UPSC Static Quiz – Art and Culture : 14 February 2026

Solution: C

• Ajanta flourished particularly under the Vakataka dynasty, especially during the reign of Harisena. The caves are renowned for their exquisite murals depicting Buddhist Jataka tales, illustrating previous births of the Buddha. Thus, both patronage and thematic focus are correctly matched.
• Sittanavasal is associated with the Pandya dynasty. The cave paintings depict Jain themes, particularly the Samavasarana (the divine preaching hall of a Tirthankara), along with lotus ponds and ascetics. The match is correct.
• Lepakshi was built under the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple is dedicated to Veerabhadra (a Shaivite deity), and its murals include scenes from the Ramayana and other Hindu epics. Hence, both patronage and thematic focus are accurate.

Solution: B

• According to the classification system in the Natyashastra, instruments are grouped by their sound-producing mechanism.
• The Shehnai is a classic example of a Sushira Vadya because it produces sound through a vibrating column of air when blown. It is a double-reed instrument popular in North Indian marriages and temple rituals.
• In contrast, the Sarangi is a Tata Vadya (stringed) as it uses bowed strings. The Mridangam is an Avanaddha Vadya (percussion) because it features a stretched skin membrane.
• The Manjira is a Ghana Vadya (solid) because it consists of small metal cymbals that are struck together. Distinguishing between these categories is essential for identifying the nature of various folk and classical instruments.

Solution: B

• Krishnadevaraya, one of the greatest rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire (reigned 1509–1529 CE), composed the celebrated Telugu literary work Amuktamalyada. The title refers to Andal (a Vaishnava saint-poetess) who would first wear the garland intended for Lord Vishnu before offering it to the deity—hence the meaning given in the option. The work reflects deep Vaishnavite devotion and is considered a classic of Telugu literature.

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct: The Yuktikalpataru is a rare historical source for early Indian maritime history, detailing boat construction and the selection of raw materials.
• Statement 2 is correct: It is a “Jewel-Tree of Reason”covering secular subjects like statecraft, city-building, and military science, effectively serving as a guide for a pre-modern administrator.
• Statement 3 is incorrectbecause the work is attributed to Raja Bhoja Paramara (11th century), not Harsha (7th century). Harsha authored dramas, while Bhoja specialized in such encyclopedic technical treatises.

Solution: B

• Ayagapatas are stone votive tablets discovered mainly at Kankali Tila, an important Jain archaeological site in Mathura. The term derives from “āyāga,” meaning offering or worship. These slabs were installed in Jain sacred enclosures and were used as objects of devotion.
• They often depict symbols such as the stupa, railing motifs, srivatsa, dharmachakra, and occasionally seated or standing Jina figures. Many inscriptions on them record donations by lay followers, indicating their ritual and commemorative function within early Jainism (particularly around the early centuries CE).