UPSC Prelims Arts & Culture previous year questions sourced from current affairs, with answers and explanations.
2026Current AffairsMulti-statement (Traditional Style)Medieval Architecture & Kingdoms
Which one of the following statements with regard to the Moidams, built by the Tai-Ahom kingdom and inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is/are correct?
1. They acted as army fortresses.
2. They were recreation centres of the Royals and Nobles.
3. They were burial grounds of the Royals and Nobles.
4. They were battle drill centres of the Royals and Nobles.
Select the answer using the code given below:
A.1 only
B.1 and 3
C.3 only
D.2 and 4
Explanation: * Option 3 is correct: Moidams are traditional mound-burial structures that served exclusively as the burial grounds for the kings, queens, and nobles of the Tai-Ahom dynasty (which ruled Assam from the 13th to the late 19th century). These structures contain vaulted underground chambers where the deceased were buried alongside personal belongings. * Other options are incorrect: They served no military, recreational, or training purpose. The Moidams of Charaideo were inscribed as India's 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024.
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2026Current AffairsMulti-statement (Traditional Style)Cinema & Global Cultural Awards
Consider the following statements with regard to the film 'Boong':
1. The film has recently won the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award in the Children's and Family Film category.
2. The film is directed by Lakshmipriya Devi.
3. This is the first Indian film to win a BAFTA award in the Children's and Family Film category.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.1, 2 and 3
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 2 only
D.3 only
Explanation: * Statement 1 is correct: In 2025, the Indian film Boong won the prestigious BAFTA Award in the Children's and Family Film category. * Statement 2 is correct: The film was directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, a talented director from Manipur, drawing its narrative perspective from Northeast India. * Statement 3 is correct: Boong achieved a major milestone as the first Indian cinematic production to win a BAFTA trophy in this specialized category.
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2024Current AffairsDirect Conceptual / Factual MCQUNESCO Cultural Heritage List
Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO?
A.Chhau dance
B.Durga puja
C.Garba dance
D.Kumbh mela
Explanation: * (c) Garba dance is correct: The traditional dance form of Garba from Gujarat was officially inscribed onto UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2023, making it the latest Indian cultural element included among the choices.
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2024Current AffairsMulti-statement (How Many Style)UNESCO World Heritage Properties
Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:
1. Shantiniketan
2. Rani-ki-Vav
3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya
How many of the above properties were included in 2023?
A.Only one
B.Only two
C.Only three
D.All four
Explanation: * Property 1 was included in 2023: Shantiniketan in West Bengal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023. * Property 2 was included in 2014: Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen's Stepwell) in Patan, Gujarat, was added in 2014. * Property 3 was included in 2023: The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas in Karnataka achieved status in 2023. * Property 4 was included in 2002: The Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya was inscribed in 2002. * Therefore, exactly two properties (1 and 3) were included in 2023.
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