Q1. With reference to prehistoric rock art sites in India, consider the following locations:
- Lakhudiyar Caves
- Bagh Caves
- Kupgallu
At how many of the above sites have traces of prehistoric rock paintings been discovered?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation
- Lakhudiyar Caves (Uttarakhand) — prehistoric rock paintings of humans, animals, and geometric forms ✔️
- Kupgallu (Karnataka) — prehistoric petroglyphs / rock engravings and paintings ✔️
- Bagh Caves (Madhya Pradesh) — Gupta-period Buddhist mural paintings, not prehistoric ✖️
Therefore, prehistoric paintings are found at two of the sites.
Q2. Which one of the following cave sites contains mural paintings depicting monks gathering lotus flowers from a pond — a scene interpreted as the Samavasarana (preaching arena) in Jain tradition?
(a) Ellora Caves
(b) Jogimara Caves
(c) Bagh Caves
(d) Chithannavasal Caves
Correct Answer: (d) Chithannavasal Caves
Explanation
- Chithannavasal (Tamil Nadu) — Jain cave murals showing monks collecting lotuses from a pond, interpreted as Samavasarana ✔️
- Ellora — multi-religious cave art, not this theme ✖️
- Jogimara — early cave painting, romantic scene ✖️
- Bagh — Buddhist Gupta-era murals ✖️
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding certain mural paintings:
- These murals are located on the walls of the Veerabhadra Temple at Lepakshi.
- They were produced during the period of the Vijayanagara rulers.
- The paintings employ a full range of primary colours, contributing to their visual richness and depth.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation
- Statement 1 — Located in Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi ✔️
- Statement 2 — Belongs to the Vijayanagara period ✔️
- Statement 3 — Incorrect — colours were mainly natural earth pigments (red, yellow, black, green),
not “all primary colours”; richness comes from technique & shading, not colour range ✖️
Hence, two statements are correct.
Q4. With reference to Mughal painting traditions, consider the following statements:
- Mughal paintings evolved as a synthesis of Persian artistic elements and native Indian styles.
- The thematic emphasis moved away from religious imagery towards royal glorification.
- The painters predominantly produced popular folk art rather than court-sponsored works.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation
- Statement 1 — Fusion of Persian + Indian artistic styles ✔️
- Statement 2 — Focus shifted to court life, emperors, battles, portraits rather than gods ✔️
- Statement 3 — Incorrect — Mughal painting was largely court-centric, not popular/folk art ✖️
Thus, two statements are correct.
Q5. Consider the following historical painters:
- Abul Hasan
- Mir Sayyid Ali
- Basawan
Which of the above artists were associated with the Mughal court during the reign of Akbar?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
- Mir Sayyid Ali — Persian master painter in Akbar’s atelier ✔️
- Basawan — leading Indian painter under Akbar ✔️
- Abul Hasan — celebrated artist of Jahangir’s period, not Akbar ✖️
Therefore, only 2 and 3 are associated with Akbar.
