Art & Culture

Statement 1 is incorrect. Both Dayabhaga and Mitakshara are the basic to the upper castes alone. Mitakshara school is followed in most of India while Dayabhaga is followed in Bengal and Assam.

Statement 2 is correct. In the Dayabhaga system, sons obtain rights to property only at the death of the father, and in the Mitakshara school, the sons and grandsons have rights over his property even while he is alive.

Statement 3 is incorrect. Both Dayabhaga and Mitakshara schools of Hindu law dealt with women's property (stridhana). However, while the Mitakshara school imposed significant restrictions on women's control and excluded them from coparcenary, the Dayabhaga school was relatively liberal, recognizing widows as heirs and granting greater powers over property.

The term "paramitas" in the cultural history of India refers to Perfections that have to be achieved by a Bodhisattva.

Paramitas are virtues or perfections that Mahayana Buddhists believe must be cultivated and perfected by Bodhisattvas on the path to enlightenment.

These perfections include generosity (dana), moral conduct (sila), patience (kshanti), diligence (virya), meditation (dhyana), and wisdom (prajna). Practising and perfecting these virtues are considered essential for Bodhisattvas to attain Buddhahood and to help others achieve liberation from suffering.

Therefore, option C is the correct description of the term "paramitas."

Statement 1 is incorrect. Sthaviravadins, also known as Theravadins, belong to the branch of Buddhism known as Theravada, which is distinct from Mahayana Buddhism.

Statement 2 is correct. The Lokottaravadin sect emerged as an offshoot of the Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism. Lokottaravada means "transcendentalist" or "those who consider themselves above or beyond the world."

Statement 3 is correct. The Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism was one of the early Buddhist schools that existed alongside other early Buddhist schools, such as the Sthaviravadins. The Mahasanghikas are believed to have played a role in the development of Mahayana Buddhism, which saw the deification of the Buddha and the emergence of new sutras and doctrines.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Panini was a renowned Sanskrit grammarian who authored the 'Ashtadhyayi' around the 5th-4th century BCE. Pushyamitra Shunga, the founder of the Shunga dynasty, ruled much later in the 2nd century BCE. It was the grammarian Patanjali who was contemporary to and associated with Pushyamitra Shunga.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: Amarasimha was a Sanskrit grammarian and poet, famous for the 'Amarakosha'. He was one of the 'Navaratnas' (nine gems) in the court of the Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya), whereas Harshavardhana ruled the Pushyabhuti dynasty much later in the 7th century CE.

Statement 3 is Correct: Kalidasa is widely regarded as the greatest Sanskrit poet and dramatist. He was one of the 'Navaratnas' in the court of Chandragupta II (r. 375-415 CE). His masterpiece works include 'Abhijnanashakuntalam', 'Meghaduta', 'Raghuvamsa', and 'Kumarasambhava'.

The ruler who advised his subjects through the inscription quoted is Ashoka.

This inscription is part of the Major Rock Edict XII of Ashoka. Ashoka, who ruled the Mauryan Empire from 268 to 232 BCE, is known for his embrace of Buddhism and his efforts to promote peace and non-violence after a particularly bloody war. His edicts, inscribed on pillars and rocks throughout his empire, conveyed his messages to his subjects. This specific inscription emphasizes religious tolerance and respect for all faiths.

1. Parivrajaka: The term refers to a wandering ascetic or religious mendicant who has renounced worldly life and possessions to lead a life of spiritual pilgrimage. Thus, Pair 1 is correctly matched.

2. Shramana: This term refers to 'one who strives' or performs acts of austerity. Shramanas were practitioners of asceticism and seekers of liberation in traditions like Buddhism, Jainism, and the Ajivika sect. They were distinct from and often opposed to the Vedic Brahmanical priests and their social hierarchy. Thus, Pair 2 is incorrectly matched.

3. Upasaka: This term refers to the lay followers of Buddhism (and Jainism) who did not enter the monastic order (Sangha) as monks or nuns but followed the teachings of the Buddha in their daily lives. Thus, Pair 3 is correctly matched.

All three statements (1, 2, and 3) are features of Mahayana Buddhism.

Deification of the Buddha: While Theravada Buddhism emphasizes the Buddha as a human who attained enlightenment, Mahayana portrays the Buddha as a transcendent being who can exist in multiple forms.

Treading the path of Bodhisattvas Mahayana: Buddhism emphasizes the Bodhisattva ideal, where individuals strive for enlightenment not just for themselves but for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Image worship and rituals: Mahayana Buddhism incorporates elaborate rituals and devotional practices involving statues and images of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas. These practices are seen as a way to connect with the divine and progress on the path to enlightenment.

Kanganahalli, located near Sannati in Karnataka, is an archaeological site known for its Buddhist stupas, sculptures, and inscription slabs. One particular relief sculpture depicts a royal figure with attendants, identified through the Brahmi inscription as 'Ranyo Ashoka' (King Ashoka). This is the first and only known stone portrait of Emperor Ashoka with his name inscribed.

- Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh): Famous for its Great Stupa, built under Ashoka's patronage, but it does not contain an inscribed stone portrait of the king. - Shahbazgarhi (Pakistan): Contains Ashokan Rock Edicts written in the Kharosthi script. These edicts promote Dhamma (moral law) but do not include a stone portrait. - Sohgaura (Uttar Pradesh): Known for a copper-plate inscription (Mauryan period) regarding famine relief measures, not a relief sculpture of Ashoka.

* Jahangir (reigned 1605-1627) was known for his keen interest in art and culture. While his predecessors valued illustrated manuscripts, Jahangir favoured a more personal approach to artistic expression.

* He patronized artists like Bichitr, Mansur, and Abu'l Hasan, who excelled in portraiture.

* He actively commissioned individual portraits and compiled albums showcasing a variety of subjects, including people, animals, and flora and fauna. This shift reflected a growing interest in realism and individual character studies within Mughal art during his reign.

The Vijayanagara style of architecture is characterized by the addition of elaborate 'Kalyana Mandapas' (marriage halls) within the temple complex, intended for the ceremonial marriage of the deity. Other distinct features of this period include the 'Amman Shrine' (for the principal deity's consort), tall 'Raya Gopurams' (gateways), and highly decorated pillars featuring mythical animals like the 'Yali' or charging horses.

Pair 1 is correct: Chapchar Kut is a harvest festival celebrated in Mizoram.

Pair 2 is correct: Khongjom Parba is a ballad commemorating the Battle of Khongjom, which took place in Manipur.

Pair 3 is incorrect: Thang-Ta is a martial art form that originated in Manipur, not Sikkim.

So, only options 1 and 2 are correct.

Statement 1 (Incorrect): Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri were primarily constructed using red sandstone, not white marble. While the structures might incorporate some decorative elements with white marble inlay, red sandstone is the dominant material.

Statement 2 (Incorrect): Bara Imambara in Lucknow is primarily constructed using brick with stucco plaster, not red sandstone and marble. Rumi Darwaza, on the other hand, is built mainly with bricks and lime plaster.

Puthukkuli shawls: These embroidered textiles are a traditional craft of the Toda people in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu.

Sujni embroidery: This embroidery style originates from the Bhusura village in Bihar, not Maharashtra.

Uppada Jamdani saris: Uppada Jamdani saris are known for their diaphanous silk and are native to Uppada in Andhra Pradesh, not Karnataka.


The Sthanakvasi sect is a subsect of Jainism. It is known for its emphasis on ascetic practices and the abandonment of idol worship.

Members of the Sthanakvasi sect believe in the concept of Sthanak or a place for meditation, hence the name "Sthanakvasi," which translates to "those who dwell in a place for meditation."


"Bani Thani" is a famous painting associated with the Kishangarh school of painting, which flourished in the princely state of Kishangarh in Rajasthan during the 18th century. This painting is particularly renowned for its elegance and depiction of Indian beauty. Some famous paintings from the other three schools:

Bundi School - Ragamala Series – A set of paintings depicting various Indian musical modes (ragas). - Chaugan Players – A painting showing women playing Polo, reflecting royal leisure.

Jaipur School - Gita Govinda Series – Paintings depicting the love story of Radha and Krishna. - Ganesh Stuti – A painting of Lord Ganesha, often seen in Jaipur miniatures.

Kangra School - Gita Govinda Paintings – Like Jaipur, Kangra also depicted Radha-Krishna love stories, but with soft, delicate features. - Nayika Bheda – A series showing different moods of a heroine (nayika) in love.


The future Buddha, yet to come to save the world according to Buddhist tradition, is referred to as Maitreya. Avalokiteshvara (Lokesvara/Padmapani) are all forms of the compassionate bodhisattva but are not future Buddhas.

Incorrect (1) Most of Thyagaraja's kritis (compositions) are devotional songs in praise of Lord Rama, not Krishna.

Correct (2) Tyagaraja is credited with creating several new ragas (melodic scales) in Carnatic music.

Incorrect (3) Annamacharya and Tyagaraja were not contemporaries. Annamacharya lived in the 15th century, while Tyagaraja lived in the 18th-19th century.

Correct (4) Annamacharya's kirtanas (devotional songs) are indeed known for praising Lord Venkateshwara, a form of Vishnu.

* The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated works of art found in the Ajanta Caves.


* These caves, located in Maharashtra, India, are renowned for their collection of exquisitely preserved murals and sculptures depicting Buddhist themes. The Padmapani painting, housed in Cave 1, is particularly celebrated for its beauty, technical mastery, and its portrayal of the compassionate Bodhisattva. This image has been admired and reproduced for centuries, serving as a testament to the artistic legacy of Ajanta.

* Badami is famous for its rock-cut temples (6th–8th century CE), built by the Chalukyas.

* Bagh Caves (Madhya Pradesh): Madhyapradesh. These are associated with the Buddhism. These Buddhist rock-cut caves have paintings similar to Ajanta.

* Ellora is famous for its rock-cut Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples (6th–10th century CE). The most famous structure here is the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), a massive monolithic rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Pair 1 is correct: Chalio / Chaliho also called Chaliho Sahib is a forty-day-long festival celebrated by Hindu Sindhi community.

Pair 2 is incorrect: Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra - While the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra is a festival celebrated in Uttarakhand, it's not primarily associated with the Gond community. The Gonds are an indigenous tribe spread across central India.

Pair 3 is incorrect: Wari-Warkari - The Wari-Warkari tradition and pilgrimage are associated with the Marathi community of Maharashtra, particularly devotees of the Hindu god Vitthal. The Santhals are an indigenous tribe inhabiting parts of eastern India.

Statement 1 is correct. Manipuri Sankirtana is a vibrant performance art that combines singing, dancing, and drumming.

Statement 2 is incorrect. While cymbals are used, Manipuri Sankirtana incorporates other instruments like the Pung (hand-beaten drum), Pena (string instrument), and harmonium.

Statement 3 is correct. A core aspect of Manipuri Sankirtana is narrating stories and themes from Hinduism, particularly those related to Lord Krishna.

The memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories, and Epic tales was the profession of Maagadha.

To make it easier to remember, let's break it down - Chronicles These are the records of historical events in chronological order. - Dynastic histories These detail the histories of dynasties or royal families. - Epic tales These are long, narrative poems about heroic deeds.

So, a Maagadha was essentially a historical storyteller or a keeper of history and legends.

Shramana: This term refers to ascetics and monks in Indian religious traditions like Jainism and Buddhism. They renounced worldly life to pursue spiritual enlightenment.

Parivraaj: Also known as Parivrajaka, this term refers to wandering mendicants or ascetics who renounced material life and traveled in search of spiritual wisdom.

Agrahaarika: This term is related to administrators or managers of agraharas (land grants given to Brahmins) and does not relate to the memorization of histories.

Out of the listed pairs, the following are correctly matched:

2. Khajuraho - Bundelkhand (Correct). 5. Tirupati - Rayalaseema (Correct).

Incorrectly matched pairs: 1. Bodhgaya - Baghelkhand (Incorrect). Bodhgaya lies in the Magadh region of Bihar, not Baghelkhand (which is in Madhya Pradesh). 3. Shirdi - Vidarbha (Incorrect). Shirdi is located in Ahilyanagar district (formerly Ahmednagar) in western Maharashtra, not in Vidarbha. 4. Nasik (Nashik) - Malwa (Incorrect). Nashik is in the northwest region of Maharashtra, not Malwa, which is located in Madhya Pradesh.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Ajanta and Mahabalipuram were not built in the same period. - Ajanta is known for its rock-cut cave monuments, which were constructed from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE, primarily during the Gupta and Vakataka dynasties. - On the other hand, Mahabalipuram's rock-cut monuments and structures were built primarily during the 7th and 8th centuries CE, under the Pallava dynasty.

Statement 2 is incorrect: - Ajanta is associated with Buddhism, as the cave monuments were used as monasteries and temples by Buddhist monks. - Mahabalipuram, on the other hand, is associated with Hinduism, as the rock-cut monuments and temples are dedicated to Hindu deities and themes.

Statement 3 is correct: Both Ajanta and Mahabalipuram are known for their remarkable rock-cut monuments and structures. The Ajanta Caves are a series of rock-cut cave temples and monasteries, while Mahabalipuram is renowned for its rock-cut temples, Rathas (chariot-shaped temples), and other monumental structures carved directly out of rock.

Therefore, the only common feature between Ajanta and Mahabalipuram is that both have rock-cut monuments, as stated in statement 3.

The person who first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka was James Prinsep.


James Prinsep (1799-1840) was an English philologist, antiquary and administrator who served in the British East India Company. He played a crucial role in deciphering and interpreting the inscriptions and edicts of Emperor Ashoka, which were written in the Brahmi script.

In the 1830s, Prinsep was able to decipher the Brahmi script and translate Ashoka's inscriptions, which provided valuable insights into the reign and policies of the Mauryan emperor. His groundbreaking work helped establish the historical significance of Ashoka and the Mauryan empire.


Malavikagnimitra: A play by Kalidasa, narrates the love story of King Agnimitra, the son of Pushyamitra Shunga, the founder of the Sunga dynasty.

Swapnavasavadatta: This Sanskrit play by Bhasa does not revolve around the Sunga dynasty.

Meghadoota: This poem by Kalidasa focuses on the pining of a separated Yaksha and doesn't involve historical figures.

Ratnavali: This play by Sri Harsha also doesn't have a connection to the Sunga dynasty or its rulers.

Statement 1 is correct: The Siddhas (Sittars) of the Tamil region were indeed monotheistic. They believed in a single ultimate reality and often rejected the traditional Hindu practices of idol worship and elaborate temple rituals.

Statement 2 is correct: The Lingayats of the Kannada region challenged the established social order. - They did not subscribe to the concept of rebirth within the caste system. - They emphasized equality and rejected the rigidities of the caste system.

Therefore, both statements are correct. Hence, option C is the correct Answer.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism, not the Hinayana (or Theravada) sect. The Hinayana sect emphasizes the ideal of the Arhat, who achieves personal liberation, whereas the Mahayana tradition focuses on the Bodhisattva ideal.

Statement 2 is correct. The Bodhisattva is a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism, representing a being who has attained a high level of enlightenment but delays their full enlightenment (Nirvana) to compassionately help others achieve liberation.

Statement 3 is correct. The Bodhisattva is characterized by a commitment to the enlightenment of all sentient beings, rather than seeking individual liberation. The Bodhisattva willingly delays their own attainment of Nirvana in order to guide and assist others on the path to enlightenment.

Kalamkari painting refers to a specific type of hand-painted or block-printed textile art originating from the South Indian states, mainly Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics

Kalamkari paintings often depict mythological stories, scenes from nature, and religious figures. Floral and geometric patterns are also common.

* Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli: This sculpture is believed to have been created by Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BCE (around 272-231 BCE).

* Varaha Image at Udayagiri: The Varaha image at Udayagiri Caves is estimated to be from the Gupta period, dating back to around the 5th century CE (c. 410 CE).

* Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar: While the exact date of construction is debated, most scholars believe the Lingaraja Temple originated sometime in the 11th century CE.

* Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram: The monuments at Mahabalipuram were built over a period by the Pallava dynasty. The earliest structures likely date back to the 7th century CE, with some additions continuing into the 9th century CE.

Therefore, based on their estimated creation dates, the Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli is the earliest among the listed options.

Historical Context (2015): At the time this question was originally asked, Odia was the latest language to be granted Classical status (notified in February 2014). It was the 6th language to receive this honor.

Criteria: To be eligible, a language must have a recorded history of 1500–2000 years, a body of ancient literature, and an original literary tradition not borrowed from another speech community.

Timeline of Classical Languages:

2004: Tamil

2005: Sanskrit

2008: Telugu & Kannada

2013: Malayalam

2014: Odia

Note for the Current Exam Cycle (2025-26): While Odia was the correct answer for the 2015 paper, the list was significantly expanded in October 2024. If this question were asked today, Assamese (along with Marathi, Bengali, Pali, and Prakrit) would be the correct answer as the most recent additions to the list.