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Art & CultureHardAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2020, GK

The famous Mughal painting, depicting Jahangir embracing the Safavid king Shah Abbas, was painted by which one of the following Mughal painters?

  1. A.Abd al-Samad
  2. B.Abul Hasan
  3. C.Dasavant
  4. D.Bishandas

Correct answer

B. Abul Hasan

Explanation

The correct answer is B, Abul Hasan. The allegorical picture of Jahangir embracing Shah Abbas of Persia, painted around 1618 and now in the Freer Gallery in Washington, is the work of Abul Hasan. The two rulers stand on a globe, on a lion and a lamb, under a great halo; Jahangir is drawn far larger, showing the Mughal claim to be the stronger power. The meeting never took place: it was a dream of Jahangir that the painter turned into an image. Jahangir gave Abul Hasan the title 'Nadir-uz-Zaman', Wonder of the Age, and praised him in his memoirs. Option A is wrong because Abd al-Samad was the Persian master who came with Humayun and led Akbar's studio. Option C is wrong because Dasavant was a leading painter of Akbar's time, known for work on the Razmnama. Option D is wrong because Bishandas, though Jahangir's portrait painter, was sent to Persia with the embassy to paint Shah Abbas from life, and did not paint this picture. Exam tip: Abul Hasan 'Nadir-uz-Zaman', Mansur 'Nadir-ul-Asr', both titles from Jahangir.

Practice Questions

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Q1.Art & CultureAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2024, GKMedium

The antariya was a garment worn by people during the Mauryan period. It was :

  1. A.an unstitched length of cloth draped around the body.
  2. B.a sewn garment consisting of a sleeved tunic.
  3. C.a head covering used exclusively by women.
  4. D.made of strips sewn together tied at the waist with a cord
Show answer
Correct answer: A. an unstitched length of cloth draped around the body.

The antariya was the lower garment of ancient India, a long piece of cotton or fine fabric wrapped around the hips and legs and tucked in, much like the later dhoti.

Q2.Art & CultureAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2024, GKMedium

Consider the following statements about the Ancient Hindu metal images in India : 1. The Chola period is well known for the aesthetic and technical finesse of its metal sculpture. 2. The iconography and style of Chola metal images were similar to those of their stone counterparts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2

Chola bronzes are celebrated for their beauty and casting skill, and they follow the same iconographic rules and style as the stone sculpture of the period.

Q3.Art & CultureAsked in: NDA · NDA-I 2022, GATMedium

Early Buddhist sculptors did not show Buddha in human form. Through which of the following symbols was Buddha's presence shown by the early sculptors?

  1. A.Empty Seat and Stupa only
  2. B.Wheel and Tree only
  3. C.Wheel, Tree and Stupa only
  4. D.Empty Seat, Wheel, Tree and Stupa
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Empty Seat, Wheel, Tree and Stupa

In the early sculpture at sites such as Sanchi, Bharhut and Amaravati, the Buddha was not carved as a man; his presence was suggested through symbols, each tied to an event of his life.

Q4.Art & CultureAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IMedium

The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple?

1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.

2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.

3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 1 and 2 only

Somnath is a Jyotirlinga and Al-Biruni described it, but the present temple was consecrated by President Rajendra Prasad, not S. Radhakrishnan.

Q5.Art & CultureAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IMedium

The world's second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja ?

  1. A.The best means of salvation was devotion.
  2. B.Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.
  3. C.Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss.
  4. D.Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.
Show answer
Correct answer: A. The best means of salvation was devotion.

Ramanuja taught that loving devotion (bhakti) to Vishnu and complete surrender (prapatti) are the surest path to liberation.