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An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I

Class 11 · Art & Culture

Ch 6 · Temple Architecture and Sculpture

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 2020 · Q24

Consider the following events in the history of India:

  1. 1.Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
  2. 2.Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman – I
  3. 3.Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka – I
  4. 4.Pala dynasty founded by Gopala

What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?

  1. (a)2 – 1 – 4 – 3
  2. (b)3 – 1 – 4 – 2
  3. (c)2 – 4 – 1 – 3
  4. (d)3 – 4 – 1 – 2
Show answer

UPSC's answer: (c)

NCERT answers it: Class 11 An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I, Ch 6 (Temple Architecture and Sculpture); Class 7 Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2), Ch 3 (Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 10th Centuries); Class 9 Understanding Society: India and Beyond, Ch 5 (State and Society up to 1000 CE).

NCERT places Mahendravarman I before about 640 CE, when his successor took the Pallava throne (Indian Art, Part I, ch 6). The Palas came to power in the 8th century (same chapter). Bhoja of the Pratiharas ruled in the 9th century (Exploring Society, Class 7 Part 2, ch 3), and Parantaka I in the 10th (Understanding Society, Class 9, ch 5). So 2-4-1-3: (c).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2020), question 24 ↗

Prelims 2023 · Q45

Consider the following dynasties:

  1. 1.Hoysala
  2. 2.Gahadavala
  3. 3.Kakatiya
  4. 4.Yadava

How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in early eighth century AD?

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

UPSC's answer: (d)

NCERT answers it: Class 7 Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 2), Ch 4 (Turning Tides: 11th and 12th Centuries); Class 11 An Introduction to Indian Art, Part I, Ch 6 (Temple Architecture and Sculpture); old Class 7 Our Pasts – II, Ch 2 (Kings and Kingdoms); Class 8 Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1), Ch 3 (The Rise of the Marathas).

How to solve it with NCERT: NCERT places all four dynasties well after the 8th century: the Kakatiyas rose in the 12th century (Class 7 Exploring Society Part 2, ch 4). The Hoysalas rose after Chola power waned (Class 11 An Introduction to Indian Art I, ch 6). The Gahadavalas were rivals of Prithviraja III, who ruled 1168–1192 (old Class 7 Our Pasts II, ch 2). The Yadavas ruled Maharashtra in the 13th century (Class 8 Exploring Society Part 1, ch 3). So none of them was founded in the early 8th century. Answer (d).

Hindi version: UPSC's official question paper (2023), question 45 ↗

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