Art and Culture

20 UPSC Mains GS I questions on Art and Culture, 2013 to 2025, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Art and Culture toppers answered.

1. 2025 Q3‘The sculptors filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigor and breadth of life.’ Elucidate.10 marks · 150 words
2. 2024 Q2Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India.10 marks · 150 words
3. 2024 Q11“Though the great Cholas are no more yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture.” Comment.15 marks · 250 words
4. 2023 Q7Why is the South-West Monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region?10 marks · 150 words
5. 2022 Q1How will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days ?10 marks · 150 words
6. 2022 Q12Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture.15 marks · 250 words
7. 2022 Q13Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.15 marks · 250 words
8. 2021 Q1Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti literature and its contribution to Indian culture.10 marks · 150 words
9. 2020 Q1The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss.10 marks · 150 words
10. 2020 Q2Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate.10 marks · 150 words
11. 2020 Q11Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.15 marks · 250 words
12. 2019 Q1Highlight the Central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art.10 marks · 150 words
13. 2018 Q1Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.10 marks · 150 words
14. 2018 Q13Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to other colonies ? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there ?15 marks · 250 words
15. 2017 Q1How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times ?10 marks · 150 words
16. 2016 Q1Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.12.5 marks · 200 words
17. 2015 Q1The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment.12.5 marks · 200 words
18. 2015 Q2Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate this comment.12.5 marks · 200 words
19. 2014 Q2Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain.10 marks · 150 words
20. 2013 Q2(a)Discuss the ‘Tandava’ dance as recorded in early Indian inscriptions.5 marks · 100 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination question papers, upsc.gov.in. Topics are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.