Microtheme: ArtXPainting —
7 questions asked in Prelims in the past.

1. [2026] 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)
   Correct Answer: (A) A joyous folk dance
2. [2019] Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?
   • (a) Humayun
   • (b) Akbar
   • (c) Jahangir
   • (d) Shah Jahan
   Correct Answer: (C) Jahangir
3. [2018] The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the
   • (a) Bundi school
   • (b) Jaipur school
   • (c) Kangra school
   • (d) Kishangarh school.
   Correct Answer: (D) Kishangarh school.
4. [2017] The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft illustrated paintings at
   • (a) Ajanta
   • (b) Badami
   • (c) Bagh
   • (d) Ellora
   Correct Answer: (A) Ajanta
5. [2015] Kalamkari painting refers to
   • (a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India
   • (b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East India
   • (c) a block-painted woollen cloth in Western Himalayan region of India
   • (d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India
   Correct Answer: (A) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India
6. [2013] Consider the following historical places :
   (1). Ajanta Caves
   (2). Lepakshi Temple
   (3). Sanchi Stupa
   Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?
   • (a) 1 only
   • (b) 1 and 2 only
   • (c) 1, 2 and 3
   • (d) None
   Correct Answer: (B) 1 and 2 only
7. [2010] There are only two known examples of cave paintings of the Gupta period in ancient India. One of these is paintings of Ajanta Caves. Where is the other surviving example of Gupta paintings?
   • (a) Bagh Caves
   • (b) Ellora Caves
   • (c) Lomas Rishi caves
   • (d) Nasik Caves
   Correct Answer: (A) Bagh Caves