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. Which of the following is/are true about Badami cave paintings?
1.They are earliest Brahmanical paintings.
2. Modelling of Badami paintings are less sensitive in texture and expression compared to Ajanta and Bagh paintings.
3. Badami paintings represent classical tradition of North.
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: a
Explanation: The earliest Brahmanical paintings so far known, are the fragments found in Badami caves, though the technique follows that of Ajanta and Bagh, the modelling is much more sensitive in texture and expression and the outline is soft and elastic. Badami painting represent classical tradition of south.
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding sittannavasal paintings?
1. Sittannavasal paintings are connected with Brahmanical and Jain themes.
2. It enjoys different norm and technique than that of Ajanta.
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: The paintings of sittannavasal are intimately connected with Jain themes and symbology, but enjoy the same norm and technique as that of Ajanta.
Q3. Which of the following is/are true about Ellora paintings?
1. Ellora painting totally ignored classical tradition.
2. Features of Ellora paintings are much identical to medieval character of Indian paintings
3. Paintings represents product of transitional period.
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: c
Explanation: With respect to style Ellora painting is departure from classical form of Ajanta paintings, but classical tradition in certain feature was adapted and not ignored.
Q4. With reference to wall paintings of Lepakshi temple which of the following is/are true?
1. It illustrates secular themes too.
2. Boar hunt paintings of Lepakshi temple is also example of two dimensional painting.
3. They are the last series of wall painting in India.
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: Paintings of Lepakshi illustrates saivaite and secular themes too. The last series of wall paintings in India are from Lepakshi, there after a decline of Indian wall paintings began.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding wall paintings in South India?
1. Dancing figures from Rajarajeshwara temple of Tanjore and Brihadeshwara temple at Tanjore are beautiful examples of prehistoric paintings.
2. Paintings in Tanjore temple are clear negation of Ajanta tradition in facial features.
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: b
Explanation: Dancing figures from Rajarajeshwara temple of Tanjore and Brihadeshwara temple at Tanjore are beautiful examples of medieval paintings. The wide open eyes of all figures are clear negation of Ajanta tradition of half closed drooping eyes.
Q6. Which of the following cave was one of the shelters of the Buddhist monks and nuns?
A. Ajanta cave
B. Borra caves
C. Badami caves
D. Bhimbetka caves
Answer. A
Explanation: Ajanta caves are Buddhist caves where Buddhist nuns and monks stayed and meditated the teachings of the Buddhism
Q7. Which of the following paintings are characterised by the earth tones?
A. Chola Painting
B. Lepakshi Painting
C. Indo-Islamic Painting
D. Madhubani Painting
Answer. B
Explanation: The Lepakshi Paintings are completely free from the blue colour and can also be characterised by the earth tones.
Q8. Pahari Painting is belonged to which of the following state?
A. Gujarat
B. Uttarakhand
C. Jammu Kashmir
D. Rajasthan
Answer. D
Explanation: The Pahari painting rise to the development in a Hindu kingdom of the Punjab Hills, however this painting is solely refer to the art of Rajasthan.
Q9. In which of the following centuries the Pala School of Bengal developed in the east?
A. 9th to 12th century
B. 9th to 10th century
C. 5th to 10th century
D. 9th to ninth century
Answer. A
Explanation: The evidence of rising Pala school of Bengal which was known for its miniature illustration of palm leaves and on papers between the 9th and 12th century.
Q10. Samavasarana theme mural paintings are found in:
a. Sittanavasal
b. Ellora
c. Ajanta
d. Bagh
Answer: a
Explanation: The ceilings of sittanavasal cave have depiction of lotus tank with natural looking images of men, animals, flowers, birds and fishes representing samavasana faith of Jainism.
