Part of the General Studies-I question bank for OPSC (OAS) Mains.
A comprehensive, topic-wise practice set of 26 questions on Painting & Visual Arts in India for OPSC (OAS) Mains General Studies-I. 8 of them have been set in an actual paper — the year and exam are printed against each (2019, 2018, 2017, 2015). The rest are practice questions on the same syllabus points.
Previous year questions
| No. | Question | Asked in |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Highlight the Central Asian and Greco Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art. | UPSC Mains GS-I 2021 10 marks |
| 2 | Give a note on the Visual Arts of Odisha: Rath Jatra, The Pattachitras, Filigree Ornamental works. | OPSC OAS Mains 2019 10 marks |
| 3 | "Mughal Painting reached its zenith during the reign of Jahangir" - explain with reference to its progress under the earlier Mughal rulers of India. | OPSC OAS Mains 2018 10 marks |
| 4 | Pattachitra | OPSC OAS Mains 2017 10 marks |
| 5 | Give an account of architecture, sculpture and painting of the Gupta Age. | OPSC OAS Mains 2015 20 marks |
| 6 | Write a short note on: Sand Art. | OPSC OAS Mains 2015 GS Paper-I Q.4 (OR)(j) · 2 marks |
| 7 | Write a short note on: Mughal Painting. | OPSC OAS Mains 2015 GS Paper-I Q.4 (OR)(n) · 2 marks |
| 8 | Write a short note on: Patachitra. | OPSC OAS Mains 2015 GS Paper-I Q.4 (OR)(o) · 2 marks |
Practice questions
| No. | Question | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | "Colonial patronage affected the evolution of Indian painting, influencing traditional styles and subjects." Discuss. | — |
| 10 | The evolution of miniature painting in India showcases the richness of different regional styles and their contributions. Discuss. | — |
| 11 | Highlight the significance of mural paintings as a medium for cultural preservation and storytelling, and their role in fostering a sense of identity and heritage. | — |
| 12 | Compare the themes and techniques employed in the mural paintings of Ajanta and Bagh caves, drawing insights into the religious and social landscape of the Gupta period. | — |
| 13 | Discuss the role of the Bengal School of Art, specifically its paintings, in the Indian nationalist movement. How did art become a medium for political expression? | — |
| 14 | "Indian sculpture structure is a mirror that reflects religious, social, and political aspects of Indian civilization." Discuss. | — |
| 15 | Mesolithic rock-cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate this comment. | — |
| 16 | Indian miniature paintings are renowned for their vivid colours and minute details. Describe the traits of Indian miniature painting, emphasizing the Deccan, Rajput, and Mughal styles. | — |
| 17 | What is the 'Black Pagoda'? Explain its legend. | — |
| 18 | Write a note on UNESCO world heritage sites in India. | — |
| 19 | Odisha has a rich cultural heritage. Justify. | — |
| 20 | Pattachitra | — |
| 21 | Sand Art | — |
| 22 | Rath Jatra - Visual Arts of Odisha | — |
| 23 | Filigree Ornamental works - Visual Arts of Odisha | — |
| 24 | Mughal Painting - Discuss its progress under the earlier Mughal rulers of India. | — |
| 25 | Sculpture and painting of the Gupta Age | — |
| 26 | Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture. | — |