UPSC 2021 Prelims ART AND CULTURE Answer Key with Explanation

Question Bank 2 Pages

Union Public Service Commission (Prelims)

Art and Culture

BRC

Contributed by

Binoya Ram Chaudry

1

UPSC 2021 Prelims
ART AND CULTURE Answer Key with Explanation

1. With reference to India, the terms ‘ Halbi, Ho and Kui’ pertain to
(a) Dance forms of Northwest India
(b) Musical instruments
(c) Pre -historic cave paintings
(d) Tribal languages
Answer: D
Explanation
Halbi, Ho, Kui are all tribal languages.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halbi_language
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho_language
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kui_language_(India)

2. With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the
following statements:
1. It is a circular temple built during the region 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 one of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Answer: C
Explanation
● The Chausath Yogini Temple, Mitaoli, also known as Ekattarso Mahadeva Temple, is
an 11th-century temple in Morena district in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh
built by the Kachchhapaghata Dynasty. Statement 1 is correct.
Page 1
2

● It is one of the few well-preserved Yogini temples in India and one of the circular
temples built in India. Statement 2 is incorrect.
● The temple is formed by a circular wall with 65 chambers, apparently for 64 yoginis
and the goddess Devi, and an open mandapa in the centre of a circular courtyard,
sacred to Shiva. Statement 3 is incorrect.
● Statement 4 is correct: Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the
inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.

3. Which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river.
(b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal river.
(c) Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada river
(d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari river
Answer: A
Explanation
● Ajanta lies in the gorge of Waghora River.
● Sanchi stupa lies in the gorge of Betwa river.
● Pandavleni, also known as Tirthankar Leni, Panch Pandav or Pandav Leni Jain cave, is
ancient rock-cut sculptures complex located at Gomai River.
● Amaravati lies in the gorge of Krishna river.

Page 2