BPSC Prelims 2023 Art and Culture Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh near Jhansi is a classic example of Gupta architecture, particularly renowned for its sophisticated sculptures and early North Indian temple style. Similarly, the sculptures and architectural remains at Garhwa near Allahabad also belong to the Gupta period, showcasing the distinct artistic characteristics of that era. Both sites are prime examples of the refined and classical nature of Gupta art and architectural development.

Explanation

Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka was awarded the prestigious 2022 Booker Prize for his novel, "The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida." The announcement was made in October 2022. His satirical novel tells the story of a war photographer in the afterlife, investigating the mysteries surrounding his death during the Sri Lankan civil war.

Explanation

The Embassy of Japan in India applied for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for 'Nihonshu' (Japanese Sake) in 2022. This marked the first time that an alcoholic beverage from Japan sought a GI tag in India. A GI tag identifies products originating from a specific geographical territory, possessing qualities or a reputation due to that origin, protecting its unique identity.

Explanation

Mithila Makhana, a type of fox nut cultivated in the Mithila region of Bihar, was officially granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in August 2022. This recognition helps to certify the unique origin and quality of the product, providing a significant boost to the local farmers and promoting the indigenous produce of Bihar.

Explanation

No site from India was added to the main UNESCO World Heritage List in 2022. While the Astronomical Observatory at Langat Singh College was included in UNESCO's list of endangered heritage observatories, it was not added to the primary World Heritage List. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex was inscribed in 2002 and the Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara in 2016. Therefore, none of the options were added to the list in 2022.

Explanation

The Thadingyut Festival, also known as the Lighting Festival, is a significant three-day celebration observed annually in Myanmar. It marks the end of the Buddhist lent (Vassa) and is celebrated with illuminations, lanterns, and various offerings to Buddha and elders. People light candles, colorful lanterns, and decorative lights to welcome Buddha's descent from heaven after preaching to his mother in Tavatimsa.

Explanation

A Beret is a type of soft, round, flat-crowned hat (→ 3). Stilettos are women's shoes with a long, thin, high heel (→ 4). Aviators are a style of sunglasses with dark, often reflective lenses and thin metal frames (→ 2). A Chignon is a coil or knot of hair arranged at the back of the head — a hairstyle (→ 5). Brogues are a style of men's shoes characterised by decorative perforations (broguing) (→ 1). Therefore the correct matches are a-3, b-4, c-2, d-5, e-1, which corresponds to option B.

Explanation

Flushing Meadows is the venue for the US Open, not the French Open. The Venus Rosewater Dish is indeed the trophy awarded to the women's singles champion at the Wimbledon Championships. Roland Garros is the home of the French Open, not the US Open. The Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup is the trophy presented to the women's singles champion at the Australian Open. Thus, pairs 2 and 4 are correctly matched.

Explanation

Among the given options, the Qutb Minar and its Monuments in Delhi (1993) and the Red Fort Complex (2007) are both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. India Gate, while an important historical landmark and war memorial in Delhi, is not individually listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an iconic monument but does not hold the same specific international heritage designation.

Explanation

The construction of 'Stupa', 'Chaitya', and 'Vihara' in Indian art and architecture is profoundly related to Buddhism. Stupas are dome-shaped structures containing relics of Buddha or Buddhist saints, serving as places of meditation. Chaityas are prayer halls, often carved into rock, with a stupa at one end. Viharas are Buddhist monasteries, which housed monks and were centers of learning. These architectural forms are defining characteristics of Buddhist art and religious practices in ancient India.

Explanation

In the context of Indian handicrafts, 'Sujini' in Bihar refers to a traditional type of embroidery. Originating from the Bhusura village in Muzaffarpur district, Sujini embroidery is characterized by its intricate stitchwork, often depicting mythological figures, scenes from daily life, or nature motifs. Historically, it was practiced by rural women using old saris and dhotis, stitching them together with colorful threads to create new quilts or decorative pieces. It is a significant cultural craft of Bihar.

Explanation

The renowned painting of 'Bodhisattva Padmapani' is a celebrated masterpiece of ancient Indian art found in the Ajanta Caves. This iconic mural is specifically located in Cave 1 of the Ajanta complex in Maharashtra. The Ajanta Caves are famous for their Buddhist rock-cut cave monuments, which include vibrant murals and frescoes depicting the life of Buddha and Jataka tales, illustrating the artistic excellence of the Gupta period.

Explanation

Charaka was a prominent ancient Indian physician and is known for his work in medicine, specifically the Charaka Samhita. Brahmagupta was a renowned mathematician and astronomer. Varahamihira was an influential ancient Indian astronomer, astrologer, and polymath. Vishakhadatta was a classical Sanskrit playwright, famous for plays like Mudrarakshasa. Thus, the correct match is a-2, b-1, c-4, d-3.

Explanation

The question asks to find the odd pair among the given options. A millinery is a shop that sells hats, so Millinery : Hats is a correct association. A brewery is a place where alcoholic beverages like beer are produced, making Brewery : Alcohol a correct association. Stationery refers to materials for writing, especially paper, so Stationery : Paper is also a correct association. However, Snobbery is the quality of being a snob, someone who believes they are superior to others, and it has no direct or common association with Shoes. Thus, Snobbery : Shoes is the odd pair.