UPSC Prelims 1998 · General Studies

Question 26: History and Culture

Assertion (A): The Gandhara School of art bears the mark of Hellenistic influence. Reason (R): Hinayana form was influenced by that art.

aBoth A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

bBoth A and R are true, but R is NOT a correct explanation of A

cA is true, but R is false

dA is false, but R is true

AnswerThe answer is (c).

The Gandhara school of the north-west, which flourished under the Kushanas, shows clear Greco-Roman influence: Buddha figures with wavy hair, heavy drapery and realistic modelling. So A is true. R is false: Gandhara art grew out of the Mahayana tradition, which allowed images of the Buddha, while Hinayana (early Buddhism) did not show him in human form. Remember: Gandhara means Hellenistic style and Mahayana; Mathura means an indigenous style.

A. Gandhara sculpture shows Greek (Hellenistic) modelling and drapery.
R. Gandhara art belongs to Mahayana; Hinayana avoided human images of the Buddha.

How you could have got this

If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (d) goes. Then judge the second statement; if it is correct too, decide whether it explains the first.

This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) R is false, so it cannot explain A.
(b) R is false, not merely a poor explanation.
(c) Right: A is true; R is false because the art served Mahayana, which accepted images.
(d) A is true, so this fails.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1998, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.