SawaalBoxसवाल बॉक्स

Art & Culture

219 questions asked in UPSC Prelims.

2013 · Q79Art & CultureClassical Dance Formseasy

In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?

  1. (a)One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck
  2. (b)Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters
  3. (c)Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story
  4. (d)A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism
Show answerHide answer

Official answer(a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck

2012 · Q67Art & CultureMusicmoderate

With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct? 1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period. 2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music. 3. Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras. Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

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

Official answer(b) 2 and 3 only

2012 · Q68Art & CultureClassical Dance Formsmoderate

How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances? 1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam. 2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)2 only
  3. (c)Both 1 and 2
  4. (d)Neither 1 nor 2
Show answerHide answer

Official answer(a) 1 only

2012 · Q72Art & CultureSculpture & Iconographyeasy

Lord Buddha's image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called 'Bhumisparsha Mudra'. It symbolizes

  1. (a)Buddha's calling of the Earth to watch over Māra and to prevent Māra from disturbing his meditation
  2. (b)Buddha's calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Māra
  3. (c)Buddha's reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory
  4. (d)Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context
Show answerHide answer

Official answer(b) Buddha's calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Māra

2009 · Q13Art & CultureCultural Institutions & Awardsmoderate

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: List I (Famous person) A. Mandakini Amte B. Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry C. Romila Thapar D. Vanashree Rao List II (Well-known for) 1. Theatre direction 2. Social service and community leadership 3. Dance 4. History writing

  1. (a)A-2 B-1 C-4 D-3
  2. (b)A-2 B-4 C-1 D-3
  3. (c)A-3 B-1 C-4 D-2
  4. (d)A-3 B-4 C-1 D-2
Show answerHide answer

Official answer(a) A-2 B-1 C-4 D-3