ART & CULTURE
1. Which of the following ‘Astika’(Systems) of Hindu Philosophy emphasizes on Vedic rituals
and philosophy?
a) Sankhya
b) Yoga
c) Nyaya
d) Mimansa
Correct Answer: D
2. Consider the following statements:
1. This was the second Veda to be composed.
2. It consists of rituals of sacrifices and yajna.
3. It is broadly divided into two parts – ‘Krishna’ and ‘Shukla’.
The above points refer to which of the following Veda?
a) Rig Veda
b) Samveda
c) Yajurveda
d) Atharva veda
Correct Answer: C
3. Which of the following statements are correct about the architecture and town planning of
IVC?
1. They were the first in the World to use burnt bricks.
2. All the houses were single storeyed showing no economic differentiation.
3. Town usually had two parts - a lower part and an elevated citadel.
4. They worshipped local nature Gods and had made elaborated temples for them.
Select the code from following:
a) 1,2 and 3
b) 1 and 3
c) 2 and 4
d) All of the above
Correct Answer: B
4. In Ancient India, the lost wax technique was used for:
a) Collecting honey from the hives
b) Baking bricks for construction
c) Making bronze Images
d) Smelting of Gold
Correct Answer: C
5. Consider the following statements with reference to the Paleolithic Age:
1. Paleolithic sites are found all over India, with maximum concentration in the alluvial plains
of
Ganga and Indus.
2. Rockshelters of Bhimbetka belong to this period.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: B
6. Consider the following statements with reference to the Ashokan inscriptions:
1. His inscriptions are also found in Afghanistan along with the Indian subcontinent.
2. All the inscriptions were composed in Prakrit language.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: A
7. The Book ‘Milind Panho’ is related to which of the following?
a) Conquests and victories of Milinda
b) Ideal way to rule as prescribed by Milinda
c) Questions asked by Milinda from a Buddhist monk
d) History of Indian subcontinent from perspective of Milinda
Correct Answer: C
8. Which of the following literary works are part of Sangam literature:
1. Tolkappiyam
2. Manimegalai
3. Silappathikaram
Select the correct answer using code below:
a) Only 1
b) 1 and 2
c) 2 and 3
d) 1,2 and 3
Correct Answer: D
9. Consider the following statements with reference to Buddhism:
1. It does not recognize the existence of God.
2. Gautam Buddha recommended a four-fold path for the elimination of human misery.
3. Sangha was open for everyone, irrespective of caste and sex.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2
b) 1 and 3
c) 2 and 3
d) 1,2 and 3
Correct Answer: B
10. Consider the following statements:
1. Both Mahavira and Buddha were born in royal Kshatriya family.
2. Both did not believe in existence of God and forbid rituals.
3. Both rejected the Varna system.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 3
b) 2 only
c) 1 only
d) 3 only
Correct Answer: C
11. Match the following:
1. Advaita a. Ramanujacharya
2. Dvaita b. Madhavacharya
3. Visishtadvaita c. Shankaracharya
Select the correct answer using code below:
a) 1-a, 2-c, 3-b
b) 1-c, 2-b, 3-a
c) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c
d) 1-c, 2-a, 3-b
Correct Answer: B
12. Ellora caves are one of the World Heritage sites in India. Which of the following
statements are correct about ‘Ellora caves’?
1. Ellora caves are rock cut caves made from top to bottom.
2. The most famous temple of Ellora – Kailashnath temple was made by Rashtrakutas.
3. These caves are dedicated to Hinduism only.
Select the code from following:
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) All of the above
Correct Answer: A
13. Consider the following pairs:
Vedic literature Deals with
1. Brahmanas Sacrifices and rituals
2. Aryankas They deal with mysticism and symbolism.
3. Upanishads Explain the hymns of the Vedas
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) None
Correct Answer: B
14. Which Pitaka of Buddhism is considered as the Book of Discipline consisting of monastic
rules for monks and nuns?
a) Sutta Pitaka
b) Vinaya Pitaka
c) Abhidhamma Pitaka
d) None
Correct Answer: B
15. Which of the following are Tri-Ratnas of Jainism:
1. Right Knowledge
2. Right faith
3. Right conduct
4. Right information
5. Right concentration
Select from the given codes:
a) 1, 2 and 5
b) 1, 2 and 3
c) 2, 3 and 4
d) 2, 3 and 5
Correct Answer: B
16. Consider the following statements about the life of Chandragupta Maurya:
1. He established Muryan Empire by killing the last Nanda ruler
2. Along with Sthulabahu he went to Shravanabelagola and undertook Sallekhana
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 or 2
Correct Answer: A
17. Which of the following ‘Astikas’ (Philosophies) of Hinduism is the school of ‘Logic’?
a) Sankhya
b) Nyaya
c) yoga
d) Vaisheshika
Correct Answer: B
18. Which of the following characteristic feature given below is clearly a distinction between
Mahayana and Hinayana form of Buddhism?
a) Buddha was a Human being in Mahayana whereas he is considered as God in Hinayana
b) Mahayana did not believe in idol worship
c) Buddha is considered as God in Mahayana sect whereas he is just a human being in
Hinayana sect
d) None of the above
Correct Answer: C
19. With reference to the ancient history, consider the following statements related to the
decline of Buddhism:
1. The Sanghas became centres of corruption.
2. The monks and nuns began to lead lives of pleasure and ease.
3. The Mahayanist and Hinayanist quarreled with each other.
Which of the above given statement is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 Only
b) 2 and 3 Only
c) 1 and 3 Only
d) All of the above
Correct Answer: D
20. Consider the below statements with regard to Pallava and Chola Architecture:
1. In pallava architecture dvarapalas are comparatively benign. In chola architecture
dwarapala became fierce with protruding tusk.
2. The gopurams in pallava dynasties were comparatively dwarfed. But in chola dynasty they
became enlarged with high enclosure walls.
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
Correct Answer: C
21. With reference to the cultural history of India, the term 'Panchayatan' refers to
a) An assembly of village elders
b) A religious sect
c) A style of Temple construction
d) An administrative functionary
Correct Answer: C
22. Consider the following statements:
1. Chandragupta Maurya converted to Buddhism at the end of his life.
2. Chandragupta Maurya ended his life through Santhara i.e. by giving up food and water till
death.
Which of the above statements are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: B
23. Consider the below statements with regard to Gandhara School of Art and identify the
incorrect statement:
a) Theme is mainly Buddhist, depicting various stories from the life of Buddha.
b) More stress is given to the inner beauty and facial emotions rather than bodily gesture.
c) Sculptures were made initially on stone and later on Stucco, both grey in colour.
d) This school is influenced by Greco-Roman techniques to a greater extent.
Correct Answer: B
24. Who of the following personalities is known as Shakya Muni?
a) Mahavira
b) Parsavnath
c) Gautam Buddha
d) Ashoka
Correct Answer: C
25. The author of Buddhacharita was
a) Nagarjuna
b) Vasumitra
c) Nagasena
d) Asvagosha
Correct Answer: D
26. Stupas are known to be the first religious structures in India. Which of the following
statements regarding ‘Stupa’ are correct?
1. They are pre-Buddhist structures.
2. They are built only on the relics of Buddha.
3. They are built to commemorate important events in Buddha’s life
Select the correct code from the following:
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) All of the above
Correct Answer: C
27. Consider the following statements:
1. Yaksha cult started in India with the rise of Buddhism.
2. Yaksha is associated with the nature spirits worshipped by the rural people.
3. Yaksha was the central character in Meghadoota of Kalidasa.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: C
28. Consider the following Bhakti saints’ philosophical works in the history of India:
1. Shankara’s philosophy of Advaitavada.
2. Ramanuja’s philosophy of Visishtadvaita.
3. Madhvacharya’s philosophy of Dvaitavada.
4. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s philosophy of Achintya Bheda Abheda Tattva.
What is the correct chronological order of the above philosophical works, starting
from the earliest time?
(a) 2-1-4-3
(b) 1-2-3-4
(c) 2-4-1-3
(d) 3-4-1-2
Correct Answer: B
29. With reference to the religious movements of medieval India, consider the following
statements:
1. The Bhakti movement of north India was Vaishnavism based, while in South India it was
Shaivism based only.
2. The Nayanmars and the Alvars saints rejected austerities and adopted the path of
devotion.
3. As Bhakti movement was literary based, women participation was very limited.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: B
30. Consider the following statements about the Mughal architecture:
1. Synthesis of Trabeate and Arcuate elements.
2. Humayun's Tomb is the first garden tomb built in India.
3. There is extensive use of white marble in Fatehpur Sikri.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: A
31. Consider the following statements about the Rock cut architecture of India:
1. Barabar caves were constructed by the Mauryas for the Ajivikas.
2. Khandagiri caves were constructed by Kharavela for the Jain monks.
3. Udayagiri caves in Madhya Pradesh are associated with Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: A
32. Which of the following elements are associated with the Dravida style of temples?
1. Water tank
2. Multiple Shikharas
3. Pyramidal Vimana
4. River goddesses at the entrance of the Garbagriha
5. Tall gateways
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 4 and 5 only
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 3 and 5 only
Correct Answer: D
33. With respect to the ‘Sufis’, consider the following pairs:
1. Khanqah Hospice
2. Murid Successor
3. Wali Disciple
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Correct Answer: A
34. Which of the following temples were built during the Gupta period?
1. Brick temples of Bhitargaon
2. Sun temple of Modhera
3. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple of Khajuraho
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
Correct Answer: A
35. Which of the following are features of the Nagara school of architecture?
1. There were water tanks present on temple premises.
2. Temples were generally built on raised platforms.
3. Temples have assembly halls in front of the principal shrine.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: C
36. Which of the following Mughal architecture was built during Aurangzeb's rule?
1. Moti Masjid in Delhi
2. Badshahi Masjid in Lahore
3. Mausoleum of Rabia ud Daurani at Aurangabad
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: D
37. Consider the following statements regarding Hoysala architecture:
1. It is predominantly found in southern Karnataka.
2. It is made from gneiss - a relatively hard stone.
3. It is based on a stellate (star-like) ground plan along with a profusion of decorative
carvings.
4. Hoysala temples have pyramidal vimana.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Correct Answer: D
38. Consider the following passage:
The Stupa has an upper as well as a lower circumambulatory path. It has four beautifully
decorated toranas depicting various events from the life of the Buddha and the Jatakas. The
historical narratives such as the siege of Kushinara, Buddha’s visit to Kapilavastu, are
carved with considerable details. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1989.
Which of the following Buddhist Stupas is being described in the above passage?
(a) Chaukhandi stupa
(b) Sanchi Stupa
(c) Bharhut stupa
(d) Dhameka stupa
Correct Answer: B
39. Consider the following statements with respect to Harappan inscriptions:
1. The unique feature of Harappan inscriptions was that they were written only from right to
left.
2. The inscriptions found on seals have human, animal, and plant motifs.
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
Correct Answer: B
40. Arrange the following components of temple architecture in the correct sequence while
entering a temple.
1. Garbhagriha
2. Mandapa
3. Antarala
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1-2-3
(b) 2-3-1
(c) 1-3-2
(d) 3-2-1
Correct Answer: B
41. In the context of Indo-Islamic Architecture, techniques of arabesque and pietra dura were
associated with
(a) miniature painting
(b) decoration of surface and walls
(c) formal gardens
(d) fresco painting
Correct Answer: B
42. Which of the following monuments is/are examples of Mandu architecture?
1. Hindola Mahal
2. Gol Gumbad
3. Jahaaz Mahal
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: B
43. Consider the following pairs:
Painting/Sculpture Place
1. Mara Vijaya Ajanta
2. Yakshini figure Didarganj
3. Maheshmurti Elephanta
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
Correct Answer: D
44. Which of the following are the main features of Dravidian style temple architecture?
1. Sculptures of Dvarapalas (doorkeepers) on the gateways of temples.
2. Multiple shikharas rising together as a cluster.
3. Presence of a large water reservoir within the temple complex.
4. Images of mithunas and the river goddesses at the entrance of garbhagriha.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 3 and 4 only
Correct Answer: A
45. Which of the following temples forms the part of the temple complex at Mahabalipuram?
1. Shore temple
2. Ganesh Rath temple
3. Lad Khan temple
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: A
46. Which of the following is not correct regarding the Khajuraho Group of Monuments?
(a) They were built during the Chandela dynasty's reign.
(b) They belong to two different religions-Hinduism and Jainism.
(c) They depict the Nagara style of temple architecture.
(d) Most of the temple structures are built in marble.
Correct Answer: D
47. It is a prominent Jain shrine housing the world’s tallest monolithic free-standing structure.
It was commissioned by Chamundaraya, the General-in-Chief and Prime Minister of the
Ganga Kings of Mysore.
Which of the following religious site is being described in the above passage?
(a) Dilwara
(b) Pavapuri
(c) Sravana Belagola
(d) Khajuraho
Correct Answer: C
48. Which of the following is/are the striking feature(s) of the Tughlaq architecture?
1. Buildings with sloping walls
2. Extensive use of red sandstone
3. Buildings having minimum decoration
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 2 only
Correct Answer: C
49. Consider the following statements regarding the Lingaraj Temple:
1. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
2. It is a classic example of the Odisha style of architecture.
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
Correct Answer: C
50. Consider the following statements:
1. This style was developed under the patronage of Adil Shah.
2. Its architecture is unique in the use of three-arched facade and bulbous dome.
3. Gol Gumbad is one the finest example of this architecture.
Which of the following schools of architecture is best described by the above statements?
(a) Malwa school
(b) Jaunpur School
(c) Bijapur School
(d) Bengal School
Correct Answer: C
