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UPSC 2019 Art & Culture PYQ Solved

3 Art & Culture questions from UPSC 2019 Prelims GS Paper 1 — solved with answers

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Q11moderateSimilar Sounding
Building 'Kalyaana Mandapas' was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of
(a) Chalukya
(b) Chandela
(c) Rashtrakuta
(d) Vijayanagara
Answer: (d)
Trap: Similar Sounding
Chalukya and Rashtrakuta dynasties also built elaborate temples in South India, creating confusion. But Kalyaana Mandapa (marriage hall) within temple complexes is a distinctive feature of the Vijayanagara architectural style (e.g., Vitthala Temple at Hampi).
Q16hardCommon Misconception
With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.
(b) Tansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses.
(c) Tansen composed songs on his patrons.
(d) Tansen invented many Ragas.
Answer: (a)
Trap: Common Misconception
Many students assume Akbar gave Tansen his title since Tansen was one of Akbar's Navaratnas. But 'Tansen' was a title given by Raja Vikramjit of Gwalior (or by Raja Man Singh Tomar's lineage), not by Akbar. Akbar gave him the title 'Mian'.
Q17moderateCommon Misconception
Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?
(a) Humayun
(b) Akbar
(c) Jahangir
(d) Shah Jahan
Answer: (c)
Trap: Common Misconception
Akbar is the most famous Mughal patron of arts and had a large painting workshop, so students instinctively pick (b). But Akbar's focus was on illustrated manuscripts (Hamzanama, Akbarnama). It was Jahangir who shifted to naturalistic portraits and individual album paintings.
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