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210 questions across 13 sub-topics. Practice all Art & Culture PYQs with detailed explanations, or explore specific sub-topics below.
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The Art & Culture segment of the UPSC Prelims is a high-return area that routinely features 6-8 questions each year. A look at the 212 Art & Culture PYQs asked between 1995 and 2025 shows that the Commission loves testing factual recall blended with contextual understanding. While questions may appear scattered—from a 1st-century Buddhist sculpture to a 21st-century UNESCO tag—the underlying pattern is clear: UPSC expects aspirants to be conversant with India’s civilisational timeline, its intangible heritage and the institutions that preserve them.
PYQ analytics reveal five focus zones. First, Literature & Languages (41 questions) leads the chart; expect queries on ancient classics, medieval Bhakti-Sufi texts, regional language families and manuscripts such as the ‘Mudrarakshasa’ or ‘Tolkappiyam’. Second, Philosophy & Religion (38 questions) spans Vedic schools, heterodox traditions, Jain councils, Buddhist sects and Bhakti reformers—often framed through statements that test chronological or doctrinal accuracy. Architecture & World Heritage (37 questions) forms the third pillar, with UNESCO tags (Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple, latest in 2023) and stylistic identifiers like ‘Layan’ domes or ‘Dravida’ vimana being hot favourites. Cultural Institutions & Awards (22 questions) is the fourth area, covering Sangeet Natak Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi awards, GI tags and schemes such as ‘Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Heritage’. Finally, the fifth zone is Performing & Folk Arts: Music (16), Dance (12), Festivals-Crafts-Folk Traditions (13), Painting & Visual Arts (10), Theatre & Cinema (9) and Sculpture & Iconography (9).
Trend spotting further refines preparation. Roughly 70% of questions are statement-based, requiring elimination skills rather than one-word recall. About 40% tie Art & Culture with Current Affairs, e.g., listing recently conferred Padma awards on classical musicians or adding a newly inscribed UNESCO heritage site. The remaining 60% come directly from static sources—NCERT Fine Arts (Class XI), CCRT website and ‘Indian Art & Culture’ by Nitin Singhania.
Effective strategy therefore rests on a two-pronged approach. First, build a solid static foundation: map salient features of architecture styles (Nagara, Vesara, Indo-Islamic), compile one-page charts of classical dance forms (origin, costume, instruments), and master vocabulary such as ‘Prasad’, ‘Mandapa’, ‘Kritrim’. Second, layer this base with dynamic updates: track PIB releases on GI tags, UNESCO nominations and National Cultural Festivals. Creating a monthly ‘Art & Culture Current Sheet’ helps revise frequently asked topics like conservation laws, museum initiatives and award recipients.
While the subject seems vast, prioritisation is key. Focus on the top sub-topics—Literature, Religion-Philosophy, Architecture and Institutions—that together constitute nearly 65% of Prelims questions. Practice PYQs in a time-bound manner to hone elimination tactics; for instance, note how confusing terminologies are intentionally mixed (‘Pulikkali’ vs ‘Theyyam’, ‘Yakshagana’ vs ‘Ottan Thullal’). Lastly, integrate Art & Culture with your Indian History and Current Affairs preparation to create an interconnected mental map. By leveraging PYQ trends and adopting a structured revision plan, aspirants can convert this seemingly nebulous area into a reliable scoring segment of the UPSC Prelims.
Q: Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO: 1. Shantiniketan 2. Rani-ki-Vav 3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya How many of the above properties were included in 2023?
Q: In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?
Q: Consider the following pairs: Site — Well known for 1. Besnagar — Shaivite cave shrine 2. Bhaja — Buddhist cave shrine 3. Sittanavasal — Jain cave shrine How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Q: The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? 1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines. 2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni. 3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: With reference to the Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Mitaoli (Morena), consider the following statements: 1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of the Kachchhapaghata dynasty. 2. It is the only circular temple built in India. 3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region. 4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it inspired the Indian Parliament building. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Q: Which one of the following statements is correct?
Q: Building ‘Kalyana Mandapas’ was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of
Q: With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements: 1. White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khanqah at Fatehpur Sikri. 2. Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples? 1. Arasavalli 2. Amarkantak 3. Omkareshwar Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? 1. Both were built in the same period. 2. Both belong to the same religious denomination. 3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to
Q: With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, consider the following pairs: Famous shrine — Location 1. Tabo monastery and temple complex : Spiti Valley 2. Lhotsava Lhakhang temple, Nako : Zanskar Valley 3. Alchi temple complex : Ladakh Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Q: With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements: 1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. 2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. 3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?
Q: The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the
Q: In which State is the Buddhist site Tabo Monastery located?
Q: Recently, which one of the following was included in the UNESCO's World Heritage list ?
Q: Where is the famous Virupaksha temple located ?
Q: Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists : List I (Famous Temple) List II (State) A. Vidyashankara temple 1. Andhra Pradesh B. Rajarani temple 2. Karnataka C. Kandariya Mahadeo temple 3. Madhya Pradesh D. Bhimesvara temple 4. Orissa Code : A B C D
Q: Near which one of the following cities are Palitana Temples located?
Q: Where is the famous Vijaya Vittala Temple having its 56 carved pillars emitting musical notes located?
Q: Match List – I with List – II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: List – I (Place of Archaeological Monument) A. Sisupalgarh B. Piprahwa C. Goalpara D. Bishnupur List – II (State) 1. Assam 2. Manipur 3. Orissa 4. Uttar Pradesh Code: A B C D
Q: Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
Q: Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? Monastery — State
Q: The initial design and construction of which massive temple took place during the reign of Suryavarman II?
Q: Indian Airlines (now renamed ‘Indian’) have redesigned their logo which is a graphic wheel. This logo has been inspired from which one of the following?
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. Champaner - Pavagadh Archaeological Park 2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station, Mumbai 3. Mamallapuram 4. Sun Temple (Konark Temple) Which of the above are included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO?
Q: Which one of the following statements is correct?
Q: In which one of the following cities is the Lingaraja Temple located?
Q: Hoysala monuments are found in
Q: Consider the following statements: The striking feature of the Jama Masjid in Kashmir completed by Zain-ul-Abidin include(s) I. Turret. II. Similarity with Buddhist pagodas. III. Persian style. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Q: Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? I. Lothal: Ancient dockyard II. Sarnath: First Sermon of Buddha III. Rajgir: Lion capital of Asoka IV. Nalanda: Great seat of Buddhist learning Select the correct answer using the codes given below: Codes:
Q: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: List I I. Gupta II. Chandella III. Chalukya IV. Pallava List II A) Badami B) Panamalai C) Khajuraho D) Deogarh Codes:
Q: Which one of the following statements regarding Asokan stone pillars is incorrect?
Q: The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are
Q: Which one of the following monuments has a dome which is said to be one of the largest in the world?
Q: With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?
Q: With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs: Famous work of sculpture — Site 1. A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below — Ajanta 2. A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on rock — Mount Abu 3. “Arjuna’s Penance” / “Descent of Ganga” sculpted on the surface of huge boulders — Mamallapuram Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Q: Lord Buddha's image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called 'Bhumisparsha Mudra'. It symbolizes
Q: Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
Q: Assertion (A): The Gandhara School of art bears the mark of Hellenistic influence. Reason (R): Hinayana form was influenced by that art.
Q: In the Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was also known as
Q: Which one of the following sculptures invariably used green schist as the medium?
Q: Bronze icons of Nataraja cast during the Chola period invariably show the deity with
Q: The well-known painting "Bani Thani" belongs to the
Q: The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at
Q: Consider the following historical places : 1. Ajanta Caves 2. Lepakshi Temple 3. Sanchi Stupa Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?
Q: There are only two known examples of cave paintings of the Gupta period in ancient India. One of these is paintings of Ajanta caves. Where is the other surviving example of Gupta paintings?
Q: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: List I (Famous person) A. Amrita Sher-Gil B. Bhimsen Joshi C. Rukmini Devi Arundale D. Suryakant Tripathi Nirala List II (Well-known as) 1. Dancer 2. Painter 3. Poet 4. Singer
Q: Consider the following famous names: 1. Amrita Sher-Gil 2. Bikash Bhattacharjee 3. N. S. Bendre 4. Subodh Gupta Who of the above is/are well known as artist(s)?
Q: Raghu Rai is well known for which one of the following areas?
Q: The paintings of Abanindranath Tagore are classified as
Q: Mughal painting reached its zenith under
Q: The Mughal School of Painting formed the spinal column of the various schools of Indian miniature art. Which one of the following painting styles was not affected by Mughal painting?
Q: With reference to Sattriya, consider the following statements: 1. It is a combination of music, dance and drama. 2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of the Vaishnavites of Assam. 3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Consider the following pairs: 1. Garba : Gujarat 2. Mohiniattam : Odisha 3. Yakshagana : Karnataka Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Q: In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?
Q: How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?
Q: Bimbavati Devi is a well-known dancer of which type of dance?
Q: Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: List-I (Person) A. Bhajan Sopori B. Birju Maharaj C. Priyadarshini Govind D. T V Gopalkrishnan List-II (Known as) 1. Bharatanatyam Dancer 2. Exponent of Santoor 3. Mridangam Maestro 4. Kathak Dancer Codes:
Q: Match List I (Artist) with List II (Art) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I (Artist) List II (Art) A. Hiren Bhattacharya 1. Bharatanatyam dance B. Malini Rajurkar 2. Hindustani vocal music C. Pratibha Prahlad 3. Kuchipudi dance D. Vempati Chinna Satyam 4. Puppetry Codes: A B C D
Q: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Dancer) I. Kalamandalam Kshemavaty II. Kottakkal Sivaraman III. Lakshmi Viswanathan IV. N. Madhabi Devi List II (Dance) A) Kathakali B) Manipuri C) Mohiniyattam D) Bharata Natyam
Q: Consider the following statements regarding the Chakiarkoothu form of dance: I. It is performed by Chakiar caste. II. It cannot be traditionally witnessed by the higher caste Hindus. III. Mizhavu is the accompanying instrument. IV. Its theatre form is called koothambalam. Which of these statements are correct?
Q: Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
Q: Which one of the following pairs of folk-dance forms and states is not correctly matched?
Q: Which one of the following dances involves solo performance?
Q: With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi, Ho and Kui’ pertain to
Q: With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct?
Q: Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?
Q: With reference to cultural history of India, consider the following statements: 1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna. 2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas. 3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries. 4. Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateswara. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Q: The term 'Digital Single Market Strategy' seen in the news refers to
Q: A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their
Q: With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct?
Q: The brothers Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha are
Q: Who among the following is a Hindustani classical singer?
Q: Whose autobiography is the book “My Music, My Life”?
Q: Who among the following is well known as an exponent of flute?
Q: Consider the following statement: 1. Kitab-I-Nauras, a collection of songs in praise of Hindu deities and Muslim saints, was written by Ibrahim Adil Shah II 2. Amir Khusrau was the originator in India of the early form of the musical style known as Qawwali. Which of these statements is/are correct?
Q: The Raga which is sung early in the morning is
Q: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Artist) I. Balamurali Krishna II. Mita Pandit III. Kanyakumari IV. Nikhil Bannerjee List II (Medium of music delivery) A) Hindustani vocal B) Ghatam C) Sitar D) Violin E) Carnatic vocal Codes:
Q: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I I. Pandit Vishnu Digamber Paluskar II. Venkatamahi III. Shyama Shastri IV. Amir Khusru List II A. Introduced the scheme of Raga classification of Indian music B. Proponent of Carnatic music C. Proponent of the Khayal form of Hindustani music D. Wrote the music for the song ‘Vande Mataram’ Codes:
Q: A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of
Q: Ebrahim Alkazi is an eminent personality in which one of the following areas?
Q: In which one of the following films did the Nobel Laureate Pearl S. Buck collaborate?
Q: Which of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched?
Q: The first feature film (talkie) to be produced in India was
Q: Which one of the following statements is correct?
Q: The film ‘The Making of the Mahatma’ has been directed by
Q: The following advertisement appeared in the Times of India dated 7th August: "THE MARVEL OF THE CENTURY THE WONDER OF THE WORLD LIVING PHOTOGRAPHIC PICTURES IN LIFE-SIZED REPRODUCTIONS BY MESSERS LUMIERE BROTHERS CINEMATOGRAPHIE A FEW EXHIBITIONS WILL BE GIVEN AT WATSON'S HOTEL TONIGHT". It appeared in the year —
Q: The lead character in the film The Bandit Queen has been played by
Q: Which one of the following is a work attributed to playwright Bhasa?
Q: Which one of the following explains the practice of 'Vattakirutal' as mentioned in Sangam poems?
Q: With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs: Literary work — Author 1. Devichandragupta — Bilhana 2. Hammira-Mahakavya — Nayachandra Suri 3. Milinda-panha — Nagarjuna 4. Nitivakyamrita — Somadeva Suri How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Q: Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?
Q: With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous
Q: With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements: 1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga. 2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana. 3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta – II. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty?
Q: Which one of the following was given classical language status recently?
Q: Consider the following languages: 1. Gujarati 2. Kannada 3. Telugu Which of the above has/have been declared as 'Classical Language/Languages' by the Government?
Q: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: List I (Book) A. In Custody B. Sea of Poppies C. The Argumentative Indian D. Unaccustomed Earth List II (Author) 1. Amartya Sen 2. Amitav Ghosh 3. Anita Desai 4. Jhumpa Lahiri
Q: Who of the following is the author of a collection of poems called “Golden Threshold”?
Q: Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists: List-I (Author) A. Bankimchandra B. Dinabandhu Mitra C. Premchand List-II (Work) 1. Shatranj Ke Khilari 2. Debi Chaudhurani 3. Nil-Darpan 4. Chandrakanta
Q: Among the Indian languages, which one is spoken maximum in the world after Hindi?
Q: Who among the following translated the Autobiography of Madam Curie in Hindi?
Q: Who among the following wrote the poem, Subh-e Azadi?
Q: Who among the following wrote the book "Ayodhya : 6 December 1992"?
Q: How is Gabriel García well known?
Q: Which of the following is not correctly matched? Prominent Indian Writer : Language
Q: Match List – I with List – II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: List – I ( Author ) A. Amartya Sen B. Bimal Jalan C. Arundhati Roy D. Mani Shankar List – II ( Book ) 1. An Ordinary Person’s Guide to Empire 2. The Argumentative Indian 3. The Future of India 4. Confessions of a Secular Fundamentalist Code:
Q: Who is Wole Soyinka ?
Q: “Lectures from Colombo to Almora” is based on the experiences of which one of the following?
Q: Match List I (Books) with List II (Authors) and select the correct answer using the codes given below: List I A. My Presidential Years B. The Hindu View of Life C. Voice of Conscience D. Without Fear or Favour List II 1. S. Radhakrishnan 2. V. V. Giri 3. N. Sanjiva Reddy 4. R. Venkataraman
Q: Consider the following international language 1. Arabic 2. French 3. Spanish The correct sequence of the language given above in the decreasing order of the number of their speakers is
Q: ‘Mrichchhakatika’ an ancient Indian book written by Shudraka deals with
Q: Dilip Kaur Tiwana is well known as a
Q: Match List I (Book) with List II (Author) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I (Book) List II (Author) A. Autobiography of an Unknown Indian 1. Mulk Raj Anand B. India: A Wounded Civilization 2. Nirad C. Chaudhuri C. Confessions of a Lover 3. R. K. Narayan D. The English Teacher 4. V. S. Naipaul Codes:
Q: Who amongst the following Englishmen first translated the Bhagavad-Gita into English?
Q: Match List I (Books) with List II (Authors) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I I. My Music, My Life II. Adha Gaon III. Radha IV. The Pilferer List II A) Laxman Gaikwad B) Rahi Masoom Raza C) Ramakanta Rath D) Ravi Shankar Codes:
Q: Assertion (A): The Aham and Puram poems of the Padinen Kilukanakku group formed a continuation of the Sangam composition. Reason (R): They were included under the Post-Sangam works as against the Sangam works proper.
Q: The first writer to use Urdu as the medium of poetic expression was
Q: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Writers) I. Sashi Tharoor II. Amitav Ghosh III. Anita Desai IV. Vikram Chandra List II (Books) A) Clear Light of Day B) Circle of Reason C) Love and Longing in Bombay D) Show Business
Q: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Books) I. The First Indian War of Independence II. Anand Math III. Life Divine IV. Sadhana List II (Authors) A) Rabindranath Tagore B) Sri Aurobindo C) Bankim Chandra Chatterji D) Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
Q: Which one of the following languages belongs to the Austric group?
Q: Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? I. Mrichchhakatikam — Shudraka II. Buddhacharita — Vasuvandhu III. Mudrarakshasha — Vishakhadatta IV. Harshacharita — Banabhatta Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Q: Which one of the following pairs of composers in different languages and their works on the Mahabharata theme is correctly matched?
Q: Which one of the following scripts of ancient India was written from right to left?
Q: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I (Author) I. Varahamihira II. Visakhadatta III. Sudraka IV. Bilhana List II (Text) A) Prabandha Chintamani B) Mrchchhakatikam C) Brhat-Samhita D) Devi Chandraguptam E) Vikramankadevacharita Codes:
Q: Which one of the following works has recently been made into a full-length feature film?
Q: Which one of the following is an important historical novel written during the latter half of the nineteenth century?
Q: The term apabhramsa was used in medieval Sanskrit texts to denote
Q: Which one of the following texts of ancient India allows divorce to a wife deserted by her husband?
Q: Nastaliq was
Q: With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by which of the following epithets? 1. Nayaputta 2. Shakyamuni 3. Tathagata Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. There are no parables in Upanishads. 2. Upanishads were composed earlier than the Puranas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk, who travelled to China at the end of the fourth century AD, was the author of a commentary on :
Q: "Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects." The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India?
Q: With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts: 1. Nettipakarana 2. Parishishtaparvan 3. Avadanashataka 4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana Which of the above are Jaina texts?
Q: With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs : Historical person — Known as 1. Aryadeva — Jaina scholar 2. Dignaga — Buddhist scholar 3. Nathamuni — Vaishnava scholar How many pairs given above are correctly matched ?
Q: Consider the following statements : 1. St. Francis Xavier was one of the founding members of the Jesuit Order. 2. St. Francis Xavier died in Goa and a church is dedicated to him there. 3. The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated in Goa each year. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Q: With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term "paramitas"?
Q: Consider the following: 1. Deification of the Buddha 2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas 3. Image worship and rituals Which of the above is/are the feature/features of Mahayana Buddhism?
Q: With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to
Q: With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world ?
Q: With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism. 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. 3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?
Q: The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal. 2. The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded by Madhvacharya. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?
Q: Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine? 1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance. 2. Every object, even the smallest particle, has a soul. 3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Q: With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school : 1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul. 2. Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by
Q: Among the following, who was not a proponent of bhakti cult ?
Q: Anekāntavāda is a core theory and philosophy of which one of the following?
Q: Bhakta Tukaram was a contemporary of which Mughal Emperor?
Q: Which one of the following four Vedas contains an account of magical charms and spells?
Q: Which one of the following sequences indicates the correct chronological order?
Q: In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. It was the
Q: The concept of Eight-fold path forms the theme of
Q: Many of the Greeks, Kushanas and Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hinduism because
Q: The famous dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama is mentioned in the
Q: Milindapanho is in the form of a dialogue between the King Menander and the Buddhist monk
Q: Prem Vatika, poems on the life of Krishna, was composed by
Q: According to ancient Indian cosmogonic ideas the sequential order of the cycle of four aeons (Yugas) is
Q: Which one of the following is not a part of early Jaina literature?
Q: Which of the following were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? I. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment. II. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas III. Denial of efficacy of rituals IV. Non-injury to animal life Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Q: Which one of the following was a Saiva sect in ancient India?
Q: Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
Q: The word ‘Hindu’ as reference to the people of Hind (India) was first used by
Q: According to the Mimamsa system of philosophy, liberation is possible by means of
Q: 88. The concept of Anuvrata was advocated by
Q: Consider the following pairs: Tradition — State 1. Chapchar Kut festival — Mizoram 2. Khongjom Parba ballad — Manipur 3. Thang-Ta dance — Sikkim Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
Q: Consider the following pairs: Craft — Heritage of 1. Puthukkuli shawls — Tamil Nadu 2. Sujni embroidery — Maharashtra 3. Uppada Jamdani saris — Karnataka Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
Q: Consider the following pairs: Traditions — Communities 1. Chaliha Sahib Festival — Sindhis 2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra — Gonds 3. Wari-Warkari — Santhals Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Q: With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following?
Q: Kalamkari painting refers to
Q: Which of the following has/have been accorded 'Geographical Indication' status? 1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees 2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma 3. Tirupathi Laddu Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Q: Consider the following towns of India: 1. Bhadrachalam 2. Chanderi 3. Kancheepuram 4. Karnal Which of the above are famous for the production of traditional sarees/fabric?
Q: With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’?
Q: Mahamasthakabhisheka, a great religious event, is associated with and done for who of the following?
Q: Consider the following pairs: Tradition — State 1. Gatka, a traditional martial art : Kerala 2. Madhubani, a traditional painting : Bihar 3. Singhye Khababs Sindhu Darshan Festival : Jammu and Kashmir Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Q: Match List – I with List – II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: List – I (Centre of Handicrafts) A. Mon B. Nalbari C. Pasighat D. Tura List – II (State) 1. Arunachal Pradesh 2. Assam 3. Meghalaya 4. Nagaland Code: A B C D
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. The Islamic Calendar is twelve days shorter than the Gregorian Calendar 2. The Islamic Calendar began in AD 632 3. The Gregorian Calendar is a solar calendar Which of these statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Chapchar Kut is a festival celebrated in the state of
Q: Which one of the following temples figured in the news regarding the institution of the Devadasis?
Q: Consider the following pairs: Tribe State 1. Limboo (Limbu) : Sikkim 2. Karbi : Himachal Pradesh 3. Dongaria Kondh : Odisha 4. Bonda : Tamil Nadu Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Q: Among the following, who are the Agaria community ?
Q: In which one of the following Union Territories, do the people of the Onge tribe live?
Q: The original home of the gypsies was
Q: Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO?
Q: With reference to Indian History, Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with
Q: Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days?
Q: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: List I (Famous person) A. Mandakini Amte B. Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry C. Romila Thapar D. Vanashree Rao List II (Well-known for) 1. Theatre direction 2. Social service and community leadership 3. Dance 4. History writing
Q: Consider the following statements : 1. The National School of Drama was set up by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1959. 2. The highest honour conferred by the Sahitya Akademi on a writer is by electing him its Fellow. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Q: Consider the following houses: 1. Christie's 2. Osian's 3. Sotheby's Which of the above is/are auctioneer/auctioneers ?
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. Orange Prize is awarded to a work of published fiction in English by a woman. 2. Pulitzer Prize is awarded by the Commonwealth Foundation to a citizen of any Commonwealth country for any literary work in English. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Recently, the manuscripts of which one of the following have been included in the UNESCO's Memory of World Register?
Q: The Pulitzer Prize is associated with which one of the following?
Q: Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: List-I (Eminent Person) A. Bhanu Bharti B. Mike Pandey C. Mohd. Zafar Khayyam D. Vinda Karandikar List-II (Known as) 1. Music composer 2. Poet and litterateur 3. Theatre director 4. Wildlife film-maker Codes:
Q: Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: List-I (Writer) A. V. S. Naipaul B. Salman Rushdie C. Paul Scott D. J. G. Farrell List-II (Book) 1. The Siege of Krishnapur 2. In a Free State 3. Midnight's Children 4. Staying On Codes:
Q: For which one of the following books did Kiran Desai win the Man Booker Prize 2006?
Q: Who among the following was presented with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Ratna Award, 2005 for her lifetime achievement in dance?
Q: Who among the following is not a recipient of the Bharat Ratna Award?
Q: The Archaeological Survey of India is an attached office of the Department/Ministry of
Q: Consider the following statements: 1. Hema Malini is the Chairperson of the Children's Film Society, India. 2. Yash Chopra is the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification of India. 3. Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand have all been recipients of the Dada Saheb Phalke Award. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q: Which of the following authors won the Booker Prize twice?
Q: Which one of the following statements is correct?
Q: Who among the following was selected for the 2001 Dada Saheb Phalke Award?
Q: Who was the first Indian actress to receive the Padma Shri Award?
Q: Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Libraries) I. Saraswati Mahal Library II. Library of Tibetan Work and Archives III. Raza Library IV. Khuda Baksh Oriental Public Library List II (Locations) A. Patna B. Dharamsala C. Thanjavur D. Rampur Codes:
Q: Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?
On average, 6–8 questions appear each year, though the range has varied between 4 and 12. In high-weightage years like 2014 and 2020, Art & Culture contributed almost 15% of the GS Paper-I marks.
Begin with NCERT Class XI ‘An Introduction to Indian Art’ (Part I & II) for basics. Follow it up with ‘Indian Art & Culture’ by Nitin Singhania for exhaustive coverage and practice MCQs. Supplement with the CCRT website, IGNCA photo archives and PIB releases for current updates.
Singhania covers roughly 80% of the static syllabus, but aspirants must update UNESCO sites, GI tags, recent cultural awards and newly discovered archaeological findings from current affairs sources to bridge the remaining 20%.
Use thematic mind-maps and mnemonic charts. For instance, group classical dances by region and instrument, or link festivals to harvest seasons. Regular spaced revision (every 7, 15 and 30 days) and PYQ mock tests help reinforce memory.
The Commission tests not just rote knowledge but cultural literacy relevant to present-day governance. Hence, questions on new UNESCO inscriptions, national awardees or government cultural schemes assess an aspirant’s awareness of living heritage alongside historical facts.
