1996 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies

Question 53: History and Culture

Which one of the following sculptures invariably used green schist as the medium?

aMaurya sculptures
bMathura sculptures
cBharhut sculptures
dGandhara sculptures

AnswerThe answer is (d).

Gandhara sculptures, with their Greco-Roman influence, were typically carved in bluish-grey or green schist (and stucco). Mauryan sculptures used polished Chunar sandstone, Mathura sculptures spotted red sandstone, and Bharhut's railing reliefs red sandstone. Remember: Gandhara - schist; Mathura - spotted red sandstone.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Mauryan sculptures were made of polished Chunar sandstone.
  • (b) Mathura sculptures used spotted red sandstone.
  • (c) Bharhut's reliefs are in red sandstone.
  • (d) Right: Gandhara sculptures used green or bluish-grey schist.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.