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An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I

Class 11 · Art & Culture

Ch 4 · Post-Mauryan Trends in Indian Art and Architecture

Real UPSC Prelims questions from 2016–2026, linked to this book. Try each one first, then open the answer. 2026 answers follow UPSC's provisional answer key.

Prelims 2016 · Q65

What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram?

  1. 1.Both were built in the same period.
  2. 2.Both belong to the same religious denomination.
  3. 3.Both have rock-cut monuments.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. (a)1 and 2 only
  2. (b)3 only
  3. (c)1 and 3 only
  4. (d)None of the statements given above is correct
Show answer

UPSC's answer: (b)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I, Ch 4 (Post-Mauryan Trends in Indian Art and Architecture).

An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I (ch 4): Ajanta's caves date from about the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE. Mahabalipuram's rock-cut caves came under the Pallavas. The periods and patrons differ, but both are rock-cut. So (b).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2016), question 65 ↗

Prelims 2017 · Q69

The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at

  1. (a)Ajanta
  2. (b)Badami
  3. (c)Bagh
  4. (d)Ellora
Show answer

UPSC's answer: (a)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I, Ch 4 (Post-Mauryan Trends in Indian Art and Architecture).

An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I (ch 4): the famous Padmapani and Vajrapani paintings are in Cave No. 1 at Ajanta. So (a).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2017), question 69 ↗

Prelims 2023 · Q42

With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements:

  1. 1.The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
  2. 2.Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
  3. 3.Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

  1. (a)Only one
  2. (b)Only two
  3. (c)All three
  4. (d)None
Show answer

UPSC's answer: (b)

NCERT answers it: Class 12 Themes in Indian History, Part I, Theme 4 (Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings: Cultural Developments (c. 600 BCE–600 CE)); Class 11 An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I, Ch 4 (Post-Mauryan Trends in Indian Art and Architecture).

Themes in Indian History, Part I (Theme 4): stupas were mounds where relics of the Buddha were buried, but the tradition may have been pre-Buddhist. An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I (ch 4) describes votive stupas. So 2 and 3 are right, 1 is not: (b).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2023), question 42 ↗

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