TEST SERIES

PRELIMS-2022
THEMATIC TEST – 4

ART & CULTURE

100 MCQs & ANSWER KEY &
EXPLANATIONS
(Full assessment of exam preparedness)
 This test is part of Shield IAS Prelims Test Series 2022

THEMATIC TEST BOOKLET Test Code

GENERAL STUDIES
PTPS22D2612
PAPER-I

TOPIC: Art & Culture

Time Allowed: Two Hours Maximum Marks: 200

INSTRUCTIONS

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE EXAMINATION, YOU SHOULD

CHECK THAT THIS TEST BOOKLET DOES NOT HAVE ANY UNPRINTED OR TORN or
MISSING PAGES OR ITEMS, ETC. IF SO, GET IT REPLACED BY A COMPLETE TEST
BOOKLET.
1. This Test Booklet contains 100 items (questions). Each item comprises four responses (answers). You
will select the response which you want to mark on the Answer Sheet. In case you feel that there is
more than one correct response, mark the response which you consider the best. In any case, choose
ONLY ONE response for each item.
2. You have to mark all your responses ONLY on the separate Answer Sheet (OMR sheet) provided.
Read the directions on the Answer Sheet.
3. All items carry equal marks.
4. Before you proceed to mark on the Answer Sheet, the response to various items in the Test booklet,
you have to fill in some particulars in the Answer Sheet as per the instructions contained therein.
5. After you have completed filling in all your responses on the Answer Sheet and the examination has
concluded, you should hand over to the Invigilator only the Answer Sheet. You are permitted to take
away with you the Test Booklet.

Penalty for wrong answers:

THERE WILL BE PENALTY FOR WRONG ANSWERS MARKED BY A CANDIDATE IN THE
OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTION PAPERS.
(i) There are four alternatives for the answer to every question. For each question for which a wrong
answer has been given by the candidate, one-third of the marks assigned to that question will be
deducted as penalty.
(ii) If a candidate gives more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer, even if one of the
given answers happens to be correct and there will be the same penalty as above to that question.
(iii) If a question is left blank, i.e., no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that
question.

This test is part of Shield IAS Prelims Test Series 2022

www.shieldias.in

1. Which of the following statements does (c) 3 only

not support the theory that Harappan
Civilization had a centralized authority?
(a) Uniformity in the town planning.
(b) Strategic location of the sites.
(c) Citadel is found in many of the
Harappan sites.
(d) The standardized ratio of brick size.
(d) All of the above
4. Consider the following statements :
1. Although the nagar style of temple
construction was found almost all over
India, the main centres of construction
in this style were north India and
Deccan.

2. Consider the following statements : 2. Its main characteristic feature was the
tall curved spiral roof over the chief
1. The caves of Barabar hill, near Gaya,
room, called the garbhagriha.
were dedicated by Ashoka to the
Ajivaka monks. 3. The most representative temples of
this type are the group of temples at
2. The Barabar caves were not used for
Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh and at
religious meetings.
Bhubanesshwar in Orissa.
Which of the statements given above is/are
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
correct?
(a) 1 only
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(b) 1 and 3
(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) 3 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3

3. Consider the following statements :

5. Consider the following statements :
1. The most impressive aspect of the
1. Lingaraja temple is situated in
Rajarajesvara temple is the Vimana.
Karnataka.
2. The tower of this temple is pyramidal
2. Vastupala, the famous minister of the
and straight sided in profile, in
Chalukyan ruler Bhima, was a writer,
contrast to the curved shape of
a patron of scholars and the builder of
northern-style superstructures, and it is
the beautiful Jain temple at Mount
clearly based on earlier south Indian
Abu.
precedents, consisting of a
multiplication of elements rather than Which of the statements given above is/are
creation of a new form. correct?
3. Rajendra 1 followed his father’s (a) 1 only
example and constructed the Great (b) 2 only
Temple, also called Brhadisvara, at (c) Both 1 and 2
Gangaikonda Cholapuram. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct? 6. Consider the following statements :
(a) 1 only 1. Tanjore, Rajaraja’s capital, was a
(b) 1 and 2 only major centre of metal image

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 1
www.shieldias.in

production, although there were 2. The Buland Darwaza or the Lofty

workshops in outlying regions also. Gate was built to commemorate
2. The south Indian images differ Akbar’s victory in Gujarat. The gate is
technically from those in the north in the style of what is called a full-
since, by and large, south Indian dome portal.
images are solid rather than hollow Which of the statements given above is/are
cast, although both are created by the correct?
lost-wax process. (a) 1 only
Which of the statements given above is/are (b) 2 only
correct? (c) Both 1 and 2
(a) 1 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 9. Consider the following statements :
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. The Mughals made distinctive
contribution in the field of painting.
7. Consider the following statements : They introduced the new themes
1. The practice of construction the depicting the court, the battle scenes
buildings entirely of marble and but not the chase.
decorating the walls with floral 2. A large number of painters from
designs made of semi-precious stones different parts of the country were
is called pietra dura. invited, only from higher classes
2. This method of decoration became during Mughal period.
even more popular under Shah Jahan Which of the statements given above is/are
who used it on a large scale in the Taj correct?
Mahal, justly regarded as a jewel of (a) 1 only
the builder’s art. (b) 2 only
3. Humayun’s tomb may be considered a (c) Both 1 and 2
precursor of the Taj Mahal a triple
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
dome is another feature of this
building.
10. “If Sanskrit was made by God, was
Which of the statements given above is /are
Prakrit born of thieves and knaves?” It
correct?
was said by
(a) 1and 2
(a) Bhagwandas
(b) 3 only
(b) Tukaram
(c) 2 and 3
(c) Eknath
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(d) Kabir

8. Consider the following statements :

11. Consider the following cities:-
1. In the Panch Mahal built for taking the
1. Taxila
air, all the pillars used were employed
2. Kashi
to support flat roofs.
3. Kanchi

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 2
www.shieldias.in

4. Patliputra Which of the statements given above is/are

Which of the above were educational centres correct?
in ancient India? (a) 1 only
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 2 only
(b) 1, 2, 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) All of the above
14. Consider the following statements:
12. Consider the following scholars of ancient 1. Simuka was the founder of the
India: Satvahana dynasty.
1. Nagarjuna 2. The capital of Satvahanas was
2. Ashvagosha Pratishtana or Paithan
3. Bhavabhuti Which of the above statements is/are
4. Patanjali correct?
Which of the above scholars were patronized (a) 1 only
by Kanishka? (b) 2 only
(a) 1 and 2 (c) Both 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 3 15. Which of the following statements about
the religious ideas of Raja Ram Mohan
Roy are true?
13. Consider the following statements :
1. He believed in monotheism, the
1. Ancient India’s religious art differs
doctrine of the unity of god.
strikingly from its religious literature.
The latter is the work of men with 2. He considered the Vedas to be eternal
vocations, Brahmans, Monks and and infallible.
ascetics. The former came chiefly 3. He laid emphasis on human reason
from the hands of secular craftsman, and rationality in all religious matters.
who, though they worked according to 4. He opposed idol worship.
priestly instructions and increasingly Choose the correct answer from the codes
rigid iconographical rules, loved the given below:
world they knew with an intensity (a) 1, 2 and 3
which is usually to be seen behind the
(b) 1, 3 and 4
religious forms in which they
(c) 2, 3 and 4
expressed themselves.
(d) 1, 2 and 4
2. Gods and demigods alike are young
and handsome and well-nourished
rather effeminate. Occasionally they 16. Which of the following statements about
are depicted as grim or wrathful, but Raja Ram Mohan Roy are incorrect?
generally they smile and sorrow is 1. His book on Christianity embodied the
rarely portrayed. moral and spiritual precepts of Jesus

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 3
www.shieldias.in

as well as the narrations of the 4. He maintained that service of man was

miracles. service of God.
2. He defended Hinduism and its Select the correct answer from the codes
Vedanta philosophy from the ignorant given below:
attacks of Christians. (a) 1, 2 and 3
3. In his Brahmo Samaj meetings, he (b) 2, 3 and 4
allowed the Vedas to be read by all (c) 1, 2 and 4
non-brahmins.
(d) 1, 3 and 4
4. He incorporated the best teachings of
other religions as well.
19. Which of the following statements about
Select the answer from the codes below:
Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar are
(a) 1 and 2 correct ?
(b) 2 and 3 1. He struggled in favour of widow
(c) 3 and 4 remarriage.
(d) 1 and 4 2. He opposed child marriage and
polygamy.
17. Which of the following statements about 3. He campaigned in favour of education
Swami Dayanand are correct ? of women.
1. He considered the Vedas to be fallible. 4. He became the principal of the
2. He opposed idolatry, ritual and Sanskrit College at Calcutta and
priesthood. admitted non-Brahmin students into it.
3. He considered the Puranas to be full of Select the correct answer from the codes
falsehood. given below:
4. He defended the caste system based on (a) 1, 2 and 3
birth. (b) 2, 3 and 4
Select the correct answer from the codes (c) 3, 4 and 5
given below: (d) All of the above
(a) 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4 20. Which of the following statements about
(c) 1, 2 and 4 Jyotiba Phule are true?
(d) 2 and 4 1. He came from a high caste family in
Maharashtra.
18. Which of the following statements about 2. He waged a lifelong crusade against
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa are correct ? Brahmanical supremacy.
1. He became a priest in the temple of 3. He pioneered the widow remarriage
goddess Kali at Dakshineshwar. movement in Maharashtra.
2. He sought religious salvation in the 4. He worked for the education of
traditional ways of renunciation, women.
meditation and devotion. Select the correct answer from the codes
3. He emphasised that there was only one given below:
road to God and salvation. (a) 1, 2 and 3

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 4
www.shieldias.in

(b) 2, 3 and 4 2. The scenes of Hazara Rama show

(c) 1, 3 and 4 Vidyaranya, a spiritual master
(d) All of the above instrumental in early Vijayanagar
history, along with episodes showing
Arjuna, Rama and incarnations of
21. Consider the following statements:
Visnu.
1. Mosque-building reached its climax
Which of the statements given above is/are
under Shah Jahan, the two most
correct?
noteworthy ones being the Moti
(a) 1 only
Masjid in the Agra fort, built like the
Taj Mahal entirely in marble ,and the (b) 2 only
other the Jamma Masjid at Delhi, built (c) Both 1 and 2
in red sandstone. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. Golden temple at Amritsar, which was
rebuilt several times during the period, 24. Consider the following statements:
was built on the arch and dome 1. In the sphere of decoration, the Turks
principle and incorporated many eschewed representation of human and
features of the Mughal traditions of animal figures in the buildings.
architecture.
2. The Turks borrowed Hindu motifs
Which of the statements given above is/are such as the bell motif, swastika, lotus,
correct? etc.
(a) 1 only Which of the statements given above is/are
(b) 2 only correct?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (a) 1 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
22. Which one of the following was the (d) Neither 1 nor 2
meeting ground for the Brahmanical,
devotional and religious levels?
25. Consider the following statements:
(a) Maths
1. The most famous Bijapuri buildings of
(b) Temples Medieval India are the Ibrahim Rauza
(c) Ghatikas and the Gol Gumbaz. The former was
(d) Samas a mausoleum for Ibrahim Adil Shah
and shows the style at its best.
23. Consider the following statements: 2. Char Minar was constructed by
1. The sculptured relief at the Hazara Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah.
Rama temple is in strong contrast to Which of the statements given above is/are
the earlier painting tradition seen at correct?
Ajanta, for example, where one scene (a) 1 only
flows into another without constraint (b) 2 only
of such divisions. (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 5
www.shieldias.in

26. Consider the following statements: ornamented fabric, with silk and gold
1. In the period between the Mauryas and embroidery.
the Guptas, much wealth and energy 2. Akbar’s youth is aptly mirrored in the
were spent on Jainism architecture. ‘Hamzah Namah’ illustrations, which
2. The Sanchi gateways are more are full of suspense and mystery.
noteworthy for their carved Which of the statements given above is/are
ornamentation, than their architecture. correct?
The construction of these gateways, (a) 1 only
from technical point of view, is (b) 2 only
primitive.
(c) Both 1 and 2
Which of the statements given above is/ are
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
correct?
(a) 1 only
29. Consider the following statements:
(b) 2 only
1. The Mughals were specially fond of
(c) Both 1 and 2
hunting and often went round their
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 dominion as much for pleasure as for
transacting public business.
27. Consider the following statements: 2. Akbar introduced the Mina Bazar,
1. Megasthenes mentions that the palace which, in its original form was a great
of Chandragupta Maurya, though very social function, open to ladies of all
large and luxurious, was built of sections of the society.
carved and gilded wood. Which of the statements given above is/are
2. The Mauryan monolithic columns correct?
prove that the craftsmen of those days (a) 1 only
had a thorough mastery of working in (b) 2 only
stone ,and if the great cities of
(c) Both 1 and 2
Mauryan times were mainly built of
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
wood, so it indicates that comparative
scarceness of stone and the
abundance of timber in the Gangetic 30. Consider the following statements:
Plain. 1. The Solanki ruler of Gujarat, Mularaj
Which of the statements given above is/are II was the first Indian king who
correct? defeated Muhammad Ghori.
(a) 1 only 2. Ziauddin Barni and Shams-i-Siraj Afif
, both have given ‘Tarikh-i-
(b) 2 only
Firozshahi’ as title of their historical
(c) Both 1 and 2
work.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
28. Consider the following statements:
(a) 1 only
1. During medieval period of India
(b) 2 only
“Kimkhab” was a gorgeous and highly
(c) Both 1 and 2

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 6
www.shieldias.in

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
31. Dara Shikoh was the follower of which of (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
the following Sufi ideologies?
(a) Suhrawadi 34. Consider the following statements :
(b) Shatari 1. The Pre-Vedic Harappa Culture
(c) Qadiri bequeathed to later times sacred
(d) Naqshbandi animals and trees and the Mother
Goddess.

32. Consider the following statements 2. Later Vedic times brought the passion
regarding Gupta Age : for speculation on ultimate causes, the
quest for the absolute, the doctrine of
1. Fa-hien states that the Chandalas lived
trans-migration, the search for release
outside the village, and dealt in meat
from the round of rebirth and mystical
and flesh.
gnosis.
2. Gupta period is remarkable for the
Which of the statements given above is/are
production of secular literature, which
correct ?
consisted of a fair degree of ornate
court poetry. (a) 1 only
3. The Gupta period was very rich in (b) 2 only
terms of architecture. (c) Both 1 and 2
Which of the statements given above is/ are (d) Neither 1 nor 2
correct?
(a) 1 only 35. Consider the following statements :
(b) 1 and 2 only 1. The main emphasis in Carnatic music
(c) 3 only is on vocal music.
(d) 2 and 3 only 2. The Trinity of Carnatic music refers to
the outstanding trio of composer-
musicians of Carnatic music being
33. Consider the following pairs regarding the
Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and
features of Dravidian style :
Syama Sastri.
1. Vimana - representing the sanctum
Which of the statements given above is/are
with its tall pyramidal tower
correct ?
2. Gopuram - lofty gateways leading to
(a) 1 only
temple enclosure
(b) 2 only
3. Rathas - square and rectangular
(c) Both 1 and 2
4. Mandapa - complex consisted of
sanctum with its pyramidal tower and (d) Neither 1 nor 2
a pillared hall and mandapa with flat
roof. 36. Consider the following statements :
Select the correct answer using the code 1. Large works executed in the form of
given below: paintings on the walls of large
(a) l and 3 only

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 7
www.shieldias.in

structures is known as Mural 39. Consider the following statements :

Paintings. 1. The Bundi School of Paintings had a
2. Lepakshi paintings was full of primary close association with Mughal Style of
colours. Paintings.
Which of the statements given above is/are 2. This School is characterized by a
correct ? fondness for lush vegetation and
(a) 1 only dramatic night skies.
(b) 2 only 3. Its famous painter was Nihalchan.
(c) Both 1 and 2 Which of the statements given above is/are
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 correct ?
(a) 1 only

37. Consider the following statements : (b) 1 and 2

1. Amravati is situated on the bank of (c) 2 and 3
Godavari River. (d) 1, 2 and 3
2. In the ancient period, Amravati was
the capital of Satavahanas and 40. Consider the following statements :
flourished as an important Buddhist 1. Bal Shastri Jambekar started a weekly,
site. the Darpan, with the objective of
Which of the statements given above is/are chasing away the mists of error and
correct ? ignorance which clouded men's minds
(a) 1 only and shedding over them the light of
(b) 2 only knowledge, in which the people of
Europe have advanced so far before
(c) Both 1 and 2
the other nations of the world.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. Paramahansa Mandali was founded in
Uttar Pradesh. Its founders believed in
38. Consider the following statements :
one God and were primarily interested
1. Carnatic music received patronage in breaking caste rules.
from the Muslim Sultans of the
Which of the statements given above is/are
Deccan.
correct ?
2. Gwalior emerged as a major centre of
(a) 1 only
Dhrupad form of music.
(b) 2 only
3. Sarangadeva, a Kashmiri Brahmin,
(c) Both 1 and 2
pioneered a systematic analysis of
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
ragas during the Mughal period.
Which of the
statements given above is/are correct ? 41. Consider the following statements about
the second Jain council:
(a) 2 only
1.. It was held at Mathura.
(b) 1 and 2
2. It was presided over by
(c) 1 and 3
Aryaskandilya.
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Which of the above statement(s) is/are true?

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 8
www.shieldias.in

(a) 1 only 1. The megalith builders of the Deccan

(b) 2 only were not acquainted with the use of
(c) Both 1 and 2 iron and agriculture.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. In the Satavahana phase, many
Chaityas and monasteries were cut out
of solid rock in Deccan.
42. Which of the following statements are
3. The official language of the
correct?
Satavahanas was Prakrit.
1. Chaitya is a Buddhist Temple.
4. The Satavahanas started the practice
2. Gautam Buddha did not believe in
of granting tax-free villages to the
rebirth.
Brahmanas and the Buddhist monks.
3. Gautam Buddha achieved Maha-
Which of the statements given above are
parinirvana (death) in Bodhgaya.
correct?
Codes :
(a) 1 and 3
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(b) All three are correct.
(c) 3 and 4
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 1 only

46. Consider the following statements

43. Which of the following are correct?
regarding the Gupta age:
1. Saint Jnaneshwar (Gyaneshwar) wrote
1. Goddess Lakshmi is variably
a significant commentary of Guptas.
represented on Gupta coins as
2. Ramanujacharya popularized the Vishnu’s wife.
worship of Ram as an avatar of
2. During the Gupta period, land taxes
Vishnu.
increased in number and those on
Codes : trade and commerce decreased.
(a) 1 only 3. The judicial system was far more
(b) 2 only developed under the Guptas.
(c) Both 1 and 2 4. In the Gupta period there is no
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 evidence of forced labour.
Which of the statements given above are
44. “Sajibu Cheiraoba”, is the lunar new year correct?
festival celebrated in which Indian state? (a) 1, 2 and 3
(a) West Bengal (b) 1 and 4
(b) Odisha (c) 2, 3 and 4
(c) Manipur (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) Bihar
47. Consider the following statements:
45. Consider the following statements: 1. The Northern Black Polished Ware
(NBPW) was made of very fine

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 9
www.shieldias.in

material and apparently served as

tableware for the rich. 50. With reference to the religions history
2. The NBPW phase marked the and medieval India, the Sufi mystics were
beginning of the second urbanization known to pursue which of the following
in India. practices?
Which of the statements given above is/are 1. Severe ascetic exercise in a lonely
correct? place.
(a) 1 only 2. Meditation and control of breath.
(b) 2 only 3. Singing songs in praise of Allah and
(c) Both 1 and 2 arise a state of ecstasy in their
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 audience.
Select the correct answer using the codes
given below:
48. Consider the following statements
regarding the plays produced during the (a) 1 only
Gupta period: (b) 2 only
1. They are all comedies and no tragedies (c) 2 and 3 only
are found. (d) All of the above
2. Women and Shudras featuring in these
plays used Prakrit, whereas higher 51. Consider the following statements
classes used Sanskrit. regarding Zoroastrianism:
Which of the statements given above is/are 1. They believe in monotheism i.e. belief
correct? in one God whose name is Ahura
(a) 1 only Mazda.
(b) 2 only 2. Their fire temples are called Atash
(c) Both 1 and 2 Bahram.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 3. They worship only air, water and
earth.
49. Consider the following statements: 4. Their sacred texts are called Angutara
Nikaya.
1. The official language of the
Satavahans was Prakrit. Which of the statements given above are
correct?
2. ‘Gatha Saptasati’ (a Prakrit text) is
attributed to a Satavahana king ‘Hala’. (a) 1, 2 and 3
3. The Satavahans started the practice of (b) 3 and 4
granting tax-free villages to the (c) 1 and 2
Brahmans and the Buddhist monks. (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct? 52. ‘Transmigration of Soul’ is explained
(a) 3 only through which of the following analogy in
(b) 1 and 2 Buddhism?
(c) 2 and 3 (a) Holding the hand of the dead.
(d) 1, 2 and 3

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 10
www.shieldias.in

(b) Flame of a lamp which kindles other Select the correct answer using the codes
lamp before getting extinguished. given below:
(c) Buddha touching mother earth. (a) 1 and 2
(d) Lighting lamp throughout and (b) 2 and 3
watching a single lamp. (c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
53. Bathukamma is a floral festival
celebrated in which Indian state? 56. With reference to the Kaniyan Koothu,
(a) Kerala which of the statements given below is/are
(b) Telangana correct?
(c) West Bengal 1. It is a ritual art form practised during
(d) Punjab temple festivals in Maharashtra.
54. Consider the following statements: 2. It is performed by only men.
1. Muziris was the doorway for cultures, Select the correct answer using the codes
religions and races into India. given below:
2. Muziris was located on the banks of (a) 1 only
the Vaigai River. (b) 2 only
3. Muziris finds mention in the “Voyage (c) Both 1 and 2
Around the Erythraean Sea”. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
4. Pliny, the Elder refers to Muziris as
“the first emporium” of India. 57. Consider the following statements about
Which of the statements given above are Kutiyattam :
correct? 1. Kutiyattam is a Sanskrit theatre from
(a) 2, 3 and 4 Tamil Nadu.
(b) 1, 3 and 4 2. It is recognised by the UNESCO as a
(c) 1 and 2 masterpiece of oral and intangible
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 heritage of humanity.
3. Kutiyattam endows great significance
55. With reference to Ramanuja, which of the to facial expressions.
statements given below are correct? 4. In Kutiyattam, the power of
1. Ramanuja was deeply influenced by communication through the eyes
Alvars. (netrabhinaya) is so refined,
persuasive and wide-ranging that it
2. According to him, the best means of
can portray any situation, thought or
attaining salvation was through intense
activity.
devotion to Vishnu.
Which of the statements given above are
3. He propounded the doctrine of
correct?
Vishishtadvaita or qualified oneness.
(a) 2, 3 and 4
4. Ramanuja’s doctrine greatly inspired
the new strand of bhakti which (b) 3 and 4
developed in the North India (c) 1, 3 and 4
subsequently. (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 11
www.shieldias.in

Which of the statements given above is/are

58. Consider the following statements about the correct?
‘Mohiniyattam’ dance: (a) 2 and 3
1. In the basic dance steps of (b) 1 and 2
Mohiniyattam Adavus - Taganam, (c) 3 only
Jaganam are included. (d) 1, 2 and 3
2. Its predominant style is Lasya.
Which of the statements given above is/ are 61. The statue of ‘Gommateshvara Bahubali’
correct? at Shravanabelagola was constructed
(a) 1 only under the patronage of
(b) 2 only a) Rashtrakutas
(c) Both 1 and 2 b) Chalukyas
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 c) Western Gangas
d) Mauryas
59. Consider the following statements:
1. In the custom of ‘Niyoga’, the 62. Which among the following statements
childless widow was given a chance to are TRUE regarding the Mughal School
conceive a son by her brother-in-law. of Painting ?
2. Bana Bhatt and tantric sects declared 1. The Mughal School of Painting is a
that the woman burning herself on her synthesis of Persian and indigenous
husband’s pyre went straight to the art.
heaven. 2. It is more aristocratic and secular in
3. The first memorial to a sati is found at nature.
Eran, M.P.. 3. A limitation of the Mughal School of
Which of the statements given above is/are Painting is the absence of scenes from
correct? the nature.
(a) 1 only 4. A characteristic feature of the Mughal
(b) 2 only paintings is the emergence of portrait
(c) 2 and 3 only paintings from the period of Jahangir.
(d) 1 and 3 only 5. Basawan was the famous painter in the
court of Akbar. He reached the height
of his fame and became insane, and
60. Consider the following statements:
committed suicide.
1. Megasthenes declared that famine was
Select the correct answer using the codes
very known in India.
given below :
2. References to famine are fairly
(a) 1 and 2
common in the ancient Indian
literature. (b) 3, 4 and 5
3. The Arthashastra suggests that a king (c) 1, 2 and 4
is justified in confiscating the hoarded (d) 1, 2, 3 and 5
wealth of his richer subjects in order
to feed the hungry.

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 12
www.shieldias.in

63. Consider the following statements 65. Consider the following statements
regarding the Sanchi Stupa, a venerated regarding the Ajanta Wall paintings :
master piece of Buddhist art in India: 1. The murals of Ajanta largely depict
1. It has hemispherical dome, containing scenes from the Jataka stories.
a central chamber, in which the relics 2. While depicting the images, the
of the Buddha were placed. emphasis is more on highlighting
2. It is one of the best preserved early emotions and sentiments.
stupas in central India. The Sanchi 3. The images are painted in such a way,
Stupa is surrounded by a railing with as to highlight the graceful and divine
four carved gateways, facing all the aspect of women, rather than their
four Cardinal points. physical beauty and charm.
3. The Stupa at Sanchi is one the most Which of the statements given above are
wonderful structures of ancient India. correct?
It has been included by UNESCO as (a) 1 and 2
one of the heritage sites of the world.
(b) 2 and 3
Which of the statements given above is/are
(c) 1 and 3
correct?
(d) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
66. Consider the following statements
(c) 3 only
regarding Kathakali :
(d) 1, 2 and 3
1. Kathakali is a blend of dance, music
and acting (drama) and it dramatizes
64. Consider the following statements stories, which are mostly adapted from
regarding the Lakshman temple in the Indian epics.
Khajuraho : 2. The 'Varnam' is the most important
1. The temple is constructed on a heavy composition of Kathakali repertoire.
plinth. It is built in Panchayata style 3. It represents the eternal conflict
by Yasovarman. between the Good and the Evil.
2. An image of Lord Shiva is placed in 4. Kathakali is a mix of Aryan and
the Garbhagriha. Dravidian dance form popularized by
3. There are four shrines in each corner the Nairs of Kerala.
of the temple. There are images of Which of the statements given above are
Vishnu in three shrines and Surya in correct?
one.
(a) 1 and 3
Which of the statements given above is/are
(b) 1, 2 and 3
correct?
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(a) 1 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
67. Kalighat paintings is/are:
(d) 1, 2 and 3

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 13
www.shieldias.in

1. These paintings were made by folk 2. The Uttaramerur inscription of the

artists of Bengal, depicting Chola King Parantaka I helped us
mythological scenes. understand the Local Self Government
2. Two of the most popular themes in of that period.
Kalighat paintings are the Bengali 3. While the Aihole inscription detailed
'Babus' and their hollow, decrepit the rivalry between Harsha and
culture, and also the 'loose women' of Pulakeshin-II, the Junagarh inscription
the society. detailed the development of irrigation
3. The most interesting aspect of facilities in the Mauryan period.
Kalighat painting is perhaps its strong Which of the statements given above is/are
social themes and consciousness. correct?
Kalighat painting was the first of its (a) 1 only
kind in the Indian sub-continent that (b) 2 and 3
expressed subaltern sentiment.
(c) 1 and 2
Which of the statements given above is/are
(d) 1, 2 and 3
correct ?
(a) 1 only
70. The dance poses (Karanas) described in
(b) 3 only
the Natyasastra, are depicted in which of
(c) 2 and 3 the following temples?
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (a) Srirangam Temple, Trichy
(b) Brihadeeswara Temple, Tanjore
68. Consider the following statements (c) Chidambaram Natraj Temple
regarding the education system in Ancient
(d) Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
India:
1. The Nalanda University was
71. Consider the following statements:
established by Harshavardhan.
1. The famous Sanchi stupa was
2. The Taxila University was established
constructed during the Sunga period.
by Dharmapala of Pala dynasty.
2. The great Mauryan emperor Ashoka
3. Ghatikas played a crucial role in
constructed the gateway railing which
imparting education in South India.
surrounds this stupa.
Which of the statements given above is/are
Which of the above statement/s is/are
correct?
correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) None of the above
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

69. Consider the following statements :

72. Nasik inscription is associated with which
1. The Brahmi script was deciphered by
of the following Satavahana kings?
Werner Willikens and it helped
(a) Simuka
understand the Ashokan inscriptions.
(b) Sri Satkarni

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 14
www.shieldias.in

(c) Rudradaman 77. Trirashmi Buddhist cave complex, where

(d) Gautamiputra Satkarni three new caves have been discovered, is
located in which state?
73. During the Mughal period, Mir Syed Ali (a) Tamil Nadu
and Abdus Samad were famous (b) Maharashtra
(a) painters (c) Uttar Pradesh
(b) writers (d) Madhya Pradesh
(c) military commanders
(d) architects. 78. Furrows have been found at
(a) Lothal
74. Who among the following was the (b) Banawali
religious guru of Shivaji ? (c) Harappa
(a) Ramdas (d) Kalibangan
(b) Jnanadeva
(c) Eknath 79. The Jatakas are
(d) Tukaram (a) religious instructions for Buddhist
monks.
75. Which of the following statements is/are (b) fables about the previous births of
correct ? Buddha.
1. The First Jain Council was held at (c) Jain religious texts.
Pataliputra under the leadership of (d) the experiences of Buddha’s disciples.
Sthulbhadra.
2. The Second Jain Council was held at 80. The Indus Valley people worshipped
Valabhi under the leadership of 1. trees and animals
Devardhi Kshamasramana.
2. Pasupati
Code:
3. mother goddess
(a) 1 only
4. Trimurti
(b) 2 only
Codes :
(c) Both 1 and 2
(a) 1 and 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
76. The most significant feature of the Indus
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Valley Civilization was
(a) grand temples
81. Buddha preached his first sermon at
(b) first true domes
(a) Sarnath
(c) town planning
(b) Pavapuri
(d) art and architecture
(c) Gaya
(d) Sanchi

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 15
www.shieldias.in

82. Match List-I with List-II and select the

correct answer using the codes given 85. Consider the following statements :
below the lists. 1. Dharmapala founded the famous
List-I List-II Vikramashila University for the
A. Epigraphy 1. Study of Buddhists
inscriptions 2. The city of Dhillika (Delhi) was
founded by the Chauhans.
B. Paleography 2. Study of writing
Code:
used in
inscriptions and (a) 1 only
old records (b) 2 only
C. Numismatics 3. Study of coins (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
D. Archaeology 4. Study of
historical
remains 86. At which one of the following sets of
Harappan sites have structures with fire
Code:
altars been discovered?
A B C D
(a) Alamgirpur and Daimabad
(a) 1 2 3 4
(b) Harappa and Mohenjodaro
(b) 4 3 2 1
(c) Banawali and Kalibangan
(c) 2 1 3 4
(d) Chanhudaro and Amri
(d) 4 1 3 2

87. The material culture of the later Vedic

83. The Buddhist Order broke into
people in the Ganga-Yamuna Valley may
Sthaviravadins and the Mahasanghikas at
be gleaned from
the
(a) ochre coloured pottery
(a) First General Council
(b) painted grey ware
(b) Second General Council
(c) black and red ware
(c) Third General Council
(d) northern black polished ware
(d) Fourth General Council

88. Consider the following statements:

84. Consider the following statements :
1. The Harappan people did not know the
1. The people of the Harappan culture
art of writing.
amused themselves in gambling.
2. The period when man began to use
2. The Aryans at first settled in Western
metal is called the Neolithic Age.
U.P.
Code :
Code:
(a) 1 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 16
www.shieldias.in

89. Which of the following is incorrect in the Select the correct answer using the codes
context of decline of the Mauryan given below :
Empire? (a) 1 and 2
(a) The successors of Ashoka were weak (b) 1 and 3
and could not control the empire (c) 2 and 3
properly.
(d) All of the above
(b) The various regions of the empire
were cut off from one another due to
92. Which of the following was not authored
great distances.
by Harsha?
(c) A large army and administrative
(a) Priyadarshika
structure became a burden.
(b) Ratnawali
(d) The policy of Ahimsa (non—violence)
(c) Nagananda
led to the decline of the Mauryan
Empire. (d) Parvati Parinaya

90. Which of the following were common to 93. Which of the following was the central
both Buddhism and Jainism? factor that transformed Ancient Indian
society into Medieval society?
1. Avoidance of extremities of penance
and enjoyment. (a) Rigidity of Varnashram system
2. Indifference to the authority of the (b) Development of urban centres
Vedas. (c) Growth of trade and commerce
3. Denial of efficiency of rituals. (d) Practice of land grants
4. Non-injury to animal life.
Select the correct answer using the codes 94. Megaliths
given below : (a) are a certain group of Paleolithic
(a) All of these caves.
(b) 2, 3 and 4 (b) is the technical term for pre-historic
(c) 1, 3 and 4 rock cut caves.
(d) l and 2 (c) are pre-historic burial monuments.
(d) are monoliths belonging to the
Neolithic period.
91. Which of the following statements are
correct?
1. Indo-Greeks were first to introduce 95. Who founded the Lingayat Movement?
gold coins in India. (a) Basava
2. Gandhara School of Art is associated (b) Ramanuja
with Kushanas. (c) Shankaracharya
3. Charaka was the physician of (d) Kamban
Kanishka.
4. In Satavahana kingdom districts were 96. Consider the following statements :
known as Ahara. 1. Gupta emperors claimed divine right
for themselves.

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 17
www.shieldias.in

2. They elaborated the tradition of land 98. Which of the following Buddhist
grants. scriptures deals with monastic rules for
Which of the statements given above are monks and nuns?
correct? (a) Sutta Pitaka
Code : (b) Vinaya Pitaka
(a) 1 only (c) Abhidhamma Pitaka
(b) 2 only (d) None of the above
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 99. Dialogues contained in the Milind Panho
are between an lndo-Greek king Meander
97. Consider the following statements about and one of the Buddhist scholars. Who
the Harappan Civilisation : was the Buddhist monk?
1. There was a division of labour, and (a) Nagarjuna
society was diversified and stratified. (b) Nagasena
2. The Harappan script was written from (c) Asvagosha
right to left. (d) None of the above
Which among the above are correct?
(a) 1 only 100. Which of the following is not included in
(b) 2 only the Triratnas of Jainism?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (a) Samyak Gyan
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) Samyak Darshana
(c) Samyak Charitra
(d) Samyak Sambhodana

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 18
ANSWER KEY
&
EXPLANATIONS
THEMATIC TEST – 4

ART & CULTURE

TEST CODE- PTPS22D2612

PRELIMS TEST SERIES 2022 - ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

1. (c) Exp: Evidence of citadel suggests the local authorities at respective sites and it does not
correlate to the theory of a centralized authority.

2. (a) Exp. The caves were evidently substituted for a standardized religious meeting place consisting
of a round thatched hut standing in a courtyard.

3. (d) Exp. The most impressive aspect of the Rajarajesvara temple is the Vimana, which reaches a
height of approximately sixty metres and may have been the tallest structure in South Asia at
the time it was built.

4. (d) Exp. The period after the eighth century, and particularly between the tenth and twelfth
centuries, can be regarded as the peak period for temple building activies in north India. Some
of the most magnificent temples that we have today can be traced back to this period. The style
of temple construction which came into prominence was called the nagar.

5. (b) Exp. Lingaraja temple is situated in Orissa.

6. (c) Exp. In addition to these facts, it is likely that the Tanjore workshop produced some of the
many articles given by Rajaraja I to the Rajarajesvara temple at Tanjore, as described in the
inscriptions on the base of the temple.

7. (a) Exp. Humayun‘s tomb, built at Delhi towards the beginning of Akbar’s reign, has a massive
dome of marble, what may be considered as precursor of the Taj. The double dome was another
feature of this building.

8. (a) Exp. The Buland Darwaja or the Lofty Gate, built to commemorate Akbar`s victory in
Gujarat, the gate is in the style of what is called a half – dome portal.

9. (a) Exp. A large number of painters from different parts of the country were invited, many of them
from lowly castes during Mughal period. Duswant and Basawan were famous painters of
Akbar’s court.

10. (c) Exp. Asserting the importance of Marathi, Eknath exclaimed.” If Sanskrit was made by God,
was Prakrit born of thieves and knaves? God is no partisan of tongues. To him Prakrit and
Sanskrit are alike. My language Marathi is worthy of expressing the highest sentiments and rich
laden with the fruits of divine knowledge.”

11. (b) Exp:

Patliputra was a major political centre and not an educational centre.

12. (a) Exp:

Bhavabhuti was a scholar noted for his plays and poetry, written in Sanskrit. His plays are
considered equivalent to the works of Kalidasa. He was patronized by King Yashovarman
of Kannauj.

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 1
PRELIMS TEST SERIES 2022 - ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

Patanjali was patronized by Sungas.

13. (c)

14. (c)

15. (b)

16. (a) Exp: His book on Christianity did not embody the moral and spiritual precepts of Jesus, and
the narrations of the miracles. Further, he did not defend Hinduism and its Vedanta philosophy
from the ignorant attacks of Christi

17. (a) Exp: Swami Dayanand Saraswati considered the Vedas as eternal and infallible. He was
against idolatry, ritual and priesthood and attacked child marriages and caste system based on
birth; encouraged inter-caste marriages and widow marriages.

18. (c) Exp: Ramakrishna Paramhansa was a priest in the temple of Goddess Kali at Dakshineshwar
near Calcutta (1856). He sought religious salvation in the traditional way of renunciation,
meditation and devotion. He emphasized that there were several roads to God and salvation,
and that service of man was service of God.

19. (d) Exp: He contributed to the uplift of Indian women by struggling in favour of widow
remarriage, by opposing child marriage and polygamy, and by campaigning in favour of
education of women. He evolved a new technique of teaching Sanskrit and a modern prose
style in Bengali. He also admitted non-Brahmin students into Sanskrit College at Calcutta and
he was the Principal of this college.

20. (b) Exp: Belonging to a low caste family from Maharashtra and being aware of the degraded
position of the untouchables and non-brahmins, he waged a lifelong struggle against upper
caste domination and Brahmanical supremacy through his Satyashodak Samaj. He pioneered
the widow re-marriage movement in Maharashtra and worked for the education of women.

21. (c)

22. (b) Exp: During Ancient India the meeting ground for the Brahmanical, devotional and religious
levels was temples.

23. (c)

24. (c) Exp: In sphere of decoration, the Turks eschewed representation of human and animal figures
in the buildings. Instead, they used geometrical and floral designs, combining them with panels
of inscriptions containing verses from the Quran.

25. (c) Exp:

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 2
PRELIMS TEST SERIES 2022 - ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

In the field of architecture, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah constructed many building, the most
famous of which is the Char Minar. It has four lofty arches, facing the four directions.

26. (b) Exp: In the period between the Mauryas and the Guptas, much wealth and energy were spent
on Buddhist architecture, and the older Stupas were generally enlarged and beautified. Of these,
there are specially noteworthy –those at Bharhut and Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh.

27. (c)

28. (c) Exp:

Akbar’s youth is aptly mirrored in the ‘Hamzah Namah’ illustrations, which are full of suspense
and mystery. At the same time, they are dynamic in expression. At this stage, both Indian and
Persian elements appear side by side.

29. (a) Exp: Akbar introduced the Mina-Bazar but it was confined to the ladies of the nobility.

30. (c) Exp: Both the statements are correct as the Solanki ruler of Gujarat, Mularaj II was the first
Indian king who defeated Muhammad Ghori. Secondly, the Ziauddin Barni and Shams-i-Siraj
Afif , both have given ‘Tarikh-i-Firozshahi’ as title of their historical work.

31. (c) Exp: Dara Shikoh was follower of Qadiri Sufi ideology.

32. Ans Exp: The Gupta period was poor in terms of architecture. All that we find are a few temples
(b) made of brick in U.P. and a stone temple. The brick temples of Bhitargaon in Kanpur, Bhitari in
Ghazipur, and Deogarh in Jhansi may be mentioned.

33. Ans Exp:- The origin of Dravidian style lies in the rock cut rathas at Mamallapuram Features of
(d) Dravidian Style: Vimana — representing the sanctum with its tall pyramidal tower; Gopuram -
lofty gateways leading to temple enclosure; Rathas - square and rectangular; and Mandapa -
complex consisted of sanctum with its pyramidal tower and a pillared hall and mandapa with
flat roof.

34. (c)

35. (b) Exp. : Carnatic music is a very complex system of music that requires much thought, both
artistically and technically.

36. (a) Exp: Lepakshi Paintings related to Vijayanagar Empire. It was secular although painted on
temple walls. There was complete absence of Primary Colours, particularly blue. They show a
decline in the quality of Paintings.

37. (a) Exp:

Amravati is situated on the bank of Krishna River.

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 3
PRELIMS TEST SERIES 2022 - ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

38. (b) Exp: Sarangadeva, a Kashmiri Brahmin, courtier in the Yadav Kingdom of Devagiri,
pioneered a systematic analysis of ragas in the early 13th Century.

39. (b) Exp: Nihalchan, Raja Sawant Singh were famous painters of Kishangad school of paintings.

40. (a) Exp: Paramhansa Mandali was founded in Maharashtra in 1849.

In 1818, the Darpan was started (a weekly) Bal Shastri Jambekar.

41. (d) Exp:

Second Jain Council was held at Valabhi (Gujarat) in the 5th Century A.D. under leadership of
Devaradhi Kshamasramana.

42. (d) Exp: Chaityas are Buddhist temples whereas Vihars are the places where Buddhist monks live.
Gautam Buddha believed in rebirth but he did not believe in the concept of soul. Buddha
achieved enlightenment in Bodhgaya whereas he achieved Mahaparinirvana in Kushinagar
(UP).

43. (a) Exp : Jnaneshwar was an important Maratha saint. It was Ramananda who popularised the
worship of Ram as an avatar of Vishnu. Ramananda was a follower of Ramanujacharya.

44. (c) Exp : Sajibu Cheiraoba is the Lunar New year Festival celebrated by the people who follow the
religion of Sanamahism in the state of Manipur.
It falls on the day of the Month of Sajibu. The lunar new year is celebrated on the same day in
different names in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and many other Indian states.

45. (b) Exp: The megalith builders of the Deccan were fairly well acquainted with the use of iron and
agriculture.

46. (a) Exp: In the Gupta period, the villagers were also subjected to forced labour, called Vishti by
the royal army and the officials.

47. (c) Exp: Archaeologically, the fifth century BC marks the beginning of the Northern Black
Polished Ware (NBPW) phase in the Gangetic plains and this was a very glossy, shining type of
pottery.
In association with this pottery are found iron implements, especially those meant for crafts and
agriculture.

48. (c) Exp: Characters of the higher and lower classes did not speak the same language; women and
Shudras featuring in these plays used Prakrit, whereas the higher classes used Sanskrit.
It is notable that Ashoka and Satavahanas used Prakrit as the State language.

49. (d) Exp: Other facts related to Satavahans are given below:
o By and large they issued coins of lead which is found in the Deccan. They also issued potin,

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 4
PRELIMS TEST SERIES 2022 - ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

copper and bronze money.

o The Satavahans show traces of a matrimonial social structure. It was customary for their king to
be named after his mother. However, the Satavahana ruling family was basically patriarchal
because succession to the throne passed to the male member.
The administration in the rural areas was placed in the hands of a Gaulmika.

50.
(d)

51. (c) Exp: They worship fire also and their sacred texts are called Zenda Avesta which are written in
old Avestan and consist of 17 sacred songs.

52. (b)

53. (b) Exp: A floral festival celebrated mainly in Telangana and some parts of Andhra Pradesh,
Bathukamma is celebrated for nine days.
To mark the beginning of the nine-day festival, women carry thalis containing flowers and
incense sticks. The goddess is created each year, and immersed in local water bodies, on the
10th day of the festival.

54. (b) Exp: Pliny the Elder was a Roman naturalist of the first century CE (Common Era).
o Muziris was located on the banks of the Periyar River.
o Voyage Around the Erythraean Sea is a work by a Greek speaking Egyptian merchant from the
middle of the first century CE.
o Pliny refers to Muziris, in his encyclopaedia work, “Naturalis Historia”, as the first emporium
of India.
The name Muciripattanam is mentioned in the Sangam Literature as an affluent port and
habitation on the western coast.

55. (d) Exp:

o Ramanuja propounded the doctrine of Vishishtadvaita or qualified oneness in that the soul even
when united with the Supreme God remained distinct.
Ramanuja was born in Tamil Nadu in the eleventh century.

56. (b) Exp: It is a ritual art form practised during temple festivals in Tamil Nadu.

57. (a) Exp:

o Kutiyattam, a Sanskrit theatre from Kerala and 18 other forms of cultural expression have been
declared by the UNESCO as 'masterpieces of oral and intangible heritage of humanity', an
initiative that draws attention to remarkable cultural spaces.
o Kutiyattam has distinctive features in terms of theatrical conventions and methods of acting. A
striking feature of this theatre is that it treats single acts from major Sanskrit plays as full-
fledged plays.

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 5
PRELIMS TEST SERIES 2022 - ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

o Kutiyattam elaborates the text of the play to such an extent that the poetic quality of a Sanskrit
verse, with its multiple layers of meaning and figures of speech, gets its full play in its
enactment.
o Kutiyattam endows great significance to facial expressions, and the face with its delicately-
wrought eye, cheek, brow and lip movements, and the elasticity of the facial muscles can depict
a gamut of emotions on the stage. The power of communication through the eyes
(netrabhinaya) is so refined, persuasive and wide-ranging that it can portray any situation,
thought or activity.
Traditionally performed inside temple theatres called Koothambalams, Kutiyattam was
sustained in the olden days by the patronage of kings and art aficionados belonging to the upper
castes of Kerala.

58. (c) Exp:

o Mohiniyattam is a semi-classical dance form of Kerala. It is performed by women. The word
Mohini means a maiden who steals the heart of the onlooker.
o It is thought that Vaishnava devotees gave the name of Mohiniyattam to this dance form.
Legend says that Lord Vishnu took on the guise of a Mohini, the arch enchantress, to enthrall
people.
o Mohiniyattam follows the Hastha Lakshanadeepika, a textbook for Mudras. The vocal music
for Mohiniyattam is classical Carnatic.
The basic dance steps of Mohiniyattam are the Adavus - Taganam, Jaganam, Dhaganam and
Sammisram. Mohiniyattam maintains a realistic makeup and simple dressing.

59. (d) Exp: Bana Bhatt and tantric sects declared the woman burning herself on her husband’s pyre
went straight to hell.
The first memorial to a sati is found at Eran, near Sagar in M.P.

60. (a) Exp: Megasthenes declared that famine was unknown in India, but he certainly wrote from
inadequate knowledge.

61. (c) Exp:

o Statue of Lord Gommateshwara was installed by the Western Ganga Kingdom. The base of the
Bahubali statue has inscriptions in Kannada and Tamil, as well as the oldest evidence of written
Marathi.
The inscription praises the Ganga king who funded the effort, and his general Chavundaraya,
who erected the statue for his mother.

62. (a) Exp:

o The Mughal School of Painting is characterized by scenes from the nature and portrait paintings
developed from the period of Akbar only.
o Basawan and Daswanth were the famous painters in the court of Akbar. Basawan did not
commit suicide, it was Daswanth who reached the height of his fame and became insane, and

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 6
PRELIMS TEST SERIES 2022 - ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

committed suicide.
Basawan was considered by some critics as a great painter, greater even than Daswanth. He
excelled in the painting of background and the drawing of features, distribution of colours and
portraiture paintings.

63. (d) Exp: The Stupa at Sanchi is one the most wonderful structures of ancient India. The Sanchi
Stupa is a fine example of the development of the Buddhist architecture and sculpture. The site
of Sanchi was discovered in the year 1818 by General Taylor.

64. (c) Exp: An image of Chaturmukha Vishnu is placed in the Garbhagriha. It was built by
Yasovarman, the seventh ruler of the Chandela dynasty.

65. (d)

66. (d) Exp: Varnam, which essentially is a combination of nritta and nritya, belongs to Bharatnatyam.
Varnam comprises two parts:
(1) The first part is called Purvaranga and it includes Pallavi, Anupallavi, Muktai Swara and
Muktai Swara Sahityam.
(2) The second part is called Uttaranga and it comprises Charanam and Charana Swaras. Kerala
is the home of several traditional dances and dance - drama forms, the most notable being
Kathakali.

67. (d)

68. (b) Exp: The Nalanda University was established by Kumaragupta. Dharmapala established the
Vikramashila University.

69. (b) Exp: The Brahmi script was deciphered by James Princep and it helped understand the
Ashokan inscriptions.

70. (b)

71. (d) Exp: The Sanchi stupa was constructed during the period of Ashoka while gateway railing was
constructed during the Sunga period.

72. (d) Exp: The Nasik Prasasti describes Gautamiputra as the ruler of the Aparanta, Anupa,
Saurashtra, Kukura, Akara, and Avanti. He also seems to have recovered the territories in
Central Deccan, which had been lost by the Satavahanas during the earlier rule of his
predecessors.

73. (a) Exp: Humayun encouraged art. He encouraged the Persian culture in his territory. He was
responsible for getting the artists, Mir Saiyyad Ali and AbdusSammad, to Mughal empire from
Iran.

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 7
PRELIMS TEST SERIES 2022 - ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

74. (a) Exp: Ramdas was the religious guru of Shivaji.

He was a devotee of Hanuman and Rama. He is also known as Sant Ramdas or Ramdas Swami.
He was a contemporary of the Maratha rulers Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chatrapati
Sambhaji Maharaj. He was an Indian Hindu saint, philosopher, poet, writer and spiritual master.

75. (c)

76. (c)

77. (b) Exp: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has discovered three new caves in the
Trirashmi Buddhist cave complex, which is located near Nashik in Maharashtra.
This cave complex is also called the Pandav Leni. This site was first documented by a British
military officer nearly two decades ago.

78. (d) Exp: Kalibangan excavations in present western Rajasthan shows a ploughed field, the first site
of this nature in the world. It shows a grid pattern of furrows, placed about 30 cm apart running
east-west and other spaced about 190 cm apart running north-south, a pattern remarkably
similar to the one practiced even now

79. (b)

80. (d)

81. (a) Exp: Buddha preached the First Sermon at Sarnath.

A popular subject in medieval Buddhist art is the Buddha preaching his first sermon in a deer
forest at Sarnath, north of Bodhgaya, where he had experienced enlightenment some weeks
prior.

82. (a)

83. (b) Exp: The order broke into Sthaviravada (in Pali Theravada) and the Mahasanghikas in 383
B.C. while the Sthaviravadins were believers in the teaching of elders, and Orthodox school,
the Mahasanghikas were members of the great communities. The sect of Lokottarvadin
emerged from the latter group whose philosophy was based on the concept of Lokottara
Buddha or Supernatural Buddha.

84. (a) Exp: The Aryans are thought to have arrived in India in groups that settled in Pakistan's North-
Western Province and the Punjab. From around thousand five hundred B.C., the Aryans were
found to have occupied the entire present-day Punjab and Sindh regions.

85. (a) Exp: Dhilika is the ancient name for the city of Delhi. Delhi has a long history and is known to
be the city called Indraprastha during epic times. Delhi was founded by Tomar King named
Anangpal.

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 8
PRELIMS TEST SERIES 2022 - ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

86. (c) Exp: Apart from Lothal, structures with fire altars have been discovered at Banawali and
Kalibangan.

87. (b) Exp:

o The material culture of the later Vedic people in the Ganga-Yamuna Valley may be gleaned
from painted grey ware.
o It is an Iron Age Indianculture of the western Gangetic plain and the Ghaggar-Hakra valley in
the Indian subcontinent, conventionally dated 1200 to 600–500 BCE
o It is characterized by a style of fine, grey pottery painted with geometric patterns in black.
o PGW culture is associated with village and town settlements, domesticated horses, ivory-
working, and the advent of iron metallurgy
Pottery generally has a red surfaceand is wheel thrown although handmade ones too exist

88. (d)

89. (d)

90. (b)

91. (d)

92. (d) Exp: Parvati Parinaya was authored by Bana Bhatta.

93. (d)

94. (c) Exp: A megalith is a large stone that has been used to construct a prehistoric structure or
monument, either alone or together with other stones. Most extant megaliths were erected
between the Neolithic period (although earlier Mesolithic examples are known) through the
Chalcolithic period and into the Bronze Age.

95. (a) Exp: Lingayatism is a Shaivite Hindu religious tradition in India. Initially known as
Veerashaivas, since the 12th century adherents of this faith are known as Lingayats. ...
Lingayatism was founded, or revived, by the 12th-century philosopher and statesman Basava in
Karnataka.

96. (c)

97. (c)

98. (b) Exp: The Vinaya Pitaka, the first division of the Tipitaka, is the textual framework upon which
the monastic community (Sangha) is built. It includes not only the rules governing the life of
every Theravada bhikkhu (monk) and bhikkhuni (nun), but also a host of procedures and
conventions of etiquette that support harmonious relations, both among the monastics
themselves, and between the monastics and their lay supporters, upon whom they depend for all

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 9
PRELIMS TEST SERIES 2022 - ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

their material needs.

99. (b) Exp: The Milinda Pañha is a Buddhist text which dates from sometime between 100 BC and
200 AD. It purports to record a dialogue between the Buddhist sage Nāgasena, and the Indo-
Greek king Menander I (Pali: Milinda) of Bactria, who reigned in the 2nd century BC.

100. (d) Exp: Triratna or Ratnatraya in Jainism refers to three virtues viz. Samyak (Pure) Darshana,
Samyak Gyan, Samyak Charitra.

SHIELDIAS - PTPS22D2612 10