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The ‘Bengal School of Art’, which emerged in the early 20th century, was character-
ized by:
1. A complete rejection of Western oil painting techniques in favor of Japanese ‘Wash’
and Indian miniature styles.
2. An attempt to create a ‘Pan-Asian’ artistic identity.
3. Its lead figure was Raja Ravi Varma.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A
1 and 2 only
- B
1 and 3 only
- C
2 and 3 only
- D
1,2and3
Explanation
• Statement 1 is correct: Bengal school artists rejected western academic realism in oil
painting, choosing watercolors, Japanese Wash, and traditional Mughal/Rajput miniature
styles.
• Statement 2 is correct: Through interactions with Japanese artists (like Okakura Kakuzo),
they advocated for a collective Pan-Asian aesthetic.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The lead figure was Abanindranath Tagore. Raja Ravi Varma
was rejected by this school because of his Western academic style and oil paint depic-
tions.
Consider the following statements regarding ‘Kalamkari’ painting:
1. It is a type of hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile produced in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
2. It uses only natural dyes derived from plants, roots, and minerals.
3. TheMachilipatnamstyle ofKalamkari is primarily influenced by Hindutempletraditions and depicts mythological scenes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct
- A
1 only
- B
1 and 2
- C
2 and 3
- D
1.2 and 3
Explanation
Correct Answer: B (1 and 2 only) Syllabus Connection: Traditional Indian Handloom and Crafts.
• Statement 1 is correct: Kalamkari is a widely recognized cotton canvas craft native to Andhra Pradesh. •
Statement 2 is correct: Pure Kalamkari relies exclusively on organic pigments extracted from madder root, pomegranate rinds, iron rust, and leaves. • Statement3isincorrect: Thetemple-inspired mythology style is Srikalahasti Style. The Machilipatnam Style features block prints depicting nature and geometric designs de veloped to cater to Persian and export tastes
Consider the following statements:
Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0 is organized centered around the theme “Thirukkural Payilvom – Thirukkural Abhyas Karen”.
The Nuakhai festival, celebrated with events like 'Seva Samman Parv' and 'Yuva Prabodhan', is a traditional agricultural harvest festival of Eastern India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A
Only 1
- B
Only 2
- C
Neither 1 nor 2
- D
Both 1 and 2
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0 was scheduled around the central theme "Thirukkural Payilvom – Thirukkural Abhyas Karen".
Statement 2 is correct: Nuakhai is an agricultural festival celebrated to welcome the new rice season in Eastern India (such as Odisha and Chhattisgarh). The President graced 'Seva Samman Parv' and 'Yuva Prabodhan' on the occasion of Nuakhai in Raipur.
Conclusion: Both 1 and 2 are correct statements
Consider the following statements regarding ‘Kalamkari’ painting:
1. It is a type of hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile produced in the state of
Andhra Pradesh.
2. It uses only natural dyes derived from plants, roots, and minerals.
3. The Machilipatnam style of Kalamkari is primarily influenced by Hindu temple tradi-
tions and depicts mythological scenes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A
1 only
- B
1 and 2 only
- C
2 and 3 only
- D
1,2and3
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Kalamkari is a widely recognized cotton canvas craft native to
Andhra Pradesh.
• Statement 2 is correct: Pure Kalamkari relies exclusively on organic pigments extracted
from madder root, pomegranate rinds, iron rust, and leaves.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The temple-inspired mythology style is Srikalahasti Style.
The Machilipatnam Style features block prints depicting nature and geometric designs
developed to cater to Persian tastes.
In the context of Indo-Islamic architecture, what does the term ‘Pietra Dura’ refer to:
A. The use of double domes to provide structural strength and aesthetic height.
B. A technique of inlaying colored, polished stones into cavities of white marble to cre-
ate floral designs.
C. The practice of using human and animal figures in the decoration of mosques.
D. The architectural style of using red sandstone and white marble in a ‘checkered’ pat-
tern.
- A
The use of double domes to provide structural strength and aesthetic hieght.
- B
A technique of inlaying coloured , polished stones into cavities of white marble to create floral designs .
- C
The practice of using human and animal figures in the decoration of mosques
- D
The architectural style of using red sandstones and white marble in a checkered pattern
Explanation
• Why Option B is correct: Pietra Dura is an artistic Italian method that involves inlaying
semi-precious, finely polished gemstones (like jade, lapis lazuli, and onyx) directly into
pre-carved slots on pure white marble. It was a high-point decoration in structures like
the Taj Mahal.
• Why others are incorrect: Double domes (Option A) were engineering structures seen
in Humayun’s tomb. Contrast blocks of sandstone and marble (Option D) represent the
Alai Darwaza technique.
Recently, the Gollala Gudi temple at Palampet was declared a Monument of National Importance. In this context, consider the following statements:
1.The temple represents the "Trikutalaya" architectural style, characterized by three garbhagrihas connected to a common mandapa.
2.It is situated on the south-western side of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple.
3.The sculptural program of the temple includes images of Mahishasuramardini, rows of carved hamsas (swans), and jali work.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- A
Only one
- B
Only two
- C
All three
- D
None
Explanation
All statements are correct. Gollala Gudi is a Kakatiya-era temple in Palampet, Mulugu district. It is a classic "Trikutalaya" (three-sanctum) structure. Its location relative to the Ramappa Temple and its specific sculptural motifs (hamsas, jali work, and deities like Mahishasuramardini, Ganesha, and Vishnu) are key identifiers of the Kakatiya aesthetic. This question uses the "Only one/two/three" format to test the precision of the candidate's knowledge.
Consider the following statements regarding the Hindustani and Carnatic styles of
Classical Music:
1. Hindustani music is characterized by the ‘Gharana’ system, whereas Carnatic music
does not follow a strict Gharana tradition.
2. Carnatic music allows for more ‘Manodharma’ (improvisation) during the performance than Hindustani music.
3. Both styles use the concept of Raga and Tala as their foundational pillars.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A
1 only
- B
1 and 3
- C
2 and 3
- D
1,2 and 3
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Hindustani classical music maintains the lineage-based ‘Gha-
rana’ structure (such as Gwalior or Kirana). Carnatic music is unified, emphasizing spe-
cific lyrical compositions (Kritis) over lineages.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Hindustani classical music places massive emphasis on open
improvisation (*Manodharma/vistar*). Carnatic systems follow structured patterns cen-
tered closely around strict adherence to the composer’s notations.
• Statement 3 is correct: Raga (melodic profile) and Tala (cyclic rhythmic pulse) serve as
the underlying foundation of all Indian classical systems.
Who was the principal still photographer and trusted collaborator who documented Satyajit Ray’s life for over two decades, now being showcased in a color exhibition?
- A
Utpal Dutt
- B
Bandi Chandragupta
- C
Nemai Ghosh
- D
Pradip Phanjoubam
Explanation
Nemai Ghosh documented Ray from 1968 (Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne) until 1992. The exhibition at DAG features his rarely-seen color photographs.
o Why others are incorrect: A was a theatre personality Ghosh worked with. B was an art director who introduced Ghosh to Ray. D is an editor/author writing about Manipuri cinema.
Consider the following statements regarding the Gandhara School of Art:
1. It was heavily influenced by Greco-Roman elements, often referred to as Indo-Greek
art.
2. The school primarily used white marble as the medium for sculptures.
3. It flourished under the patronage of the Kushana dynasty, particularly during the
reign of Kanishka.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A
1 and 2 only
- B
2 and 3 only
- C
1 and 3 only
- D
1,2and3
Explanation
Post-Mauryan Art and foreign-influenced schools of sculpture.
• Statement 1 is correct: The Gandhara School developed a dual character: technical
Hellenistic-Roman concepts blended with Buddhist iconography. Common traits include
Buddha’s wavy curls, Greek-profile nose, and heavy, toga-like drapery.
• Statement 2 is incorrect (Trap): This is a classic historical material trap. The Gandhara
School heavily utilized grey-blue schist stone (and later stucco plaster) for sculpting.
White marble was characteristic of the southern Amaravati School of Art.
• Statement 3 is correct: The primary patronage was provided by the Kushana dynasty,
which simultaneously nurtured the indigenous Mathura School.
With reference to the ‘Sufi Movement’ in India, consider the following pairs:
1. Chishti Silsila: Emphasized simplicity and stayed away from state politics.
2. Suhrawardi Silsila: Accepted royal patronage and held government posts.
3. Naqshbandiyya Silsila: Supported the liberal religious policies of Akbar.
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
- A
1 and 2
- B
1 and 3
- C
2 and 3
- D
1,2 and 3
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