned by the Mauryan king Ashoka in the 3rd Century BC.
Pattadakal:
● Pattadakkal is located on the west bank of Malaprabha river in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. Pair 2 is
incorrect.
● It is an UNESCO World Heritage site in which famous temples of Chalukyas were located.
● Famous temples include Virupaksha temple and a jain temple were located here.
Aihole:
● Aihole was known with the ancient name Aryapura.
● It is located along the Valley of river Malaprapbha in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. Pair 3 is correct.
● It was the cultural capital of the Chalukyas of Badami (6th –8th century AD).
● This village contains more than hundred temples which were built in different styles and periods.
Kanchipuram:
● Kanchipuram is an ancient city of South India which served as a capital of numerous kingdoms including
early Cholas, Pallavas and Vijayanagara.
● This city is located on the banks of river Vegavathi. Pair 4 is correct.
● It has remained as an important pilgrimage centre since ancient times.
● In its early years, it was a Jain and Buddhist centre of learning.
● The great Hindu philosopher Ramanujacharya (11th Century AD) was educated here.
● It is considered as one of the seven great sacred Hindu cities in India, which contains 108 Shaiva and 18
Vaishnava temples.

18. Answer: D
Explanation:
Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture:
Gopuram:
● It is the main entrance gateway of the temple which is located at the centre of the front wall.
Mandapa:
● It is the entrance to the main temple.
● It may be a portico or a hall.
● It is generally designed to accomodate a large number of people entering the temple.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 10
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
Garbhagriha:
● It is the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple.
● It is generally a small cubicle with a single entrance, which houses the principal deity of the temple.
Vimana:
● It is the mounting spire located over the Garbhagriha.
● It is in the form of a stepped pyramid that rises up linearly.
● There is only one vimana in the Dravidian temples.
● Unlike Nagara temple architecture, subsidiary shrines do not have vimanas.
Other features:
● The whole temple complex is enclosed by the high boundary walls.
● Water Tank is present in the temple complex.
● The Mandapa is connected to the garbhagriha by a vestibular tunnel known as Antarala.
● The entrance of the garbhagriha is surrounded by the sculptures of dwarapala, mithun and yakshas.

19. Answer: C
Explanation:
Dilwara temples:
● It is located in the Mount Abu of Aravalli Ranges in Rajasthan.
● It is one of the Jain pilgrimage sites located in India.
● It includes five marvellous temples built of marble with intricate carvings.
● The oldest one is Vimal Vasahi temple.
● The other temples are Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar, Parshvanath and Mahavira.
● These temples were built through the 13th-17th century.
Palitana temples:
● It is located in the Shatrunjay hills of Kathiawar in Gujarat.
● It is one of the holy places of Jains, especially the Svetambara sect.
● There are more than 800 temples made up of marble located here.
● The main temple is dedicated to Rishabhanatha, the first Jain Tirthankara.
● The other temples include Adinath, Kumarpal and Bimal Shah.
● The images of the deity are made up of marble and are beautified by gold ornaments studded with
precious stones.
Chittanavasal cave:
● It is located in the Pudukkottai district of Tamilnadu.
● It is a group of Jain cave temples which dates back to 2nd century BC.
● In ancient times, Jain Monks used to live in these caves to perform their ascetic life and prayers.
● Such Jain temples are found in Sittannavasal complex and the surrounding places.
● It is also famous for the Fresco paintings on the ceiling of the cave temple, which are considered to be
best among the ancient paintings.

20. Answer: A
Explanation:
Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1413):
● The Tuglaqs were the third dynasty that ruled over the Delhi Sultanate.
● They came to the throne after the fall of Khilji dynasty.
● The notable rulers of this dynasty were Muhammad bin Tughlaq and Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
● Their reign has seen a series of experiments including frequent change in capital and issuing token
currency and reforms in agriculture.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 11
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● They constantly faced the challenges and chaos from nobility and the local rulers in the south.
● Hence they mainly concentrated only on holding the Delhi Sultanate intact and preventing the
disintegration.
● Hence their reign was known to be the crisis period for architecture during the Delhi Sultanate rule.
● However some construction works were still undertaken using grey sandstone.
● During this period, the focus was more on the strength of the building rather than the emphasis on detailed
decoration. Both statements are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I.

******

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 12
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs

CHAPTER - 2
EDICTS AND INSCRIPTIONS.

21. Answer: D
Explanation:
Sohagura Copper Plate Inscription (Uttar Pradesh):
● It is found in Sohgaura in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh.
● It dates back to the 3rd Century BC.
● It is the earliest surviving copper plate inscription, which is in Brahmi script.
● It records the efforts taken by the ruler to tackle famine.
● It notes that 2 granaries (Kosthagara) were set up to store grains and to be distributed in famine times.
Pair 1 is incorrect.
Mahasthangarh Inscription:
● It is located in Mahasthangarh village in Bagura district of Bangladesh.
● The inscription is engraved on limestone slab in Prakrit language using Brahmi script.
● It describes a land grant. Pair 2 is incorrect.
Boghaz Koi Inscription:
● It dates back to 14th Century BC found in north-eastern Syria.
● It mentions the names of the ancient vedic gods such as Indara (Indra), Mitras (Mitra), Nasatia (Nasitya)
and Uruvanass (Varuna). Pair 3 is incorrect.
● These deities were also mentioned in Rig veda.

22. Answer: B
Explanation:
Bhattiprolu Inscription:
● This inscription was found in the Buddhist stupa found in the Bhattiprolu village of Guntur district in
Andhra Pradesh.
● It dates back to 3rd to 1st Century BC.
● It is recorded in the Bhattiprolu script, which is a variant of Brahmi script.
● The inscription was written on an urn containing Buddha's relics.
Maski Inscription:
● Maski is a village located in the Raichur district of Karnataka.
● It lies on the banks of Maski river which is a tributary of the Tungabhadra.
● This site has a minor rock edict of Mauryan ruler Ashoka.
● It was the first edict found that contained the name Ashoka in it instead of ‘Devanampiya Piyadassi’.
● The inscription tells people to follow the tenets of Buddhism.
● Moreover the inscription also accounts the spread of Mauryan rule up to the Krishna Valley of North-
eastern Karnataka.
● Minor rock edicts of Ashoka include Sasaram in Bihar and major rock edicts include Sopara in
Maharashtra.

23. Answer: A
Explanation:
Ashoka had erected around 33 edicts and inscriptions in order to propagate his guidance and teachings of Buddha
throughout his empire. These edicts and inscriptions were first deciphered by James Prinsep.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 13
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● Statement 1 is correct: In his early years, he erected minor rock edicts, in which he explicitly
mentions himself as a layman and disciple of Buddha..
○ He made several teachings and orders that emphasised on Dhamma Policy.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: In the Later period, we can found about 14 Major Rock edicts of Ashoka
which were giving instructions relating to following Sangha order, Dhamma policy, administering the
kingdom, moral behaviour and tolerance, etc.
○ These major edicts are not inscribed in the name of Ashoka, whereas, mentioned himself as
‘Devanampiya Piyadasi’ (Beloved to God).
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Few edicts in North West India were inscribed in Greek and Aramic script.
○ These 14 major rock edicts of Ashoka were found in three languages and in four scripts.
○ Most of the inscriptions were in Prakrit language and in Brahmi and Kharosthi script.

24. Answer: B
Explanation:
Junagadh Inscription:
● This is a Sanskrit inscription engraved on a rock by the Saka ruler Rudradaman I.
● It provides the record of the restoration work of a reservoir known as “Sudarshana Lake”.
● It was believed to be destroyed by the heavy storm in Girnar region.
● Sudharsana lake was constructed in the 4th century BC during the reign of Mauryan king Chandragupta
Maurya, under the supervision of his governor Vaishya Pushyagupta.
Mathura Inscription:
● It is located in the Mathura of Uttar Pradesh.
● It is issued by the Kushana king Huvishka in the 2nd Century AD.
● It mentions that permanent investment and interest earned was used to provide food to the Brahmanas and
the destitutes.
Junnar Inscription:
● It is found in the Maharastra state.
● It belongs to the 2nd Century AD.
● It mentions about the records of investments to plant Banyan and Karanja trees by the Yavanas (Indo-
Greeks).
Nashik Inscription:
● It is found in the Maharastra state.
● It relates to the king Nahapana.
● It mentions that permanent investment by the king’s viceroy amd son-in-law Ushavadata.
● Interest earned was used to provide cloth and food to the monks.

25. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Option (a) and (b) are correct: Ashoka had installed minor pillar inscriptions at Sarnath, Sanchi,
Kausambi (later shifted to Allahabad), Rummindei and Nigali Sagar.
● There are 7 Major Pillar Edicts of Ashoka were found in Kandahar, Topra (later shifted to Delhi), Meerut
(later shifted to Delhi), Allahabad, Lauriya-Araraj, Lauriya-Nandangarh and Rampurva.
● Option (c) and (d) are incorrect: Girnar and Kalsi were associated with Rock Edicts of Ashoka.

26. Answer: B
Explanation:
Aihole Inscription:
● Aihole was the cultural capital of the Chalukyas of Badami (6th –8th century AD).
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 14
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● The inscription found at Meguti Temple popularly known as Aihole inscription.
● It records many historical events of Chalukyas.
● The inscription is written in Sanskrit and in Kannada script.
● It mentions the defeat of Harshavardhana by the Chalukyan ruler Pulakeshin II and the victory of
Chalukyas over Pallavas.
● It also mentions the shifting of the capital from Aihole to Badami.
● These inscriptions were written by Ravikirti, the court poet of Pulakeshin II.
Prayag-Prashasti Inscription:
● It was an Ashokan Pillar inscription (3rd Century BC) originally installed in Kaushambi of Uttar Pradesh.
● Later, it was shifted to Allahabad fort in 1583.
● It was added by the Gupta ruler, Samudragupta in 4th Century AD.
● It was written by Harisena in Sanskrit.
● It mentions about the conquests of the Samudragupta and the boundaries of the Gupta Empire.
Hathigumpha Inscription:
● These inscriptions were found in Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves of Odisha.
● They were inscribed by the King Kharavela during 2nd century BC.
● The Hathigumpha Inscription consists of 17 lines in Prakrit language and in Brahmi script.
● It is an important account on Kalinga ruler Kharavela, who was a great conqueror and a champion of
Jainism.
Rummindei Inscriptions:
● This is a minor Pillar Inscription written in Brahmi script.
● These inscriptions mention Ashoka’s visit to Lumbini (Rummindei) at Rupandehi district in Nepal.
● It was the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
● Ashoka exempted the Lumbini from paying tax and fixed its 1/8th contribution of grain.
Mangulam Inscriptions:
● These are the Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found in the Mangulam village in Madurai district.
● It dates back to 2nd Century BC.
● It mentions about the gifts extended to the jain monk by the Pandya King Nedunchezhiyan.

27. Answer: C
Explanation:
Option 2, 3 and 4 are correct.
Sohagura Copper Plate Inscription:
● It is located in the Sohgaura village in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh.
● It is a Pre-Ashokan inscription which dates back to 3rd Century BC.
● It is the earliest surviving copper plate inscription, which is in Brahmi script that records the efforts taken
by the ruler to tackle famine.
● It notes that 2 granaries (Kosthagara) were set up to store grains and to be distributed in famine times.
Mansehra Rock Edict:
● It is located in present-day Pakistan.
● Mansehra and Shabazgarhi edicts combinedly record all the 14 edicts of Ashoka.
● They were written in Prakrit language in Kharosthi script.
● They date back to the 3rd century BC.
Kanganahalli Inscriptions:
● It is located in Kanganahalli of Gulbarga district in Karnataka.
● It belongs to 1st Century BC.
● This site contains a Mahastupa along with various sculptural slabs.
● A slab carrying an image of King Ashoka and his queen attended by two chauri bearers was found here.
● The sculptural slab also contains a single line label “Ranyo Ashoka” in Brahmi script.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 15
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
Bankkhera Copper Plate Inscriptions:
● It is located in the Bankkhera village in Shahjahanpur district of Uttar Pradesh.
● This inscription is significant as it contains the signature of Harshavardhana, ruler of Harsha dynasty.
● It was written in Sanskrit which records about the construction of a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
● This inscription also contained the signature of Harsha.
● This copper plate was issued in 629 AD.

28. Answer: A
Explanation:
Mehrauli Pillar Inscription:
● Statement 1 is correct: The Iron Pillar is now located within the Qutub Minar Complex in Delhi.
○ Mehrauli Iron Pillar was originally installed at Vishnupada (Udayagiri) in Madhya Pradesh.
○ Later it was transported to Delhi.
○ The iron pillar is constructed using the metal composition that provides rust resistance property to the
pillar.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: It was established by the Guptan ruler Chandragupta II.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: The inscription records the conquests of Chandragupta against the confederacy of
Vanga and also led a campaign into the Punjab.

29. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: It is the pillar inscription of the Greek Ambassador Heliodorus. It belongs to the
Shunga Period and is located in Besnagar village of Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh.
○ It dates back to 2nd Century BC.
○ It is written in Prakrit language and in Brahmi script.
○ In this inscription, Heliodorus describes himself as Bhagavata, a worshipper of Lord Vasudeva Krishna.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Naneghat Inscriptions are located in the Junnar town in Maharashtra. It dates back
to 2nd-1st century BC.
○ It is attributed to the Satavahana dynasty.
○ The inscriptions were related to Vaishnavism.
○ The inscriptions also contained the symbols of numerals for 2, 4, 6, 7 and 9.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Nagarjunakonda Inscriptions are located in Andhra Pradesh dating back to 3rd and
4th century AD. It is related to the Ikshvaku dynasty.
○ It is written either in Prakrit or Sanskrit or mix of both language and are all in Brahmi script.
○ It mentions about the grants extended by Ikshvaku rulers to the Hindu and Buddhist monks.

30. Answer: D
Explanation:
Allahabad Pillar Inscription:
● It was an Ashokan Stambh (3rd Century BC) originally installed in Kaushambi of Uttar Pradesh.
● Later, it was shifted to Allahabad fort in 1583.
● It consists of the following inscriptions:
1. Ashokan inscriptions in Brahmi script (3rd Century BC) - Major Pillar Edicts (I to IV), Schism Edict and
Queen’s Edict.
2. Samudragupta’s Prayag Prashasti (4th Century AD) - It mentions about the conquests of the
Samudragupta and the boundaries of the Gupta Empire.
3. Birbal Magh Mela Inscription (16th Century AD) - It mentions about the pilgrimage of Maharaja Birbal
to Tirth Raj Prayag.
4. Jahangir’s Inscription (17th Century AD) - It mentions about the ancestry of Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
It was written in Persian language using Nastaliq script.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 16
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs

CHAPTER - 3
INDIAN PAINTINGS AND HANDICRAFTS.

31. Answer: B
Explanation:
Prehistoric paintings were found in the walls of caves and rocks. These paintings include human figures, human activities,
geometric designs and symbols. In India, the earliest paintings have been reported from the Upper Palaeolithic period.
Lakhudiyar Cave Paintings:
● These rock shelters are located on the banks of the River Suyal at Lakhudiyar in Almora district of Uttarakhand.
● These prehistoric paintings mainly depicted man, animal and geometric patterns in white, black and red ochre
colours.
● Humans are represented in stick-like forms.
● Wavy lines, rectangle-filled geometric designs, and groups of dots can also be seen here.
● Out of the drawings found here, the one which depicts the hand-linked dancing human figures is notable.
Other Prehistoric painting sites:
● There are few prehistoric painting sites found in places such as Kupgallu, Piklihal and Tekkalkota.
● Three types of paintings have been found in these places.
● They are paintings in white, paintings in red ochre over a white background and paintings in red ochre.
● These paintings belong to Neolithic periods.
● The subjects depicted are bulls, elephants, sambhars, gazelles, sheep, goats, horses, stylised humans, tridents, etc.
Bagh Cave paintings:
● Bagh Cave paintings are not Prehistoric paintings.
● The Bagh Caves are a collection of nine rock-cut monuments located on the southern slopes of the Vindhyas near
Bagh, Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, India.
● They were developed around the 6th century A.D.
● These are known for mural paintings by ancient Indian master artists.
● The term “cave” is a misnomer because these are not natural caves, but rather examples of Indian rock-cut
construction.

32. Answer: D
Explanation:
Chittanavasal Cave (Arivar Koil) Paintings:
● It is located in the Pudukkottai district of Tamilnadu.
● These rock-cut caves are famous for the paintings based on Jainism.
● These murals have close resemblance to Bagh and Ajanta paintings.
● The paintings were not only found in walls but also on the ceiling and pillars.
● The medium used for painting was vegetable and mineral dyes.
● The painting was done by putting colours on the surface of thin wet lime plaster.
● The common colours included yellow, green, orange, blue, black and white.
● The central element of the paintings in Chittanavasal is a pond with lotuses.
● Flowers in this pond are collected by monks and there are ducks, swans, fishes and animals.
● This scene depicts the Samavasarana (Preaching Hall), an important scene of Jain religion.
Ellora Caves:
● Ellora caves are located nearly 100 Kms away from Ajanta caves.
● It is a group of 34 caves – 17 Brahmanical, 12 Buddhist and 5 Jain.
● These caves were developed during the period between 5th and 11th centuries AD (newer as compared to
Ajanta Caves) by various guilds from Vidarbha, Karnataka and Tamilnadu.
● Hence the caves reflects a diversity in terms of theme and architectural styles.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 17
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● Dashavatar Temple, Kailasha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ravana shaking Mount Kailasha are the
famous ones present here.
Bagh Caves:
● It is located on the banks of Baghni River in Madhya Pradesh.
● It is a group of nine Buddhist caves developed around 5th-6th century AD.
● It is architecturally similar to the Ajanta caves.
● An important cave here is Rang Mahal.
● Paintings found in these caves are more materialistic rather than spiritualistic.
Jogimara Caves:
● The Jogimara and Sitabenga Caves located in the northern side of the Ramgarh hills in Puta village of
Chhattisgarh.
● These caves date back to 3rd to 1st century BC.

33. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: It is located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. These mural paintings
were found on the walls of Veerabhadra temple at Lepakshi in the 16th century.
● Statement 2 is correct: The paintings were made during the Vijayanagara period.
○ These murals were depicted in the religious theme based on Ramayana, Mahabharata and incarnations
of Vishnu.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: The mural paintings here show a complete absence of primary colours,
especially blue.
○ This shows the decline in richness of painting in terms of quality.
○ The forms, figures and details of their costumes are outlined with black colour.

34. Answer: B
Explanation:
Mughal paintings had a distinctive style as the rulers had keen interest in the art of painting.
● Statement 1 is correct: The Mughal rulers took Persian artists to their court. They were responsible for
bringing Persian influence in the Mughal paintings. Hence, These paintings had influences from Persian
and indigenous Indian styles.
○ There was a complete change in colour palette, themes and forms.
● Statement 2 is correct: The focus shifted from depicting the god to glorifying the ruler and showing his
life.
○ They focused on hunting scenes, historical events and other court paintings.
○ The rulers also patronised the local artists who were included in the Tasvir Khana (Painting
workshop).
● Statement 3 is incorrect: The prominent feature of this period was the transformation of popular art to
court art, i.e. the artists focused more on depicting the scenes of court life than the life of the masses.
○ These paintings were unique because of the use of brilliant colours.
○ These paintings were mostly of secular nature and employed diverse themes.
○ They made only miniature paintings and the illustrations in paintings are the most unique in the world.

35. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Akbar was responsible for the establishment of a department of paintings and scribing of his documents. He
established a formal painting workshop called Tasvir Khana.
○ Here, the artists were hired on salary and they developed their own styles.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 18
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● Famous painters of this period are Abdus Samad, Mir Sayyid Ali, Daswanth, Basawan and Kesu.
○ Prominent illustrated manuscripts during Akbar’s reign are Tutinama, Hamzanama and Gulistan of
Sa’di Shirazi.
● Abul Hasan was the chief portrait painter associated with the court of Jahangir.

36. Answer: B
Explanation:
Rasamanjari:
● It was written by Bhanu Datta in the 14th Century. Pair 1 is incorrect.
● It was written in Sanskrit.
● It is a treatise on rasa and deals with the classification of nayakas (heroes) and nayikas (heroines) in
accordance to their age.
Ragamala:
● It was written by Madho Das in the 17th Century. Pair 2 is correct.
● It contains pictorial representations of the ragas and raginis.
● The six main ragas are Bhairava, Malkos, Hindol, Dipak, Megha and Shri.
● Ragamala paintings were recreated by many artists under various Rajasthani Schools.
Gulistan:
● It was written by the Sa’di Shirazi (Persian poet) in the 13th Century. Pair 3 is correct.
● It was a landmark work in Persian literature.
● It is considered as one of the most influential work of prose in West and East.
● During the Mughal period, many illustrating miniatures were created from the themes of this
literature.

37. Answer: A
Explanation:
Mewar School of Painting
● The Mewar kingdom faced a period of political unrest from the Mughals and yet they were patronising the
art.
● Early Mewar paintings were dominated by the extraordinary painter of the 17th century, Sahibdin.
● This period of Mewari painting focuses on depiction of literary texts such as the Ragamala, the Ramayana
and the Bhagavata Purana by Sahibdin.
● After his death, the style of Mewari paintings completely changed.
● Most of the paintings depicted the life at court in Mewar.
● The unique point of this period was the development of ‘Tamasha’ paintings.
● It shows the court ceremonial and city views in unprecedented detail.
Amber-Jaipur School of Painting:
● The Amber rulers were another dynasty that was closely associated with the Mughals.
● They were great patrons of painting.
● The Amber school is also called the ‘Dhundar’ school.
● Some paintings were found in the palace walls and mausoleum of Amer Palace in Rajasthan.
● This school reached its heights in the period of Sawai Pratap Singh in the 18th century.
● They made miniatures to illustrate Bhagwata Purana, Ramayana, Ragamala and several portraits.
Marwar School of Painting:
● It is one of the most extensive schools of painting.
● Jodhpur and Bikaner was ruled by the Rathods and Jaisalmer was was ruled by the Bhatis, belongs to this
school of painting.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 19
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● This school of painting has developed due to its close links with the Mughals.
● In the 16th & 17th Century paintings, the figures wore colourful clothing.
● In the 18th century, the Rajput element became predominant.
● There was an influx of paintings that contained linear rhythm with bright colours.
● Man Singh (1803-1843) has commissioned extensive series of paintings including the Shiva Purana,
Natacharitra, Durgacharitra, Panchtantra, etc.
● Kishangarh School and Bundi School are the prominent schools that come under Marwar school.
Kishangarh School (17th-18th Century AD):
● Paintings at Kishangarh is associated with the most romantic legends like Sawant Singh and Bani Thani
and intertwining of lives and myths, romance and bhakti.
● Bani Thani paintings became the unique painting associated with the Kishangarh School.
● They also made many paintings on the devotional relations between Radha and Krishna.
● Nihal Chand was one of the legendary painters under this school.
● Kishangarh school has reached its zenith under the patronage of Sawant Singh.

38. Answer: A
Explanation:
Basholi School (17th century):
● Statement 1 is incorrect: The Basholi Paintings belonging to Pahari school in the 17th century were from
Basholi of Jammu and Kashmir.
○ These miniature paintings were from the early phase.
● Statement 2 is correct: They are characterised by expressive faces with a receding hairline and big eyes that
are shaped like lotus petals.
○ These paintings used a lot of primary colours including red, yellow and green.
○ They used the Mughal technique of painting on clothing but developed their own styles and techniques.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: The main patron of this school was Raja Kirpal Pal.
○ He ordered the illustration of Rasamanjari, Gita Govinda and the Ramayana.
○ The most famous painter of this school was Devi Das, for his depiction of Radha Krishna and the portrait
of kings in their livery and in white garments.
○ The use of contrasting colours in these paintings, which are borrowed from the Malwa paintings.

39. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: After the defeat of Thanjavur Nayakas by the Serfoji Marathas and the fall of
Vijayanagara empire, the Maratha Serfojis established their rule in the Thanjavur region.
○ These paintings reached their zenith under the patronage of Maharaja Serfoji II of Thanjavur Maratha
dynasty (18th century) .
● Statement 2 is incorrect: These paintings are unique as they were created on glass or wooden planks (Palagai
padam) instead of cloth and vellum.
● Statement 3 is correct: They are unique because of the use of brilliant colour patterns and the liberal use of
gold leaf for the decoration work.
○ They used many types of gemstones and cut glasses for embellishments to create larger than life images.
○ Most of the paintings of this school depict the smiling Krishna in various poses and major events in his life.
○ It has been recognised as Geographical Indication (GI) by the Government of India.

40. Answer: B
Explanation:
Pattachitra Painting:
● It is the traditional cloth based scroll painting of Odisha.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 20
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● Raghurajpur in Odisha is famous for these paintings.
● These paintings show a mix of classical and folk elements.
● It is painted on a cloth using the colours available from the natural sources including burnt coconut shells,
hingula, ramaraja and lamp black.
● No pencil or charcoal is used in these paintings.
● The background is decorated with foliage and flowers.
● The painting is then exposed to heat.
● Finally they were given a coating of lacquer to give a glossy finish.
● The themes of these paintings are inspired from Puri Jagannath & Vaishnava Cult and Shakti & Shaiva
cults.
● Pattachitra drawn on palm leaf is known as Tala Pattachitra.
Thangka Painting:
● It is a Tibetan Buddhist painting that usually depicts a Buddhist deity or scene.
● It is found in the Indian states of Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh region.
● Thangka were originally used as a medium of propagation of the highest ideals of Buddhism.
● It is traditionally made by Buddhist monks and particular ethnic groups.
● These are painted on cotton canvas with paints made from natural vegetable dyes or mineral dyes.
● After the painting work is completed, it is framed in colourful silk brocade.
Pithora Paintings
● It is a ritualistic painting done on the walls of houses by the Rathwa, Bhils and Bhilala tribes of Gujarat
and Madhya Pradesh.
● It is used to serve for religious and spiritual purposes.
● They are drawn on special family occasions as a ritual.
● Depiction of animals, especially horses are common in these paintings.
Cheriyal Paintings
● It is a scroll painting of a stylised version of Nakashi art that is indigenous to Telangana.
● The paintings are depicted as a continuous story like comics or ballads by the Balladeer community.
● The common themes of these paintings are Hindu Epics and Puranic stories.
● The artists use these scroll paintings to narrate stories along with music.
● It is accorded with the Geographical Indication status in 2007.
Phad Paintings:
● It is a type of scroll painting found in Bhilwara district of Rajasthan.
● It is mainly religious in nature and comprises drawings of local deities.
● It is painted with the vegetable colours on a long piece of cloth called ‘Phad’.
● The figures in these paintings have large eyes and round faces.
● They depict a joyful narrative of scenes and procession, which are commonly found.

41. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Pair 1 is incorrect: Tikuli Art is the process of making a peculiar kind of decorative glass beads called
‘Tikuli’.
○ This craftwork is famous in Patna (Bihar).
○ It is still worn by the Santhal tribes of Bihar.
● Pair 2 is correct: Phulkari Art is a famous embroidery artwork in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi.
○ The flower motifs are embroidered in contrast of bright colours on light coloured fabric.
○ The stitches are embroidered on the reverse of the cloth.
● Pair 3 is incorrect: Marori Art is one of the most famous methods of metal craft.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 21
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● This metal craftwork is famous in the state of Rajasthan.
● In this art, the metal plate is decorated by etching on the base metal, before filling the gaps with black
lac.

42. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Puthukkuli Shawl usually made by the Toda tribal community of Nilgiri hills in
Tamilnadu.
○ The shawl is locally called as Pugur, which means flower.
○ It is decorated by the fine and intricate Toda embroidery, which is carried out by the tribal men and
women in Nilgiris.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Banni Embroidery (Gujarat) is carried out by the Lohana Community of
Gujarat.
○ In this embroidery type, the silk floss for embroidery of geometrical motifs including use of glass
works.
● Statement 3 is correct: Banjara Embroidery is carried out by the Lambada tribes of Andhra Pradesh and
Banjara tribes of Madhya Pradesh.
○ It is the mix of applique works with mirrors and beadwork.

43. Answer: C
Explanation:
Cloth Handicrafts:
● Various types of handicrafts are made in cloth like weaving and printing.
● The technique of tie and dye gives beautiful designs on fabrics.
● It is made with different techniques in India.
● A special kind of tie and dye technique that creates ripples or wave-like patterns in the fabric is called
Laharia.
● It is usually made in Jaipur and Jodhpur.
● Another kind of tie and dye is called ‘Ikat’, which is also known as the ‘resist dyeing’ method.
● In this method, the resist dyeing on cloth yarn is repeatedly applied before the cloth is woven.
● Major centres for this Ikat work are Telangana, Odisha, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
● Other dyeing methods from the ancient period that are still being used are Kalamkari, which utilise the
art of hand painting on fabrics using vegetable dyes of the deep colours.
● It is commonly practiced in Andhra Pradesh.
● Another method of fabric decoration is called Batik Art, in which one end of the fabric is permeated with
molten wax and then dyed in cold wax to produce batik sarees and dupattas that are multi-coloured.
● It is famous in Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.
● Tanchoi silk weaving is said to be derived from China.
● This might have come to Surat via the trading communities.
● Presently, Tanchoi silk brocades are the expertise of weavers from Varanasi.
● This weave resembles a fine miniature painting.
● Another ancient art is of Jamdani art (West Bengal) that weaves muslin with opaque patterns on a
transparent background in different styles.

44. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Option (a) is correct: Sujini Embroidery is the famous embroidery work in Bihar. The base fabric used is
generally red or white.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 22
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
○ The outlines of the main motif are highlighted with thick chain stitch.
○ It is recognised as Geographical Indication (GI) by the Government of India.
● Option (b) is correct: Kani Shawls is the world famous Pashmina handicraft, since the Mughal period.
○ It is famous for delicate, intricate and traditional patterns woven in the delicate Pashmina wool from
the wild Tibetan and Ladakh mountain goats.
○ It is recognised as Geographical Indication (GI) by the Government of India.
● Option (c) is incorrect: Pichhwai Paintings has not got a GI tag yet. It is a famous portrait painting
practised in Rajasthan.
○ It is mainly themed around lord Krishna on a cloth or paper.
● Option (d) is correct: The evolution of Nirmal Toys traces back to the Kakatiya dynasty.
o It is famous in Telangana. It is a precise painting on a wooden surface and finally touched with gold
and then varnished.
o It is recognised as Geographical Indication (GI) by the Government of India.

45. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Pair 1 is incorrect: Channapatna Toys are made in the town of Channapatna in Karnataka.
○ These are made from the lacquered ivory wood and are painted with natural dyes.
○ They are known for their bright colours and unique designs.
○ The art of making these toys is believed to have originated in the 18th century during the reign of Tipu
Sultan.
● Pair 2 is incorrect: Aranmula Kannadi is the handmade metal-alloy mirror made in Aranmula of
Pathanamthitta district in Kerala.
○ The mirror is polished for several days to achieve its reflective surface using an abrasive paste.
○ The composition of alloy is a trade secret of the families involved.
○ The origins of the Aranmula kannadi are linked to Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple.
○ It had received geographical indication (GI) tag in 2005.
● Pair 3 is correct: Khurja Pottery is a traditional pottery made in Khurja town of Bulandshahr district in Uttar
Pradesh.
○ It is a colourful and sturdy pottery used to make household items.
○ It is recognised as Geographical Indication (GI) by the Government of India.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 23
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs

CHAPTER - 4
UNESCO’S LIST OF WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN INDIA.

46. Answer: A
Explanation:
World Heritage Committee:
● Statement 1 is correct: The World Heritage Committee is an inter-governmental body responsible for the
implementation of the World Heritage Convention.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: It consists of members from 21 of the States Parties to the World Heritage
Convention elected by their General Assembly.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: It meets once in a year to carry-out its functions.
Additional information:
● It allocates financial assistance upon requests from States Parties.
● It decides on inscribing a site in the World Heritage List.
● It examines reports on the state of conservation of inscribed sites.
● It also decides on the inscription or deletion of properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

47. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Option 1 is correct: Bhimbetka Caves were included in the UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites in 2003.
○ This site is located within the foothills of Vindhyas in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh.
○ It consists of seven hills and over 750 rock shelters distributed over 10 kms.
○ The rock shelters and caves provide evidence of early human settlement, the cultural evolution from
hunter-gatherers and expressions of prehistoric spirituality.
○ The Bhimbetka rock shelters exhibit the earliest traces of human life in India.
○ The rock shelters feature prehistoric cave paintings that date back to the Upper Palaeolithic and
Mesolithic period.
○ The cave paintings found here are in the themes like animals, dance and hunting.
● Option 3 is incorrect: Tawang Monastery is the famous Buddhist monastery located in the valley of the
Tawang Chu in Tawang of Arunachal Pradesh.
○ It is the largest monastery in the country and the second-largest in Asia.
○ The monastery belongs to Vajrayana Buddhism and had a religious association with Drepung Monastery
of Lhasa.
○ The monastery is three stories high and is enclosed by a 925 feet long compound wall.
○ The entrance hall has a colourful gate, followed by beautiful murals of different saints.
○ The main temple structure is known as the Dukhang.
○ It is actually the center-piece and houses a large figure of Buddha sitting in the Lotus position.
● Option 3 is incorrect: Amritsar Golden Temple is the famous Sikh gurdwara located in the city of Amritsar
in Punjab. The temple is not included as the world heritage site.
○ The Temple is also known as Harmandir Sahib.
○ The temple was built by the fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan Dev in the 16th century.
○ The temple is surrounded by a man-made pool, which is considered to be sacred by Sikhs and is known as
the Sarovar.
○ The temple is known for its stunning architecture, which is a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles.
○ The temple is covered with gold leaf, which gives it its distinctive golden appearance.
○ The temple complex also houses the Akal Takht, which is the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 24
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● Option 4 is correct: Dholavira is the first site of Indus Valley Civilisation in India to be inscribed in
UNESCO World Heritage Site Lists in 2021.
○ The ancient city of Dholavira in Indus Valley Civilisation is one of the best preserved urban settlements.
○ The site has a fortified citadel, a middle town and a lower town.
○ The elements found in this site include a water management system, bead industry, etc.
○ Unlike other Harappan sites, no mortal remains of humans have been discovered at Dholavira.

48. Answer: B
Explanation:
Jantar Mantar:
● It is an astronomical observatory located in Jaipur of Rajasthan.
● It was built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II in 18th century AD.
● It consists of a collection of 19 astronomical instruments, including a largest sundial installed in the
complex.
● The instrument can be used with the naked eye.
● It is included in the UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites in 2010.
Rani ki Vav:
● It is the Queen’s stepwell located in the town of Patan district in Gujarat.
● It is situated on the banks of the Saraswati River.
● It was constructed in 11th century AD by Rani Udayamati.
● It was designed in the form of an inverted temple to emphasise the sanctity of water.
● It is included in the UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites in 2014.
Agra fort:
● Agra Fort was established by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565, located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
● The fort served as the residence of the Mughal emperors until the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi
in 1638.
● The fort is made up of red sandstone.
● The fort has several buildings, including the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal,
and Moti Masjid.
● It is included in the UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites in 1983.
Konark Sun Temple:
● Konark Sun Temple is a famous Sun temple located in Konark of Puri district in Odisha.
● The temple was built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in 13th century AD.
● The temple is dedicated to the Sun God and is designed as a giant stone chariot with 12 wheels.
● The temple is famous for its intricate artwork, iconography and themes including erotic scenes.
● The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1984.
● It is also known to be called as Black Pagoda.

49. Answer: D
Explanation:
Rani ki Vav:
● It is the Queen’s stepwell located in the town of Patan district in Gujarat.
● It is situated on the banks of the Saraswati River.
● It was constructed in 11th century AD by Rani Udayamati.
● It was designed in the form of an inverted temple to emphasise the sanctity of water.
● It is included in the UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites in 2014.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 25
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai:
● It consists of a group of 19th century Victorian Revival public buildings and 20th century Art-Deco
private buildings located in Mumbai city of Maharashtra.
● It exhibits the assimilation of European and Indian values in artistic features including balconies and
verandas.
● It is included in the UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites in 2018.
Kakatiya Ramappa Temple:
● It is the famous Shiva temple (Lord Ramalingeshwara) located in Telangana.
● It is also known as Rudreshwara Temple.
● It was built during the Kakatiya reign in 1213 AD.
● The temple was built using reddish sandstone and the temple stands on a 6 feet star shaped platform.
● The bricks of the vimana are made of light-weight porous bricks.
● It is included in the UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites in 2021.

50. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: It is the mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Humayun located in Delhi. It was
commissioned by Humayun’s first wife Bega Begum and Mirak Mirza Ghiyath was the chief architect.
● Statement 2 is correct: The tomb is built in the centre of a square garden. It was the first garden tomb to
be built in the Indian sub-continent.
○ The entire tomb is constructed from red sandstone.
○ It was also the first structure to be built using red sandstone at the grand scale.
● Statement 3 is correct: It represents the Charbagh style of architecture under the Persian influence.
○ It is included in the UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites in 1993.

51. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Agumbe is in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka, a part of UNESCO World
Heritage Site in the Western Ghats.
● Statement 2 is correct: It is known as the ‘Cherrapunji of the South’ owing to the copious rainfall the region
gets.
○ Agumbe is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its rich biodiversity, waterfalls
and red-hazy sun-set over the Arabian Sea.
● Statement 3 is correct: The village is also known as the 'Cobra Capital of India’ because of the number of
Cobras that are found here and could be encountered while driving along the Ghats.

52. Answer: D
Explanation:
● Keoladeo National Park: Rajasthan
● Bhimbetka Caves: Madhya Pradesh
● Champaner Pavagadh Archaeological Garden: Gujarat
● Qutub Minar: Delhi
● Pattadakal Monuments: Karnataka
● Mountain Railways of India: West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh

53. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Kuttanad below-sea-level farming system has been recognized by the Food and
Agricultural Organization (FAO) as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 26
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
○ Kuttanad Wetland Agriculture System is unique, as it is the only system in India that favours rice
cultivation below sea level in the land created by draining delta swamps in brackish waters.
○ This system also allows fisheries systems, livestock and home garden to be grown.
○ The system of below sea-level farming is an approach to cope with the imminent climate impacts in
coastal areas and evolve efficient methods to deal with soil and pest-related issues in agriculture.
● Statement 2 is correct: Vembanadu Kol in Kerala is a Ramsar site. It is the largest and the longest lake in Kerala.
○ It is the longest lake in India as well.
○ This place was designated as a Ramsar Site on August 9, 2002.
○ It is the second-largest Ramsar Site in India, with the Sundarbans in West Bengal being the largest.

54. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: The Great Living Chola Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for a
group of Chola dynasty-era Hindu temples in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
● Statement 2 is correct: Completed between early 11th and the 12th century CE, the monuments include:
Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Airavatesvara Temple
at Kumbakonam.
○ The Airavatesvara temple complex, built by Rajaraja II, at Darasuram features a 24-m vimana and a stone
image of Shiva.
○ The temples testify to the brilliant achievements of the Chola in architecture, sculpture, painting and
bronze casting.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: The Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a Hindu temple located at
Gangaikonda Cholapuram about 70 kilometres (43 mi) from the Thanjavur Brihadisvara Temple.
○ Completed in 1035 AD by Rajendra Chola I as a part of his new capital.
○ The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur is one of the largest South Indian temples and an exemplary
example of fully realised Tamil architecture.
○ Built by Raja Raja Chola I between 1003 and 1010 AD.

55. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Ramappa Temple, located in the village of Palampet, which is north-east of
Telangana’s capital Hyderabad, is the 39th site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
○ The temple’s sculptures of high artistic quality illustrate regional dance customs and Kakatiyan culture.
● Statement 2 is incorrect It is the main Shiva temple in a walled complex built during the Kakatiyan period
(1123–1323 CE) under rulers Rudradeva and Recharla Rudra.
○ Construction of the sandstone temple began in 1213 CE and is believed to have continued over some 40 years.
● Statement 3 is correct: The building features decorated beams and pillars of carved granite and dolerite with
a distinctive and pyramidal Vimana (horizontally stepped tower) made of lightweight porous bricks, so-called
‘floating bricks’, which reduced the weight of the roof structures.
○ Located at the foothills of a forested area and amidst agricultural fields, close to the shores of the Ramappa
Cheruvu, a Kakatiya-built water reservoir, the choice of setting for the edifice followed the ideology and practice
sanctioned in dharmic texts that temples are to be constructed to form an integral part of a natural setting,
including hills, forests, springs, streams, lakes, catchment areas, and agricultural lands.

56. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: The Sun Temple at Modhera is built in the Maru Gurjara style.
○ It is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site yet.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 27
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
○ Vadnagar- A multi-layered Historic town in Gujarat, Sun Temple, Modhera and its adjoining monuments
and Rock-cut Sculptures and Reliefs of the Unakoti, Unakoti Range, Unakoti District are three sites from
India that were added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2022.
● Statement 2 is correct: Vadnagar is a historic town, which had continuous habitation for more than 2,700
years, it states.
○ It has evolved with time and has an early historic fortified settlement, hinterland port, centre for industries
of shells and beads, late medieval town, religious centre/temple town, a significant junction on trade
routes and mercantile town.
○ As is evidenced through a series of explorations and excavations, Vadnagar town is a multi-layered and
multi-cultural mercantile settlement with its history stretching back to nearly 8thCentury BCE.
○ Current historic town of Vadnagar is surrounded by the remains of a fortification wall, punctured by a
series of gates that mark the entry / exit points of the town. Primary entry / exit points to the Vadnagar
town are from all cardinal directions and are marked by gateways that are elaborate single storey stone
structures with arched entrances through which the roads pass.
○ While most gates are mediaeval, the Ghanskol and Pithori gates are of the time period of 11th-
12thCentury CE as can be seen from their trabeated openings.
○ Other prominent gates are: Nadiol Gate, Amtol Gate, Amarthol Gate and Arjunbari Gate (protected by the
Archaeological Survey of India, ASI)
● Statement 3 is correct: Rock-cut Sculptures and Reliefs of the Unakoti, Tssripura were added to the tentative
list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

57. Answer: D
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: It has the world’s oldest known artificial dock, which was connected to an old
course of the Sabarmati River.
○ Lothal is one of the sites of the ancient Indus Valley civilisation, located in the Bhāl region of the modern
state of Gujarāt. Construction of the city is believed to have begun around 2200 BCE.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: It is located between the Bhogavo and Sabarmati rivers near the Gulf of Khambhat
in Gujarat.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Till now, it has not been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a part of
the tentative list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

58. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Rock-cut Sculptures and Reliefs of Unakoti, which were added to UNESCO’s
tentative list of World Heritage Sites, are located in the state of Tripura.
○ They are not considered a World Heritage site yet.
○ The only inscription at Unakoti is on the other Chaturmukhalinga image, consisting of a couple of records
in Bengali Characters of the 11th-12thcentury CE, which mentions one SriJayadeva, probably a pilgrim.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Unakoti is famous for its colossal rock cut panels depicting Hindu deities.
○ Unakoti provides evidence of ancient Shaiva worship in Tripura from 8th-9th centuries CE.
○ The bas relief sculptures at Unakoti are on stylistic grounds ascribed to 8th to 9thcentury CE, to the period
of Pre-Manikya rule.
○ The rock art may have been patronised by the ‘Deb’ generation of Sri Bhumi.
○ The earliest literary reference found of Unakoti as a place of lord Siva is in the works of A. K.Cahudhuri
(1910-11) and the writings of Captain Williams (1914) the then British political agent to the Tripura.
● Statement 3 is correct: The images found at Unakoti can be classified into two categories: a) Majestic rock-
cut images on the vertical surface of the hill and fallen boulders and b) loose sculptures of smaller and
medium sizes scattered on the hill.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 28
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
○ The most central and conspicuous figure at the site is known as Unkotiswara Kala Bhairav.
○ The colossal rock-cut image of Shiva is about 30 feet in height, portrayed with the third eye vertically on
the forehead and the other two eyes indicated with double incised lines without any pupils.
○ The influence of Buddhism is also seen in the sculptures of the region. There are various depictions of
Boddhisattavas, Buddha and Buddhist motifs.
○ Many images found in this area also suggest the presence of religious sects such as Sakta, Tantric,
Bajrayanis and Nathayogis.
○ Every year a big fair, popularly known as ‘Ashokastami Mela’ is held at Unakoti in the Chaitra month of
Hindu Calendar (April-May), which is visited by thousands of pilgrims.

59. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: The Sun Temple was built in the 13th century and is known as the Black Pagoda.
○ It was designed as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, Surya, with twelve pairs of ornamented wheels
pulled by seven horses.
○ The Sun Temple is the culmination of Kalingan temple architecture, a sub school of nagra, with all its
defining elements in complete and perfect form.
● Statement 2 is correct: It was built by King Narasimhadeva I of Ganga dynasty.
○ Its scale, refinement and conception represent the strength and stability of the Ganga Empire as well as the
value systems of the historic milieu.
● Statement 3 is correct: It was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984. It is associated with all the
legends of its own artistic creation – the most evocative being its construction over twelve years using 1,200
artisans – and the stories about the deep commitment of its master builder, Bisu Moharana, to the project.
● Statement 4 is incorrect: It remains a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, who gather here every year for the
Chandrabhaga Mela around the month of February.

60. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Kedarnath temple and water forts of Rajasthan are not yet added to the list; however, the remaining sites have
been added over the years-
● Mahabalipuram Monuments - Tamil Nadu in 1984
● Rani-Ki-Vav – Gujarat in 2014
● Architectural Work of Le Corbusier – Chandigarh in 2016
● Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus – Mumbai in 2004

61. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Kumbhalgarh (literally "Kumbhal fort") also known as the Great Wall of India is a
Mewar fortress on the westerly range of Aravalli Hills, just about 48 km from Rajsamand city in the
Rajsamand district of Rajasthan.
○ Neel Kanth Mahadeva temple is located on the eastern side of the fort built during 1458 CE. The central
shrine of Shiva is approached through a rectangular enclosure and through a structure supported by 24
huge pillars.
○ The idol of Shiva is made of black stone and is depicted with 12 hands. The inscriptions indicate that the
temple was renovated by Rana Sanga.
● Statement 2 is correct: Six hill forts of Rajasthan, namely, Amber Fort, Chittor Fort, Gagron Fort, Jaisalmer
Fort, Kumbhalgarh and Ranthambore Fort were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Kumbhalgarh, as the fort we see it was built by Rana Kumbha who was the Rana of
Mewar from the Sisodia Rajput clan.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 29
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
62. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct and 2 is incorrect: The Mahabodhi Temple (literally: "Great Awakening Temple") is
a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
○ It is a mahavihara located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
○ It is one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha, and particularly to the attainment of
Enlightenment. The property encompasses the greatest remains of the 5th-6th century A.D in the Indian
sub-continent belonging to this period of antiquity.
○ The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is the first temple built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C., and
the present temple dates from the 5th–6th centuries.
○ It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick, still standing, from the late Gupta period and it is
considered to have had significant influence in the development of brick architecture over the centuries.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: It marks the location where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.
○ Mahaparinirvana of Budha is related to Kushinagar.

63. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Pattadakal, also called Raktapura, is a complex of 7th and 8th century CE Hindu
and Jain temples in northern Karnataka (India).
● Statement 2 is correct: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the west bank of the Malaprabha
River in Bagalakote district.
● Statement 3 is correct: The monument is a protected site under Indian law and is managed by the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

64. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: The Khajuraho Temples are a group of Hindu and Jain temples in the Chhatarpur
district, Madhya Pradesh, India.
○ The temples are famous for their Nagara-style architectural symbolism and a few erotic sculptures.
○ Built in sandstone, each temple is elevated from its environs by a highly ornate terraced platform, or
jagati, on which stands the body, or jangha, whose sanctum is topped by a tower, or shikhara, of a type
unique to Nagara, where the verticality of the principal spire atop the sanctum is accentuated by a series of
miniature spires flanking it, each symbolizing Mount Kailasa, the abode of the Gods.
● Statement 2 is correct: They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Most Khajuraho temples were built between 885 CE and 1000 CE by the Chandela
dynasty.

65. Answer: A
Explanation:
● The surviving churches and convents in Goa are the Chapel of St. Catherine (1510), which was raised to the
status of cathedral by Pope Paul III in 1534;
● Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi (1517; rebuilt in 1521 and 1661), with elements in the
Manueline, Gothic, and Baroque styles;
● the Church of Our Lady of Rosary (1549), the earliest of the existing churches built in the Manueline style;
● Sé Cathedral (1652), with its Tuscan style exterior and Classical orders;
● the Church of St. Augustine (1602), a complex that fell into ruins, with only one-third of the bell tower
standing;
● the Basilica of Bom Jesus (1605), with its prominent Classical orders; and the Chapel of St. Cajetan (1661),
modelled on the original design of St. Peter’s Church in Rome.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 30
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs

CHAPTER - 5
INDIAN MUSIC
66. Answer: C
Explanation:
Brihaddeshi:
● Brihaddeshi was composed in Sanskrit by Matanga Muni during the Gupta Period.
● It is the first treatise that speaks about raga.
● It distinguishes the music genres into Marga Sangeet (Classical Music) and Desi Sangeet (Folk Music).
● Brihaddeshi was based upon the Natyashashtra itself and has clarified many things which were unclear in
the text.
Natyashastra:
● Natyashastra was written by Bharata Muni.
● It is an ancient treatise on theatre, dance and music.
● It was written during the period between 200 BC to 200 AD.
● It mentions about the stage design, music, dance, makeup, and other aspects of theatre.
● It was based upon Gandharva Veda.
● The treatise is composed in prose and verses.
● The techniques of playing musical instruments and the rules for talas are explained.
Dattilam:
● Dattilam was written by Dattila Muni.
● It is a treatise from the earliest systematic writing on music in India.
● It can be placed in the same period as that of the Naṭyasastra (first century AD).
● It presents a well-developed tradition of analytical thinking on music.
● It articulates a framework and approach in musicology.
● It presents the only available manuscript of the text, along with its translation and a commentary.

67. Answer: D
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: The ragas form the basis of melody, while the tala becomes the basis of the rhythm.
○ The basic element for the working of a raga is the note on which they are based.
○ Ragas were created with a purpose of creating emotional responses from both the performer and audience.
○ These emotions are evoked through the singing and playing of instruments are called Rasas.
○ There are six primary ragas in Hindustani music, despite the fact that carnatic music has 72 melas, or
parent scales, on which ragas are built.
○ Each of these evokes a distinct kind of emotion and is period and season specific (Rasa).
○ The rhythmic groupings of beats are called Tala.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: There are more than hundred talas, but only thirty talas are currently known.
○ Even within that 30 talas, only 10 to 12 talas are actually used.

68. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Khyal Style is popular among artists because it allows more scope for variety and
improvisation.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: The word 'Khyal' comes from the Persian origin which means "idea or
imagination". The origin of this style was attributed to Amir Khusrau.
○ Khyal is based on the repertoire of short songs ranging from two to eight lines.
○ It is also referred to as a ‘Bandish’.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 31
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● Statement 3 is incorrect: The Sharqi ruler of Jaunpur Sultanate, Hussain Shah gave patronage to Khyal in the
15th century.
○ One of the most unique feature of Khyal is the frequent use of taans in its composition.
○ Hence, Alap is given much less scope in the Khyal music as compared to Dhrupad.

69. Answer: B
Explanation:
Agra Gharana:
● Faiyyaz Khan had revived this Khayal Gharana by giving it a fresh and lyrical touch. Pair 1 is incorrect.
● Since then it has been renamed as the Rangila Gharana.
● The composition under this Gharana is a blend of Khyal and Dhrupad-dhamar style.
● The major proponents of this Gharana are Mohsin Khan Niazi and Vijay Kichlu.
Gwalior Gharana:
● It is one of the oldest and elaborate Khayal Gharana. Pair 2 is correct.
● It is more rigorous in its approach as there is equal emphasis laid on melody and rhythm.
● Although the singing is very complex in this style, they still prefer to perform simple ragas.
● Popular proponents of this Gharana are Nathu Khan and Vishnu Palushkar.
Darbhanga Gharana:
● This Gharana belongs to the Dhrupad school. Pair 3 is correct.
● The artists sing the Khandar Vani and the Gauhar Vani.
● They emphasise on the raga alap as well as composed songs over an improvised alap.
● They improvise it by incorporating a variety of layakari.
● The famous exponents of this school are the Mallik family.
● Currently, the performing members include Ram Chatur Mallik, Prem Kumar Mallik and Siyaram Tewari.
Talwandi Gharana:
● This Gharana belongs to the Dhrupad school. Pair 4 is incorrect.
● The artists sing the Khandar vani.
● It is based in Pakistan.

70. Answer: B
Explanation:
Carnatic music:
● Carnatic music is associated with South India.
● It emphasises more on vocal music, where most of the compositions are set to be sung by the artists.
● The music is kriti based and focuses more on the sahitya or the lyric quality of the musical piece.
● Carnatic music is usually played with mridangam.
● The piece of melodic improvisation in free rhythm with mridangam is called ‘Tanam’.
● The pieces which do not have a mridangam are called ‘Ragam’. Both statements are correct.

71. Answer: C
Explanation:
Syama Shastri was the oldest of the trinity of Carnatic music. He was born in Tiruvarur, Tamilnadu.
● Statement 2 is correct: He composed about 300 pieces of kritis, varnas, and svarajatis.
○ He composed less kritis as compared to other two of musical trinity.
○ His compositions are well-known due to the literary, melodic, and rhythmic proficiency observed in
them.
● Statement 1 is correct: Syama Shastri has composed mainly in Telugu in praise of Godess Kamakshi.
○ His signature mudra was Syama Krishna.
● Statement 3 is correct: He contributed most to the Svarajati musical genre.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 32
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
Additional information:
Tyagaraja:
● Tyagaraja was born in Tiruvarur, composed thousands of devotional compositions.
● Most of his compositions are in Telugu and in praise of Lord Rama.
● He is most famous for his five compositions called the Pancharatna Kritis.
● Tyagraja has created several new ragas and used a variety of ragas in his compositions.
Muthuswami Dikshitar:
● He was also a Veena player.
● Most of his compositions are in Sanskrit and relates to Hindu gods and temples.
● He also composed some of his kritis in Manipravalam (Mix of Sanskrit and Malayalam).
● He emphasised on the use of Ga-maka (ornamentation).
● His signature name was Guru-guha which is also his mudra.

72. Answer: C
Explanation:
Sangraha Choodamani:
● It was written by Govindacharya in 18th Century.
● This text was written in Sanskrit which deals with the Carnatic music.
● It is considered as an important reference for Carnatic music.
Sangita Ratnakara:
● It was written by Sarangadeva in 13th Century.
● It is considered as one of the most important Sanskrit musical text of both Carnatic and Hindustani music
traditions.
Chaturdandiprakashika:
● It was written by Venkatamakhin in the 17th Century.
● This text explains about the melakarta system of classifying ragas under Carnatic music.
Sangita Makaranda:
● It is an ancient work on classical music written by Narada in 9th Century.
● This work is a rare collection of definitions, descriptions and comments on all the essential music by other
ancient authors.
● It deals with the treatment Ragas and categorising them as male female and neuter.

73. Answer: C
Explanation:
Pai Song:
● These songs are from Madhya Pradesh.
● They are sung during the festivals fall during the rainy season.
● These songs are generally pleads for good monsoon and good harvest as these songs are of the farmer
communities.
● Generally, Saira dance is performed on the Pai music.
Lavani:
● It is one of the most famous folk dance forms of Maharashtra.
● It is a combination of traditional dance and song performed usually on the beats of the Dholki, which is a
percussion instrument.
● The music is unique as it is perfect for dancing.
● It has a powerful rhythm and beats.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 33
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
Panihari:
● It is from the state of Rajasthan and is related to the water.
● The songs are generally about women fetching water from the well and carrying the water back to their
households in matkas over their head.
● These songs are usually about the scarcity of water and the long distance between the well and the village.
● These songs also talks about the daily concerns of the village women who are clustered near the village
well.
Kolannalu or Kolattam:
● It is a popular music and dance combination in Andhra Pradesh.
● It is similar to “Dandiya”.
● It is an ancient dance form and involves movement in a rhythmic fashion.
● The dancers generally move in two circles.

74. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Pair 1 is incorrect: Dollu Kunitha is a major popular drum dance of Karnataka.
○ It is performed by a group of drummers and dancers from the Kuruba Community.
○ It is associated with the worship of Lord Shiva.
○ The name “Dollu Kunitha” is derived from the traditional instrument called Dollu.
● Pair 2 is correct: Villupattu is a form of musical storytelling that originated in the state of Tamilnadu.
○ It is performed by a group of singers and musicians, who narrate stories from mythology and folklore.
○ The songs are usually sung in Tamil.
○ These are characterized by their simple tunes and verses.
○ It is accompanied by music and performers use a variety of instruments, including the thavil,
mridangam, and kanjira.
● Pair 3 is correct: Khongjom Parba is an important folk music from the state of Manipur.
○ It is a popular ballad genre in the state.
○ It is a musical narration of the battle of Khongjom fought between the British army and the Manipuri
resistance forces in 1891.

75. Answer: B
Explanation
● Pair 1 is incorrect: Abhanga is a devotional poetry sung in praise of the Lord Vithoba.
○ These songs are being sung during the pilgrimage to the temples of Pandharpur by the devotees.
○ They are being sung in Marathi bhajans.
○ Famous bhakthi proponent, Tukaram is credited with popularising the Abhanga style.
○ His collections of Abhanga poetry are considered classics of Marathi literature.
○ Some famous musicians of Abhangs are Bhimsen Joshi, Sudhir Phadke, etc.
○ It is a form of music performed by both classical and non-classical musicians.
○ It has become an integral part in Bhajan concerts across India.
● Pair 2 is incorrect: Shabad is the devotional songs dedicated to the Sikh gurus.
○ It is being sung in the Gurudwaras.
○ Guru Nanak and his disciple Mardana were responsible for the development and popularity of Shabad.
○ Currently, there are three types of Shabad singing, raga-based Shabad singing; traditional shabad as
mentioned in the Adi Granth and the lighter ones.
○ Sikh holy text Guru Granth Sahib is organised by chapter of ragas with each chapter containing many
shabads of that raga.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 34
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● Pair 3 is correct: Tevaram is a collection of Tamil devotional poems sung in praise of Lord Shiva.
○ It is part of the Panniru Tirumuraigal, a 12-volume collection of Shaiva narrative of epic and Puranic
heroes.
○ It is composed by the three famous poets and saints of the Bhakti movement, Appar, Sundarar, and
Thirugnana Sambandar, during the 7th to 9th centuries in South India.
○ It continues to be an essential part of temple worship.
○ Its verses are recited by devotees to express their devotion to Lord Shiva.

76. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Haveli Sangeet was developed in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
○ It was originally meant to be sung in the temple premises, but now is performed outside also.
○ It is currently practiced by a community that believes in Pushtimarg as the way to salvation.
● Gana Sangeet is fusion form of music is being sung in chorus or groups and in large numbers.
○ The common form of Gana Sangeet is to sing about patriotic feelings.
○ They also include songs of protest against the social evils in the society.
○ It tries to bring in a social message. For example, to urge the people to stop the exploitation of women
and children, etc.
○ One of the most popular examples of Gana Sangeet is Vande Mataram, which is sung in praise of our
nation.
● Bhajan: is the devotional singing practiced in North India.
○ It owes its origin to Bhakti movement, as the saints convey the message of god to the people through
singing poetic hymns.
○ These lyrics are set to simple melodies, generally sung in one or more raga.
○ The stories from the life of the god and goddess or from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana are
popular subjects for bhajans.
● Kirtan is a form of fusion music set to perform devotional song in West Bengal.
○ It involves singing and dancing and takes the inspiration from the Gita Govinda.

77. Answer: A
Explanation:
Ghana Vadya:
● It is the genre of non-drum percussion instruments which does not require tuning. Statement 2 is
incorrect.
● These are also called as Idiophone instruments.
● Popular examples of Ghana Vadya are Manjira, Jaltarang, Kanch-tarang, Ghungroo, Ghatam (earthern-
ware pot drum), Khartal, etc.
Manjira:
● Manjira is a small brass cymbal that is used in traditional performances and religious ceremonies.
Statement 1 is correct.
● Excavations from IVC sites have dated Manjira to be as old as the Harappan Civilisation.
● The function of this instrument is to keep rhythm and time with the song that is being sung.

78. Answer: D
Explanation:
Awanad Vadya:
● These are the membranophone instruments as they contain an outer membrane.
● It is beaten to make particular musical sounds.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 35
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● These instruments are also known as percussion instruments as one has to strike them to generate musical
sound.
● They generally have one or two faces covered with skin.
● The most ancient instrument of this class are the Bhumi Dundubhi.
● The musical instruments included in this category are Tabla, Drum, Dhol, Congo, Mridangam, etc.
● While the Tabla is widely used in most Hindustani classical vocals.
● Mridangam is the instrument that accompanies the Carnatic musical performances.
● Other traditional instruments used in folk musical tradition includes:
● Udukai: It is a hour-glass shaped instrument like damru from Tamilnadu.
● Sambal: It is a drum like instrument, that is being played with sticks in the Konkan region of
Maharashtra.

79. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Pair 1 is incorrect: Thumri is the semi-classical style of Hindustani music that originated in the 15th century.
It is the light form of classical music which is characterised by its sensuality, flexibility with the raga, and a
greater emphasis on the lyrics.
○ It is often accompanied by the tabla, harmonium, and sarangi.
○ The text is usually romantic or devotional in nature and mainly revolves around a girl’s love for Krishna.
○ The compositions are usually sung in a female voice.
○ The lyrics are usually in the dialects of Hindi called Awadhi and Braj Bhasha.
○ It was inspired by the Bhakti movement for devotional singing in praise of Lord Krishna.
○ Thumri singing is also linked to classical dance of Kathak.
○ Begum Akhtar and Girija Devi were the famous proponents of Thumri.
● Pair 2 is correct: Ghazal is a form of poetry that is characterised by its rhyming couplets. Ghazal is said to
have originated in Iran in the 10th century AD and spread in South Asia in the 12th century due to the
influence of Sufi mystics.
○ It reached its zenith in the Mughal period.
○ Amir Khusrau (1253–1325) was one of the first expounders of the art of making Ghazal.
○ A Ghazal never exceeds the 12 ashaar or couplets.
○ Ghazals are often sung as songs and are accompanied by musical instruments such as the harmonium,
tabla, and sitar.
○ Famous persons associated with Ghazal music are Muhammad Iqbal, Mirza Ghalib, Rumi (13th century),
etc.
● Pair 3 is incorrect: Tappa is a form of Hindustani semi-classical vocal music that originated from the folk
songs of the camel riders in Punjab.
○ In this style, the rhythm plays an important role as the compositions are based on fast, subtle and knotty
constructions.
○ It gained legitimacy as a semi-classical vocal music as it was brought to the Mughal court of Muhammad
Shah.
○ There is a great use of very quick turn of phrases.
○ Tappa was the genre of choice of the wealthy elite as well as the classes with more modest means.
○ Famous singers of this style were Laxman Rao Pandit of Gwalior Gharana and Shanno Khurana.

80. Answer: D
Explanation:
● Pair 1 is correct: Bauls are the mystic group of singers in the countryside of West Bengal. They are one of
the classes of Kartabhaja.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 36
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
○ The Baul songs are often based on the philosophy of life and love.
○ They use a variety of musical instruments including the ektara, a one-stringed instrument, and the dotara,
a two-stringed instrument.
○ The Bauls music has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
● Pair 2 is correct: Bazigar (Goaar Community) are from the state of Punjab.
○ They were previously nomadic with their main occupation being the performance of acrobatics and other
forms of entertainment.
○ They perform in festivals and occasions and display strength, balance and courage.
● Pair 3 is correct: The Manganiar or Merasi are a Muslim community of hereditary musicians from Rajasthan
and Sindh.
○ They are known for their folk music of various compositions describing stories focused on humans,
nature, and salvation.
○ They use a variety of musical instruments including Kamaicha, a bowed instrument, Kartaal, a kind of
castanet, and Dolak, a hand drum.

81. Answer: D
Explanation:
Musical forms of Carnatic Music: -
● Gitam: It is the simplest type of composition with an easy and melodious flow of raga.
● Suladi: The Suladi is a talamalika, the sections being in different talas.
● Svarajati: It consists of three sections, called Pallavi, Anupallavi, and Charanam.
○ The theme is devotional, heroic or amorous.
● Jatiswaram: It is noted for the use of rhythmical excellence and the Jati pattern.
● Varnam: It is the only form which does not find a counterpart in Hindustani music.
○ This form is called a Varnam because many of the Svara group patterns called ‘Varnas’ in ancient
music are interwoven in its texture.
● Kirtanam: It is valued for the devotional content or Bhakti Bhava of the Sahitya.
● Kriti: It developed from the Kirtanam. It is a highly evolved musical form.
● Pallavi: This is the most important branch of creative music. It allows improvisation.

82. Answer: A
Explanation: -
● The word Kathak has been derived from the word Katha which means a story.
● Usually a solo performance, the dancer often pauses to recite verses followed by their execution through
movement.
● The legends of Radha-Krishna were enacted in folk plays called rasa lila, which combined folk dance with the
basic gestures of the kathak story-tellers.
○ Kathak is the only form of classical dance wedded to Hindustani or North Indian music.
○ Under the patronage of Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh, it grew into a major art form.
● Bharatanatyam is a major form of Indian classical dance that originated in Tamil Nadu.
○ It is one of the eight widely recognized Indian classical dance forms, and expresses South Indian religious
themes and spiritual ideas, particularly of Shaivism and in general of Hinduism.

83. Answer: D
Explanation: -
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Gharana in Hindustani music of India, is a community of performers, who share a
distinctive musical style that traces to a particular instructor or region or ancestry.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 37
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
○ It includes not only peculiarities of performance and repertoire but also a broader ideology of music,
aesthetics, and pedagogy.
○ The style must be passed down through at least three generations before it and its practitioners may be
considered a Gharana.
○ There is no such exact prevalence of Gharana concept in Carnatic music.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Gharanas exist for both vocal and instrumental traditions as well as for dance.
○ There are gharanas for vocal styles like thumri and khayal, as well as for instrumental music and dance.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Some of the gharanas well known for singing are : Agra, Gwalior, Mewati,
Bhendibazar, Jaipur (Khayal Singing); Mathura, Rampur, Darbhanga (Dhrupad Singing); Banaras (Thumri
Singing).

84. Answer: A
Explanation:-
● Statement 1 is correct: Amir Khusrau is credited with fashioning the Tabla as a split version of the
traditional Indian drum, the pakhawaj. Tabla is associated with Hindustani music.
○ The principal instruments played with Carnatic music are Veena, Mrindagum and Mandolin.
○ Carnatic Sangeet has developed in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
○ Purandara Dasa (1480-1564) is considered to be the father of Carnatic music.
● Statement 2 is correct: Tamak is an important instrument of Santhal tribe and is a two headed drum. It is
beaten with drum sticks.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Sarinda is an important tribal instrument and is used by Santhals in Eastern India
and also used in Rajasthan and Assam. It is like Sarangi.

85. Answer: B
Explanation: -
● Pair 1 is correct and 2 is incorrect:
○ Pada: Padas are scholarly compositions in Telugu and Tamil and are composed mainly as dance forms.
○ Tillana: It corresponds to the Tarana of Hindustani music, and is a short and crisp form.
○ Kirtanam: It is valued for the devotional content or Bhakti Bhava of the Sahitya.
○ Jatiswaram: It is noted for the use of rhythmical excellence and the Jati pattern.
○ Varnam: It is the only form which does not find a counterpart in Hindustani music. This form is called a
Varnam because many of the Svara group patterns called ‘Varnas’ in ancient music are interwoven in its
texture.
○ Kriti: It developed from the Kirtanam. It is a highly evolved musical form.
○ Javali: A javali is a composition belonging to the sphere of light classical music. Sung both in concert
programmes and dance concerts, the javalis are popular because of the attractive melodies in which they
are composed.
● Pair 3 is correct and 4 is incorrect: Daskathia is a form of ballad singing prevalent in Odisha. It is a name
evolved from a unique musical instrument called “Kathi” or “Ram Tali”, wooden clappers used during the
presentation.
○ The performance is a form of worship and offering on behalf of the “Das”, the devotee.
○ The basis of Bhuta song is rooted in superstitions. Some communities of Kerala do Bhuta rituals to send
away the evil ghost and spirits.
○ This ritual is accompanied with vigorous dancing and the music has a piercing and eerie character.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 38
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs

CHAPTER - 6
INDIAN DANCE
86. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Abhinaya Darpan (5th–4th century BC) is a famous treatise on dance written by Nandikeshwara. It explains
the three basic elements of dance art:
○ Nritta – It refers to the basic dance steps performed rhythmically without any expression or mood.
Statement 1 is incorrect.
○ Natya – It refers to the drama element of the dance which elaborates the story through the dance.
Statement 2 is correct.
○ Nritya – Nritya refers to the sentiment and the emotions that are evoked through the dance. It includes the
acts and the other different methods of expression including mudras in the dance. Statement 3 is
incorrect.

87. Answer: D
Explanation:
● Natya is an amalgamation of dance, drama and music.
● The Tandava dance of Lord Shiva, which signifies the cycle of creation, preservation and destruction, to
the feminine response of Parvati.
● Indian mythology is full of examples of dance forms and expressions.
● This highlights the divine importance attached to dance in the Indian cultural tradition.
● Apart from this, the engravings of community dancing at Bhimbetka and the sculpture of Bronze dancing
girl found at Mohenjadaro of the Harappan Civilisation highlights the importance of dance as a means of
social entertainment.
● Also, the caves of Udayagiri-Khandagiri provide some of the earliest examples of Odissi dance.

88. Answer: B
Explanation:
Bharatanatyam:
● Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance form that originated in Tamilnadu. Its origins can be traced back to
‘Sadir’ – the solo dance performance by the temple dancers or 'devadasis' in Tamil Nadu.
● It is known for its graceful movements, expressive gestures, and intricate footwork.
● Bharatanatyam is accompanied by Carnatic music in the Tamil language.
● The musical instruments used in Bharatanatyam are mridangam, cymbals, veena, flute, and tambura.
● The famous four Thanjavur teachers (Tanjore Quartet) of this dance are Chinnaiah, Ponniah, Vadivelu and
Shivanandam.
● Hence the dance is also known as Tanjore Natyam.
● They have defined the following elements of a Bharatnatyam dance:
○ Alarippu – It is an introductory piece of performance which includes basic dance postures and is
accompanied with rhythmic syllables. It is meant to seek the blessings of God.
○ Jatiswaram – It is the basic dance form (Nritta component) which is devoid of expressions. It includes
the different poses and movements. Pair 1 is correct.
○ Shabdam – It is the dramatic element (Natya) with expressed words, which includes the abhinaya. It is
generally in praise of the glory of God.
○ Varnam – It is the Nritya component. It is a combination of dance and emotions. It is the most important
part of the whole dance performance. It is synchronised with tala and raga, to express the story. Pair 2 is
correct.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 39
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
○ Padam – It refers to a mastery over the abhinaya (expression) of the message by the artist. Here, Music
becomes light and dance becomes emotional.
○ Jawali – These are short love-lyrics performed at a faster tempo.
○ Thillana – It is the concluding stage of the performance. It comprises of pure dance (Nritta) with complex
movements and intricate rhythmic variations. Pair 3 is incorrect.

89. Answer: D
Explanation:
● Kuchipudi is one of the Indian classical dances that originates from the Kuchelapuram village in Andhra
Pradesh.
● It is originally performed by the group of actors going from village to village, known as Kusselavas.
● This dance form is known for its fast movements, lively eye expressions and intricate hand gestures.
● Vocal and instrumental Carnatic music in the Telugu language accompanies this dance performance.
● The musical instruments used in Kuchipudi are mridangam, cymbals, veena, flute, and the tambura.
● It involves difficult foot movements and is generally a group dance.
● Most of the Kuchipudi performance are based on the stories of Bhagwata purana, but on a secular theme.
● The dancer performs both the role of a singer and dance.
● Both Lasya and Tandava elements are important in the Kuchipudi dance form.
● There are some popular solo elements in Kuchipudi, which are as follows:
○ Manduk Shabdam – Dance performance tells the story of a frog.
○ Tarangam – The dancer performs on the edges of a brass plate and balancing a pot of water on the head.
○ Jala Chitra Nrityam – The dancer draws pictures on the floor with his or her toes while dancing.

90. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Pair 1 is incorrect: Kalamandalam Kshemavathy is a famous proponent of Mohiniattam.
● Pair 2 is correct: Kottakal Sivaraman is a famous Kathakali dancers. Some other famous Kathakali
dancers are Guru Kunchu Kurup, Gopi Nath, Rita Ganguly, etc.
● Pair 3 is correct: Sonal Mansingh is one of the famous Odissi dancers. Some other famous Odissi
dancers are Guru Pankaj Charan Das, Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra,, Sharon Lowen (USA), Anandini
Dasi (Argentina).
Additional information:
Bharatanatyam:
● With the decline of the Devadasi system, the dance art started to become nearly extinct.
● However, the efforts of E. Krishna Iyer, a prominent freedom fighter, revived this dance form.
● Rukmini Devi Arundale is one of the famous proponent of Bharatnatyam made efforts for giving
global recognition to this dance form.
● Some of the famous Bharatanatyam dancers are Yamini Krishnamurthy, Lakshmi Viswanathan,
Padma Subramaniam, Mrinalini Sarabhai, Mallika Sarabhai, etc.
Kathakali:
● With the breakdown of the feudal set up in Kerala, the Kathakali dance form started to decline.
● It was revived in the 1930s by the famous Malayali poet V. N. Menon under the patronage of
Mukunda Raja.
Odissi Dance:
● Odissi dance was practised by the ‘maharis’ and patronised by the Jain King Kheravela.
● With the advent of Vaishnavism in the region, the Mahari system became defunct.
● Another form of this dance art, ‘Nartala’ continued to be practised at the royal courts.
● In the mid-20th century, Odissi gained international famous due to the efforts of Charles Fabri and
Indrani Rahman.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 40
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
91. Answer: B
Explanation:
Mohiniattam
● Statement 1 is correct: Mohiniattam is a classical dance form originating from the Travancore state
(Kerala).
○ It was developed by Vadivelu in 19th century.
○ It gained patronage of Swathi Thirunal (the Travancore ruler in 19th century).
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Mohiniattam generally narrates the story of the feminine dance of Vishnu. It is
traditionally a solo dance performed by women.
● Statement 3 is correct: The Lasya element (beauty and grace) of dance is dominant in this dance form.
○ It has its own Nritta and Nritya aspects.
○ It is mainly performed by female dancers.
○ There is no elaborate facial make-up.
Additional information
● The famous Malayali poet V. N. Menon revived it along with the efforts of Kalyani Amma.
● This dance form is accompanied by Carnatic music in the Manipravalam, which is a mixture of
Malayalam and Sanskrit.
● Musical instruments used are cymbals, veena, drums, flute, etc.

92. Answer: D
Explanation:
Kathakali is a classical Indian dance that originated in the south-western region of Kerala. It is closely related to
Koodiyattam and other ancient martial-art performances. It is an art combination of music, dance and drama.
● Statement 1 is incorrect: It involves both dance and drama and the two cannot be clearly separated.
○ Most of the Kathakali performance are a representation of the eternal conflict between good and evil.
○ Music is equally important to convey the entire drama to the viewers.
● Statement 2 is correct: It is remarkable in the representation of the rasas through movements of eye and eye
brows, through which the story is conveyed.
○ Gestures are important element in the entire dance-drama performance.
Additional information:
● It draws its themes from the stories narrated in the epics and the puranas.
● The language used for Kathakali songs is Manipravalam, which is a mixture of Malayalam and Sanskrit.
● Nine important facial expressions called ‘Navarasas’ are to be conveyed in the different emotions.
● Kathakali is generally performed in open air theatres covered with coarse mats or temple premises.
● The arrival of dawn accompanied with a continuous sound of drums called as chhenda and maddala marks
the beginning and end of a Kathakali performance.

93. Answer: B
Explanation:
Kathak:
Kathak is one of the famous classical dance that originated in Uttar Pradesh.
● Statement 1 is correct: It is originated from the Ras Leela of Braj Bhoomi.
○ It is known for its expressive storytelling through intricate footwork, hand gestures and facial expressions.
○ During the Mughal era, the dance form has degenerated into court dance.
● Statement 2 is correct: It was also influenced by Persian costumes and styles of dancing.
○ The classical style of Kathak was revived by Lady Leela Sokhey in the 20th century.
○ Kathak has been performed in three main gharanas: Jaipur, Benaras, and Lucknow, each with its own
style and emphasis.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 41
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Kathak is generally accompanied with Dhrupad music.
○ Taranas, thumris and ghazals were also introduced during the Mughal period.
○ Famous proponents of this dance form are Birju Maharaj, Lacchu Maharaj, Sitara Devi, Damayanti Joshi,
etc.

94. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Chakyar Koothu is a traditional art form of Kerala. It has been traditionally
performed by the Chakyar community (a priestly caste).
○ The dance form is played in Malayalam and instruments like mizhavu (a percussion instrument) and a pair
of ilathalam (cymbals).
● Statement 2 is incorrect: It is a solo performance, in which the performer dresses himself as a snake.
○ It is usually performed in temple.
○ The performer wears a colourful headgear, a large black moustache and red spots all over his body.

95. Answer: D
Explanation:
Kolattam:
● Kolattam is a folk dance from the states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
● The dancers use sticks to create rhythmic sounds and movements.
● It is part of a religious offering, where women dancers pay homage to the temple Goddess.
● It is usually performed during village festivals, weddings, and other auspicious occasions.
Bihu:
● Bihu is the popular folk dance of Assam.
● It is performed as group dance by both men and women.
● It is performed during the Bihu festival, which marks the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring.
● The dancers are dressed in colourful traditional dresses to celebrate the pomp and gaiety.
● The dance performance includes group formations, rapid hand movements and brisk footsteps.
Tarangamel:
● Tarangamel is the folk dance from Goa.
● It is performed during Dussehra and Holi.
● The dancers use rainbow-like costumes with multi coloured flags and streamers.
● The dance is accompanied by musical instruments like drums and cymbals.
Mayilattam:
● Mayilattam is a folk dance of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
● The dancers are dressed as peacocks, with colourful headgears, beaks and feathers.
● It is also known as peacock dance.
● It is a form of worship to Lord Murugan, who rides a peacock.
● The dance is usually performed in temples during festivals.

96. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Pair 1 is correct: Ghoomar is the traditional folk dance performed by women of the Bhil tribe in Rajasthan.
○ The women dancers usually wears colorful dresses and veils.
○ This dance is distinguished by the women dancers performing spinning around themselves on one foot.
○ It brings the prominence of the multi-coloured vibrancies of the flowing Ghaghra.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 42
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● Pair 2 is correct: Bagurumba is a folk dance performed by the Bodo tribe of Assam.
○ It is also called as the butterfly dance, because the dancers perform like the movements of butterflies and
birds.
○ The dance is a way of celebrating the spring season, the Bodo New Year, and the worship of the deity.
○ Musical instruments used in the Bagurumba performance are Sifung, Kham, Serja, etc.
● Pair 3 is correct: The Rangma is the war dance of the Naga tribe.
○ The dancers dress up like warriors and move in a rhythmic style with the beats of a drum.
○ They enact a mock war formations and traditions.
○ It is usually performed by the male folks of the tribe.

97. Answer: D
Explanation:
Manipuri is a classical dance form that originated in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. It originates from
the mythological tradition in the Valley of Manipur.
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Manipuri Dance incorporates both Tandava and Lasya aspects, but gives more
emphasis on Lasya aspect of dance.
○ Pung and Kartal cholams are used as musical instruments.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: It is unique in its emphasis on devotion rather than sensuality.
○ The faces of the performer is covered with a thin veil and facial expression is lesser importance in this dance form.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Ras Leela (Radha-Krishna love story) is a main recurring theme of the Manipuri
dance.
○ It is a traditional religious art which aims at the expression of spiritual values.
○ This dance form gained the prominence with the advent of Vaishnavism in the 15th century.
○ Krishna became the central theme of this dance form.
○ It is usually performed by females.
Additional information:
● Hand gestures and gentle movement of feet are important in Manipuri dance.
● Thang-Ta and Manipuri Sankirtana are also influenced by this dance form.
● It is accompanied with the musical tradition of Sankirtana.

98. Answer: A
Explanation:
Paika:
● Paika is a martial folk dance performed in the Southern parts of Odisha.
● The dancers use swords and shields to demonstrate their skills and agility.
● It is performed by men who belong to the paika class of warriors, who served as foot soldiers under the
kings of Odisha.
● The dance is usually performed during festivals.
Thang Ta:
● Thang Ta is the martial dance form of Manipur.
● The words ‘Thang’ means sword and ‘Ta’ means spear.
● The dance performance is a unique display of skill, creativity and agility.
● The performers enact a mock fight sequence of leaping to attack and defend.
● It also includes unarmed combat and meditation.
Kolkali-Parichakali:
● It is the famous martial dance form in Southern Kerala and Lakshwadeep.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 43
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
●
The words ‘Kol’ means stick and ‘Paricha’ means shield.
●
The dance is performed by men in colorful costumes and jewellery.
●
The dancers use mock weapons made of wood and enact fight sequences.
●
The performance starts with slow pace, but slowly the momentum builds up the tempo and reaches
climax.
● It showcases the courage and skill of the warriors.
Danda-Jatra (Not a martial dance):
● The Danda Nata or the Danda Jatra is one of the oldest folk dance in Ganjam district of Odisha.
● It is a unique blend of dance, drama and music.
● It narrates the stories and folklore about the Shiva and the theme is generally the social harmony and
brotherhood.

99. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Pair 1 is incorrect: Pata Kunitha is a famous folk dance form in the Mysore region of Karnataka. It is
primarily a religious dance performed by men who use long bamboo poles decorated with colourful ribbons,
known as Pata.
○ The dance is very lively and rhythmic, and it is popular among people of all faiths.
○ Puja Kunitha is a variant of this dance form popular in the region around Bengaluru and Mandya districts.
● Pair 2 is incorrect: Jawara is the famous harvest dance in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. The
dancers celebrate the harvest of jowar by wearing colorful costumes.
○ The dance is performed by both men and women.
○ During the performance, the dancers carry and balance a basket full of jawar on their heads.
○ It reflects the joy and prosperity of the peasants of the Bundelkhand region.
● Pair 3 is correct: This folk dance originates from the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. It is performed
exclusively by women.
○ The dancers beat the floors with tippani (two long wooden stick joined by square wooden or iron block)
on the beats of a folk song.
○ The dance form originated from the labourers who used the sticks to press lime into the foundation of a
house or floor.

100 Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Tharijham is a pure dance form where the dancer performs rhythmic and complex
footwork, spins and body movements without any expression or emotion.
○ It is performed before the conclusion of performance in Odissi dance. It is usually performed towards the
end of a dance performance which displays the dancer’s skill and stamina towards the end.
○ It is similar to the Thillana of Bharatanatyam or the Tarana of Kathak.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Thillana comprises of pure dance (Nritta element) with complex movements and
intricate rhythmic variations. It is the concluding stage of the performance in Bharatanatyam dance.

101. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: As per Natya Shastra, Indian classical dance divided into two basic aspects:
○ Lasya: - feminine features
○ Tandava: - male aspects
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Elements of Indian classical dance as per ‘Abhinaya Darpana Prakasha’ are
divided into three distinct categories, namely, ‘Natya’, ‘Nritya’ and ‘Nritta’.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 44
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
○ ‘Natya’ is related to drama and ‘Nritya’ to the gesture accompanied by a musical composition.
○ ‘Nritta’ refers to pure dancing where the body movements do not express any meaning.
○ All these aspects use movements of the limbs and poses of the human body as their medium.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Natya Shastra was written by Bharata Muni while Abhinaya Darpan Prakasha
was written by Nandikeshwara.

102. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Sangeet Natak Academy (India’s National Academy of music, dance and
drama) recognizes eight classical dances of India,
● Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect: The Ministry of Culture also considers Chhau Dance as a classical
dance of India, making the total number of classical dances in India as nine.
○ Sangeet Natak Academy doesn’t recognize Chhau Dance as a classical dance of India.
● Statement 4 is correct: Chhau Dance was inscribed in UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible
Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
○ Chhau Dance: The word ‘Chaya’ gives meaning to Chhau Dance. Chaya means shadow.
○ There are three kinds of Chhau Dance:
■ Saraikella – This Chhau Dance is famous in Jharkhand
■ Mayurbhanj – This Chhau Dance is famous in Odisha (Mayurbhanj Chhau Dance does
not use masks.)
■ Purulia – This Chhau Dance is famous in West Bengal
Additional information:
The eight classical dances of India recognized by Sangeet Natak Academy are:
1. Bharatanatyam: Tamil Nadu
2. Kathak: Northern India
3. Kathakali: Kerala
4. Kuchipudi: Andhra Pradesh
5. Manipuri: Manipur
6. Mohiniyattam: Kerala
7. Odissi: Odisha
8. Sattriya: Assam

103. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: The earliest surviving text with Kathak roots is the Natya Shastra, attributed to
sage Bharata.
● Statement 2 is correct: Lucknow, Jaipur and Benaras gharanas are associated with Kathak.
● Statement 3 is correct: Kathak today stands on the bedrock of the condensation of several folk-dance
styles, Persian art themes, Bhakti and Sufi aesthetics, and the repertoire of the tawaifs (courtesans), along
with the Gharanedar, or hereditary families.
● Statement 4 is incorrect: The Khoria dance is a collective form of the variety of the Jhumar dance style
& steps, exclusively performed by women.
○ This dance is popular in the central region of Haryana and is connected with the daily affairs of the
people and with the most important events like the harvest, agricultural work, etc.
○ For this dance, the performers wear skirts with fine golden-thread work and brightly coloured veil-like
dupatas along with heavy rustic jewellery. The simple movements acquire form and colour with the
swirling of the flared skirt and these steps later increase the tempo

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 45
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
104. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Kathakali involves intricate footwork. This Indian classical dance involves
storytelling activities through fascinating footwork and expressive gestures of face and hands
accompanied by music and vocal performance.
● Statement 2 is correct: Kathakali derives its interpretation from Natya Shastra, Balaram Bharatam and
Hastalakshana Deepika.
● Statement 3 is correct: Krishnattam and Ramattam are precursors to Kathakali dance form.
○ Chakiarkoothu, Koodiyattam etc. are a few ritual performing arts of Kerala which exert a direct
influence on Kathakali in its form and technique.
○ The ancient martial arts of Kerala also have an influence on this dance form.

105. Answer: C
Explanation:
Odissi is one of the Classical dance forms of India which originates from the Odisha state of India. Examples
of this dance can be seen in the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves in Odisha.
● Statement 1 is correct: Odissi dance form represents water.
● Statement 2 is correct: Odissi name came from ‘odra nritya’ which is mentioned in Natya Shastra.
● Statement 3 is incorrect:. Bharatnatyam dance is known to be Ekaharya, where one dancer takes on
many roles in a single performance.
● Statement 4 is correct: Its roots can be traced back to Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni.
Additional Information
● The Natya Shastra Mentions many regional varieties, such as the south-eastern style known as the
Odhra Magadha which can be identified as the earliest precursor of present-day Odisha.
● Ordha-Magadhi style of dance, which many scholars consider a precursor of twentieth-century Odissi.
● Sites of archaeological and historical significance like caves and temples in Puri, Konark and
Bhubaneswar bear carvings that are historical manifestations of ancient art forms like music and
dance.
● Udayagiri, the largest Buddhist complex in Odisha depicts carvings of musicians and dance believed
to be of the Odissi dance form

106. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Sattriya is a devotional classical dance form from Assam.
○ These dances are part of the living traditions today of Sattras, which are communities of live-in
devotees belonging to the Ekasarana dharma, the sect established by Shankaradeva.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: The 15th century Vaishnava saint Shankaradeva introduced it. It was used to
propagate Vaishnavism.
● Statement 3 is correct: It is recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi of India as one of the eight
classical dances of India

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 46
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs

CHAPTER - 7
INDIAN THEATRE, PUPPETRY AND MARTIAL ARTS

107. Answer: D
Explanation:
Reasons for Decline of Sanskrit Theatre:
The reasons for decline of Sanskrit theatre include:
● Classical Sanskrit theatre was bound by various rigid conventions and rules.
● Also the rigid orthodoxical tradition of the Sanskrit theatre restricted the creative space of the new
playwrights.
● Thus they were turned to other forms of art like poetry, the lyrical writings, which are started gaining
popularity over the dramatic works.
● Also Sanskrit language became more complex and embellished, lost its popularity among the masses.
● It was mostly confined to the religious and ritual sphere.
● Thus other languages such as Pali and Prakrit emerged as mass language.
● With the advent of Muslim rulers, the dance and music gained patronage from them. Hence Sanskrit
play tradition saw a decline.

108. Answer: D
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Uttara Ramacharitam (The later life of Rama) was written in 700 AD by
Bhavabhuti.
○ Mahaviracharita and Malatimadhava are other two dramas related to him.
○ Kalhana reports that Bavabhuti was a court poet of King Yasovarman of Kanyakubja.
● Statement 3 is correct: Swapnavasavadatta (Vasavadatta in the dream) is one of the best dramas written
by Bhasa.
○ Due to non-conformity with the rules of Bharata's Natyashastra, he is believed to belong to 3-4th
century BC.
○ Many of his plays are based on themes from the two great epics.
● Statement 2 is correct: Vikramorvasiyam (Love story of Vikrama and Urvasi) was written by the great
playwright Kalidasa in the 4-5th century AD.
○ He was a contemporary to Chandragupta II.
○ Many of his famous plays were written during the reign of Kumaragupta I.
○ Other famous texts include Malavikagnimitram and Abhigyana Shakunthalam.
● Statement 4 is correct: Harshavardhana was a famous ruler of Pushyabhuti dynasty. He ruled from 606
AD to 647 AD with Kannauj as his capital. He wrote three famous plays such as Ratnavalli, Nagananda
and Priyadarshika.
○ Nagananda was the story of Prince Jimutavahana, who gives up his own body to stop a sacrifice of
serpents to the divine Garuda.
○ One unique characteristic in this drama is the invocation to Lord Buddha in the Nandi verse.

109. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect.: Yakshaghana was the oldest theatre tradition in the state of Karnataka and
parts of Kerala. It was originated in the royal courts of the Vijayanagara empire.
○ It was performed by the Jakkula Varu community.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 47
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
○ It was largely a descriptive dance-drama enacted by a single artist in earlier times.
○ Later, this theatre form adopted further variations.
○ It is heavily influenced by the Vaishnava Bhakti Movement.
● Statement 2 is correct: Theyyam is the traditional theatre performed in the state of Kerala. It is similar to
the Bhuta Kola of Karnataka. It is an open theatre form and is performed in the local temples.
○ It is mainly performed in honour of spirit of the ancestors besides gods.
○ It is also performed in the themes of Vaishnavism, Shaktism and Shaivism.
○ The performers usually wear elaborate headgear and colourful costumes.
● Statement 3 is correct: Ankia Naat is the famous traditional one-act play in the state of Assam. It was
originated with the efforts of the famous Vaishnava Saint Sankaradeva and his disciple Madhavdev in the
15th-16th century AD.
○ It depicts the stories from the life of Lord Krishna.
○ The Sutradhar or narrator is accompanied by a group of musicians known as Gayan-Bayan Mandali.
○ They usually play the ‘khol’ and cymbals.
○ The unique feature of this theatre is the use of masks to depict special expressions.
○ These Plays are written in mixed language of Assamese-Maithili known as Brajavali.

110. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Pair 1 is incorrect: Tholu Bommalata is the traditional shadow puppetry of Andhra Pradesh. This
puppetry is accompanied by the classical music background.
○ These shows are themed around mythological and devotional tales of the Epics and Puranas.
○ These puppets are larger in size and coloured on both sides.
● Pair 2 is incorrect: Kundhei is a traditional string puppetry show originated in the state of Odisha. These
puppets are made up of light-wood and are dressed in long skirts.
○ These puppets have more joints, which gives more flexibility to the puppeteer.
○ The strings are attached to a triangular prop.
○ Odissi dance have influences in the Kundhei puppet shows.
● Pair 3 is correct: Putul Nachh is the traditional rod puppetry of Bengal, Odisha and Assam Region.
These puppets are generally three to four feet high and dressed like the characters of Jatra.
○ They generally have three joints, at the neck and the shoulders.
○ The puppeteers control a single puppet by means of a rod attached to the waist.
○ The puppeteers move behind the curtain and make similar movements in the puppets.
○ The show is accompanied by a musical troop of harmonium, cymbals and tabla.

111. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Tholpavakoothu: Tholpavakoothu is a form of shadow puppetry practiced in the regions of Kerala and
Tamilnadu. It is performed using the leather puppets. It is performed in specially built theatres called as
koothumadam of Bhadrakali Temples.
○ This form of art is especially popular in the Madurai and nearby districts of Madurai in Tamil Nadu
and also in Palakkad, Thrissur and Malappuram districts of Kerala.
○ The theme of the play is based on the Kamba Ramayana.
○ It is narrated in local dialect that is a mixture of Malayalam and Tamil.
○ It is accompanied by the recitation of slokas.
○ The recitation is accompanied by instruments such as chenda, maddalam, ezhupara, ilathalam and
cherukuzhal.
○ It takes around 21 days to complete the full performance.
○ The lead puppeteer is known as Pulavar.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 48
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
Additional information:
Tholu Bommalata:
● It is the shadow puppetry of Andhra Pradesh.
● It is accompanied by a classical music background.
● It is themed around mythological and devotional tales of the Epics and Puranas.
● The puppets are larger in size and coloured on both the sides.
Bommalattam:
● It is the string puppetry indigenous to the region of Tamil Nadu. It combines features of rod and string
puppetry.
● The strings are attached to an iron ring which is worn by the puppeteer on his head.
● These puppets are the largest and heaviest one found in India.
● The Bommalattam show has four distinct stages – Vinayak Puja, Komali, Amanattam and Pusenkanattam.
Gombeyatta:
● It is the traditional string puppetry show of Karnataka.
● The puppets are designed based on the various characters of the Yakshagana Theatre.
● A unique feature of this puppetry show is the use of more than one puppeteer to manipulate the puppets.

112. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Pair 1 is correct: Yampuri is the traditional rod puppetry in the state of Bihar. These puppets are
generally made up of wood.
○ These puppets do not have any joints.
○ They are carved out of a single piece of wood, painted and dressed in bright colours.
○ These Yampuri shows are accompanied by music and narration of stories.

● Pair 2 is incorrect: Togalu Gombeyatta is the popular shadow puppetry of Karnataka. The puppets used
are made up of leather.
○ Its unique feature is the variation of puppet size based on the social status of the puppets.
○ The kings and religious figures are characterised by large puppets and common people and
servants are shown by smaller puppets.
● Pair 3 is correct: Ravanchhaya is a form of shadow puppetry originated in the state of Odisha.
○ The puppets are made of deer skin and depicts boldness and dramatic postures.
○ They do not have any joints attached to them.
○ They use non-human puppets such as trees and animals.
○ The artists are well trained in the art by creating a lyrical and sensitive theatrical narration.
● Pair 4 is correct: Kathputli is a traditional string puppet art form that originated in Rajasthan.
○ It derives its name from ‘kath’ which means wood and ‘putli’ means doll.
○ These puppets are covered in bright traditional Rajasthani dress.
○ This puppetry is accompanied by folk music.
○ An unique feature of this puppetry is absence of legs in these puppets.

113. Answer: B
Explanation:
Kalaripayattu:
● Statement 1 is correct: Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial arts that is practiced in most parts of
Southern India. It is originated in the state of Kerala in around 3rd century BC.
○ Kalari refers to a specific type of gymnasium or training hall where martial arts are practiced.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 49
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● Statement 2 is correct: This art form includes mock combats (armed and unarmed combat) and physical
exercises.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: This art form is not accompanied by any drumming or music tradition. An
important aspect of this art is the style of fighting and footwork.
○ It also includes kicks, strikes and weapon-based practice.
Additional information:
● Kalaripayattu is still rooted in the traditional rituals and ceremonies.
● Kalaripayattu includes a number of techniques such as
○ Uzhichil (massage with Gingelly oil)
○ Fighting with Otta (an S-shaped stick),
○ Maipayattu (body exercises),
○ Puliyankam (sword fight),
○ Verumkai (bare-handed fight),
○ Angathari or Kolthari (use of metal weapons and sticks).

114. Answer: D
Explanation:
● Pair 1 is incorrect: Silambam is a martial art that originated in the state of Tamilnadu. Its origin traces
back to ancient kingdom of Pandyas, Cholas and Cheras.
○ A reference to the sale of silambam sticks, pearls, swords and armour to foreign traders can be found
in the famous Tamil literature Silapathikaram.
○ The silambam was used for both mock fighting and self-defence.
○ There are different kinds of techniques that are used in Silambam.
○ It includes swift movements of the foot, use of both hands to wield staff, etc.
● Pair 2 is incorrect: Gatka is a traditional martial art that originated in the Punjab region. It is associated
with the Sikhs of the Punjab and other related ethnic groups.
○ This art form features the skillful use of weapons, including stick, Kirpan, Talwar and Kataar.
○ The attack and defence in this art form is determined by the various positions of hands and feet and
the nature of the weapon used.
● Pair 3 is incorrect: Mardani Khel is a traditional armed martial art practiced in the district of Kolhapur of
Maharashtra.
○ It primarily focuses on the skills of weaponry, swift movements and use of low stances from the hill
ranges.
○ Famous practitioners of this martial art form includes Chatrapathi Shivaji.

115. Answer: C
Explanation:
Thang Ta:
● Statement 1 is correct: Thang Ta is an ancient martial art performed by Meitei people of Manipur.
○ The words ‘Thang’ means sword and ‘Ta’ means spear.
○ It combines the elements of wrestling, boxing, and fighting using swords and spears.
○ This martial art performance is unique in display of skill, creativity and agility.
● Statement 2 is correct: This art form is used by the Manipuri kings to fight the British in the 17th
Century.
○ The performers enact a mock fight sequence of leaping to attack and defend.
○ It also includes unarmed combat and meditation.
○ The martial art form is also inspired by the unarmed combative arts such as Sarit Sarat and Mukhna.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 50
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
116. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Thoda is a mixture of martial arts, sports and culture. It traces its origins from
the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh.
● Statement 2 is correct: It usually takes place during the Baisakhi festival in April every year. This art
form dates back to the epic Mahabharata in the Valleys of Kullu and Manali.
○ It is accompanied by several prayers praising the blessings of the Goddesses Mashoo and Durga.
● Statement 3 is correct: The martial art relies on the skill of archery. Most of the performers are not
archers, but dancers who come along to boost the morale of their respective teams.
○ The playing two teams are called Pashis and Saathis, who are believed to be the descendants of
Pandavas and Kauravas of Mahabharata.
○ The archers of this martial art form aim below the knee and other negative points in the body.

117. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Sitabenga and Jogimara caves are considered to be one of the world's oldest theaters.
● There are 8 panels of oldest known murals in India, ancient theatre-like stage and seating.
● The Sitabenga and Jogimara Caves, sometimes referred to either as Sitabenga Cave or Jogimara Cave, are
ancient cave monuments nested in the north side of Ramgarh hills in Puta village, Chhattisgarh, India.
● Dated between the 3rd-century BCE to 1st-century BCE, they are notable for their non-religious inscriptions
in Brahmi script and Magadhi language, and one of the oldest coloured frescoes in Asia.
● Some scholars state that the Sitabenga cave is the oldest performance theatre on the Indian subcontinent

118. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Kariyala is a folk theatre from the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is an open-air folk
theatre style.
○ Kariyala is a form of folk theatre dedicated to the local deity of Solan, Shimla and Sirmour districts,
known as Bijeshwar.
○ Practised mainly by communities in the region, although the plot of the performances is based on the
lives of Gorakhpanthi sadhus and laymen.
○ It is performed when agricultural prosperity is achieved in the region or personal wishes are fulfilled.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Bhand Pather is from Jammu and Kashmir. It incorporates both historical
narratives and contemporary references.
○ It is also mentioned in the Natya Shastra.
○ The secular outlook of Bhands is reflected in their dynamic folk form that has incorporated many
elements from the classical Sanskrit theatre as well as from other traditional folk forms of India.
● Statement 3 is correct: Ankiya Naat originated in the 15th-16th century.
○ It was developed by Vaishnava saint Shankaradeva and his student Madhavadev.
○ It is based on Lord Krishna's life.
○ Sankaradeva composed popular plays such as Patnipasad, Parijatharan, Keligopal, Rukminiharan and
Rambijoy.

119. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM) was launched in 2017.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 51
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
○ It is a mission undertaken by the Government of India for the preservation, digitization, conservation,
and restoration of the rich cinematic heritage of the country.
● Statement 2 is correct: The National Film Archive of India (NFAI) is the nodal agency for the
implementation of the project.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: It was launched by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. It is the
world’s largest film restoration project.
○ Around 2200 films will be preserved.

120. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Tholu bommalata is the shadow puppet theatre tradition of the state of Andhra
Pradesh in India.
● Statement 2 is correct: The colour scheme, style, and decorative elements were heavily influenced by the
aesthetics of the 16th-century Lepakshi temple in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district.
● Statement 3 is correct: Tholu Bommalata puppets are used to narrate stories from epics like Ramayana
and Mahabharata.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 52
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs

CHAPTER - 8
UNESCO’S LIST OF INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE.

121. Answer: A
Explanation:
Koodiyattam:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Koodiyattam is a traditional performing art form of Kerala. It is a
combination of ancient Sanskrit theatre with the elements of Koothu.
○ Koothu is an ancient performing art from the Sangam era.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: In this play, Chakyars play the male role and the Ambalavasi Nambiar
women play the female roles traditionally.
● Statement 3 is correct: It is mainly performed inside the temples and the theme is usually based on
Hindu mythology.
Additional information:
● The character “Vidusaka” in the play explains the background of the story in Malayalam.
● It gives a live image of the characters in the minds of the audiences.
● All the other characters perform in the Sanskrit language.
● Mizhavu is the major musical instrument used in this play.

122. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: It is a popular folk theatre in the region of Uttar Pradesh. It is traditional
performance of Ramayana using songs, dances and dialogues.
○ It depicts the life of Rama according to the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana and Ramacharitamanas.
○ It is being played mainly during the annual autumn festival of Dussehra.
● Statement 3 is correct: It is generally performed by male artists, including the role of Sita.
● Statement 2 is correct: This play is performed more than 10 successive nights, during the auspicious
period of “Sharad Navaratras”.

123. Answer: A
Explanation:
Ramman:
● Statement 1 is correct: It is a famous religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal region.
○ It is exclusively celebrated by the Hindu community in the Saloor-Dungra villages of the
Painkhanda Valley in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
● Statement 2 is correct: The villagers pay their offerings to the village deity known as Bhumiyal
Devta during the play.
○ It is performed in the courtyard of the village temple.
● Statement 3 is incorrect. This festival is not performed elsewhere in the Himalayan region and is
unique to the village.
○ An important aspect of Ramman is the singing of the Jagar, which is a musical tradition of local
legends.

124. Answer: C
Explanation:
Yoga:
● It was included in the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the year 2016.
● Yoga is a tradition of physical, mental and spiritual practices that originated in ancient India.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 53
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● It consists of a series of poses, meditation, controlled breathing, word chanting and other techniques
to build self-realisation.
● It has been practiced to have multiple health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety,
improving flexibility and balance, and increasing strength and endurance of body and mind.
Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh:
● It was included in the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the year 2012.
● It is a traditional practice of reciting sacred Buddhist texts in the trans-Himalayan Ladakh region of
India.
● This practice is performed by Buddhist lamas (priests) in monasteries and villages.
● It is practised in Ladakh by Mahayana and Vajrayana sects of Buddhism.
● The chanting is performed in groups, either sitting or accompanied by dance in monastery courtyards
or in private houses.
● The monks use variety of thythm and instruments while chanting.
● The chanting is undertaken for the spiritual and moral well-being of the people by getting blessing of
various Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and other deities.
Tradition in Vedic Chanting:
● It was included in the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the year 2008.
● Vedic chanting is an oral tradition of reciting sacred Hindu texts in their original Sanskrit form.
● Vedas are the ancient scriptures that consist of several pathas, “recitations” or ways of chanting Vedic
mantras.
● Such traditions of Vedic chanting are often considered as the oldest unbroken oral tradition in
existence.
Tradition of Shabad Kirtan:
● Kirtan is an important part of worship in the Sikh tradition.
● It is considered to be a form of ritual practice and meditation that can help to calm the mind and
promote spiritual growth.
● It involves the singing of hymns and shabads from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of
Sikhism.
● There are many different styles of Kirtan in Sikhism.
● Gurbani Kirtan involves the singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib.
● Shabad Kirtan involves the singing of shabads or hymns, that are not included in the Guru Granth
Sahib.

125. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Mudiyettu is a traditional ritual theatre and folk dance drama from the Kerala.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: It enacts the mythological tale of a battle between the goddess Kali and the
demon Darika.
○ Floor design of Goddess Kali is drawn (known as Kalam) and also worshipped.
● Statement 3 is correct: It is performed in the village temples called Bhagavati Kavus, after the harvesting
season.
○ The performers use heavy make-up and wear gorgeous attire with conventional facial painting and tall
headgear.
○ It was included in the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the year 2010.

126. Answer: A
Explanation:
Kalbelia was included in the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the year 2010.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 54
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Kalbelia is a traditional folk dance form that originated in the state of
Rajasthan.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: It is performed by the Kalbeliya tribe residing in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan,
who are traditionally a snake charmers.
● Statement 3 is correct: The dance movements resembles that of a serpent. The songs are based on
mythology and it involves composing lyrics spontaneously and improvising songs during performance.
○ Musical instruments which accompany performance include - Pungi, Chang and Cymbals.

127. Answer: A
Explanation:
Chhau was added in the UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.
● Statement 1 is correct: Chhau is a semi-classical dance that combines martial and folk traditions. It
originated in the regions of Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
○ It is a form of mask dance that uses martial movements to narrate the mythological stories.
○ Some narrations also use natural themes such as Sarpa nritya (serpent dance) or Mayur nritya
(peacock dance).
● Statement 2 is incorrect: There are three main styles of Chhau dance. They are Saraikela Chhau in
Jharkhand, Mayurbhanj Chhau in Odisha and Purulia Chhau in West Bengal.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Among these three sub-styles, Mayurbhanj Chhau artists usually do not wear masks.

128. Answer: C
Explanation:
Sankirtana is a traditional performing art of Manipur which originated in 15th century AD. It was inscribed in
the UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013.
● Statement 1 is correct. It involves ritual singing, drumming and dancing performed in the temples and
domestic spaces.
○ In a Sankirtana, two drummers and 10 singers-dancers perform in the hall of a domestic courtyard
encircled by the devotees.
○ Cymbals and Drums are used as musical instruments in Sankirtana.
● Statement 2 is correct.It is practiced by the Meitei community people in Manipur.
○ This art form is performed to mark religious occasions and various stages in the life of Manipuri
Vaishnavites.
● Statement 3 is correct: The performers narrates the life and deeds of Lord Krishna through songs and
dances.
○ It brings people together on festive occasions and reinforces the relationship between the individual
and the community.

129. Answer: A
Explanation:
It was inscribed in the UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014.
● Statement 1 is incorrect: The Traditional Brass and Copper Craft of Utensil making among the Thathera
Community is a traditional technique of manufacturing brass and copper utensils in Punjab.
○ The craft is being practised by the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru in Punjab.
○ The process of manufacturing is orally transmitted among the families of this community.
○ The metals are heated and moulded into thin plates with curved shapes.
● Statement 2 is correct: These utensils are useful in functional, ritual and medicinal purposes.
○ Metals used to manufacturing these utensils are brass, copper and Kansa (an alloy of zinc, tin and
copper).

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 55
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
○ It is also recommended for medicinal purposes in several Ayurveda texts.
● Statement 3 is correct: It was patronised by the Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the 19th century.
○ These utensils are also used in household and community kitchens (langar) of Sikh Gurudwaras.

130. Answer: B
Explanation:
Nowrouz was inscribed in the UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in
2016.
● Statement 1 is correct: Nowruz is the Persian New Year celebrated by the Parsis worldwide.
○ It is also celebrated as the Spring festival by the Kashmiri Community.
● Statement 2 is correct: It denotes the Zoroastrian respect for the nature and environment.
○ During this festival, they used to lay down a table and place a copy of the Gathas, lit a lamp or a
candle, put a shallow ceramic plate with sprouted wheat or beans, small bowl with a silver coin,
flowers, painted eggs, sweets and a bowl of water containing goldfish in it.
○ All this signifies prosperity, wealth, colour and happiness among the Parsi community.

131. Answer: A
Explanation:
Kumbh Mela was inscribed in the UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of
Humanity in 2017.
● Statement 1 is correct. Kumbh Mela is a major pilgrimage festival in Northern India. It is celebrated
every three years in one of four cities of Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik and Ujjain.
○ It is a ritual bathing festival celebrated in the sacred rivers.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Nashik and Ujjain Kumbh Melas are called Simhastha.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Prayagraj and Haridwar Kumbh Mela, held after every 6 years is known as
Ardha Kumbh.
○ Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj is celebrated 3 years after Kumbh Mela at Haridwar and 3 years before
Kumbh Mela at Nashik and Ujjain.

132. Answer: D
Explanation:
UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN):
● The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was created in 2004.
● Its aim is to promote cooperation among the cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor
for sustainable urban development.
● This network covers 7 creative fields including Crafts and Folk Arts, Media Arts, Film, Design,
Gastronomy, Literature and Music.
● As of November 2023, there are seven Indian cities in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network
(UCCN):
City Creativity
1. Srinagar Crafts and Folk Arts (2021)
2. Hyderabad Gastronomy(2019)
3. Mumbai Film (2019)
4. Chennai Music (2017)
5. Jaipur Crafts and Folk Arts (2015)
6. Varanasi Music (2015)
7. Kozhikode Literature (2023)

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 56
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
133. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Agra Fort is located in the city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh. It was built by the
Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565.
○ It served as the residence of the Mughal emperors until 1638 when the capital was shifted to Delhi.
● Statement 2 is correct: The fort is made up of the Red Sandstone. It is also known as the “Lal-Qila” or
“Qila-i-Akbari”.
○ It is home to several notable structures such as the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am, and
Moti Masjid.
○ The Jahangiri Mahal is a palace built by Akbar’s son Jahangir and is known for its intricate carvings
and beautiful architecture.
○ The Diwan-i-Khas is a hall of private audience and was used by the Mughal emperors to receive
important guests.
○ The Diwan-i-Am is a hall of public audience and was used by the emperors to address the general public.
● Statement 3 is correct: The Moti Masjid is a mosque built by Shah Jahan and is built mainly using white marble.

134. Answer: D
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur is a Shaivite Hindu temple in Tamil
Nadu. It was built by the Chola emperor Rajaraja I between 1003 and 1010 AD.
○ It is also known as the Rajarajesvaram or the Peruvudaiyar Kovil.
○ It is also known as the Dakshina Meru (Meru of the South).
○ The temple is renowned for its grandeur, architecture, and sculpture.
○ The temple complex includes shrines for Nandi, Parvati, Murugan, Dakshinamurti, Varahi,
Thiyagarajar of Thiruvarur, Siddhar Karuvoorar, etc.
○ It is also famed for the quality of its sculpture, for example Nataraja sculpture.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Brihadisvara Temple is located in Gangaikonda Cholapuram of Ariyalur
district in Tamilnadu. It was built by the Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I in the 11th century AD as a part
of his new capital.
○ The temple is similar in design and name to the older Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur.
○ This Temple is smaller yet more refined than the Thanjavur Temple.
○ It is also known as Gangaikondacholeeswaram Temple.
○ The main temple dedicated to Shiva is based on a square plan.
○ Other Hindu deities includes Vishnu, Durga, Surya, Harihara, Ardhanarishvara are present here.
○ The temple is famed for its bronze sculptures, artwork on its walls, the depiction of Nandi, and the tower.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: The Airavatesvara Temple is located in Kumbakonam. This temple was built
by Chola emperor Rajaraja II in the 12th century AD.
○ The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
○ The temple is known for its stone carvings and inscriptions.
○ It is famous for vimana, a huge chariot, and a tank with images of Airavata, Indra, and other deities.
○ The temple complex is named after the majestic white elephant of Lord Indra.

135. Answer: B
Explanation:
Ajanta Caves:
● Statement 1 is correct: The Ajanta Caves are a group of 29 rock-cut cave monuments located in the
Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. It is located on the banks of Waghora river in Sahyadris.
○ These caves dates back to the 2nd century BC to about 480 AD.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 57
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● Statement 2 is correct: The caves also present paintings depicting the past lives and rebirths of the
Buddha, pictorial tales from Jatakas and rock-cut sculptures of Buddhist deities.
○ The Ajanta Caves consists of monasteries (Viharas) and worship halls (Chaityas) of different
Buddhist traditions.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: These caves were developed under the patronage of Vakatakas. The caves
include paintings and rock-cut sculptures.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 58
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs

CHAPTER - 9: RELIGIONS AND LANGUAGES IN INDIA.

136. Answer: D
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: The earliest text on Sanskrit grammar was Asthadhyayi which was written by
Panini in 400 BC.
○ The chaste form of Sanskrit developed in between 300 to 200 BC and was a refined version of Vedic
Sanskrit.
○ Some of the Buddhist literature that developed during initial times were written in Sanskrit language.
○ Both Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhist texts can be found in Sanskrit language.
○ Mahavastu of the Hinayana School is a treasure of stories and written in mixed Sanskrit, Pali and
Prakrit.
● Statement 2 is correct: The first use of Sanskrit can be found in the inscriptions of Rudradaman at
Junagarh in the Gujarat region.
○ The Chebrolu Inscription in Andhra Pradesh installed by the Satavahana king Vijaya in 207 AD was
the oldest evidence of use of Sanskrit in the southern India.
○ Gupta period is considered to be the golden age of Sanskrit literature, as many of the plays developed
during Gupta period were written in Sanskrit.
● Statement 3 is correct: Lalitavistara, the most sacred Mahayana text and Ashvagosha’s Buddhacharita
were also written in Sanskrit.

137. Answer: D
Explanation:
Prakrit languages:
● Prakrit is a group of Middle Indo-Aryan languages found in the Indian subcontinent from around the 3rd
century BCE to the 8th century CE.
● Many languages such as Ardha-Magadhi, Pali (used by Theravada Buddhists) and Apabhramsa originated
from the Prakrit.
● Traditionally these languages were associated with the masses, rather than elites.
● Prakrit and Ardha-Magadhi language were used in the Jain ‘Agamas’.
Some dialects belong to Prakrit are:
Pali:
● It was widely spoken in the region of Magadha, which was popular during 5th–1st century BC.
● The texts in Pali were written in Brahmi script.
● The Tripitaka of Buddhism were also written in Pali.
● It serves as the language of Theravada Buddhism.
Magadhi Prakrit or Ardha- Magadhi:
● It is the most important dialect of Prakrit.
● The literary use of this dialect is increased after the decline of Sanskrit and Pali.
● Buddha and Mahavira have spoken in Ardha-Magadhi.
● It was the court language of some Mahajanapadas and the Mauryan dynasty.
● Several Jain texts and Rock edicts of Ashoka were found in Ardha-Magadhi.
● Its later form has evolved into many languages of Eastern India including Bengali, Assamese, Odia,
Maithili, Bhojpuri, etc.
Shauraseni:
● Shauraseni was widely used to write dramas in the medieval India, also called as Dramatic Prakrit.
● It was the predecessor to major North Indian languages.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 59
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● Jain monks wrote mainly using this version of Prakrit.
● The oldest text of Digambara Jains, ‘Shatkhandgama’ was written in Shauraseni.
Elu:
● It is ancient form of modern Sinhala Language of Sri Lanka (similar to Pali).
Paishachi:
● It is also called as ‘Bhuta-Bhasa’ (dead language).
● It is considered as an unimportant dialect.
● Brihatkatha of Gunadhya, an ancient epic was written in Paishachi.

138. Answer: C
Explanation:
Dravidian Linguistic Group:
● Dravidian linguistic group comprises of the languages spoken in the southern regions of India.
● Around 25 percent of the Indian population is covered under this linguistic group.
● It is a group of 21 Dravidian Languages that originated from the Proto-Dravidian language.
● They can be broadly classified into three groups: Northern group, Central group and Southern group.
Northern Group:
● Brahui, Malto and Kurukh belongs to this category.
● Brahui is spoken in Baluchistan, Malto in the tribal areas of Bengal and Odisha, and Kurukh in
Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Pair 2 is incorrect.
Central Group:
● It consists of eleven languages includes Gondi, Khond, Kui, Manda, Parji, Gadaba, Kolami, Pengo,
Naiki, Kuvi and Telugu. Pair 1 is incorrect and Pair 4 is correct.
● Among these, Telugu became a more civilised language and is spoken in the State of Andhra Pradesh
and Telangana.
● Others are majorly of tribal languages.
Southern Group:
● It includes seven languages such as Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Tulu, Kodagu, Toda and Kota. Pair
3 is correct.
● Out of which Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Tulu are major languages in the states of Tamilnadu,
Kerala and Karnataka respectively.

139. Answer: A
Explanation:
Austric Group:
● The Austro-Asiatic family is one of the oldest linguistic family in India.
● It consists of three sub-families, namely Mundari, Mon-Khmer and Khasi-Khumic sub-group.
● Mundari languages are spoken by a number of tribes inhabiting Chota-Nagpur plateau in Central and
Eastern India.
● Mon-Khmer languages are spoken by Nicobarese and Shompen tribes from Andaman and Nicobar
islands.
● Khasi-Khmuic languages are spoken by the Khasi subtribes from Northeast India.
● Santhali is an important language under this group which is spoken by the Santhal tribals of
Jharkhand, Bihar and Bengal.
● Apart from Khasi and Santhali, all other Austro-asiatic languages in Indian territory are endangered.

140. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Pair 1 is correct: Manda is a Dravidian language spoken in the highlands of Thuamul Rampur block
in Kalahandi district of Odisha. It is spoken by Manda Khonds tribes of Odisha.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 60
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
○ Manda is facing endangerment from Odia, since all the speakers are bilingual in both
languages.
● Pair 2 is correct: Bangani is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in the parts of Uttarkashi district in the
west of the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand.
○ The language is chiefly spoken in the ethnic Bangani people of Garhwal region.
● Pair 3 is incorrect: Gadaba is a Austro-asiatic language spoken by the Gadaba tribe of north coastal
Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Koraput and Ganjam districts in Odisha.
○ This language is also known as Gutob or Bodo-Gadaba.

141. Answer: D
Explanation:
Classical language is a language with an independent literary tradition and having rich ancient written
literature.
● Statement 1 is incorrect: The Department of Culture under the Ministry of Culture is primarily
responsible for conferring classical language status to languages in India. The Government of India has
officially recognized six languages as the Classical languages of India.
○ They are Tamil, Telugu, Sanskrit, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia.
● Statement 2 is correct: Criteria for a language to be considered for classification as a “Classical
Language” are:
1. High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500–2000 years.
2. A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of
speakers.
3. The literary tradition should be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
4. The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity
between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.

142. Answer: B
Explanation:
Sarada Script
● The Sarada script is an abugida writing system of the Brahmic family of scripts.
● It originated in the 8th century AD in the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent, primarily in
Kashmir and neighbouring areas.
● It was used for writing Sanskrit and Kashmiri.
● Initially, the script was more widespread throughout northwestern Indian subcontinent.
● Now it is restricted to the Kasmir and it is rarely used by the Kashmiri Pandit community for religious
purposes.

143. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Option 1 is correct: Varkari Panth is the follower of Lord Vishnu as Vithoba.
○ The worship is centered on Lord Vithoba temple at Pandharpur in Maharashtra.
○ This sect strictly avoids alcohol and tobacco.
○ In their annual pilgrimage Vari, the Varkaris carry the padukas of the saints in palkis from Samadhi to
Pandharpur.
○ Prominent figures under this sect include Jnaneshwar (1275-1296), Namdev (1270-1350), Eknath
(1533-1599) and Tukaram (1598-1650).
● Option 2 is correct: Pushti Marg Sampradaya is a famous Vaishnava sect founded by the Vallabhacharya
around 1500 AD.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 61
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
○ The philosophy of this sect is that the ultimate truth is Brahma only.
○ The devotion is based on the pure love for Lord Krishna.
○ All the followers of this sect are expected to do Seva to their personal idol of Krishna.
● Option 3 is incorrect: Nathpanthi, also known as Siddha Siddhanta, belongs to Shaivate sect. The
followers adhere to the teachings of the Gorakhnath and Matsyendranath.
○ They worship Adinath, a form of Lord Shiva.
○ They follow Hatha Yoga to transform their body and mind into a state of self identity with absolute
reality.
○ The monks never stays in a same place for longtime and they are floating group of wanderers.
● Option 4 is incorrect: Siddhars or Siddhas were ancient saints, doctors, alchemists and mystics from
Tamilnadu. They belong to the Shaivate sect.
○ They attain spiritual enlightenment through rasayanas to perfect their bodies, in order to sustain
prolonged meditation.
○ They are also believed to be the founders of Varmam, which is a martial art for self-defence and a
medical treatment.

144. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Ajivika school was founded by Makkhali Gosala in 5th century BC.
○ The philosophy of Ajivika school revolves around the Niyati (Fate) doctrine of absolute determinism.
● Statement 2 is correct: They believed in the existence of soul in every living being like Jainism. But they
believed the existence of the soul in material form whereas Jainism believed in the formless soul.
○ They did not believe in Karma theory unlike Jainism and Buddhism.
○ They rejected the authority of Vedas like Buddhism and Jainism.
○ Famous Magadhan ruler Bindusara (4th century BC) was one of the followers of Ajivika sect.
○ Shravasti in Uttar Pradesh is believed to be the centre of Ajivikas.
○ Ashoka’s seventh pillar edict also mentions Ajivikas.
● Statement 3 is correct: It believes that there is no free will and whatever happens are pre-decided and is
determined by cosmic principles.
○ Ajivikas led very simple ascetic life, without clothes and any material Possession.
○ They denounced the existence of God as they were atheists.

145. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Presently there are six languages that enjoy the ‘Classical’ status in India
● Tamil (declared in 2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia
(2014).
● The Ministry of Culture provides the guidelines regarding Classical languages. Guidelines for declaring a
language as ‘Classical’ are:
○ High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years;
○ A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of
speakers;
○ The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community;
○ The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a
discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.
● All the Classical Languages are listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 62
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
146. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Once a language is notified as a Classical language, the Ministry of Education
provides certain benefits to promote it.
● Statement 2 is correct: A Centre of Excellence for studies in Classical Languages is set up.
○ Two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in classical Indian languages are
given.
○ The University Grants Commission is requested to create, to start with at least in the Central
Universities, a certain number of Professional Chairs for the Classical Languages so declared.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: There are no obligations for government to publish reports in Classical
Languages.

147. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: In India, Sanskrit is a Classical and an Eighth Schedule language.
o In 2020, the Uttarakhand Government decided to develop 'Sanskrit Grams' across the state to
teach use of Sanskrit regularly.
o Sanskrit is the second official language in Uttarakhand after Hindi.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Sanskrit is considered to be one of the oldest languages in the world.
o It is an old Indo-Aryan language in which the most ancient documents, Vedas, are composed in
what is called Vedic Sanskrit.

● Statement 3 is incorrect: Sanskrit has been written both in Devanāgarī script and in various regional
scripts, such as Śāradā from the north (Kashmir), Bāṅglā (Bengali) in the east, Gujarātī in the west, and
various southern scripts, including the Grantha alphabet, which was especially devised for Sanskrit text.

148 Answer: C
Explanation:
Indo-Aryan group of languages is a branch of Indo-European group languages, which came to India with the
advent of Aryans.
● Statement 1 is incorrect.: The majority of the population, around 74%, of Indians speak languages
belonging to Indo-Aryan group.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Indo-Aryan group constitutes some of the major languages of northern and
western India such as Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Sindhi, Rajasthani, Assamese, Oriya,
Pahari, Bihari, Kashmiri, Urdu, and Sanskrit.
○ There are more than 200 known Indo-Aryan languages.
○ Brahui language as an isolated member of the Dravidian languages is spoken in south-central
and western Pakistan.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 63
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Mundari is a Munda language of the Austroasiatic language family spoken by
the Munda tribes in eastern Indian states of Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal. It is closely related
to Santhali.

149. Answer: C
Explanation:
Script refers to a set of letters used for writing a particular language. E.g. Devanagari, Roman, etc.
● Pair 1 is correct: The Kharosthi script (also known as 'Indo-Bactrian' script) was a writing system
originally developed in present-day northern Pakistan, sometime between the 4th and 3rd century BCE.
Kharosthi was employed to represent a form of Prakrit (Middle Indic), an Indo-Aryan language. It had a
wide but irregular distribution along northern Pakistan, eastern Afghanistan, northwest India, and Central
Asia.
● Pair 2 is correct The Brahmi script is the earliest writing system developed in India after the Indus
script. It is one of the most influential writing systems; all modern Indian scripts and several hundred
scripts found in Southeast and East Asia are derived from Brahmi.
● Pair 3 is correct: Kadamba script used in South India which later became Kannada-Telugu script.
○ The Kadamba alphabet developed from the Brahmi script during the Kadamba dynasty. It was
used in what are now the Indian states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Goa to write Sanskrit,
Kannada and sometimes Marathi. It is known from inscriptions in stone pillars and on copper
plates.

150. Answer: A
Explanation:
● The Ninety-Second Amendment Act of 2003 included four more languages in the Eighth Schedule. They
are:
1. Bodo
2. Dogri (Dongri)
3. Mathilli (Maithili)
4. Santhali
● With this, the total number of constitutionally recognised languages increased to 22

151. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Official languages include English, Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Urdu,
Malayalam,etc. as mentioned in the 8th Schedule.
● Statement 2 is correct: Kodava is a Dravidian language spoken in Karnataka state in southern India, in
partcular in the Kodagu, Bengaluru, Dakshina Kannada and Mysuru districts. In 2011 there were about
114,000 speakers of Kodava, which is also known as Coorg, Coorgi Kodava, Kadagi, Khurgi, Kodagu,
Kotagu, Kurja or Kurug.
○ Kodava was formerly considered a dialect of Kannada, however in the early 20th century linguists
recognized it as a separate language. It is closely related to Tamil, Tulu, Kannada and Malayalam.
● Statement 3 is correct: Harauti or Hadauti (Hadoti) is a Rajasthani language spoken by approximately
four million people in the Hadoti region of southeastern Rajasthan.
○ Its speakers are concentrated in the districts of Kota, Baran, Bundi and Jhalawar in Rajasthan, as
well as in neighbouring areas of Madhya Pradesh

152. Solution: D
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Pali is the language used in the Buddhist canonical literature, Tripitakas.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 64
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
○ Pali is an Indian subcontinental Middle Indo-European liturgical language.
○ Both the Sanskrit and Pali languages have basically the same vocabulary. The grammar is also
considered to be similar, but Pali has a simplified grammar.
● Statement 2 is correct: Grammarians regarded Maharashtri as the de facto form of the Prakrit language,
providing an exquisite exposition of its linguistic traits while specifying only a handful of rules for the
other Prakrits.
○ In fact, the Sanskrit rhetorician Dandin viewed it as the "Prakrit par excellence."
○ It was used, for example, in the fifth century AD to write the non-canonical writings of the
Svetambara Jains, such as Paumacariya, a Jain reworking of Valmiki's Ramayana by poet Vimalasuri.
○ Maharashtri was also used to perform epic poetry, such as Pravara Cena's Ravanavaho and
Vakpatiraja's Gaudavaho.
● Statement 3 is correct: Magahi language also known as Magadhi language is spoken in India and Nepal.
Magadhi Prakrit was the ancestor of Magadhi, from which the latter's name derives. The ancestral
language, Magadhi Prakrit, was the language of the ancient kingdom of Magadha.
○ Magahi language was on one occasion mistakenly thought to be a dialect of Hindi language. But it has
been more recently shown to be descendant of and very similar to the Eastern Indo-Aryan languages,
along with Bengali language, Assamese language, and Oriya language.
○ It has a very rich and old tradition of folk songs and stories. It is spoken in eight districts in Bihar,
three districts in Jharkhand, and has some speakers in some parts of Malda District in West Bengal.
Magadhi has not been constitutionally recognized in India. Even in Bihar, Hindi language is the
language used for educational and official matters.

153. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: It is a sister script to Brahmi and was deciphered by James Princep. It includes
numbers similar to Roman numerals.
○ It mostly consists of the use of Indian, Greek, and Iranian words.
○ It consists of only one basic form of the vowel.
○ In this script medial vowels are also expressed.
○ Its original letters were based on Arabic and the remaining have evolved with the addition of diacritic
marks.
● Statement 2 is correct: The script is written from right to left and was used to write Prakrit and Sanskrit
in ancient Gandhara.It is cursive.
○ It is a top-oriented script as each letter has a character on its upper part.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: The Major Rock Edicts at Mansehra and Shahbazgarhi, both in Pakistan, were
written in the Kharosthi script. Rummendei inscription is in Brahmi script.
○ This script was used in various parts of the Gandhara Kingdom such as Indus, Swat, and Kabul River
valleys.
○ Kharosthi scripts have also been discovered from Qunduz in north Afghanistan, Uzbekistan,
Tajikistan.
○ These have also been discovered from Kumrahar (Patna) and Bharhut (a famous stupa site in Madhya
Pradesh).
○ The Minor Rock Edicts I and II of Asoka in Karnataka, the name of the scribe Chapada is mentioned
in Kharosthi.
○ It also found its use in Central Asia such as in the Shan-shan kingdom on the Tarim Basin.
○ Due to patronage by Kushana rulers, it was also found in areas outside Gandhara.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 65
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs

CHAPTER - 10: LITERATURE

154. Answer: D
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: According to the Tamil legends, there were three Sangams (Academy of
Tamil poets) held in the ancient South India popularly called Muchchangam.
● Statement 2 and 3 are incorrect: Just as Panini (400 B.C.) froze Sanskrit for all times with his treatise
on its grammar - in order that refined speech should eternally be the hallmark of Sanskrit - so too there
were rules laid down ('codified' is the proper term here) for ancient Tamil poetry in the Tolkappiyam.
o Simply put, it divided all Tamil poetry into akam and puram.
o Akam or Agam dealt with 'that which is inside' or 'the inner world' - in other words, love poems,
written in highly structured forms.
o Puram's themes were on 'the outer world', and dealt with public life, with war, death, and the
glory of kings.
Additional Information
● The First Sangam, is believed to be held at old Madurai, attended by gods and legendary sages.
o No literary work of this Sangam is available.
● The Second Sangam was held at Kapadapuram, only Tolkappiyam survives from this.
● The Third Sangam was also held at Madurai.
o A few of these Tamil literary works have survived and are a useful source to reconstruct the history of
the Sangam period.
● Sangam literature was very popular among the masses not only in the Royal families.
o Most of this literature was composed and compiled between 300 BC and 300 AD.

155. Answer: D
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: The two epics Silappadikaram is written by Ilango Adigal and Manimegalai
by Sittalai Sattanar. They also provide valuable details about the Sangam society and polity.
o Sangam literature bears the name because poets, writers and bards joined from various parts of
South India. Word Sangam means ‘assemblies.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: During the Sangam Age, both domestic and foreign trade was properly
regulated and swiftly carried out.
o The Sangam literature, Greek and Roman narratives, and archaeological evidence all give much
material on this topic.
o Merchants moved products from place to place on carts and on the backs of animals. Internal
trade mostly relied on barter.
o South India and the Greek kings conducted external commerce. Roman commerce grew in
prominence after the Roman Empire's rise.
o As large ships carrying valuable products reached Puhar's harbour, the city became a foreign
commercial hub.
o Tondi, Musiri, Korkai, Arikamedu, and Marakkanam are other commercially active ports.
Periplus's author delivers the most important information on overseas commerce.
o A plethora of gold and silver coins minted by Roman Emperors such as Augustus, Tiberius, and
Nero were discovered around Tamil Nadu.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Sangam was organized by the Pandya Kingdom, not Chola.
○ The Sangam literature includes Tolkappiyam, Ettutogai, Pattuppattu, Pathinenkilkanakku, and
two epics named – Silappathikaram and Manimegalai .

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 66
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
156. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: The Silappadikaram is the most renowned epic, largely because its protagonists
include Kannagi, who went on to embody the Pattini cult.
o The story revolves around Kovalan and his spouse Kannagi who travel from Puhar to Madurai in
the quest of selling Kannagis anklet and reviving their fortunes.
o Kovalan is falsely implicated in the theft of the queen’s anklet, and is executed on the spot by the
Pandyan soldiers.
o Kannagi was devastated at this turn of events, and unleashed her fury in front of the great
Pandyan king Neduncheliyan himself. The king, known for his fealty to justice, realized his folly
and collapsed. The queen too followed suit, and Kannagi wreaked havoc in the city of Madurai.
o The Chera king Senguttavan celebrated this achievement, and lay the ground for the formation of
the Pattini cult.
● Statement 2 is correct: The Tirrukural, composed by Sage Thiruvalluvar, is inarguably among the
literary treasures of the Indian civilization. It has 133 chapters, that deal with many aspects of life and
religion.
o It borrows heavily from the North Indian tradition as well, particularly from the Dharmashastras,
Arthashastra and Kamasutra.
o This highlights how Sanskritic influence percolated into Tamil literature in the second half of the
first millennium AD.
o It may be surmised that this transition happened under the Pallavas of Kanchipuram, who
endorsed Sanskrit literature.
o In that vein, the Tirukkural is generally divided into aram (righteousness), porul (wealth) and
kamam (pleasure).
● Statement 3 is correct: Pathinenkilkanakku contains eighteen works mostly dealing with ethics and
morals.
o The most important among these works is Tirukkural authored by Thiruvalluvar, the tamil great
poet and philosopher.

157. Answer: C
Explanation:
Tolkappiyam is the oldest extant Tamil grammar written by Tokkappiyar (one of the 12 disciples of Saint
Agastya.) It is divided into three major parts, each consisting of nine iyals (sub-parts) and has a total of 1612
sutras.
● Other earliest Tamil works were the Agattiyam (a work on grammar of letters and life) by Saint Agattiyar,
Pannirupadalam and the Kakkipadiniyam.
Ten Poems Pattupattu:
● Murugarruppadai (by Nakkirar), Sirupanarruppadai (by Nattattanar), Perumbanarruppadai, Maduraikkanji
(by Mangudi Marudam), Pattinappalai (by Kannan), and other works, come in this category.

158. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Sangam literature was composed and compiled by both men and women.
There are women poets like Avvaiyar, Nachchellaiyar, and Kakkaipadiniyar who contributed to
Sangam literature.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: All the three Sangams were organized under the patronage of Pandya
Kingdom.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: First and Third Sangam were held at Madurai and Second was held at
Kapatapuram.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 67
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
o Vanji was the capital of Cheras who ruled over the modern parts of Kerala.
● Statement 4 is correct: Gajabaghu II of Sri Lanka and Cheran Senguttuvan of the Chera dynasty were
contemporaries.
o This is confirmed by Silappadikaram as well as the Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa.

159. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Gautam Buddha belonged to a Shakya Kshtriya family in Lumbini in Nepal near
Kapilavastu.
o From a sage named Alara Kalama, he learnt the technique of meditation and the teachings of
the Upanishads.
● Statement 2 is correct: The 4th Buddhist Council was held during the reign of Kanishka. It compiled
three commentaries (Vibhashas) of the three Pitakas i.e., Sutta, Vinaya and Abbidhamma Pitaka.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Sutta Pitaka has five Nikayas and the Khuddakanikaya has fifteen books.

160. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Option A is incorrect: Buddha was practical social reformer and not an idealist one who had rejected
the controversies regarding the atman(soul) and Brahman(god) which raged in contemporary times and
addressed himself to the worldly problems and gave practical solutions
● Option B is correct: Nirvana in Buddhism refers to renouncement of the activities of worldly mind and
its suffering and it is also the part of the Four Noble Truths cited by the Gautam Buddha.
○ Some modern scholars suggest that the Upanisadic concept of Ultimate Reality also called
Brahman, Åtman or Paramåtman especially in its absolute aspect, is similar to the Buddhist
conception of the Ultimate Truth (paramårtha satya), called nirvana.
● Option C is incorrect: Vardhamana Mahavira preached the Three Jewel Concept, not Buddha.
○ Buddha gave the Ashtangika Marg (Eightfold Path).
● Option D is incorrect: Buddhism rejects the idea of Creator God and Soul but believes in a wheel of
rebirth (Jivanchakra) i.e. Rebirth and Reincarnation

161. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statements 2 and 4 are correct
● Mahasanghikas were divided into following sects
1. Ekavyaharikas
2. Lokottaravadins
3. Kukkutikas
4. Prajapativadins

162. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: The Dhyana mudra is the mudra of meditation, of concentration on the Good
law, and of the attainment of spiritual perfection.
o It is the mudra that represents ‘Samadhi’ or ‘Yogamudra’.
o It shows Buddha with both hands in the lap, back of the right hand resting on the palm of left
hand with fingers extended.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 68
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Dhyan mudra signifies attainment of spiritual perfection, whereas
Bhumisparsha mudra signifies calling the earth to witness the truth and represents the Buddha attaining
enlightenment
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Bhumisparsha mudra relates to blue Buddha known as Akshobhya.
● Statement 4 is correct: According to tradition, Dhyana mudra was assumed by the Buddha when
meditating under the pipal tree before his Enlightenment.
o The Bodhi Tree also known as Mahabodhi tree, Bodi Tree or the tree of awakening is a large sacred
(pipal) tree under which Buddha said to have achieved enlightenment.
o It is located near the bank of Niranjna River in Bodh Gaya, Bihar.
o The Buddha is often depicted as practicing dhyana mudra whilst in meditation, and its triangular
shape is said to represent the three jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, sangha (community)
and dharma (teachings).
o The connection of the thumbs is also believed to symbolize the union of male and female principles
that are present in every human being.

163. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Jatakas are an important part of Buddhist Literature.
o Apart from the oral and literary forms, Jatakas reached the people and monks through art, which
proved to be a powerful tool in communicating Buddhist tenets and philosophy to a wide public.
Jatakas are often found in sculptural reliefs or paintings in Buddhist stupas (Buddhist shrines with
dome-shaped structures) and caves.
● Statement 2 is correct: These stories tell us how practicing different perfections or transcendental virtues
(which are usually termed paramitas) are key to Buddhist approaches for attaining enlightenment
(moksha) or the release from samsara, the endless cycle of rebirth.
o They describe the previous existences or births of the Buddha (the Enlightened One) when he
appeared as Bodhisattvas (beings who are yet to attain enlightenment or moksha), in both human and
non-human forms.
● Statement 3 is correct: Most of the Buddhist literature including Jatakas are composed in Pali Language
and some in both Sanskrit and Pali.

164. Answer: D
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Sthanakvasi is a sect of Svetambara Jainism founded in 17th century.
o It believes that idol worship is not essential in the path of soul purification and attainment of
nirvana.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Yapaniya sect is related to Digambar Jainsim. They worship nude images of
Jain tirthankaras.
o The Yapaniya existed in Karnataka at least from the 5th to the 14th century. This we know from the
epigraphic evidences.
o The last inscription which mentions the Yapaniyas was found in the Tuluva country of
southwest Karnataka. It is dated Saka 1316 (AD 1394).

165. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: According to tradition the original doctrines taught by Mahavira were contained
in fourteen old texts known as ‘purvas’.
o In the first Council at Pataliputra, Sthulabhadra divided the Jaina canon into 12 ‘angas’ or sections.
This was accepted by Svetambaras. However, the Digambaras refused to accept this claiming that all
the old scriptures were lost.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 69
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
o At the second Council held at Vallabhi new additions were made in the form of ‘Upangas’ or minor
sections.
o Among the 12 Angas the Acharanga sutta and Bhagavati sutta are the most important. While the
former deals with the code of conduct which a Jaina monk is required to follow, the later expounds
the Jaina doctrines in a comprehensive manner
● Statement 2 is correct: The 12 Angas were finally compiled at Valabhi in 6th century A.D. and were
written in Ardha magadhi language.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Towards the close of Chandragupta Maurya’s rule, a terrible famine broke out
in south Bihar. It lasted for about 12 years. Bhadrabahu and his disciples migrated to Sravanabelgola in
Karnataka. Other Jainas remained in Magadha with Sthulabhadra as their leader. They summoned a
council at Pataliputra in about 300 BCE. In that council the sacred teachings of Mahavira were divided
into twelve angas.
o The second Jain Council was held at Vallabhi (Gujarat) in 512 CE and was presided over by Devardhi
Kshemasarmana. The purpose of this Council was to collect the sacred texts and write them down
systematically.
o Therigatha is related to Buddhism

166. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Pair 1 and pair 2 are incorrectly matched:
o Niryuktis and Kalpa sutras were penned by Bhadrabahu.
o Bhadrabahu was a contemporary of Chandragupta Maurya.
● Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Samayasara was written by Acharya Kundkund.
o Samanta Bhadra wrote Ratna Karanda Sravakachara.
● Pair 4 is correctly matched: Jinasena was a Digamabara monk who lived in the 8th and 9th
centuries.
o Ādi purāṇa is a 9th century Sanskrit poem composed by Jinasena, a Digambara monk. It deals with
the life of Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara.

167. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Jain literary works were composed in several regional languages. The
development of numerous Indian languages is said to have been aided by Jain literature.
o Apart from Hindi, Jaina literary works are available in Sanskrit, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil,
Malayalam, Rajasthani, and Marwari. The Jaina literary works gave birth to Kannada literature.
o Adi Pampa's Vikramarjuna-Vijaya is known as the Pampa-Bharata.
o Banarasidasa's Ardhakathanaka is the earliest autobiography in Braj Bhasha, which is considered the
forerunner to Hindi.
o Many Jaina literary works, such as Kahas and grammar, were composed in Apabhramsa.
o Apabhramsa is thought to be the forerunner of numerous Gangetic plains Indian languages.
● Statement 2 is correct: Valabhi and Kalinga were important centres of study for Jains.
o Jain monks wrote significantly in Kannada between the 9th and 12th centuries. The famed Jain
writer's Pampa, Ponna, and Ranna are the three pearls of Kannada literature.
● Statement 3 is correct: The teachings of Vardhamana Mahavira were compiled by Indrabhuti
Gautama into the Jain Agamas.

168. Answer: A
Explanation:
Only Pair 3 is correctly matched.
● Civaga Cinthamani is one of the 5 Tamil Epics.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 70
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
o It was authored by a Madurai based Jain ascetic Thiruthakka Thevar.
● Ottakoothar was a Tamil court poet who wrote Saraswati andhadhi in praise of Goddess Saraswati.
● Kundalakesi was authored by Naathakutthanaar.
o It is also one of Tamil Epics.

169. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Rajendra I was related to the Vedic college at Ennayiram.
o At Ennayiram near Villupuram, Rajendra Chola directly intervened to set the remuneration for the
teachers at the Vedic college and endowments to feed the students. This Vedic school was fairly
popular and well-documented.
● Statement 2 is correct: Vedas and other Sanskrit literature were taught in Chola schools.
o A Vedic school that functioned at Anoor near Chengalpattu, taught Vedas and Ashtadhyayi to its
students.
o The inscription also details out the qualifications of the teacher, which included mastery of the
Vedas, Alankaras, Panini’s Vyakarana and Mimamsa.
● Statement 3 is correct: The educational institutions were attached to temples and mathas.
o Mathematics and medicine were taught in Chola schools.
o In Vikrama Chola’s reign, medical students studying Vaghabhatta’s Ashtanga Hrudaya, Charaka
Samhitha and Rupavathara were fed at a mutt associated with the temple at Tiruvavaduthurai.
o An important inscription in itself, this also gives interesting details about a medical school and a
dispensary associated with a temple. And the students of the school studied grammar texts too.

170. Answer: D
Explanation:
● Pair 1 is correct: Krishna Deva Raya wrote the book Amuktamalyada in Telugu
● Pair 2 is correct: Tyagaraja composed two musical plays in Telugu, the Prahalada Bhakti Vijayam and
the Nauka Charitam.
● Pair 3 is correct: Tallapaka Tirumalamma or Timmakka (15th century) was a Telugu poet who
wrote Subhadra Kalyanam in Telugu. She was wife of singer-poet Annamacharya and was popularly
known as Timmakka.
● Pair 4 is correct: Kancherla Gopanna popularly known as Bhadradri Ramadasu or Bhadrachala
Ramadasu, was a 17th-century Indian devotee of Rama and a composer of Carnatic music.
o He also has written Dasarathi Shatakamu a collection of nearly 100 poems dedicated to the son of
Dasaratha (Lord Rama).

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 71
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs

CHAPTER - 11
INDIAN SCHOOL OF PHILOSOPHY

171. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Pair 1 is incorrect: Samkhya (Kapila) is the oldest school of philosophy and it postulates that
everything in reality, stems from Purusha and Prakriti.
● Pair 2 is correct: Vaisheshika (Kanada) is based on the principle that all objects in the physical universe
are reducible to a finite number of atoms and Brahman is the fundamental force that causes consciousness
in these atoms.
● Pair 3 is incorrect: Purva Mimamsa (Jaimini). It encompasses the concept of valid knowledge.
According to this school, Vedas are eternal and possess all knowledge.
● Pair 4 is correct: Nyaya is described in Nyaya Sutras authored by Gautama.
o It is a technique of logical thinking.
o It considered valid knowledge as real knowledge, that is knowledge of an object as it exists.

172. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Charvaka, also called Lokayata (Sanskrit: “Worldly Ones”), a philosophical
Indian school of materialists who rejected the notion of an afterworld, karma, liberation (moksha), the
authority of the sacred scriptures, the Vedas, and the immortality of the self.
o Brihaspati is considered as the founder of Charvaka School.
o It is mentioned in Vedas and Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Of the recognized means of knowledge (pramana), the Charvaka recognized
only direct perception (anubhava).
o Charvaka does not recognise God, soul and heaven since they cannot be perceived.
o They consider the whole universe as consisting only 4 elements: earth, water, fire and air.
● Statement 3 is correct: According to Charvaka, there’s no other world and pleasure is the ultimate goal
of life.

173. Answer: B
● Pair 1 is incorrect: According to Advaita (Adi Sankara) Both self (atman) and Brahman are the same.
● Pair 2 is correct: According to Dvaita (Madhavacharya), Brahman and Atman are two different
entities. Bhakti is the route to salvation.
● Pair 3 is incorrect: According to Achintya Bheda Abheda (Chaitanya Mahaprabhu), Individual self
(Jivatman) is both different and not different from Brahman.
o The Gaudiya Vaishnava religious tradition employs the term in relation to the relationship of
creation and creator.
● Pair 4 is correct: Srikanthacharya propounded Sivadvaita.
o He said that Shiva is the ultimate reality or Brahman and that it is endowed with Shakti.

174. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Samkhya is the philosophical basis of Yoga Sutras given by Patanjali.
● Statement 2 is correct: Features of Samkhya Philosophy:
o Samkhya philosophy believes that self-knowledge, rather than any external influence or agent
leads to freedom.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 72
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
o Samkhya perceives reality in terms of Purusha and Prakriti.
o Theory of causation (satkaryavada)
o The theory of evolution of the material universe (25 elements, called “tattwas” – Purusha, Prakriti
and 23 evolutes)
o The concept of liberation (moksha, kaivalya)
o Theory of knowledge (pramana)
● Statement 3 is correct: Prakriti is based on three gunas(elements): Tamas, Rajas and Sattva.

175. Answer: A
Explanation:
These are the three gunas of Prakriti that led an individual toward Enlightenment and self-knowledge as
per Samkhya school of Philosophy.
● Pair 1 is incorrect: Tamas refers to Darkness and Chaos.
● Pair 2 is incorrect: Rajas refers to Activity and passion.
● Pair 3 is correct: Sattva refers to Beingness and Harmony.

176. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Vaisheshika was regarded as part of Nyaya philosophy in the past.
o The syllogism of the Vaisheshika school was similar to that of the Nyaya school.
● Statement 2 is correct: Liberation is brought about through right knowledge. Nyaya is thus concerned
with the means of right knowledge.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: The pramana or principal means of obtaining knowledge according to Nyaya is
pratyaksha pramana- the knowledge obtained through the senses.
● Statement 4 is correct: Vaisheshika school has a very scientific approach, they also developed the atomic
theory, i.e., all material objects are made of atoms.
o They explain the combined to make matter, which is the basis for everything that can be physically
touched or seen.
o This school was also responsible for the beginning of physics in Indian sub-continent.
o They are considered to be the propounders of the mechanical process of formation of this Universe.

177. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Vaisheshika epistemology considers only pratyaksha (perception) and anumana (inference) as reliable
means of valid knowledge.
● Pramana, (Sanskrit: “measure”) in Indian philosophy, refers to the means by which one obtains accurate
and valid knowledge (prama, pramiti) about the world.

178. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct and 2 is incorrect: The word Mimamsa means to analyze and understand
thoroughly. Mimansa means investigation or enquiry. The primary enquiry is into the nature of dharma
based on close theology of the Vedas.
o It has two divisions, Poorva Mimansa and Uttar Mimansa.
o Uttar Mimansa is treated as Vedanta.
o The poorva Mimansa was postulated by Jamini.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 73
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
o The ideology of Poorva Mimansa was to counteract the challenge by Buddhism and vedanta
which marginalized the Vedic sacrifices.
o This school got momentum in Gupta period and reached its climax in 7-8th century.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Vedanta says the world is unreal, Maya. Vedanta is monistic- there is only
one reality, Brahman and it lays emphasis upon Brahmagyan.
o The self (soul) or Atma coincides with Brahma.
o If a person acquires the knowledge of the self (Atma), he acquires the knowledge of Brahma, and
thus attains salvation.
o Both soul and Brahma both are eternal and indestructible.
o The theory of karma came to be linked to Vedanta philosophy.

179. Answer: C
Explanation:
“Nastika” means heterodox.
Schools that do not accept the authority of Vedas are by definition nastika.
The schools of philosophy that fall under this category are:
1. Lokayata by Charvaka
2. Buddhist philosophy
3. Jain philosophy
4. Ajivika Philosophy.
● Vaisheshika and Yoga are parts of orthodox schools of philosophy that believe in the authority of the
Vedas.

180. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Pair 1 is incorrect: Syadvada is a doctrine of Jainsim.
o According to this doctrine that all judgments are conditional, holding good only in certain
conditions, circumstances, or senses, expressed by the word syāt (Sanskrit: “may be”).
o The ways of looking at a thing (called naya) are infinite in number.
● Pair 2 is correct: Anekantavada states that the ultimate truth and reality is complex and has multiple
aspects.
o According to this doctrine, all statements can be judged as true or not true or as both true and not
true and thus inexpressible, depending on the point of view.
o The combinations of these possibilities can be stated in seven logical alternatives called
saptabhaṅgī.
● Pair 3 is correct: Niyativada (Determinism): All events are determined completely by previously
existing causes.
o Determinism, in context with philosophy is “Niyativada” and proposes that all living beings
become defiled, afflicted, and sinful without any cause or causal condition.
o There is no deed performed by a human being which could influence future births or determine
the course of their lives.
● Pair 4 is incorrect: The terms Sunyata (or Shunyata), void and emptiness are synonyms in Buddhist
philosophy. They are ways of expressing the sense that all we see, feel and observe is relative, in fact non-
essential and not self-sustaining. This insight from the philosopher Nagarjuna is called prajna paramita

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 74
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs

CHAPTER - 12
FESTIVAL, AWARD, SCIENCE AND LAWS

181. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Brahmagupta introduced the concept of zero as a numerical digit and developed
rules for its use in arithmetic operations. His work laid the foundation for the decimal numeral system,
crucial for modern mathematics and science.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: The cyclic method to solve algebraic equations was introduced by
Bhaskaracharya in his book Lilavati. Brahmasputa Siddhanta by Brahmagupta contained first clear
description of the Quadratic formula.

182. Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: The Sharangdhar Samhita is an ancient Ayurvedic text written in Sanskrit. It is one of
the classical texts of Ayurveda
Statement 2 is incorrect: Sharangdhar Samhita is attributed to Acharya Sharangdhar who is believed to have
lived in the 13th century CE.
Statement 3 is correct: The Samhita emphasised on the use of opium in
medicines and for urine examination in laboratories.
Additional information:
● This text is divided into several sections, covering various aspects of Ayurvedic medicine including
diagnosis, treatment, herbal remedies, and formulations.
● It provides detailed descriptions of diseases, their causes, symptoms, and methods of treatment using
herbs, minerals, and other natural substances.

183. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Rasaratnakara is considered as one of the first works on chemistry in India.The
Rasaratnakara is a significant ancient text in the field of Rasashastra, a branch of Ayurveda that deals with
the preparation of medicinal formulations, particularly those containing metals, minerals, and gemstones.
● Statement 2 is correct: Nagarjuna, the author of the Rasaratnakara, is believed to have lived around the
8th century CE. He is not to be confused with the Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna, who lived in the 2nd
or 3rd century CE. The author Nagarjuna of the Rasaratnakara is revered in the field of alchemy and
Ayurveda.

184 Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: The game of chess (Chaturang in India) was first introduced in Persia from India
(known as Shatranj).The mention of chess is there in the Harshacharita composed by Banabhatta (a biography
of Indian Emperor Harsha - 606 to 647 BCE) in Sanskrit. There was a reference to the ashatapada board used
in Chaturanga i.e., predecessor of chess.
● Statement 2 is correct: Pachisi Court in the courtyard where Akbar is said to have played chess.
● Statement 3 is correct: The original game was played on 64 squares board called ashtapada. With a king
board piece and pieces of four other types, corresponding to the corps of the ancient Indian army - an
elephant, a horse, a chariot, or ship and four footmen.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 75
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
185. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: The All India Radio is the premier public service radio broadcaster in India.
○ They are under the administrative control of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting,
Government of India.
● Statement 2 is correct: Their motto is ‘Bahujan Hitaya: Bahujan Sukhaya’, that literally means that their
sole objective is to serve, educate and entertain the audience.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: They create programmes in about 23 languages and cover 146 dialects.

186. Answer: D
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: National Unity Day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of
Sardar Patel on 31st October.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: In pursuance of Sardar Patel's ideas, India has adopted the concept of Ek
Bharata Shreshtha Bharat.
○ Sardar Patel initiated the formation of Civil Services in India based on Indian values.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Statue of Equality is dedicated to Shri Ramanujacharya in Telangana.
○ Statue of Unity is dedicated to Sardar Patel. It is the world's tallest statue located near Kevadia,
Gujarat

187. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: Indian Treasure Trove Act, 1878 is an Act to amend the law relating to
treasures found in India.
○ It defines treasure specifically as "anything of any value hidden in the soil" and worth as little as 10
rupees.
○ Whatever treasures were discovered were to be declared to the concerned District Collector or the
nearest Government treasury and all the relevant information about the artifact(s) should be submitted
to the Government.
● Statement 2 is correct: All major metal detecting, excavations and treasure hunts per se are carried out
by India's nodal agency set up for the purpose, the Archaeological Survey of India.
○ The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is an Indian government agency that is responsible for
archaeological research and the conservation and preservation of cultural historical monuments in the
country.
○ It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham who also became its first Director-General.

188. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: The ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation
Drive (PRASAD)’ was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in the year 2014-15 with the objective of
holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations.
○ The name of the scheme was changed from PRASAD to “National Mission on Pilgrimage
Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)” in October 2017.
● Statement 2 is correct: It aims at the holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: The Somnath Exhibition Centre developed on the premises of 'Tourist
Facilitation Centre', displays the exhibits from dismantled parts of the old Somnath temple and its
sculptures having Nagara style Temple Architecture of old Somnath.
○ This temple is also referred to as Ahilyabai Temple since it was built by queen Ahilyabai of
Indore when she found that the old temple was in ruins.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 76
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
189. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: This Act was enacted for effective control over the movable cultural property
consisting of any type of art objects and antiquities.
○ The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 was enacted with an objective to control the export
business in the treasures of antiquities and sculptures, to avoid smuggling and fraudulent commercial
activities in the antiques, to necessarily acquire antiquities and sculpture for conservation and for
other issues related with the subject.
● Statement 2 is correct: Any object; sculpture in stone, terracotta, metal, ivory; manuscripts and paintings
in paper, wood, cloth, skin, etc. which have been produced before 100 years or more, are considered to be
Antiquities.
○ These illustrates the science, art, crafts or customs or religion or literature of a bygone age, or
anything of historical interest.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: Those who want to sell, purchase or rent antiquities have to obtain a license
from the Central Government.

190. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is directly under the aegis of the
Ministry of Culture and it is the foremost institution for archaeological research conducted across India.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Its focus is on the preservation of physical and tangible heritage that is
accumulated in ancient monuments and archaeological sites.
● Statement 3 is correct: It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham who also became its first
Director-General.
○ The provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958,
guide ASI.
○ Another major legislation that directs the working of the ASI, is the Antiquities and Art Treasure
Act, 1972.
● Statement 4 is correct: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is the
premier organization for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
○ Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance
is one the prime objectives of the ASI.
○ Besides it regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient
Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
○ It also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.
○ For the maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national
importance the entire country is divided into 37 Circles.

191. Answer: C
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: He was first to discover that the earth rotates on its axis and also worked out the
correct equation for calculating the orbit of a planet and gave extremely accurate estimate of the length of a
year to 365.2586805 days.
Statement 2 is correct: Bhaskara I, wrote a commentary on Aryabhatiya, called the Aryabhatiya the
Ashmaka-tantra and called Aryabhatta as Ashmakiya,
Statement 3 is incorrect: Mahavira was a famous 9th century mathematician of Karnataka who lived in the
court of the Rashtrakuta king Amoghvarsha, and wrote a book called the Ganitasarasangraha, which deals
with various mathematical problems

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 77
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
Statement 4 is correct: He was the first astronomer to give a scientific explanation of eclipses as he
established that they are not caused by some demons but by the moon coming between the earth and the sun.
He also worked out how to ascertain which part of moon would be obscured during an eclipse.

192. Answer: C
Explanation:
Baudhayana was an ancient mathematician who lived around 7th century in India. He was the author of one of the
earliest book on mathematics, Sulvasutra. This book contains calculation of value of pi, Pythagoras theorem,
calculating square root of 2 and circling the square. He has been credited with the calculating the value of pi and the
development of mathematical concepts which are known as Pythagoras theorem in present day.

193. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Yukti Kalpa Taru is a treatise in Sanskrit which deals with the various techniqu_es used in ship
building during ancient times. This treatise gives a technocratic exposition on the technique of
shipbuilding. It sets forth minute details about the various types of ships, their sizes, the materials
from which they were built.
● The Yukti Kalpa Taru gives sufficient information and date to prove that in ancient times, Indian
shipbuilders had a good knowledge of the materials which were used in building ships.
● Apart from describing the qualities of the different types of wood and their suitability in shipbuilding,
the Yukti Kalpa Taru also gives an elaborate classification of ships based on their size

194. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Saga Dawa is mostly celebrated in the Buddhist communities living in the State
of Sikkim. It is celebrated on the full moon day that falls in the middle of the Tibetan lunar month called
the Saga Dawa.
● Statement 2 is correct: Saga Dawa day is considered to be a very auspicious day for the Tibetan
community. This falls between May and June and this month is called Saga Dawa or the 'Month of merits'
Additional information:
● Saga Dawa festival is celebrated to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death (parinirvana) of Buddha.
● All through the month of Saga Dawa, the community of Buddhists has to follow three teachings of
Buddhism: generosity (dana), morality (sila) and meditation or good feelings (bhavana)

195. Answer: C
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: The Saka Calendar used as the official civil calendar in the country is the
National Calendar of India.
○ It is used, through notification in the Official Gazette by the Government of India, in news
broadcasts by All India Radio, calendars and communication documents issued under the control
of Government of India.
● Statement 2 is correct: The Saka calendar was adopted as the National Calendar in the year 1957 by the
Calendar Reforms Committee set up by the Government of India.

196. Answer: A
Explanation:
● The correct Oi-der of precedence of the gallantry awards are the Param Vir Chakra, the Ashoka Chakra,
the Mahavir Chakra, the Kirti Chakra, the Vir Chakra and the Shaurya Chakra.
www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 78
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
● Gallantry Awards are instituted by the Government of India to honour the acts of bravery and sacrifice of
the officers/ personnel of the Armed Forces, other lawfully constituted Forces and civilians. These
gallantry awards are announced twice in a year - first on the occasion of the Republic Day and then on the
occasion of the Independence Day.
Additional information:
● Gallantry Awards are classified into two CategoriesGallantry in the Face of Enemy, and Gallantry Other
than in the Face of Enemy First Category of Gallantry Awards Comprises of the following Awards
○ Param Vir Chakra (PVC)
○ Mahavir Chakra (MVC)
○ Vir Chakra
● Second Category of Gallantry Awards Comprises of the following Awards
○ Ashok Chakra
○ Kirti Chakra
○ Shaurya Chakra

197. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement I is incorrect: The Jnanpith Award can be bestowed only on Indian citizens.
● Statement 2 is incorrect: Jnanpith Award is the oldest and the highest Indian literary award. It is
presented annually by the Bharatiya Jnanpith to an author for their "outstanding contribution towards
literature" in Indian languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India and English.
● Statement 3 is correct: It is not given posthumously.

198. Answer: B
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is correct: Only goods can be granted GI tag. Services cannot be granted GI tag.
● Statement 2 is correct: Darjeeling Tea was the first GI tagged product in India. It was given a GI Tag in
2004-05.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: In India, Geographical Indications registration is administered by the
Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999.
○ Geographical indications are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit
drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.

199. Answer: C
Explanation:
In the beginning of the 2nd century BC, the Inda-Greeks occupied a large part of north-western India, much
larger than that conquered by the Alexander.
● Statement l is correct: The ludo-Greek were the first rulers in India to issue coins which were
attributed to the Kings.
● Statement 2 is correct: Metal coins were introduced during the age of Buddha. However, the Indo
Greek rulers were the first to issue gold coins in India, which increased in number quite considerably
under the Kushans.
● Statement 3 is correct: The early Kushana kings issued numerous gold coii1s with higher gold
coiltent than is found in the Gupta coins. Most of the Kushana coins can be found west of the Indus,
however several Kushana inscriptions found in the Gangetic valley explain the expanse of their
kingdom in India.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 79
 REVISE ART & C ULTURE THROUGH 200+ MCQs
200. Answer: A
Explanation:
● Statement 1 is incorrect: The coins issued by the Pandyan dynasty were square shaped with an image of
an elephant in the early period.
○ Later, fish became a very important symbol in the coins.
○ Whereas, the cholas coins were inscribed with the emblems of tiger and fish.
● Statement 2 is correct: The Inscriptions of Pandyan dynasty made on the gold and silver coins were in
the Sanskrit language whereas the inscriptions made on the copper coins were in Tamil Language.
Whereas, the inscriptions on the Chola coins were mainly in the Sanskrit language.
● Statement 3 is incorrect: The coins of the Chola King Raja Raja I had the standing king on one side and
seated goddess on the other side with inscriptions generally in Sanskrit. Rajendra I's coins had the legend
'Sri Rajendra' or 'Gangaikonda Chola' inscribed with the emblems of tiger and fish.

www.sunyaias.com| Join Telegram Channel: t.me/sunyanotes50 | 56/3, ORN, New Delhi | (8279688595)
Page. 80