IAS Art & Culture Test Questions - Set 1

1)   Which of the following statement/s is/are correct regarding the Tripitakas?

1) Sutta Pitaka provides the principles of Buddhism.

2) Vinaya Pitaka explains the Buddhist religious philosophy.

3) Abhidhamma Pitaka provides the rules and regulations of the Buddhist Sangha.


a. Only 1 and 2
b. Only 1
c. Only 2
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Only 1

Explanation:
Sutta Pitaka provides the principles of Buddhism. Vinaya Pitaka provides the rules and regulations of the Buddhist Sangha. Abhidhamma Pitaka explains the Buddhist religious philosophy.


2)   Which of the following classifies as Cultural Heritage of India

1) The Taj Mahal
2) India Gate
3) Contributions of Nagarjuna
4) Red Fort of Agra


a. Only 1, 2 and 4
b. Only 1 and 4
c. Only 1 and 3
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:
Cultural heritage includes all those aspects or values of culture transmitted to human beings by their ancestors from generation to generation. Besides the architectural creations, monuments, material artifacts, the intellectual achievements, philosophy, treasures of knowledge, scientific inventions and discoveries are also the part of heritage- contributions of Nagarjuna in the field of Chemistry.


3)   The Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram is built by

a. Cheras
b. Cholas
c. Pallavas
d. Rashtrakutas
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Pallavas

Explanation:
It is the greatest architectural master piece of the Pallava art.


4)   Which of the following statement/s is/are correct regarding the Dravidian style of temple architecture?

1) The Dravidian style of temple architecture began with the Rashtrakuta rule.
2) Pallavas contributed immensely to it by rock-cut temples, monolithic rathas and structural temples.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Only 2

Explanation:
It started with Pallava rule. It was a gradual evolution starting from the cave temples to monolithic rathas and culminated in structural temples.


5)   The  five  rathas,  popularly  called  as  the Panchapanadava rathas, signifies

a. Five different styles of temple architecture
b. Five great Pallava kings
c. Five things one much achieve in life
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Five different styles of temple architecture

Explanation:
The second stage of Pallava architecture is represented by the monolithic rathas and mandapas found at Mamallapuram. Narasimhavarman I took the credit for these wonderful architectural monuments. The five rathas, popularly called as the Panchapanadava rathas, signifies five different styles of temple architecture.


6)   The vesara style in the building of structural temples was developed by

a. Cholas
b. Pallavas
c. Chalukyas
d. Pandyas
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Chalukyas

Explanation:
The Chalukyas developed the vesara style in the building of structural temples. However, the vesara style reached its culmination only under the Rashtrakutas and the Hoysalas.


7)   The best specimens of Chalukya paintings can be seen in which of the following cave temples

1) Ajanta
2) Badami
3) Ellora
4) Elephanta


a. Only 1
b. only 1 and 2
c. Only 1 and 4
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: only 1 and 2

Explanation:
Their cave temples are found in Ajanta, Ellora and Nasik. The best specimens of Chalukya paintings can be seen in the Badami cave temple and in the Ajanta caves.


8)   Elephanta was originally called as

a. Sripuri
b. Mammallapuram
c. Devdweep
d. Shivdweep
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Sripuri

Explanation:
Elephanta is an island near Bombay. It was originally called Sripuri. The Portuguese after seeing the large figure of an elephant named it Elephanta.


9)   The chief feature of the Chola temples is the

a. Aardhamandapa
b. Mahamandapa
c. Vimana
d. Nandimandapa
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Vimana

Explanation:
The Dravidian style of art and architecture reached its perfection under the Cholas. The chief feature of the Chola temple is the vimana.


10)   The Nalanda University was founded by

a. Kumaragupta I
b. Harshavardhana
c. Chandragupta II
d. Chandragupta I
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Kumaragupta I

Explanation:
The term Nalanda means “giver of knowledge”. It was founded by Kumaragupta I during the Gupta period. It was patronised by his successors and later by Harsha.


11)   Match the following Philosophical Schools with their prime focus.

1) Nyaya ------------ Art of Reasoning
2) Samkhya -------- System of Logic
3) Vaisheshika ----- Discussion of material elements


a. Only 1
b. Only 1 and 2
c. Only 3
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Only 3

Explanation:
The six schools of philosophy were – Samkhya – count; Yoga – Salvation through meditation and physical application; Nyaya - System of Logic; Vaisheshika - Discussion of material elements; Mimamsa - Art of Reasoning and interpretation; Vedanta – End of Vedas.


12)   Which of the following philosophies/philosophical schools focus on materialistic views of life?

1) Samkhya
2) Vaisheshika
3) Lokayata
4) Ajivikas


a. Only 3 and 4
b. Only 2, 3 and 4
c. Only 1, 2 and 3
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:
Initially the Samkhya School was materialistic. Then it tended to be spiritualistic. Kapila was earliest exponent of Samkhya. Charvaka was of Lokayata.


13)   In the Indian Theatre, the use of curtain was a contribution from

a. Mughals
b. Greeks
c. Iranian
d. Shakas
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Greeks

Explanation:
The curtain came to be called Yavanika. At a later stage the word yavana was used for all kinds of foreigners.


14)   The founder of Jainism is believed to be

a. Parshvanatha
b. Mahavira
c. Rishabhadeva
d. Ajitanatha
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Rishabhadeva

Explanation:
The founder of Jainism is believed to be Rishabhadeva, the first of the twenty four tirthankaras and as the last tirthankara Mahavira developed and gave final shape to the Jain doctrines.


15)   The  first  Jain  Council  was  convened  at

a. Rajagriha
b. Pataliputra
c. Vallabhi
d. Kharvela
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Pataliputra

Explanation:
The first Jain Council was convened at Pataliputra by Sthulabahu, the leader of the Digambaras, in the beginning of the 3 rd century B.C. The second Jain Council was held at Valabhi in 5 th century A.D. The final compilation of Jain literature called Twelve Angas was completed in this council.


16)   The Puranas in their present form were composed during

a. Reign of Harshavardhana
b. Mauryan Period
c. Later Vedic Period
d. Gupta Period
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Gupta Period

Explanation:
There are eighteen Puranas. The most important among them are the Bhagavatha, Vishnu, Vayu and Matsya Puranas. The Mahabharatha and the Ramayana were given final touches and written in the present form during this period.


17)   The great medical trio of ancient India is Charak, Sushruta and

a. Visakadatta
b. Vagbhata
c. Barthrihari
d. Charavaka
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Vagbhata

Explanation:
Vagbhata lived during Gupta period. Charaka and Susruta lived before the Gupta age. Vagbhata was the author Ashtangasamgraha (Summary of the eight branches of medicine).


18)   Varahamihira  composed

a. Pancha Siddhantika
b. Ashtangasamgraha
c. Ritusamhara
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Pancha Siddhantika

Explanation:
Varahamihira composed Pancha Siddhantika, the five astronomical systems. He was also a great authority on astrology. His work Brihadsamhita is a great work in Sanskrit literature. It deals with a variety of subjects like astronomy, astrology, geography, architecture, weather, animals, marriage and omens. His Brihadjataka is considered to be a standard work on astrology. Vagbhata was the author Ashtangasamgraha (Summary of the eight branches of medicine). Kalidasa wrote Ritusamhara.


19)   Bronze statues from which period are famous?

a. Chalukyas
b. Mauryas
c. Cholas
d. Guptas
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Cholas

Explanation:
The bronzes of the Chola period are world-famous. The bronze statues of Nataraja or dancing Siva are master pieces.


20)   Which of the following statement/s is/are correct regarding the Vedic religion?

1) In the Later Vedic Aryans worshiped the natural forces like earth, fire, wind, rain and thunder.
2) In the Early Vedic Aryans female gods like Aditi and Ushas were worshipped.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Only 2

Explanation:
The Rig Vedic Aryans worshiped the natural forces like earth, fire, wind, rain and thunder. They personified these natural forces into many gods and worshipped them. The important Rig Vedic gods were Prithvi (Earth), Agni (Fire), Vayu (Wind), Varuna (Rain) and Indra (Thunder). Gods of the Early Vedic period like Indra and Agni lost their importance and Prajapathi (the creator), Vishnu (the protector) and Rudra (the destroyer) became prominent during the Later Vedic period.


21)   Which of the following statement/s is/are correct regarding religious practices of the Harappans?

1) The chief male deity was Pasupati.
2) The chief female deity was the Mother Goddess represented in terracotta figurines.
3) Harappans worshipped trees and animals.


a. Only 1 and 2
b. Only 3
c. Only 2 and 3
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:
The chief male deity was Pasupati, (proto-Siva) represented in seals as sitting in a yogic posture with three faces and two horns. He is surrounded by four animals (elephant, tiger, rhino, and buffalo each facing a different direction). Two deer appear on his feet. The chief female deity was the Mother Goddess represented in terracotta figurines. In latter times, Linga worship was prevalent. Trees and animals were also worshipped by the Harappans. They believed in ghosts and evil forces and used amulets as protection against them.


22)   Arrange the following in an chronological order

1) Vedas
2) Brahmanas
3) Aranyakas
4) Upanishads


a. 1423
b. 1243
c. 1234
d. 1432
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 1234

Explanation:
The four Vedas were followed by the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas and the Upanishads. Aranyakas are the concluding portions of the Brahmanas and form a tradition that culminates in the Upanishads, the last phase of the Vedic literature.


23)   Correctly match the following literature with the items they focus on.

1) Brahmanas ----------- elaboration of philosophical aspect
2) Aranyakas ------------- mysticism, rites, rituals and sacrifices
3) Upanishads ------------ treatises relating to prayer and sacrificial ceremony


a. Only 1
b. Only 1 and 2
c. Only 2
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 2

Explanation:
The Brahmanas are the treatises relating to prayer and sacrificial ceremony. The Upanishads are philosophical texts dealing with topic like the soul, the absolute, the origin of the world and the mysteries of nature. The Aranyakas are called forest books and they deal with mysticism, rites, rituals and sacrifices.


24)   Which Rock Edict gives details about Ashoka’s war with Kalinga?


a. 8
b. 13
c. 1
d. 14
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: 13

Explanation:
The 13th Rock Edict gives details about his war with Kalinga (the effects of the war were described). The 8th Pillar Edict gives a summary of his efforts to promote the Dhamma within his kingdom.


25)   A Greek ambassador Heliodorus embraced

a. Buddhism
b. Jainism
c. Vaishnavism
d. Saivism
Answer  Explanation  Related Ques

ANSWER: Vaishnavism

Explanation:
A Greek ambassador Heliodorus became a Vaishnavite and erected the Garuda Pillar at Besnagar.