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UPSC 2020 Art & Culture PYQ Solved

2 Art & Culture questions from UPSC 2020 Prelims GS Paper 1 — solved with answers

2
Questions
50%
Trap Rate
Common Misconception
Top Trap
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Q31moderate
With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term 'paramitas' ?
(a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style
(b) Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas
(c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
(d) Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India
Answer: (c)
Q71moderateCommon Misconception
With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs : 1. Parivrajaka — Renunciant and Wanderer 2. Shramana — Priest with a high status 3. Upasaka — Lay follower of Buddhism Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched ?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Trap: Common Misconception
Pair 2 is the trap. Shramana does NOT mean 'priest with high status'. Shramana means an ascetic or wandering monk who seeks spiritual truth through austerity - the OPPOSITE of a Brahmin priest. Shramana traditions (Buddhism, Jainism) were AGAINST priestly hierarchy. Students may confuse Shramana with Brahmin/priestly roles.
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