QUIZ – 2020: INSIGHTS STATIC QUIZ, 30 April 2020 – Art and Culture

Solution: b)

Sanchi Stupa is one of the oldest structures in India and was commissioned in 3rd century BCE by Emperor Ashoka.

Sanchi Stupa has many beautiful sculptures but not mural paintings.

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi were enlisted as UNESCO world heritage site in 1989. Agra Fort (1983) and Ajanta Caves (1983).

Solution: d)

The Amravati School of Art flourished in the region of Andhra Pradesh between the lower valleys of rivers Krishna and Godavari.

The main patrons of this art form were the Satavahanas but it was later patronized by their successor Ikshavaku rulers. This art is said to have flourished between 150 BC and 350 AD.

An important characteristic of the Amravati school is the ‘narrative art’. The medallions were carved in such a manner that they depict an incident in a natural way. For example one medallion depicts a whole story of ‘taming of an elephant by the Buddha’.

There is prominence of human figures rather than figures drawn from nature.

Solution: d)

Udayagiri caves (not to be confused with Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves in Odisha) is located in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh. Created in early 5th century AD under the patronage of Chandragupta II, it is famous for having numerous sculptures on the hill walls. The sculpture of Varaha or Boar incarnation of the Vishnu is notable.

Solution: b)

The inscriptions of the Cholas who ruled in Tamil Nadu refer to more than 400 terms for different kinds of taxes. The most frequently mentioned tax is vetti, taken not in cash but in the form of forced labour, and kadamai, or land revenue. There were also taxes on thatching the house, the use of a ladder to climb palm trees, a cess on succession to family property, etc.

Solution: b)

The greatest ruler of the Satavahana dynasty was Gautamiputra Satakarni. He ruled for a period of 24 years from 106 to 130 A.D. His achievements were recorded in the Nasik inscription by his mother Gautami Balasri.

Gautamiputra Satakarni captured the whole of Deccan and expanded his empire. His victory over Nagapana, the ruler of Malwa was remarkable. He patronized Brahmanism. Yet, he also gave donations to Buddhists.