IAS Prelims Exam: Art and Culture: ARCHITECTURE Set II

Art and Culture has played a crucial role in IAS Prelims Exam in recent years. In last few years, the paper of IAS Prelims Exam has witnessed several number of questions based on the Art and Culture which are very important for the Civil Services IAS aspirants to cover during their preparation of IAS Prelims Exam.

Q1. Devnimori  in Gujarat is important

a.    Vihara outside Gangetic valley.
b.    Brahmanical temple outside Gangetic valley
c.    Stupa site outside Gangetic valley
d.    Centre for Mathura school of art

Answer: c

Explanation: It is important stupa site outside the Gangetic valley.  

Q2. With reference to Buddhist monuments of Amaravathi, Which of the following is/are true?

1. Amaravati stupa was constructed in third century.
2. Amaravati has a Mahachaitya.
3. Similar to sanchi stupa, Amaravathi stupa has Pradakshinapatha enclosed within a vedika.

Select the correct answer from the following codes

a. Only 1
b. Only 1 and 2
c. Only 2 and 3
d. 1,2 and 3

Answer: d

Explanation:  Like sanchi stupa , Amaravati stupa also has pradakshinapatha enclosed within a vedika on which mant narrative sculptures are depicted. The domical stupa structure is covered with relief stupa sculptural slabs which is a unique features.

Q3. Consider the following statements

1. Tribhanga posture is prominent in Amaravati sculptures.
2. Sculptures composition in Amaravati stupas are more complex than at sanchi.

Select the correct answer from the following codes

a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Explanation:  In Amaravati stupas sculptural form in this area is characterised by intense emotions. Figures are slender, have a lot of movement, bodies are shown with three bents (tribhanga) and sculptural composition is more complex than at sanchi.
    
Q4. Which of the following is/are important sites of Buddhist monuments in south India?

1. Sannati
2. Nagarjunakonda  
3. Goli

Select the correct answer from the following codes

a.Only 1
b.Only 1 and 2
c. Only 2 and 3
d.1,2 and 3

Answer: d

Explanation:  Artists at Nagarjunakonda and Goli managed to create the effects of protruding surfaces of the body which is suggestive in nature and look very integral. Independent Buddha images are also found at Amaravati, Nagarjunkonda, Guntapalle, Anakapalle and Sannati.   

Q5. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched regarding shrines of the temple?

    Type of shrine

1. Sandhara        -     Without Pradikshinapatha
2. Nirandhara        -   with Pradikshinapatha
3. Sarvatobhadra    - can be accessed from all sides

Select the correct answer from the following codes

a.Only 1
b.Only 1 and 2
c.Only 2 and 3
d.1,2 and 3

Answer:  d

Explanation: Brahmanical temples were decorated with the images of gods. Each temple had a principal image of a god. The shrines of temple were of three kinds as mentioned above.

Q6. Consider the following statements

1. Vihara cave in Junnar is popularly known as Ganeshlem.
2. Out of 29 caves in Ajanta, 28 are Vihara-Chaitya caves.

Select the correct answer from the following codes

a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Explanation:  Vihara cave excavated at Junnar is popularly known as Ganeshlam because an image of Ganesha belonging to later period was installed in it. In Ajanta caves, cave no: 26 is very big and entire interior hall is carved with a variety of Buddha images, the rest of the cave are vihara- chaitya cave.

Q7. Which of the following is/are true regarding Ellora caves?

1. Triple storey caves is unique achievement of Ellora.
2. Among Brahmanical caves, many are dedicated to Shaivism.
3.Ravanna shaking mount Kailash is significant Shaivite theme in Ellora.

Select the correct answer from the following codes

a.Only 1
b.Only 1 and 2
c.Only 2 and 3
d.1,2 and 3

Answer: d

Explanation: Ajanta also has excavated double storeyed caves but at Ellora, the triple storey is unique achievement.

Q8. Consider the following statements regarding Elephanta caves

1. It is originally Brahmanical site, which was later dominated by Shaivite faith.
2. It is contemporary with Ajanta caves.

Select the correct answer from the following codes

a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: d

Explanation:  It is originally Buddhist site which was later dominated by Shaivite faith. It is contemporary with Ellora, and its sculptures show slenderness in the body, with stark light and dark effects.

Q9. With reference to Udaigiri- Khandagiri caves, which of the following is/are true?

1. They have inscriptions of Chalukya kings.
2. According to the inscription, the caves were meant for Jain monks.
3. It is unique site where structured stupas, viharas and caves are excavated at one place.

Select the correct answer from the following codes

a.Only 2
bOnly 1 and 2
c.Only 2 and 3
d.1,2 and 3

Answer: a

Explanation: These caves are scattered and have inscriptions of Kharavela kings. These caves were meant for Jain monks. It does not have such significant stupas and viharas.

Q10. Shalbhanjika sculptures in Sanchi stupa represents

a. Bodhisattva attendants
b. Lady holding branch of tree
c. Yaksha’s and Yakshini’s
d. None

Answer: b

Explanation: Figure at Sanchi, show considerable mastery of sculpting. There are guardian images on pillars and Shalbhanjika i.e.  lady holding the branch of tree, sculptures are remarkable in their treatment of volume.

Q11. Consider the following statements

1. Mara Vijaya theme is painted in Ajanta caves.
2. In Mara Vijaya theme, Mara represents anger.

Select the correct answer from the following codes

a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: a

Explanation:  The panel shows image of Buddha in the centre surrounded by Mara’s army. It is personification of the commotion of mind which Buddha went through at the time of enlightenment. Mara represents desire.

Click here for the Art and Culture Study Material