ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

1. With reference to the Mian Tansen, Ans. (d)

which one of the following statement is
not correct [2019]
(a) Tansen was the title given to him by
Emperor Akbar
(b) Tansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu
god and goddesses
4. With reference to the religious
practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect
belongs to(Pre18 Set-D) [2018]
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism

(c) Tansen composed songs on his patrons (c) Vaishnavism

(d) Tansen invented many Ragas (d) Shaivism

Ans. (a) Ans. (b)2018

2. In which of the following relief 5. With reference to cultural history of

sculpture inscriptions is 'Ranyo Ashoka'
(King Ashoka) mentioned along with the
stone portrait of Ashoka? [2019]
(a) Kanganahalli
India, consider the following statements:
[2018]
1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are
devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishn(a)

(b) Sanchi 2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas.

(c) Shahbazgarhi 3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are

contemporaries.
(d) Sohgaura
4. Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional
Ans. (a)2019 songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwar(a)

3. Building 'Kalyaana Mandapas' was a Which of the statements given above are
notable feature in the temple construction correct?
in the kingdom of [2019]
(a) 1 and 3 only
(a) Chalukya
(b) 2 and 4 only
(b) Chandela
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(c) Rashtrakuta
(d) 2, 3 and 4
(d) Vijayanagara
Ans. (d)

1
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

6. Consider the following pairs Craft vs Ans. (a)

Heritage of: [2018]
8. Consider the following pairs of
1. Puthukkulishawls: Tamil Nadu Tradition vs State: [2018]

2. Sujni embroidery: Maharashtra 1. Chapchar Kut festival: Mizoram

3. Uppada Jamdani saris: Karnataka 2. Khongjom Parba ballad: Manipur

Which of the pairs given above is/are 3. Thang-Ta dance: Sikkim

correct?
Which of the pairs given above is/are
(a) 1 only correct?

(b) 1and 2 (a) 1 only

(c) 3 only (b) 1and 2

(d) 2 and 3 (c) 3 only

Ans. (a) (d) 2 and 3

7. With reference to the cultural history Ans. (b)·

of India, consider the following
statements :(Pre18 Set-D) [2018] 9. The well-known painting "Bani Thani"
belongs to the [2018]
1. White marble was used in making Buland
Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri. (a) Bundi school

2. Red sandstone and marble were used in (b) Jaipur school

making Ilara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza
at Lucknow. (c) Kangra school

Which of the statements given above is/are (d) Kishangarh school

correct ?
Ans. (d)
(a) 1 only
10. Consider the following pairs:
(b) 2 only Traditions- Communities [2017]

(c) Both 1and 2 1. Chaliha Sahib Festival- Sindhis

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. Nanda RajJaatYatra-Gonds

2
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

3. Wari-Warkari- Santhals 1. Arasavalli

Which of the pairs given above is/are 2. Amarakantak

correctly matched ?
3. Omkareshwar
(a) 1 only
Select the correct answer using the code
(b) 2 and 3 only given below:

(c) 1 and 3 only (a) 1 only

(d) None of the above (b) 2 and 3 only

Ans. (a)2017 (c) 1 and 3 only

11. With reference to Manipuri (d) 1, 2 and 3

Sankirtana, consider the following
statements: [2017] Ans. (a)

1. It is a song and dance performance. 13. Consider the following pairs: Famous
place Region [2016]
2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments
used in the performance. 1. Bodhgaya : Baghelkhand

3. It is performed to narrate the life and 2. Khajuraho : Bundelkhand

deeds of Lord Krishna.
3. Shirdi : Vidarbha
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct? 4. Nasik (Nashik) : Malwa

(a) 1, 2 and 3. 5. Tirupati: Rayalaseema

(b) 1and 3 only Which of the pairs given above are correctly
matched?
(c) 2 and 3 only
(a) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1 only
(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans. (b)
(c) 2 and 5 only
12. Which of the following is/are famous
for Sun temples? [2017] (d) 1, 3, 4 and 5

3
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

Ans. (c)2016 (a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar

14. What is/are common to the two (b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
historical places known as Ajanta and
Mahabalipuram? [2016] (c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram

1. Both were built in the same period. (d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri

2. Both belong to the same denomination. Ans. (b)2015

3. Both have rock-cut monuments. 17. Kalamkari painting refers to [2015]

Select the correct answer using the code (a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South
given below. India

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) a handmade drawing on bamboo

handicrafts in North-East India
(b) 3 only
(c) a block-painted woollen cloth in Western
(c) 1 and 3 only Himalayan region of India

(d) None of the statements given above is (d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in
correct North Western India

Ans. (d) Ans. (a)

15. Which one of the following was given
classical language status recently? [2016]
(a) Odia
(b) Konkani
18. With reference to the famous Sattriya
dance, consider the following
statements:[2014]
1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance
and drama.

(c) Bhojpuri 2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of

Vaishnavites of Assam.
(d) Assamese
3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of
Ans. (a) devotional songs composed by Tulsidas,
Kabir and Mirabai
16. With reference to art and
archaeological history of India, which one Which of the statements given above is /are
among the following was made earliest? correct?
[2015]

4
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)
(a) 1 only
(b) 1and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. (b)2014
19. With reference to the Indian history of
art and culture, consider the following
pairs: Famous work of sculpture Site
[2014]
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? [2014]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only,
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. (c)
5
20. With reference to India‘s culture and
tradition, what is Kalaripayattu‘? [2014]
(a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism
still prevalent in South India.
(b) It is an ancient style bronze and
brasswork still found in southern part of
Coromandel area
(c) It is an ancient form of dance-drama and
a living tradition in the northern part of
Malabar
(d) It is an ancient martial art and a living
tradition in some parts of South India
Ans. (d)
21. With reference to Buddhist history,
tradition and culture in India, consider
the following pairs : Famous shrine
Location [2014]
1. Tabo monastery and : Spiti Valley temple
complex
2. Lhotsava Lhakhang : Zanskar Valley
temple, Nako
3. Alchi temple complex: Ladakh
Which of the pairs given above is/are
correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

Ans. (c)] (b) a religious sect

22. Consider the following pairs : [2014] (c) a style of temple construction

1. Garba : Gujarat (d) an administrative functionary

2. Mohiniattam : Odisha Ans. (c)

3. Yakshagana: Karnataka 25. Which one of the following pairs does

not form part of the six systems of Indian
Which of the pairs given above is/are Philosophy? [2014]
correctly matched?
(a) Mimamsa and Vedanta
(a) 1 only
(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Lokayata and Kapalika
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) Sankhya and Yoga
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. (c)
Ans. (c)
26. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are
23. A community of people called called Chaityas, while the others are
Manganiyars is wellknown for their called Viharas. What is the difference
[2014] between the two? [2013]

(a) martial arts in North-East India
(b) musical tradition in North-West India
(c) classical vocal music in South India
(a) Vihara is a place of worship, while
Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
(b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while
Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks

(d) pietra dura tradition in Central India
Ans. (b)
24. With reference to the cultural history
of India, the term Panchayatan‘ refers to
[2014]
(c) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the
cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
(d) There is no material difference between
the two
Ans. (b)2013

(a) an assembly of village elders

6
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

27. With reference to the history of Indian (b) 2 only

rock-cut architecture, consider the
following statements : [2013] (c) Both 1and 2

1. The caves at Badami are the oldest (d) Neither 1 nor 2

surviving rock-cut caves in India.
Ans. (c)
2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were
originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor 29. Consider the following historical
Chandragupta Maurya. places: [2013]

3. At Ellora, caves were made for different 1. Ajanta Caves

faiths.
2. Lepakshi Temple
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct? 3. Sanchi Stupa

(a) 1 only Which of the above places is / are also

(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans. (b)
28. With reference to the history of
philosophical thought in India, consider
thefollowing statements regarding
Sankhya school : [2013]
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?
known for mural paintings?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Ans. (b)
30. In the context of the cultural history
of India, a pose in dance and dramatics
called ‗Tribhanga‘ has been a favorite of
Indian artists from ancient times till
today. Which one of the following
statements best describes this pose?
[2013]
(a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly
but oppositely curved at waist and neck

(a) 1only

7
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)
(b) Facial expressions, hand gestures and
make up are combined to symbolize certain
epic or historic characters
(c) Movements of body, face and hands are
used to express oneself or to tella story
(d) A little smile, slightly curved waist and
certain hand gestures are emphasized to
express the feelings of love or eroticism
Ans. (a)
31. The Nagara, the Dravida and the
Vesara are the [2012]
(a) Three main racial groups of the Indian
subcontinent.
(b) Three main linguistic divisions in to
which the languages of India can be
classified
(c) Three main styles of Indian architecture
(d) Three main musical Gharanas prevalent
in India
Ans. (c)2012
32. How do you distinguish between
Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam dances?
[2012]
1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues
is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in
Bharatnatyam.
2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the
feet on its edges is a feature of
Bharatnatyam but Kuchipudi does not have
such a form of movements.
8
Which of the following statements given
above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans. (a)
33. 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? [2012]
1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the
Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal Period.
2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and
spiritual music.
3. Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables
from Mantras.
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) None of the above is correct
Ans. (b)
34. There are only two known examples of
cave paintings of the Gupta period in
ancient India. One of these is paintings of
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

Ajanta caves. Where is the other (c) 2 and 3 only

surviving example of Gupta paintings?
[2010] (d) 1, 2 and 3

(a) Bagh caves Ans. (c)

(b) Ellora caves 37. In which State is the Buddhist site

Tabo Monastery located? [2009]
(c) Lomas Rishi cave
(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(d) Nasik caves
(b) Himachal Pradesh
Ans. (a)2010
(c) Sikkim
35. Where is the famous Virupaksha
temple located? [2009] (d) Uttarakhand

(a) Bhadrachalam Ans.(b)

(b) Chidambaram 38. Match List I with List II and select the
correct answer using the codes given
(c) Hampi (d) Srikalahasti below the lists: [2009]

Ans. (c)2009 List-I (Famous Temple) List-II (State)

36. Consider the following Pairs: [2009] A. Vidyashankara 1. Andhra Pradesh

Tradition : State B. Rajarani Temple 2. Karnataka

1. Gatka, a traditional martial art : Kerala C. Kandariya Mahadeo Temple 3. Madhya

Pradesh
2. Madhubani, a traditional painting: Bihar
D. Bhimesvara Temple 4. Orissa
3. Singhey Khababs Sindhu Darshan
Festival : Jammu and Kashmir Codes : A B C D

Which of the pairs given above is/are (a) 243 1

correctly matched?
(b) 2341
(a) 1 and 2 only
(c) 14 3 2
(b) 3 only
(d) 1342

9
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

Ans. (a) A. Bankimchandra : 1.Shatranjke Khilari

39. Consider the following statements : B. DinabandhuMitra : 2. Debi Chaudhurani

[2009]
C. Premchandra : 3. Nil-Darpan :
1. The National School of Drama was set up
by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1959. 4. Chandrakanta

2. The highest honour conferred by the A B C (a) 241

Sahitya Akademion a writer is by electing
him its Fellow. (b) 342

Which of the statements given above is/are (c) 231

correct?
(d) 314
(a) 1 only
Ans. (c)
(b) 2 only
42. What is the number of spokes in the
(c) Both 1and 2 Dharma chakra in the National Flag of
India? [2008]
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 16
Ans. (c)
(b) 18
40. Near Which one of the following cities
are Palitana Temples located? [2008] (c) 22

(a) Bhavnagar (d) 24

(b) Mount Abu Ans. (d)

(c) Nasik 43. Where is the famous Vijayavitala

temple having its 56 carved pillars
(d) Ujjain emitting musical notes located? [2007]

Ans. (a)2008 (a) Belur

41. Match List-I with List-II and select (b) Bhadrachalam

the correct answer using the codes given
below the lists : [2008] (c) Hampi

List-I (Author) List-II (Work) (d) Srirangam

10
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

Ans. (c)2007 46. Who among the following is a

Hindustani classical singer? [2006]
44. Who among the following wrote the
book Babuvivah? [2007] (a) Geeta Chandran

(a) Raja Rammohan Roy (b) Leela Samson

(b) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar (c) Gangubai Hangal

(c) Pandita Rambai (d) Swapnasundari

(d) Rabindranath Tagore Ans. (c)

Ans. (b) 47. Which one of the following pairs is

45. Match List I with List II and select the
correct answer using the code given below
the lists [2006]
List-I: (Centre of Handicrafts): List-II
(State)
A. Mon: 1. Arunachal Pradesh
B. Nalbari: 2. Assam
correctly matched? [2006]
(a) Vikramsila Monastery: Uttar Pradesh
(b) Hemkund Gurudwara : Himachal
Pradesh
(c) Udayagiri Caves: Maharashtra
(d) Amaravati Buddhist Stupa :Andhra
Pradesh

C. Pasighat: 3. Meghalaya Ans. (d)

D. Tura: 4. Nagaland 48. The initial design and construction of

which massive temple took place during
ABCD the reign of Suryavarman II? [2006]

(a) 4213 (a) Sri Mariamman Temple

(b) 4321 (b) Angkor Vat

(c) 1342 (c) Batu Caves Temple

(d) 1243 (d) Kamakhya Temple

Ans. (a)2006 Ans. (b)

11
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

49. Who among the following was 52. Lectures from Colombo to Almora is
presented with the Sangeet Natak based on the experiences of which one of
Akadami Ratna Award, 2005 for her the following? [2006]
lifetime achievement in dance? [2006]
(a) Veer Savarkar
(a) Chandralekha
(b) Annie Besant
(b) Tanjavur Balasaraswati
(c) Ramkrishna Paramhansa
(c) Uma Sharma
(d) Swami Vivekanand
(d) Yamini Krishnamurthy
Ans. (d)
Ans. (a)
53. The Allahabad Pillar inscription is
50. Which one of the following revolts was associated with which one of the
made famous by Bankim Chandra following? [2006]
Chatterjee in his novel Anand Math ?
[2006] (a) Mahapadma Nanda

(a) Bhil uprising (b) Chandragupta Maurya

(b) Rangpur and Dinapur uprising (c) Ashoka

(c) Bishnupur and Birbhum rebellion (d) Samudragupta

(d) Sanyasi rebellion Ans. (d)

Ans. (d) 54. Consider the following statements :

[2005]
51. Between which of the following was
the ancient town of Takshasila located? 1. Champaner - Pavagadh Archaeological
[2006] Park

(a) Indus and Jhelum 2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station,

Mumbai
(b) Jhelum and Chenab
3. Mamallapuram
(c) Chenab and Ravi
4. Sun Temple (Konark Temple)
(d) Ravi and Beas
Which of the above are included in the
Ans. (a) World Heritage List of UNESCO?

12
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

(a) 1, 2 and 3 2. The Islamic Calendar began in AD 632.

(b) 1, 3 and 4 3. The Gregorian Calendar is a solar

calendar.
(c) 2 and 4
Which of the statements given above is/are
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans. correct?

(d) 2005 (a) 1 only

55. Recently, to which of the following (b) 1and 2

countries did India offer to build a
Buddha Temple? [2005] (c) 1 and 3

(a) China (d) 3 only

(b) Myanmar Ans. (c)

(c) Thailand 58. Consider the following statements:

[2003]
(d) Vietnam
1. Kitab-I-Nauras, a collection of songs in
Ans. (a) praise of Hindu deities and Muslim saints,
was written by Ibrahim Adil Shah II.
56. The Archaeological Survey of India is
an attached office of the 2. Amir Khusrau was the originator in India
Department/Ministry of: [2004] of the early form of the musical style known
as Qawali.
(a) Culture
Which of these statements is/are correct?
(b) Tourism
(a) Only 1
(c) Science and Technology
(b) Only 2
(d) Human Resource Development
(c) Both 1and 2
Ans. (a)
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
57. Consider the following statements:
[2004] Ans. (c)

1. The Islamic Calendar is twelve days

shorter than the Gregorian Calendar.

13
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

59. Mrichchhakatika‘ an ancient Indian (a) Arunachal Pradesh

book written by Shudraka deals with:
[2003] (b) Assam

(a) the love affair of a rich merchant with the (c) Mizoram
daughter of a courtesan
(d) Sikkim
(b) the victory of Chandragupta II over the
Shaka Kshatrapas of western India Ans. (c)

(c) the military expeditions and exploits of 62. Which one of the following statements
Samudragupta is not correct? [2002]

(d) the love affair between a Gupta King and (a) The status of Gomateshwara at
a princess of Kamarupa Sravanabelagola represents the last
Tirthankara of Jains
Ans. (a)
(b) India‘s largest Buddhist monastery is in
60. Which one of the following statements Arunachal Pradesh
if NOT correct? [2003]
(c) The Khajuraho temples were built under
(a) The National Song Vande Mataram was Chandela Kings
composed by Bankimchandra Chatterji
originally in Bengali (d) The Hoysalesvara temple is dedicated to
Siva
(b) The National Calendar of India based on
Saka era has its 1st Chaitra on 22nd March Ans. (a)
normally and 21st March in a leap year
63. Who amongst the following
(c) The design of the National Flag of India Englishmen, first translated Bhagavad-
was adopted by the Constituent Assembly Gita into English? [2001]
on 22nd July, 1947
(a) William Jones
(d) The song Jana-gana-mana‘, composed
originally in Bengali by Rabindranath (b) Charles Wilkins
Tagore was adopted in its Hindi version by
the Constituent Assembly on 24th January, (c) Alexander Cunningham
1950 as the national Anthem of India
(d) John Marshall
Ans. (a)
Ans. (b)
61. Chapchar Kut is a festival celebrated
in the state of [2002]

14
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

64. In which one of the following cities is 67. Which one of the following pairs is
the Lingaraja Temple located? [2001] correctly matched? [2001]

(a) Bhubaneswar (a) Harappan Civilisation : Painted Grey

Ware
(b) Bijapur
(b) The Kushans: Gandhara School of Art
(c) Kolkata
(c) The Mughals: Ajanta Paintings
(d) Shravanabelagola
(d) The Marathas: Pahari School of Painting
Ans. (a)
Ans. (b)
65. Which of the following pairs is NOT
correctly matched? [2001] 68. Match List I with List II and select the
correct answer using the codes given
(a) India‘s first technicolour: Jhansi Ki Rani below the Lists: [2001]
film
List I (Dance): List II (Dancer):
(b) India‘s first 3-D film : My Dear
Kuttichat A. Kalamandalam Kshemavaty : 1.
Kathakali
(c) India‘s first insured film : Taal
B. Kottakkal Sivaraman : 2. Manipuri
(d) India‘s first actress to win the Bharat
Ratna : Meena Kumari C. Lakshmi Viswanathan : 3. Mohiniyattam

Ans. (d) D. N. Madhabi Devi: 4. Bharatanatyam

66. Hoysala monuments are found in Codes : A B C D

[2001]
(a) 1324
(a) Hampi and Hospet
(b) 3 142
(b) Halebid and Belur
(c) 1342
(c) Mysore and Bangalore
(d) 3 124
(d) Sringeri and Dharwar
Ans. (b)
Ans. (b)

15
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

69. Consider the following statements List I (Artist): : List II (Medium of

regarding the Chakiarkoothu form of music delivery)
dance : [2000]
A. Balamurali Krishna : 1. Hindustani vocal
1. It is performed by Chakiar caste.
B. Mita Pandit: 2. Ghatam
2. It cannot be traditionally witnessed by the
higher caste Hindus. C. Kanyakumari: 3. Sitar

3. Mizhavu is the accompanying instrument. D. Nikhil Bannerjee: 4. Violin

4. Its theatre form is called koothambalam. : 5. Carnatic vocal

Which of these statements are correct? Codes: A B C D

(a) 1,3 and 4 (a) 5123

(b) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 4315

(c) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 3 152

(d) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 5413

Ans. (a)2000 Ans. (a)

70. The Raga which is sung early in the 72. Which one of the following pairs is not
morning is [2000] correctly matched? [2000]

(a) Todi (a) Baktiltihas: Badal Sarkar

(b) Darbari (b) Sita Swayamvar : Vishnu Das Bhave

(c) Bhopali (c) Yayati : Girish Karnad

(d) Bhimpalasi (d) Giddha : Jabbar Patel

Ans. (a) Ans. (d)

71. Match List I with List II and select the 73. The first writer to use Urdu as the
correct answer using the codes given medium of poetic expression was [1999]
below the Lists: [2000]
(a) Amir Khusru

16
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

(b) Mirza Ghalib Ans. (a)

(c) Bahadur Shah Zafar 76. The paintings of Abanindranath

Tagore are classified as [1999]
(d) Faiz
(a) realistic
Ans. (a)
(b) socialistic
74. Consider the following statements:
The striking feature of the Jama Masjid (c) revivalistic
in Kashmir completed by Zain-ul-Abidin
include(s) [1999] (d) impressionistic

(a) turret Ans. (c)

(b) similarity with Buddhist pagodas 77. Match List I with List II and select the
correct answer using the codes given
(c) Persian style below the Lists : [1999]

Which of the above statements is/are List-I: List-II

correct?
A. Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar : 1.
(a) 1 alone Introduced the scheme of Raga classification
in Indian Music
(b) 1, 2 and 3
B. Venkatamahi : music
(c) 2 and 3
C. Shyama Shastri : 3. Proponent of the
(d) 1 and 3 Khayal form of Hindustani music

Ans. (b) D. Amir Khusru : 4. Wrote the music for the

song Vande Mataram‘
75. Which one of the following pairs of
folk dance forms and states is not Codes : A B C D
correctly matched? [1999]
(a) 4 132
(a) Korku : Maharashtra
(b) 4123
(b) Jhummar: Haryana
(c) 1432
(c) Thali: Himachal Pradesh
(d) 1423
(d) Mukna : Manipur

17
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

Ans. (b) Ans. (b)

78. Which one of the following statements 80. Which one of the following dances
is not correct? [1999] involves solo performance? [1997]

(a) Neel Darpan‘ was a play based on the (a) Bharatanatyam

exploitation of the indigo farmers
(b) Kuchipudi
(b) The author of the play Ghashiram
Kotwal‘ is Vijay Tendulkar (c) Mohiniattam

(c) The play Navanna‘ by Nabin Chandra (d) Odissi

Das was based on the famine of Bengal
(d) Urdu theatre used to depend heavily on
Parsi theatre
Ans. (c)
79. Which of the following pairs are
correctly matched? [1998]
Ans. (a)
81. Which one of the following pairs of
composers in different languages and their
works on the Mahabharata theme is
correctly matched? [1997]
(a) Sarladasa — Bengali

1. Mrichchakatikam — Shudraka (b) Kasirama — Oriya

2. Buddhacharita — Vasuvandhu (c) Tikkana — Marathi

3. Mudrarakshasha — Vishakhadatta (d) Pampa — Kannada

4. Harshacharita — Banabhatta Ans. (d)

Select the correct answer using the codes 82. The famous dialogue between,
given below: Nachiketa and Yama is mentioned in the
[1997]
Codes :
(a) Channdogyapanishad
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) Mundkapanishad
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) Kathopanishad
(c) 1 and 4
(d) Kenopanishad
(d) 2 and 3
Ans. (c)

18
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

83. Which one of the following scripts of 86. Which one of the following temples
ancient India was written from right to figured in the news regarding the
left? [1997] institution of the Devadasis? [1996]

(a) Brahmi (a) Jagannath temple, Puri

(b) Nandnagari (b) Pasupatinath temple, Kathmandu

(c) Sharada (c) Kandariyamahadev temple, Khajuraho

(d) Kharoshti (d) Chaunsathyogini temple, Bheraghat

Ans. (d) Ans. (a)

84. Milindapanho is in the form of a 87. According to ancient Indian

dialogue between the King Menander and cosmogonic ideas the sequential order of
the Buddhist monk [1997] the cycle of four aeons (Yugas) is [1996]

(a) Nagasena (a) Dvapara, Krita, Treta and Kali

(b) Nagarjuna (b) Krita, Dvapara, Treta and Kali

(c) Nagabhatta (c) Krita, Treta, Dvapara and Kali

(d) Kumarilabhatta (d) Treta, Dvapara, Kali and Krita

Ans. (a) Ans. (c)

85. Prem Vatika, poems on the life of 88. The term apabhramsa was used in
Krishna, was composed by [1996] medieval Sanskrit texts to denote [1996]

(a) Bihari (a) outcastes among the Rajputs

(b) Surdas (b) deviations from Vedic rituals

(c) Raskhan (c) early forms of some of the modern

Indian languages
(d) Kabir
(d) non-Sanskrit verse metres
Ans. (c)
Ans. (c)

19
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

89. Which one of the following sculptures (a) the three main racial groups of the Indian
invariably used green schist as the subcontinent
medium? [1996]
(b) the three main linguistic divisions into
(a) Maurya sculptures which the languages of India can be
classified
(b) Mathura sculptures
(c) the three main styles of Indian temple
(c) Bharhut sculptures architecture

(d) Gandhara sculptures (d) the three main musical gharanas

prevalent in India
Ans. (c)
Ans. (c)
90. Which one of the following pairs is
correctly matched? [1996] 93. According to the Mimamsa system of
philosophy, liberation is possible by
(a) Naqqual: Bihar means of [1995]

(b) Tamasha: Orissa (a) Jnana

(c) Ankia Nat: Assam (b) Bhakti

(d) Baha : Punjab (c) Yoga

Ans. (c) (d) Karma

91. Which one of the following pairs is Ans. (d)

correctly matched? [1996]
(a) Guru Amar Das: Miri and Piri
(b) Guru Arjan Dev : Adi Granth
(c) Guru Ram Das: Dal Khalsa
94. The Mughal School of Painting
formed the spinal column of the various
schools of Indian miniature art. [1995]
Which one of the following painting styles
was not affected by Mughal painting?

(d) Guru Gobind Singh : Manji (a) Pahari

Ans. (b) (b) Rajasthani

92. The Nagara, the Dravida and the (c) Kangra

Vesara are [1995]
(d) Kalighata

20
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

Ans. (d) 98. The statue of Gomateswara at

Sravanabelagola was built by [1994]
95. Zero was invented by [1995]
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(a) Aryabhata
(b) Kharavela
(b) Varahmira
(c) Amoghavarsha
(c) Bhaskara I
(d) Chamundaraya
(d) An unknown Indian
Ans. (d)
Ans. (d)
99. Which one of the following is a
96. Bronze icons of Nataraja cast during language of Baluchistan but linguistically
the Chola period invariably show the Dravidian? [1994]
deity with [1995]
(a) Brahui
(a) eight hands
(b) Kui
(b) six hands
(c) Parji
(c) four hands
(d) Pengo
(d) two hands
Ans. (a)
Ans. (c)
100. Vidhushaka, a common character in
97. Which one of the following Sanskrit drama, is invariably a [1994]
monuments has a dome which is said to
be one of the largest in the world? [1995] (a) Brahmana

(a) Tomb of Sher Shah, Sasaram (b) Kshatriya

(b) Jama Masjid, Delhi (c) Vaisya

(c) Tomb of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, Delhi (d) Shudra

(d) Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur Ans. (a)

Ans. (d) 101. Live well, as long as you live. Live

well even by borrowings, for, once
cremated, there is no return.‖ This

21
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)
rejection of after-life in an aphorism of
the [1994]
(a) Kapalika sect
(b) Sunyavada of Nagarjuna
(c) Ajivikas
(d) Charvakas
Ans. (d)
102. The caves and rock-cut temples at
Ellora are [1994]
(a) Buddhist
(b) Buddhist and Jain
(c) Hindu and Jain
(d) Hindu, Buddhist and Jain
Ans. (d)
103. The earliest rock-cut caves in
western India are those at [1993]
(a) Nasik, Ellora and Ajanta
(b) Junnar, Kalyan and Pitalkhora
(c) Ajanta, Bhaja and Kondane
(d) Bhala, Pitalkhora and Kondane
Ans. (c)
104. In Mughal paintings one notices the
adoption of principle of foreshortening
whereby near and distant people and
22
things could be placed in perspective.
This was due to the influence of the [1993]
(a) British
(b) Dutch
(c) Portuguese
(d) Danish
Ans. (c)
105. Which one of the following pairs of
kings of ancient and medieval periods of
Indian history and the works authored by
them is correctly matched? [1993]
(a) Krishnadevaraya :
Samaranganasutradhara
(b) Mahendravarman: Mattavilasaprahasana
(c) Bhojadeva : Manasollasa
(d) Somesvara: Amuktamalayada
Ans. (b)
106. Which one of the following
monuments figured in the news recently
in connection with a fall of some of its
parts and its consequent archaeological
conservation? [1993]
(a) Jagannath Temple, Puri
(b) Sun Temple, Konark
(c) Khandariya Mahadeva Temple,
Khajuraho
(d) Chaunsat Yogini Temple, Bheraghat
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

Ans. (a) (b) 1324

107. Consider the following passage: ―In (c) 4123

the course of a career on the road
spanning almost thirty years, he crossed (d) 3 2419 1992
the breadth of the Eastern hemisphere,
visited territories equivalent to about 44 (e) ans none of these
modern countries, and put behind him a
total distance of approximately 73,000 ans-e
miles.‖ The world‘s greatest traveller of
pre-modern times to whom the above 109. Which one of the following is a
passage refers is [1993] historical work by Hemachandra? [1992]

(a) Megasthenes (a) Dvasraya-kavya

(b) Fa-Hien (b) Prabandhachintamani

(c) Marco Polo (c) Kamatakabhasabhushana

(d) Ibn Battuta (d) Samaranganasutradhara

Ans. (c) Ans. (a)

108. Match List I with List II and select 110. Given below are four wonders not
the correct answer by using the codes usually included among the seven
given below the lists: [1992] wonders of the world: [1992]

List I: List II 1. The Great Wall of China

A. Nankana: 1. Guru Gobind Singh 2. The Taj Mahal at Agra

B. Nanded : 2. Guru Amar Das 3. The Leaning Tower of Pisa

C. Dera Baba Nanak : 3. Guru Ram Das 4. The Angkor Vat Temple in Kampuchea

D. Amritsar: 4. Guru Nanak What is the correct chronological sequence

in which they were constructed?
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below: Choose the answer from the codes given
below.
ABCD
(a) 3, 2, 1 and 4
(a) 4 132

23
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

(b) 1, 4,3 and 2 (d) Jaipur School

(c) 1,3,4 and 2 Ans. (b)

(d) 4, 1, 2 and 3 114. Gupta architecture is represented by

Ans. (b)
111. Which one of the following pairs of
famous sayings and their sources is
correctly matched? [1992]
many brick temples and the temple of
Bhitargaon is most notable for its well
preserved and moulded bricks of
excellent design, this temple has [1992]
(a) A tall Gopuram

(a) Vasudhaiva Kutumbhakam : Artha Sastra (b) A Pyramidal roof

(b) Yogakshemam vahamyaham : Rig Veda (c) An Apsidal plan

(c) Satyamevajayate : Mundaka Upanishad (d) Double basement

(d) Satyam Shivam Sundaram : Bhagavat Ans. (b)

Gita
115. The Chishti saint, in whose honour
Ans. (c) ‗Urs‘ is held in Ajmer every year,
was [1992]
112. Thillana is a format of [1992]
(a) Nizamuddin Auliya
(a) Kathak
(b) Moin-ud-din
(b) Kuchipudi
(c) Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Delhi
(c) Odissi
(d) Hamidud-Din Nagori
(d) Bharatnatyam
Ans. (b)
Ans. (d)
116. Which one of the following is
113. The well known painting, Bani correctly matched? [1991]
Thani‘ belongs to the [1992]
(a) Thyagaraja — Tamil
(a) Kangra School
(b) Purandara Das — Kannada
(b) Kishangarh School
(c) Jnaneshwar — Bengali
(c) Bundi School

24
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

(d) Sankaradeva — Gujarati Ans. (b)

Ans. (a)1991 120. Match List I with List II and select

the correct answer using the codes given
117. Mitakshara is [1991] below the Lists: [1991]

(a) A work on astronomy List I: List II

(b) A treatise on ancient Hindu law of A. Khajuraho temple: 1. Hoysala style

inheritance
B. Brihadeshwar temple: 2. Pallava style
(c) An Agamic text
C. Hoyalesvara temple: 3. Chandel
(d) A compendium on medicine
D. Seven Pagodas: 4. Chola
Ans. (b)
: 5. Chedi
118. Of the following centres which is the
one where the original monasteries Select the correct answer from the codes
established by Adi Shankaracharya is not given below: A B C D
found? [1991]
(a) 5132
(a) Puri
(b) 2315
(b) Kari
(c) 3412
(c) Shringeri
(d) 3451
(d) Dwarka
Ans. (c)
Ans. (c)
121. Who is the well-known collector of
119. In his works, Kalidasa exhibits a artifacts and curios? [1991]
particular leaning towards the worship
of [1991] (a) Salar Jung

(a) Vishnu (b) Wadeyar

(b) Shiva (c) Rabindranath Tagore

(c) Durga (d) Motilal Nehru

(d) Ganesha Ans. (a)

25
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

122. Roman settlement in India is found Select the correct answer from the codes
at [1991] given below: A B C D

(a) Ujjain (a) 1234

(b) Kshudrakas (b) 2314

(c) Arikmedu (c) 3 124

(d) Koshambi (d) 1324

Ans. (c) Ans. (b)

123. Painted greyware is attributed 125. Match List I with List II and select
to [1991] the correct answer using the codes given
below them: [1990]
(a) Vedic period
List I (Books): List II (Authors)
(b) Guptas
A. India Today: 1. Valentine Chirol
(c) Mauryas
B. India Unrest : 2. B.G. Tilak
(d) Indus valley civilization
C. Geeta Rahasya: 3. Jawaharlal Nehru
Ans. (a)
D. A Bunch of Old Letters : 4. Rajni Palme
124. Match List I with List II and select Dutt
the correct answer using the codes given
below theLists : [1991] : 5. Mahatma Gandhi

List-I List-II Select the correct answer from the codes

given below: A B C D
A. Classical music : 1. Lata Mangeshkar,
Mukesh, Manna Dey (a) 4123

B. Light classical musicp: 2. Bade Gulam (b) 5423

Ali Khan, Amir Khan, Jasraj
(c) 3 451
C. Light music: 3. Siddeswari Devi,
Rasodan Bai, Girija Devi (d) 4 135

D. Folk music : 4. Teejan Bai, Sheikh Ans. (a)

Gulab, Poorna Das

26
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

126. Consider the following pairs: Person (a) 4532

: Field of activity [1990]
(b) 3154
1. Subramania Bharati: Literature
(c) 2143
2. Mokshagundan Visvesvaraya : Medicine
(d) 1243
3. Jamsetji Tata Nusserwanji : Engineering
and Planning Ans. (a)

4. Rabanindra Nath Tagore 128. Match List I with List II and select
the correct answer using the codes given
: Painting Of these pairs : below them:

(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 are correctly matched List-I (Place) List-II (Importance) [1990]

(b) 1and 2 are correctly matched A. Bhubaneshwar: 1. Vijayanagara

architecture
(c) 1 and 4 are correctly matched
B. Konark: 2. Rajarani temple
(d) 2, 3 and 4 are correctly matched
C. Lepakshi: 3. Vijayanagara paintings
Ans. (c)
D. Halebid: 4. Hoysala monument
127. Match List I with List II and select
the correct answer using the codes given : 5. Sun temple
below them: [1990]
Select the correct answer from the codes
List-I List-II given below: A B C D

A. Nagarjuna 1. Founder of Kalmukha Sect (a) 3 245

B. Lakulisho 2. Founder of Vira Saivism (b) 2543

C. Sankara 3. Founder of Advaita (c) 5423

philosophy
(d) 2534
D. Basava 4. Founder of Madhyamika
Ans. (d)
5. Propagator of Pasupata
130. Which one of the following pairs is
Sect Select the correct answer from the correctly matched? [1990]
codes given below: A B C D

27
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

(a) Bhaskaracharya —Ashtanga Sangraha Ans. (a)

(b) Bhatti — Sisupala Vadha
(c) Hemachandra — Kathasaritsagara
(d) Sri Harsha — Naishadha Charita
133. Which of the following features are
associated with the architecture of
Tughlaq period? Select the correct
answer using the codes given below the
features: [1990]

Ans. (d) 1. Sloping walls

131. The well-known painting 'Bani 2. Deliberate attempt to combine the

Thani' belongs to the [1990] principles of the arch, the lintel and the
beam in the buildings
(a) Kangra School
3. Placing the buildings especially the tombs
(b) Kishangarh School on a high platform

(c) Bundi School Codes :

(d) Jaipur School (a) 1 only

Ans. (b) (b) 1and 3

132. Consider the following singers: (c) 2 and 3

[1990]
(d) 1 and 2
1. Anup Jalota
Ans. (d)
2. Chitra Singh
134. Match List I with List II and select
3. Penaz Masani the correct answer using the codes given
below them: [1990]
4. Parvati Khan Among these persons, the
well-known Ghazal singers include List I (Artiste): List II: (Instrument)

(a) 1, 2 and 3 A. Sadiq Ali Khan : 1. Veena

(b) 1, 3 and 4 B. V. G. Jog: 2. Sarod

(c) 2, 3 and 4 C. Ali Akbar Khan : 3. Flute

(d) 1,2 and 4 D. Pannalal Ghosh : 4. Violin

28
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

Select the correct answer from the codes (c) 342 1

given below: A B C D
(d) 43 12
(a) 1423
Ans. (a)
(b) 2134
137. Which among the following is a folk
(c) 4312 dance of India? [1989]

(d) 1324 (a) Manipuri

Ans. (a) (b) Garba

135. The parent script of the Indo-Aryan (c) Kathakali

and Dravidian language is [1989]
(d) Mohiniattam
(a) Indus
Ans. (b)
(b) Brahmi
138. Charaka samhitais a work on [1989]
(c) Kharosti
(a) Polity
(d) Aramic
(b) Medicine
Ans. (b)
(c) Architecture
136. Match the following: [1989]
(d) Mathematics
A. Ravi Verma : 1. Painter
Ans. (b)
B. Amrita Shergil: 2. Modern Art
139. Match the columns: [1988]
C. Jamini Roy : 3. Folklore
List 1(Artiste): List 2 : (Instrument)
D. Ravi Shankar : 4. Sitar
A. Ali Akbar Khan : 1. Flute
Select the correct answer from the codes
given below: A B C D B. Yehudi Menuhin : 2. Sarod

(a) 1234 C. Ravi Shankar: 3. Sitar

(b) 2143 D. H. P. Chaurasia : 4. Santoor

29
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

: 5. Violin Select the correct answer from the (c) Kalhana – Ashtadhyayi
codes given below: A B C D
(d) Satyanarayana – Mahabharata
(a) 43 15
Ans. (a)
(b) 1243
142. Which of the following pairs is
(c) 2341 correct? [1987]

(d) 2531 (a) Nand Lal – Dandi March

Ans. (d) (b) Hyder Asti – Morning

140. Which of the following are features (c) M. F. Hussain – Dream of Shahjehan
of Mughal Style of architecture? [1988]
(d) Amrita Shergill–Sunflower
1. Curvilinear roof
Ans. (a)
2. Flat roof
143. The Buddhist sculpture and art is
3. Domes found at [1987]

4. Arches (a) Mahabalipuram

Choose the correct answer from the codes (b) Kanchi

given below:
(c) Vijayanagar
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(d) Amravati
(b) 2, 3 and 4
Ans. (d)
(c) 1,3 and 4
144. Of the following, the oldest Sanskrit
(d) 1, 2 and 4 poet, whose composition still remains in
original classical style, is [1987]
Ans. (c)
(a) Asvaghosa
141. Which of the following pairs is
correct? [1987] (b) Dandin

(a) Surdas – Sahitya Lahari (c) Kalidasa

(b) Somesgara – Charu Chintamani (d) Bhavabhuti

30
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

Ans. (a) (b) South India

145. Match the columns : [1986] (c) East India

A. Amjad Ali Khan : 1. Flute (d) None of the above

B. Ali Hussain : 2. Sarod Ans. (a)

C. Hari Prasad Chaurasia : 3. Tabla 148. Match the following: [1985]

D. Alia Rakha : 4. Shehnai A. Chandidas: 1. Bengali

Select the correct answer from the codes B. Mira : 2. Tamil

given below : A B C D
C. Purandaradas : 3. Hindi
(a) 2134
D. Thyagaraja : 4. Kannada
(b) 4213
: 5. Telugu Codes : A B C D
(c) 2413
(a) 1234
(d) 1234
(b) 1254
Ans. (c)
(c) 1354
146. Whose tomb among the following is
not located in India? [1986] (d) 1345

(a) Akbar Ans. (d)

(b) Humayun 149. Which of the following pairs are

correct? [1985]
(c) Jehangir
1. M.S. Subbulakshmi - Carnatic vocalist
(d) Itmad-ud-daula
2. Ravi Shankar - Sitar 3. Birju Maharaj -
Ans. (c) Bharatnatyam

147. The Nagara style of temple 4. Alla Rakha - Tabla instrumentalist

architecture is associated with [1986]
Select the correct answer from the codes
(a) North India given below :

31
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

(a) 1, 2 and 3 Ans. (a)

(b) 2, 3 and 4 152. Write the following in chronological

order [1984]
(c) 1, 2 and 4
1. Puri—Jagannath temple
(d) None of these
2. Meenakshi temple
Ans. (c)
3. Mahabalipuram temples
150. Which of the following places is not
associated with the growth of art? [1984] 4. Qutab Minar

(a) Mahabalipuram Select the correct answer from the codes

given below :
(b) Amarnath
(a) 1, 2, 4,3
(c) Ajanta
(b) 1, 4, 2, 3
(d) Ellora
(c) 1, 4, 3, 2
Ans. (b)
(d) 3, 1, 4, 2
151. Match the following: [1984]
Ans. (d)
A. Birju Maharaj: 1. Bharatnatyam
153. Match the dances and the States of
B. Sanjukta Panigrahi: 2. Kuchipudi their origin in the following list

C.T. Balasaraswathy: 3. Odissi LIST-I: LIST-II [1983]

D. Sonal Man Singh : 4. Kathak A. Kathakali : 1. Orissa

Select the correct answer using the codes B. Odissi: 2. Kerala

given below: A B C D
C. Bharatanatyam : 3. Tamil Nadu
(a) 4312
D. Kuchipudi: 4. Andhra Pradesh
(b) 3214
Select the correct answer from the codes
(c) 1234 given below: A B C D

(d) 2134 (a) 2143

32
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

(b) 1234 (b) 2314

(c) 2413 (c) 3 124

(d) 2134 (d) 4 123

Ans. (d) Ans. (d)

154. Which of the following is correct? 156. Mahabalipuram temples were built
[1983] by [1982]

1. Shore temple of: Pallavas Mahabalipuram (a) Pallavas

2. Kailasa temple of Ellora: Rashtrakutas (b) Cheras

3. Khajuraho temples: Chandellas (c) Cholas

Codes : (d) Pandyas

(a) None is correct Ans. (a)

(b) Only 1 is correct 157. Who wrote Vande Mataram? [1981]

(c) Only 2, 3 are correct (a) Rabindra Nath Tagore

(d) All are correct (b) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

Ans. (d) (c) Subhash Chandra Bose

155. Match the following: [1982] (d) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee

A. Ravi Shanker : 1. Painter Ans. (d)

B. Ravi Verma : 2. Tabla 158. Bhagvad Gita was originally written

in which language? [1981]
C. Alla Rakha : 3. Sarod
(a) Pali
D. Ali Akbar Khan : 4. Sitar
(b) Sanskrit
The correct match is : A B C D
(c) Hindi
(a) 1324
(d) Prakrit

33
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

Ans. (b) 162. Ajanta Caves are located in the State

of [1979]
159. The first month of the Saka era is
[1981] (a) Maharashtra

(a) Chaitra (b) Gujarat

(b) Vaishakha (c) Tamil Nadu

(c) Phalguna (d) West Bengal

(d) Pausha Ans. (a)

Ans. (a) 163. Black Pagoda is in [1979]

160. Sultanates of Delhi have taken which (a) Egypt

of the following in their buildings from
the ancient architecture? [1980] (b) Konark

(a) Mehrab (c) Madurai

(b) Gumbaj (d) None of these

(c) Arched openings Ans. (b)

(d) Decoration figures 164. Which of the following is a dance-

drama? [1979]
Ans. (c)
(a) Kathakali
161. Thyagaraja of 18th century was
[1980] (b) Bharatnatyam

(a) The greatest musician who composed his (c) Odissi

songs in Telugu
(d) Manipuri
(b) The greatest Kathak dancer
Ans. (a)
(c) The greatest playwright of Tamil
165. Which is not the Indo-Aryan
(d) The greatest Sanskrit poet language? [1979]

Ans. (a) (a) Gujarati

34
 ART & CULTURE QUESTIONS FOR IAS PRELIMS EXAM (1979 -2019)

(b) Tamil

(c) Oriya

(d) Marathi

Ans. (b)

35