Art and Culture Prelims PYQs, 2017 to 2026

1. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 1
   Which one of the following Carnatic music ragas is similar to Raga Bilawal in Hindustani music?
   1. Nat Bhairavi
   2. Kamavardhini
   3. Hanumatodi
   4. Dheera Shankarabharanam
2. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 4
   Which of the following temples has/have a Nagara-style shikhara?
   1. Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami
   2. Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole
   3. Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh
   4. Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   1. 1 and 2
   2. 2 and 3
   3. 3 only
   4. 3 and 4
3. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 5
   Among the four main forms of existence of life recognized in Jainism, which one of the following is not included?
   1. Deva (gods)
   2. Yaksha (demi-gods)
   3. Manushya (humans)
   4. Tiryancha (animals and plants)
4. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 6
   The Hallisalasya painting in the Bagh Caves represents:
   1. A joyous folk dance
   2. Buddha in a meditative pose
   3. The depiction of Shiva and Parvati on Kailasha
   4. Samudramanthan (Churning of the Ocean)
5. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 12
   What does an empty seat represent in early Buddhist iconography?
   1. The meditation of the Buddha
   2. The Buddha’s First Sermon
   3. The Buddha’s Mahaparinibbana
   4. The Buddha’s Mahabhinishkramana
6. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 14
   Which of the following statements on the Amaravati Stupa and its relief sculpture is/are correct?
   1. It was located in the lower Krishna valley.
   2. In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size.
   3. The Amaravati school of sculpture made a lasting impact on the later South Indian sculpture, and its products were carried to Sri Lanka and South-east Asia.
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   1. 1 only
   2. 1 and 3 only
   3. 2 and 3 only
   4. 1, 2 and 3
7. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 19
   Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur, the famous classical singer from Karnataka, represented the:
   1. Agra Gharana
   2. Gwalior Gharana
   3. Patiala Gharana
   4. Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana
8. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 20
   In which one among the following texts does the term kshetra-patni (‘mistress of the field’) originate?
   1. Rigveda
   2. Atharvaveda
   3. Ashtadhyayi
   4. Arthashastra
9. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 29
   Which of the following is/are the most significant implication(s) of obtaining Oeko-Tex certification for Eri Silk in the global textile industry?
   1. It allows Indian exporters to compete in high-end markets that prioritise chemical-free products.
   2. It confirms that Eri Silk meets international safety, environmental, and quality standards, enabling its entry into premium eco-conscious markets.
   Select the answer using the code given below:
   1. 1 only
   2. 2 only
   3. Both 1 and 2
   4. Neither 1 nor 2
10. UPSC Prelims 2026, Question 37
    Which one of the following statements with regard to the Moidams, built by the Tai-Ahom kingdom and inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is/are correct?
    1. They acted as army fortresses.
    2. They were recreation centres of the Royals and Nobles.
    3. They were burial grounds of the Royals and Nobles.
    4. They were battle drill centres of the Royals and Nobles.
    Select the answer using the code given below:
    1. 1 only
    2. 1 and 3
    3. 3 only
    4. 2 and 4
11. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 11
    Consider the following statements about Raja Ram Mohan Roy:
    I. He possessed great love and respect for the traditional philosophical systems of the East.
    II. He desired his countrymen to accept the rational and scientific approach and the principle of human dignity and social equality of all men and women.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. I only
    2. II only
    3. Both I and II
    4. Neither I nor II
12. UPSC Prelims 2025, Question 18
    The first Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, a music training school, was set up in 1901 by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar in
    1. Delhi
    2. Gwalior
    3. Ujjain
    4. Lahore
13. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 54
    With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by which of the following epithets?
    1. Nayaputta
    2. Shakyamuni
    3. Tathagata
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1, 2 and 3
    4. None of the above are epithets of Gautama Buddha
14. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 58
    Consider the following statements:
    1. There are no parables in Upanishads.
    2. Upanishads were composed earlier than the Puranas.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
15. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 60
    Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO?
    1. Chhau dance
    2. Durga puja
    3. Garba dance
    4. Kumbh mela
16. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 63
    Which one of the following is a work attributed to playwright Bhasa?
    1. Kavyalankara
    2. Natyashastra
    3. Madhyama-vyayoga
    4. Mahabhashya
17. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 64
    Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk, who travelled to China at the end of the fourth century AD, was the author of a commentary on:
    1. Prajnaparamita Sutra
    2. Visuddhimagga
    3. Sarvastivada Vinaya
    4. Lalitavistara
18. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 65
    Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:
    1. Shantiniketan
    2. Rani-ki-Vav
    3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
    4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya
    How many of the above properties were included in 2023?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. Only three
    4. All four
19. UPSC Prelims 2024, Question 72
    The Constitution (71^st Amendment) Act, 1992 amends the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution to include which of the following languages?
    1. Konkani
    2. Manipuri
    3. Nepali
    4. Maithili
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    1. 1, 2 and 3
    2. 1, 2 and 4
    3. 1, 3 and 4
    4. 2, 3 and 4
20. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 42
    With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements:
    1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
    2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
    3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
21. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 46
    With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs:
    (Literary work : Author)
    1. Devichandragupta : Bilhana
    2. Hammira-Mahakavya : Nayachandra Suri
    3. Milinda-panha : Nagarjuna
    4. Nitivakyamrita : Somadeva Suri
    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. Only three
    4. All four
22. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 47
    “Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects.”
    The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India?
    1. Buddhism
    2. Jainism
    3. Shaivism
    4. Vaishnavism
23. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 81
    With reference to the Indian History, Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with
    1. archaeological excavations
    2. establishment of English Press in Colonial India
    3. establishment of Churches in Princely States
    4. construction of railways in Colonial India
24. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 82
    Consider the following pairs:
    (Site : Well known for)
    1. Besnagar : Shaivite cave shrine
    2. Bhaja : Buddhist cave shrine
    3. Sittanavasal : Jain cave shrine
    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
    1. Only one
    2. Only two
    3. All three
    4. None
25. UPSC Prelims 2023, Question 83
    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: 7th August is declared as the National Handloom Day.
    Statement-II: It was in 1905 that the Swadeshi Movement was launched on the same day.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
26. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 55
    With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts:
    1. Nettipakarana
    2. Parishishtaparvan
    3. Avadanashataka
    4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana
    Which of the above are Jaina texts?
    1. 1, 2 and 3
    2. 2 and 4 only
    3. 1, 3 and 4
    4. 2, 3 and 4
27. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 56
    With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs:
    (Historical person : Known as)
    1. Aryadeva : Jaina scholar
    2. Dignaga : Buddhist scholar
    3. Nathamuni : Vaishnava scholar
    How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
    1. None of the pairs
    2. Only one pair
    3. Only two pairs
    4. All three pairs
28. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 93
    Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?
    1. Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture.
    2. The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
    3. Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethic.
    4. Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.
29. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 95
    The world’s second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja?
    1. The best means of salvation was devotion.
    2. Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.
    3. Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss.
    4. Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.
30. UPSC Prelims 2022, Question 96
    The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple?
    1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
    2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
    3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
31. UPSC Prelims 2021, Question 31
    With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:
    1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
    2. It is the only circular temple built in India.
    3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
    4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    1. 1 and 2
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 4
    4. 2, 3 and 4
32. UPSC Prelims 2021, Question 39
    Consider the following statements:
    1. St. Francis Xavier was one of the founding members of the Jesuit Order.
    2. St. Francis Xavier died in Goa and a church is dedicated to him there.
    3. The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated in Goa each year.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
33. UPSC Prelims 2021, Question 41
    With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous
    1. Jain monks
    2. playwrights
    3. temple architects
    4. philosophers
34. UPSC Prelims 2021, Question 49
    Which one of the following statements is correct?
    1. Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river.
    2. Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal river.
    3. Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada river.
    4. Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari river.
35. UPSC Prelims 2021, Question 50
    Consider the following statements:
    1. 21st February is declared to be the International Mother Language Day by UNICEF.
    2. The demand that Bangla has to be one of the national languages was raised in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.
    Which of the above statements is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
36. UPSC Prelims 2021, Question 95
    With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi, Ho and Kui’ pertain to
    1. dance forms of Northwest India
    2. musical instruments
    3. pre-historic cave paintings
    4. tribal languages
37. UPSC Prelims 2020, Question 22
    With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
    1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
    2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
    3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
38. UPSC Prelims 2020, Question 31
    With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas’?
    1. The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style
    2. Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas
    3. Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
    4. Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India
39. UPSC Prelims 2020, Question 36
    With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements:
    1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga.
    2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana.
    3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta – II.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
40. UPSC Prelims 2020, Question 71
    With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs:
    1. Parivrajaka : Renunciant and Wanderer
    2. Shramana : Priest with a high status
    3. Upasaka : Lay follower of Buddhism
    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
41. UPSC Prelims 2019, Question 9
    Consider the following:
    1. Deification of the Buddha
    2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas
    3. Image worship and rituals
    Which of the above is/are the feature/features of Mahayana Buddhism?
    1. 1 only
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
42. UPSC Prelims 2019, Question 11
    Building ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of
    1. Chalukya
    2. Chandela
    3. Rashtrakuta
    4. Vijayanagara
43. UPSC Prelims 2019, Question 13
    Consider the following statements:
    1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
    2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
44. UPSC Prelims 2019, Question 16
    With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct?
    1. Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.
    2. Tansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses.
    3. Tansen composed songs on his patrons.
    4. Tansen invented many Ragas.
45. UPSC Prelims 2019, Question 17
    Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?
    1. Humayun
    2. Akbar
    3. Jahangir
    4. Shah Jahan
46. UPSC Prelims 2018, Question 22
    Consider the following pairs:
    

    	Tradition	State
    1.	Chapchar Kut festival	Mizoram
    2.	Khongjom Parba ballad	Manipur
    3.	Thang-Ta dance	Sikkim

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 1 and 2
    3. 3 only
    4. 2 and 3
47. UPSC Prelims 2018, Question 26
    India enacted The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to
    1. ILO
    2. IMF
    3. UNCTAD
    4. WTO
48. UPSC Prelims 2018, Question 42
    The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the
    1. Bundi school
    2. Jaipur school
    3. Kangra school
    4. Kishangarh school
49. UPSC Prelims 2018, Question 44
    With reference to cultural history of India, consider the following statements:
    1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna.
    2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas.
    3. Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries.
    4. Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?
    1. 1 and 3 only
    2. 2 and 4 only
    3. 1, 2 and 3
    4. 2, 3 and 4
50. UPSC Prelims 2018, Question 54
    Consider the following pairs:
    

    	Craft	Heritage of
    1.	Puthukkuli shawls	Tamil Nadu
    2.	Sujni embroidery	Maharashtra
    3.	Uppada Jamdani saris	Karnataka

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 1 and 2
    3. 3 only
    4. 2 and 3
51. UPSC Prelims 2018, Question 71
    With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to
    1. Buddhism
    2. Jainism
    3. Vaishnavism
    4. Shaivism
52. UPSC Prelims 2018, Question 72
    With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements:
    1. White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri.
    2. Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
53. UPSC Prelims 2018, Question 74
    With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?
    1. Avalokiteshvara
    2. Lokesvara
    3. Maitreya
    4. Padmapani
54. UPSC Prelims 2017, Question 12
    With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements:
    1. It is a song and dance performance.
    2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.
    3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1, 2 and 3
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1 only
55. UPSC Prelims 2017, Question 53
    With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
    1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism.
    2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
56. UPSC Prelims 2017, Question 69
    The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at
    1. Ajanta
    2. Badami
    3. Bagh
    4. Ellora
57. UPSC Prelims 2017, Question 70
    Consider the following pairs:

    	Traditions	Communities
    1.	Chaliha Sahib Festival	Sindhis
    2.	Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra	Gonds
    3.	Wari-Warkari	Santhals

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. None of the above
58. UPSC Prelims 2017, Question 75
    Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples?
    1. Arasavalli
    2. Amarakantak
    3. Omkareshwar
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

Take the timed test above to see the answers and explanations.