UPSC Prelims Arts & Culture previous year questions from 2026, with answers and explanations.
2026Direct Conceptual / Factual MCQClassical Music Systems & Ragas
Which one of the following Carnatic music ragas is similar to Raga Bilawal in Hindustani music?
A.Nat Bhairavi
B.Kamavardhini
C.Hanumatodi
D.Dheera Shankarabharanam
Explanation: * Dheera Shankarabharanam: Jana Gana Mana, the National Anthem of India, is set in the Carnatic raga Dheera Shankarabharanam, which corresponds to Raga Bilawal in Hindustani classical music. * The name Shankarabharanam signifies "the jewel or ornament of Lord Shiva." Regarded as a spiritually uplifting and therapeutic raga, it is traditionally associated with Lord Shiva in his healing aspect and creates an atmosphere of confidence, serenity, and positive energy.
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2026Multi-statement (Traditional Style)Temple Architecture & Styles
Which of the following temples has/have a Nagara-style shikhara?
1. Malegitti Shivalaya, Badami
2. Huchimalligudi Temple, Aihole
3. Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh
4. Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal
A.1 and 2
B.2 and 3
C.3 only
D.3 and 4
Explanation: * Option 1 is incorrect: The Malegitti Shivalaya at Badami belongs to the southern architectural tradition, surmounted by a Dravidian-style superstructure. * Option 2 is correct: The Huchimalligudi Temple at Aihole illustrates the transitional character of Early Chalukyan architecture, utilizing a Rekha-prasada shikhara (a curvilinear tower associated with the Nagara tradition). * Option 3 is correct: Dating to the Gupta period, the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh features an early form of the Latina (Rekha-prasada) shikhara, the defining feature of the Nagara style across northern India. * Option 4 is incorrect: The Virupaksha Temple at Pattadakal is a classic example of mature Dravidian architecture influenced by the southern vimana tradition.
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2026Direct Conceptual / Factual MCQAncient Indian Painting & Caves
The Hallisalasya painting in the Bagh Caves represents:
A.A joyous folk dance
B.Buddha in a meditative pose
C.The depiction of Shiva and Parvati on Kailasha
D.Samudramanthan (Churning of the Ocean)
Explanation: * A joyous folk dance: The Hallisalasya painting of the Bagh Caves (situated in Madhya Pradesh along the banks of the Baghini River) is celebrated for its vibrant portrayal of festive folk dance scenes. * Dating to the Gupta period, the Bagh Caves display fresco-style paintings showing remarkable skill in colour composition, human expression, and narrative depiction under the artistic influence of Ajanta.
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2026Direct Conceptual / Factual MCQBuddhist Art & Iconography
What does an empty seat represent in early Buddhist iconography?
A.The meditation of the Buddha
B.The Buddha's First Sermon
C.The Buddha's Mahaparinibbana
D.The Buddha's Mahabhinishkramana
Explanation: * Empty Seat: In early Buddhist art (e.g., Sanchi Stupa and Bharhut), artists used aniconic markers instead of human forms. The empty seat (or throne) typically symbolizes the Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and his ongoing state of meditation. * Other Symbols: * The Wheel (Dharma Chakra): Represents the Buddha's First Sermon at Sarnath. * The Bodhi Tree: Symbolizes the moment of Enlightenment. * The Stupa: Represents the Buddha's passing away (Mahaparinibbana). * The Horse: Represents Mahabhinishkramana (the Great Departure/Renunciation).
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2026Multi-statement (Traditional Style)Buddhist Art & Architecture
Which of the following statements on the Amaravati Stupa and its relief sculpture is/are correct?
1. It was located in the lower Krishna valley.
2. In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size.
3. The Amaravati school of sculpture made a lasting impact on the later South Indian sculpture, and its products were carried to Sri Lanka and South-east Asia.
A.1 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3
Explanation: * Statement 1 is correct: The Amaravati Stupa (historically known as Dhanyakataka) was built in the lower Krishna river valley in modern Andhra Pradesh under the patronage of the Satavahanas and later the Ikshvakus. * Statement 2 is incorrect: When fully intact, the Amaravati Stupa was actually larger than the Sanchi Stupa. Sanchi Stupa No. 1 has a diameter of roughly 36.5 meters, whereas the Amaravati Mahachaitya had a dome diameter exceeding 50 meters and a height of nearly 30 meters. * Statement 3 is correct: The Amaravati school, distinct for its use of white marble-like limestone and dynamic narrative style, deeply influenced Pallava and Chola art. Direct trade links led to the export of Amaravati-style Buddha statues to Sri Lanka (Anuradhapura), Thailand, and Indonesia.
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2026Direct Conceptual / Factual MCQClassical Music Gharanas
Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur, the famous classical singer from Karnataka, represented the:
A.Agra Gharana
B.Gwalior Gharana
C.Patiala Gharana
D.Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana
Explanation: * Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana: Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur (born in the Dharwad region of Karnataka) was an eminent exponent of Hindustani classical music representing the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana. * He was renowned for his mastery over rare ragas and complex khayal compositions. He trained under Manji Khan and Bhurji Khan, sons of Ustad Alladiya Khan (founder of the gharana). His contributions earned him the Padma Vibhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship.
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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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