The candidates who are participating in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations, here is a wonderful resource for you. This article provides you with previous year question papers and other important MCQ on Art And Culture subject. These Art And Culture UPSC MCQ and Answers are most helpful to you.

Art And Culture UPSC MCQ and Answers

1. The word ‘architecture’ is derived from the Latin word

A. Archo

B. Archik

C. Tekton

D. None of these

Answer: C

Explanation: The word ‘architecture’ is derived from the Latin word ‘tekton’ which means builder. So, as soon as the early man began to build his or her shelter to live in, the science of architecture started.

2. The word ‘Sculpture’ is derived from

A. Latin word ‘kel’

B. Greek ‘kel’

C. Proto-Indo-European (PIE) word ‘kel’

D. None of these

Answer: C

Explanation: Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root ‘kel’ which means ‘to cut or cleave’. Sculptures are smaller works of art, either handmade or with tools and are more related to aesthetics than engineering and measurements.

3. Which of the following is/are not a feature/s of Architectures?

A. Design and construction of buildings

B. Mixture of various type of materials

C. Study of engineering

D. 3-dimensional works of art

Answer: D

Explanation:

4. ____ involves creativity and imagination and may not depend as heavily on accurate measurements.

A. Architecture Only

B. Sculpture Only

C. Both

D. None

Answer: A

Explanation: Sculpture involves creativity and imagination and may not depend as heavily on accurate measurements where Architecture involves study of engineering and engineering mathematics. It requires detailed and accurate measurements.

5. A single piece of sculpture is usually made of _____ of material.

A. A single type

B. Two types

C. More than two types

D. Various types

Answer: A

Explanation: A single piece of sculpture is usually made of a single type of material.

6. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

(1) Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism.

(2) Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary but existed forever in a latent form.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation: Sautrantika and Sammitiya were one of the 18 or 20 early schools or sub-sects of Buddhism that originated around 100 AD – 200 AD under Hinayana school. Under Jainism, there are two major sects namely Digambara and Svetambara. The major sub-sects of Digambara include Mula Sangh, Kashtha Sangh, Terapantha and Taranapath. Sub-sects of Svetambara are Sthanakavasi and Murtipujaka.

7. The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at:

A. Ajanta

B. Badami

C. Bagh

D. Ellora

Answer: A

Explanation: The famous paintings of Padmapani and Vajrapani Bodhisattvas under Buddhism are found in Ajanta Caves near Aurangabad. All 29 caves in Ajanta are Buddhist caves.

8. Consider the following pairs:

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

A. 1 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. None of the above

Answer: A

Explanation: Chaliha Sahib, a 40-day-long sindhi festival, is a thanks-giving ceremony in honor of Varuna Deva and Jhulelal for listening to their prayers which generally occur in JulyAugust. It is a unique festival which is celebrated by Hindu community in Sindh province of Pakistan and thereby promotes communal harmony. Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra is a pilgrimage and festival of Uttarakhand where Goddess Nanda Devi is worshipped. Wari is an annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur in Maharashtra, the seat of the Hindu god Vithoba, celebrated by the Warkari community.

9. Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples?

(1) Arasavalli

(2) Amarakantak

(3) Omkareshwar

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A. 1 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation: Arasavalli in Andhra Pradesh has one of the prominent Sun temple or suryanarayan temple. Temple at Amarkantak is dedicated to Goddess Narmada and Lord Shiva. Moreover, Omkareshwar temple on the banks of Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh is one of the 12 jyotirlingas dedicated to lord shiva.

10. With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements:

(1) It is a song and dance performance.

(2) Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.

(3) It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1, 2 and 3

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1 only

Answer: B

Explanation: It is singing and dance performance based on the life and deeds of Lord Krishna. It has been included in the UNESCO’s representative list of intangible cultural heritage in 2013. Along with cymbals, drums are also used during the performance.

11. Arrange the following monuments in chronological order:

(i) Lad Khan Temple, Aihole

(ii) Bhitargaon Brick Temple

(iii) Bharhut Stupa

(iv) Parshvanath Temple, Khajuraho

Select your answer from the codes given below:

Codes:

A. (i), (iii), (ii), (iv)

B. (ii), (iv), (iii), (i)

C. (iii), (ii), (i), (iv)

D. (iv), (i), (ii), (iii)

Answer: C

Explanation:

12. The correct name of the mosque built at Mehrauli is

A. Qubbat-ul Islam

B. Quwwat-ul Islam

C. Nurul-ul Islam

D. Qamar-ul Islam

Answer: A

Explanation: The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, also known as the Qutub Mosque or the Great Mosque of Delhi, was commissioned by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, founder of the Mamluk or Slave dynasty and built using spolia from 27 Hindu and Jain temples.

13. Five astro labs were constructed in the different five cities by

A. Mirza Raja Jai Singh

B. Sawai Jai Singh

C. Mota Raja Udai Singh

D. Mirza Raja Man Singh

Answer: B

Jai Singh noticed that the Zij, which was used for determining the position of celestial objects, did not match the positions calculated on the table. He constructed five new observatories in different cities in order to create a more accurate Zij.

14. The Parliament building in New Delhi was designed by:

A. Robert Toll Russell

B. A.G. Shoesmith

C. Le Corbusier

D. Herbert Baker

Answer: D

15. Who was the Architect of Victoria Memorial, Calcutta (Kolkata)?

A. Vincent J. Esch

B. Sir William Emerson

C. William Berges

D. Hodgeson

Answer: B

16. The city of Shah Jahanabad founded by Emperor Shah Jahan was not consisted of:

A. Lal Qila

B. Jama Masjid

C. Din Panah

D. Chandni Chowk

Answer: C

17. Which were the temples built by Krishnadevaraya?

A. Vithalaswami and Hazara Ramaswami temples

B. Shri Ranganatha and Brihadesvara temples

C. Hazara Ramaswami and Virupaksha temples

D. Vithalaswami and Kailasanatha temples

Answer: A

18. Who among the following founded the city of Parihasapura?

A. Didda

B. Harsha

C. Lalitaditya

D. Yasovarman

Answer: C

19. Sultan Ghari built by Iltutmish in 1231 A.D. is a:

A. Mosque

B. Tomb

C. Madrassa

D. Kotla

Answer: B

20. Cost expenditure account for various architectural activities is given in which inscription?

A. Junagarh inscription of Rudradaman I

B. Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela

C. Nasik inscription of Gautamibalsri

D. Helodorus pillar inscription Vidisa

Answer: B

21. In which Indian sculptural art have emerged the scenes from the Ramayana for the first time?

A. Nachna – Kuthara

B. Eran

C. Osian

D. Khajuraho

Answer: A

22. Which of the following Rock Edict of Ashoka speaks of religious synthesis?

A. Rock Edict II

B. Rock Edict X

C. Rock Edict XII

D. Rock Edict XIII

Answer: C

23. Who constructed the Brihadeshvara Temple at Tanjore?

A. Parantaka I

B. Rajendra I

C. Rajaraja I

D. Rajadhiraja

Answer: C

24. Match List – I with List – II and select the correct answer from the codes given below the lists:

List – I List – II

(Place) (Art Work)

a. Sanchi 1. DashavataraTemple

b. Karle 2. The Stupa

c. Deogarh 3. KandariyaTemple

d. Khajuraho 4. Chaitya Hall

Codes:

a b c d

A. 1 2 3 4

B. 2 4 1 3

C. 3 2 1 4

D. 4 2 3 1

Answer: B

25. Match List – I with List – II and select the correct answer from the codes given below the lists:

List – I List – II

(Inscription) (Ruler)

a. Rock Edict XIII 1. Pulakeshin-II

b. Hathigumpha Inscription 2. Harsha

c. Aihole Inscription 3. Ashoka

d. Madhuban Copper-Plate Inscription 4. Kharavela

Codes:

a b c d

A. 3 4 1 2

B. 4 1 2 3

C. 1 2 3 4

D. 2 3 4 1

Answer: A

26. ‘Parikha’ is the architectural part of:

A. Stupa architecture

B. Cave architecture

C. Fort architecture

D. Temple architecture

Answer: C

27. Gathasaptasati sculptural panel is displayed in the museum of:

A. Bhopal

B. Jabalpur

C. Gwalior

D. Indore

Answer: B

28. Match the List I and List II and select the correct answer from the codes given below the lists.

List – I (Place of Edicts of Ashok) List – II (Modern State)

a. Kalsi 1. Maharastra

b. Girnar 2. Odisha

c. Sopara 3. Gujarat

d. Dhauli 4. Uttarakhand

Codes:

a b c d

A. 4 3 1 2

B. 3 1 2 4

C. 1 2 4 3

D. 4 1 3 4

Answer: A

29. Where was Lomas rishi cave carved?

A. Udaigiri

B. Khandgiri

C. Barbar hills

D. Junagarh hills

Answer: C

30. The Madrassa of Muhammad Gawan was built at:

A. Gulbarga

B. Daulatabad

C. Bijapur

D. Bidar

Answer: D

31. The seeds of Borobudur temple of ancient Java can be traced in which of the following stupas?

A. Amaravati

B. Ghantasala

C. Nagarjunakonda

D. Nalanda

Answer: B

32. Identify the temple which served as a centre of higher education:

A. Dashavatar temple at Devgarh

B. Sasbahu temple at Gwalior

C. Shore temple at Mamallapuram

D. Trayipurush temple at Salotgi

Answer: D

33. Where was a Chaitya griha constructed specially for the Buddhist monks of Sri Lanka during the Ikshvaku period?

A. Ajanta

B. Amaravati

C. Karle

D. Nagarjunakonda

Answer: D

34. Which of the Pallava rathas has a hut like roof?

A. Arjuna

B. Bhima

C. Dharmaraja

D. Draupadi

Answer: D

35. Where had the Sailendra king Balaputradeva constructed a Buddhist Vihar in India?

A. Nalanda

B. Nagipatanam

C. Sarnath

D. Vikramasila

Answer: A

36. The elevan headed Bodhisattva image is represented in a Chaitya hall of

A. Ajanta

B. Ellora

C. Kanheri

D. Karle

Answer: C

37. Which among the following was a Bhiksuni-vihara?

A. Jivakarama of Rajagriha

B. Rajakarama of Sravasti

C. Kukkutarama of Pataliputra

D. Kakanadavota of Sanchi

Answer: B

38. Sawai Jai Singh built his last observatory at

A. Delhi

B. Ujjain

C. Mathura

D. Banaras

Answer: C

39. Which of the following was not constructed at Fatehpur Sikri?

A. Panch Mahal

B. Jodha Bai’s Palace

C. Jahangiri Mahal

D. Khwab Gah

Answer: C

40. Jahaz Mahal was constructed at:

A. Jaunpur

B. Mandu

C. Pandua

D. Ahmedabad

Answer: A

41. Krishnalila scences are depicted in the temple of

A. Deogarh

B. Nachna Kuthara

C. Khoh

D. Sanchi

Answer: A

42. Arrange the following temples in Chronological order:

i. Shore temple at Mahabalipuram

ii. Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram

iii. Brihadesvara temple at Tanjavur

iv. Minakshi temple at Madurai

Select your answer from the codes given below:

A. i ii iii iv

B. ii iii iv i

C. iii iv i ii

D. iv iii ii i

Answer: A

43. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer from the codes given below the lists:

List – I (Sun Temples) List – II (States)

a. Modhera Sun temple 1. Orissa

b. Konark Sun Temple 2. Madhya Pradesh

c. Martand Sun Temple 3. Gujarat

d. Chitragupta temple Khajuraho 4. Kashmir

Codes:

a b c d

A. 3 1 4 2

B. 2 3 1 4

C. 3 4 1 2

D. 1 2 3 4

Answer: A

44. Famous colossal Varaha image was cerved at:

A. Deogarh

B. Mathura

C. Eran

D. Udaigiri

Answer: D

45. Kayotsarga posture is associated with the image of

A. Vishnu

B. Buddha

C. Tirthankar

D. Shiva

Answer: C

46. The gajahasta posture is associated with

A. Shiva

B. Vishnu

C. Buddha

D. Ganesha

Answer: A

47. Which of the following inscriptions informs us the provision made for the treatment for men and animals by Asoka?

A. Rock Edict – XII

B. Rock Edict – II

C. Rock Edict – XIII

D. Rock Edict – V

Answer: B

48. Which of the following Chandella temple was originally a Vishnu temple but later converted to a different deity?

A. Lakshaman temple

B. Chaturbhuj temple

C. Chitragupta temple

D. Devi Jagdambi temple

Answer: D

49. Natraj bronze images were cast during the period of

A. Chandellas

B. Cholas

C. Pallavas

D. Rashtrakutas

Answer: B

50. Which of the following temples Natya Mandap and Bhog Mandap are the architectural parts?

A. Chola temple

B. Chalukya temple

C. Orissan temple

D. Parmar temple

Answer: C

51. In which of the following temples Gopuram is the architectural part?

A. Chandella temple

B. Chola temple

C. Parmar temple

D. Pratihar temple

Answer: B

52. The most gigantic rock-cut Bahubali image is located in

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Andhra Pradesh

C. Karnataka

D. Kerala

Answer: C

53. Which one was a prominent centre of sculptural art during the Gupta period?

A. Amaravati

B. Mathura

C. Sanchi

D. Gandhara

Answer: B

54. Where did Virasena, who accompanied Chandragupta – II in his military expedition, excavate a cave in honour of Shiva?

A. Eran

B. Kausambi

C. Sanchi

D. Udaigiri

Answer: D

55. Which one of the following places is known for rock-cut temple architecture?

A. Kanchipuram

B. Mamallapuram

C. Thanjavur

D. Gongaikonda Cholapuram

Answer: B

56. Match List – I (Temple) with List – II (Location) and select the correct answer using the codes given below:

List – I List – II

(Temple) (Location)

A. Kailasanatha (i) Tanjavur

B. Brihadisvara (ii) Trichy

C. Srirangam (iii) Ka~nc–i

D. Vitthalaswami (iv) Hampi

Codes:

A. B. C. D.

A. (i) (iii) (iv) (ii)

B. (iii) (i) (ii) (iv)

C. (iv) (ii) (i) (iii)

D. (ii) (i) (iii) (iv)

Answer: B

57. Arrange the following art objects in a chronological order and select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(i) Buddha images of Mathura

(ii) Buddhist sculptures of Bharhut

(iii) Sultanganja Buddha

(iv) Didarganja Yaksi

Codes:

A. (ii) (iii) (iv) (i)

B. (iv) (ii) (i) (iii)

C. (i) (iv) (iii) (ii)

D. (iii) (i) (ii) (iv)

Answer: B

58. The stupa built on the relics of Buddha’s famous disciples Sariputra and Maudgalyayana is located at:

A. Sanchi

B. Bharhut

C. Sarnath

D. Kusinagara

Answer: A

59. The famous temple of Sun-God at Konark was built by

A. Choda Ganga

B. Narasimha I

C. Kapilendra

D. Purusottama

Answer: B

60. Which writer refers to the depiction of Ganga and Yamuna in temple architecture?

A. Bhasa

B. Bharavi

C. Kalidasa

D. Jayadeva

Answer: C

61. Ayaka Pillars form architectural feature of the stupa at:

A. Sanchi

B. Bharhut

C. Amaravati

D. Sarnath

Answer: C

62. Sutradhara Mandana famous for his works on architecture and iconography was attached to the court of

A. Bhoja

B. Kumarapala

C. Rana Kumbha

D. Krishnadevaraya

Answer: C

63. Hauzkhas in Delhi was built by

A. Balban

B. Ala-ud-din Khalji

C. Ghyas-ud-din Tughlaq

D. Firuz Tughlaq

Answer: B

64. Kumaradevi who constructed Dharmachakrajina-vihara at Sarnathwas a queen of

A. Gupta King Chandragupta I

B. Pushyabhuti King Harsha

C. Pala King Mahipala

D. Gahadavala King Govinda Chandra

Answer: D

65. The marble stone was first introduced with Red Stone in the Mughal Buildings during whose period?

A. Akbar

B. Jahangir

C. Shahjahan

D. Aurangzeb

Answer: C

66. Which of the following temples was constructed by Lokamahadevi, the senior queen of Chalukya ruler Vikramaditya – II?

A. Draupadi Rath at Mamallapuram

B. Vaikuntha Perumal temple at Kanchipuram

C. Meguti temple at Aihole

D. Virupaksha temple at Pattadakal

Answer: D

67. Which of the following temples is considered the earliest monument of Khajuraho?

A. Chausath Yogini temple

B. Brahma temple

C. Lakshman temple

D. Parswanath temple

Answer: A

68. Which of the following temples has a Sikhara of the Dravidian style?

A. Chitragupta temple, Khajuraho

B. Draupadi Rath, Mamallapuram

C. Rajarani temple, Odisha

D. Teli Ka Mandir, Gwalior

Answer: D

69. Where is the Buddhist rock-cut cave which depicts eleven-headed Bodhisattva image?

A. Ajanta

B. Ellora

C. Kanheri

D. Karle

Answer: C

70. Which school of art used spotted sandstone as material for sculptures?

A. Amaravati

B. Gandhar

C. Mathura

D. Sarnath

Answer: C

71. Who laid the foundation of a new city at Delhi styled ‘Din Pannah’?

A. Sikandar Lodi

B. Humayun

C. Sher Shah Suri

D. Shahjahan

Answer: B

72. Guldasta in Islamic architecture of India is:

A. An ornamental turret

B. Floral decoration

C. Perforated lattice in stone

D. Decoration with fanciful interwoven elements

Answer: A

73. Ellora Kailash temple is famous for Siva images of which form?

A. Tripurantakmurti

B. Vishnuanugrahmurti

C. Ravananugrahmurti

D. Arjunanugrahmurti

Answer: C

74. ‘Kalayana Sundara’ image is found carved in the cave of

A. Udaigiri cave

B. Ajanta cave

C. Elephanta cave

D. Khandgiri cave

Answer: C

75. In which Khajuraho temple image of Rama and Sita is depicted?

A. Khandariya Mahadeo temple

B. Lakshman temple

C. Adinath temple

D. Parshwanath temple

Answer: D

76. Bhairava image described by Abul Fazl was found at

A. Khajuraho

B. Kalanjara

C. Mahoba

D. Deogarh

Answer: B

77. The famous Salabhanjikamurti from Gyaraspur is displayed in the museum of

A. Bhopal

B. Ujjain

C. Vidisa

D. Gwalior

Answer: D

78. ‘Makaratorana’ is found in the temples of

A. Kalachuris

B. Pratiharas

C. Chandellas

D. Paramaras

Answer: C

79. Which rockent temple is known as dream in the rock?

A. Elephanta

B. Ellora

C. Mamallapuram

D. Udaigiri

Answer: B

80. Which of the following Orissan temples has a khakhara type of Sikhara?

A. Jagannath Temple

B. Lingaraja Temple

C. Rajarani Temple

D. Vaitala deul Temple

Answer: D

Categories: Art And Culture

Tags: UPSC