Topics covered are Indian paintings, Architecture, sculpture and inscriptions
ART & CULTURE PRELIMS QUESTIONS (TREND FROM 2013-2020)
From Year 2013 to 2020:
ART I- INDIAN DANCES, ARCHITECTURE, SCULPTURE & INSCRIPTIONS:
INDIAN DANCES:
Q1) With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements:
(Year 2017)
- It is a song and dance performance.
- Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.
- It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 only
Ans) b
- statement 1 and 3 are correct.
- Two drummers and ten singer dancers are usually present. Also Male dancers play Pung and Kartal during Manipuri Sankirtana that means cymbals are not the only instrument used. Therefore statement 2 is incorrect.
Q2) With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements: (Year 2014)
- Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama.
- It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam.
- 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?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans) b
Statement 1 and 2 are correct.
- Sattriya dance is inspired from the Bhakti movement. It was introduced in 15th century AD in Assam by great Vaishnava saint Shankardev.
- It includes Nritta, Nritya and Natya. It is a combination of music dance and drama.
- Borgeets are the songs sung during its performance. These are composed by saint Shankardev.
Q3) Consider the following pairs: (Year 2014)
| Garba | Gujarat |
| Mohiniattam | Odisha |
| Yakshagana | Karnataka |
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
Ans c)
Garba dance is from Gujarat. It is held around Navratras. Women dance around an earthen lit lamp called Garbadeep in circular movements with rhythmic clapping.
Mohiniattam
It belongs to Kerala, therefore Odissa option given in the question is incorrect.
It takes its name from mythical enchantress Mohini. It generally narrates the story of feminine dance of lord Vishnu.
Yakshagana, Karnataka
- It is a theatrical art form of Karnataka, originally an all-night performance where the mela travelled from one village to another.
- Yakshagana is performed in open-air theatres.
- It is usually performed in the village paddy fields after the winter crop has been harvested.
Q3) In the context of the 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 of the following statements best describes this pose? (Year 2013)
(a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly curved at the waist and neck.
(b) Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolise certain epic or historic characters.
(c) Movements of body, face and hand are used to express oneself or to tell a story.
(d) A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feeling of love or eroticism.
Ans a)
Statement (a) is correct.
It is the unique feature of Odissi and Bharatnatyam dance. It is one of the bhangas in traditional Indian dance. It stands for three bends in the body at neck, waist and knee.
ARCHITECTURE, SCULPTURE AND INSCRIPTIONS:
Q1) ln which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka? (Year 2019)
(a) Kanganahalli
(b) Sanchi
(c) Shahbazgarhi
(d) Sohgaura
Ans) a
Kanaganahalli in Karnataka is the site with the inscription in Brahmi reading ‘Ranyo Ashoka’. The discoveries at the site included a broken relief sculpture showing a king and queen flanked by female attendants. It is the only site with stone portrait of Ashoka. It is an important Buddhist site.
Q2) Building ‘Kalyana Mandapas’ was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of (Year 2019)
(a) Chalukya
(b) Chandela
(c) Rashtrakuta
(d) Vijayanagara
Ans) d
Correct answer is Vijayanagara empire.
Kalyana Mandapas were the important structures of Vijayanagara temples.
On some occasions, the dieties of the temple and Amman Shrine would be transported from their abodes to Kalyana Mandap for exhibition and worship.
