Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings: Cultural Developments
History • Class 12 • Class 12 Themes of Indian History I
4
Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings: Cultural Developments
History • Class 12 • Class 12 Themes of Indian History I
Related PYQs (64)
2016•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.10
Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty?
Indian Culture
2016•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.50
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
1
The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
2
Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.
3
Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.
Indian Culture
2016•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.65
What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram?
1
Both were built in the same period.
2
Both belong to the same religious denomination.
3
Both have rock-cut monuments.
Indian Culture and Architecture
2017•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.12
With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements:
1
It is a song and dance performance.
2
Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.
3
It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.
Indian Culture
2017•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.69
The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at
Indian Culture
2017•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.75
Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples?
1
Arasavalli
2
Amarakantak
3
Omkareshwar
Indian Culture
2018•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.42
The well-known painting "Bani Thani" belongs to the
Art & Culture
2018•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.44
With reference to cultural history of India, consider the following statements :
1
Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna.
2
Tyagaraja created several new ragas.
3
Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries.
4
Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara.
Art & Culture
2018•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.54
Consider the following pairs : Craft - Heritage of
1
Puthukkuli shawls - Tamil Nadu
2
Sujni embroidery - Maharashtra
3
Uppada Jamdani saris - Karnataka
Indian culture
2018•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.71
With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to
Indian Culture
2018•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.72
With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements:
1
White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri.
2
Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow.
Indian Culture
2018•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.74
With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world ?
Indian Culture
2019•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.11
Building 'Kalyaana Mandapas' was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of
Indian Culture
2019•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.13
Consider the following statements :
1
Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
2
Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
Bhakti and Sufi Movements
2020•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.22
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
1
Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
2
Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
3
The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.
History of India
2020•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.31
With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term 'paramitas'?
Indian Culture
2021•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.31
With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements :
1
It is a circular temple built during the reign 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.
Indian Culture - Architecture
2021•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.35
According to Portuguese writer Nuniz, the women in Vijayanagara Empire were expert in which of the following areas?
1
Wrestling
2
Astrology
3
Accounting
4
Soothsaying
Vijayanagara Empire - Society
2021•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.40
With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1
Mitakshara was the civil law for upper castes and Dayabhaga was the civil law for lower castes.
2
In the Mitakshara system, the sons can claim right to the property during the lifetime of the father, whereas in the Dayabhaga system, it is only after the death of the father that the sons can claim right to the property.
3
The Mitakshara system deals with the matters related to the property held by male members only of a family, whereas the Dayabhaga system deals with the matters related to the property held by both male and female members of a family.
History
2021•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.41
With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous
History
2022•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.93
Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?
Indian Culture
2022•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.96
The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple ?
1
Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2
A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3
Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.
Indian Culture & Heritage
2023•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.47
"Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects."
The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India?
Indian Culture
2023•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.48
Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city?
History
2023•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.82
Consider the following pairs : Site : Well known for
1
Besnagar : Shaivite cave shrine
2
Bhaja : Buddhist cave shrine
3
Sittanavasal : Jain cave shrine
Art and Culture
2024•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.55
Consider the following information: Archaeological Site | State | Description
1
Chandraketugarh | Odisha | Trading Port town
2
Inamgaon | Maharashtra | Chalcolithic site
3
Mangadu | Kerala | Megalithic site
4
Salihundam | Andhra Pradesh | Rock-cut cave shrines
In which of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?
History of India and Indian National Movement
2024•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.63
Which one of the following is a work attributed to playwright Bhasa?
Art and Culture
2024•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.64
Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk, who travelled to China at the end of the fourth century AD, was the author of a commentary on:
Art and Culture
2016•Mains•GS-I•Q.1
Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.
Indian Culture - Art and Architecture
2016•Mains•GS-I•Q.2
Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss.
Medieval Indian History
2025•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.18
1
Raj's apartment was three floors underneath the Subramanian residence.
2
There was little space below the tin roof and the scaffolding for the squirrel to hide in.
Indian Culture
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.4
Which of the following temples has/have a Nagara-style shikhara?
1
Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami
2
Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole
3
Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh
4
Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal
Indian Architecture
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.6
The Hallisalasya painting in the Bagh Caves represents:
Indian Heritage and Culture
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.7
Consider the following statements relating to the use of the place-value system in India:
1
The earliest epigraphic use of the place-value system in India is found in the Mankani plates from Gujarat (AD 595 – 596).
2
In the ninth century, place-values become general in inscriptions all over India.
3
The place-values have been found in Sanskrit inscriptions in South-east Asia as early as the seventh century.
Ancient Indian History
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.12
What does an empty seat represent in early Buddhist iconography?
History of India
2026•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.14
Which of the following statements on the Amaravati Stupa and its relief sculpture is/are correct?
1
It was located in the lower Krishna valley.
2
In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size.
3
The Amaravati school of sculpture made a lasting impact on the later South Indian sculpture, and its products were carried to Sri Lanka and South-east Asia.
History of India
2017•Mains•GS-I•Q.1
How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times?
Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
2018•Mains•GS-I•Q.1
Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.
Indian Art Heritage
2018•Mains•GS-I•Q.11
The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss.
GS-I
2019•Mains•GS-I•Q.1
Highlight the Central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art.
Indian Culture
2020•Mains•GS-I•Q.1
The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.
GS-I
2020•Mains•GS-I•Q.2
Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.
GS-I
2020•Mains•GS-I•Q.11
Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.
GS-I
2020•Mains•GS-I•Q.12
Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment.
GS-I
2021•Mains•GS-I•Q.1
Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti literature and its contribution to Indian culture.
GS-I History and Culture
2022•Mains•GS-I•Q.1
How will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days?
Indian Culture
2023•Mains•GS-I•Q.2
What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism?
GS-I
2025•Mains•GS-I•Q.2
Examine the main aspects of Akbar's religious syncretism.
GS-I
2025•Mains•GS-I•Q.3
The sculptors filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigor and breadth of life. Elucidate.
GS-I
2026•Mains•GS-I•Q.11
Vijayanagara architecture exemplifies the amalgamation of past traditions with contemporary practices. Elucidate with examples.
GS-I
2018•Essay•Essay•Q.6
The past is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values
GS-I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
2020•Essay•Essay•Q.5
Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have
Essay
2013•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.4
With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements:
1
The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
2
The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
3
At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.
Art and Culture
2013•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.36
Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?
Indian Culture and Architecture
2013•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.52
Consider the following Bhakti Saints:
1
Dadu Dayal
2
Guru Nanak
3
Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?
Medieval History
2013•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.57
Consider the following historical places:
1
Ajanta Caves
2
Lepakshi Temple
3
Sanchi Stupa
Art and Culture
2013•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.58
With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school:
1
Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul.
2
Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.
Indian Philosophy
2014•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.54
The national motto of India, 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from
Culture
2014•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.85
With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs: Famous work of sculpture : Site
1
A grand image of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below : Ajanta
2
A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on rock : Mount Abu
3
"Arjuna's Penance"/"Descent of Ganga" sculpted on the surface of huge boulders : Mamallapuram
GS-I Indian Culture
2014•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.87
With reference to India's culture and tradition, what is 'Kalaripayattu'?
GS-I Indian Culture
2014•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.88
Consider the following pairs:
1
Garba : Gujarat
2
Mohiniattam : Odisha
3
Yakshagana : Karnataka
GS-I Indian Culture
2014•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.89
With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, consider the following pairs: Famous shrine : Location
1
Tabo monastery and temple complex : Spiti Valley
2
Lhotsava Lhakhang temple, Nako : Zanskar Valley
3
Alchi temple complex : Ladakh
GS-I Indian Culture
2014•Prelims•Paper 2 (CSAT)•Q.54
The national motto of India, 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from
Indian Culture
2015•Prelims•Paper 1 (GS)•Q.96
Kalamkari painting refers to
Indian Culture - Art Forms
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