MCQ
upsc-p1-history-art-literature-languages MCQ - Practice Questions with Answers
Solve 10 upsc-p1-history-art-literature-languages questions for RAS/RPSC preparation.
Practice questions
Q1Consider the following two statements about manuscript preservation: Statement I: A manuscript survey identifies and describes manuscripts, whereas conservation stabilises the original object. Statement II: Digitisation creates a usable copy but does not replace preservation of the original. Which one of the following is correct?
Both statements correctly distinguish separate stages of manuscript work. Surveying finds and documents manuscripts; conservation physically stabilises the original; digitisation produces a usable copy. The second statement adds a distinct preservation principle rather than explaining the difference between survey and conservation stated in the first.
Q2Arrange the following policy milestones in chronological order, beginning with the earliest: 1. Launch of the Gyan Bharatam National Manuscript Survey 2. Establishment of the National Mission for Manuscripts 3. Union Cabinet approval adding Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali to the classical-language category 4. Creation of the classical-language category by the Government of India Select the correct answer using the code below.
The National Mission for Manuscripts was established in February 2003. The Government of India created the classical-language category in 2004. The Cabinet approved the five 2024 additions on 3 October 2024, and the Gyan Bharatam National Manuscript Survey was launched on 16 March 2026. The order is therefore 2-4-3-1.
Q3Consider the following two statements about classical and regional literary cultures: Statement I: Sanskrit functioned as a prestige language across courts, inscriptions, philosophy, poetics and science, while coexisting with Prakrits and regional languages. Statement II: Apabhramsha literature is important for the transition towards several North Indian literary languages and for Jain narrative traditions. Which one of the following is correct?
Both statements are correct. Sanskrit held prestige in courtly, inscriptional, philosophical, literary and scientific settings without erasing other languages. Apabhramsha is important both as a bridge towards several North Indian literary languages and as a medium of Jain narrative traditions.
Q4Consider the following statements about language-recognition frameworks in India: 1. The Eighth Schedule contains 22 languages and is linked to Articles 344(1) and 351. 2. Sahitya Akademi gives annual awards in 24 recognised languages, including English and Rajasthani in addition to its scheduled-language coverage. 3. Classical-language status is conferred through a constitutional schedule. Select the correct answer using the code below.
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Eighth Schedule is a constitutional list of 22 languages connected with Articles 344(1) and 351. Sahitya Akademi's 24-language award framework is institutionally distinct and also includes English and Rajasthani. Classical-language status follows a separate administrative route and is not a constitutional schedule.
Q5Match List I with List II: List I (Text) A. Charaka Samhita B. Sushruta Samhita C. Aryabhatiya D. Brihat Samhita List II (Primary association) 1. Mathematics and astronomy 2. Surgery 3. Medicine 4. Astronomy, astrology, omens, architecture and natural observations Select the correct answer using the code below.
Charaka Samhita is associated with medicine and Sushruta Samhita with surgery. Aryabhatiya concerns mathematics and astronomy. Varahamihira's Brihat Samhita ranges across astronomy, astrology, omens, architecture and observations of nature. The resulting sequence is A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4.
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6Match List I with List II: List I (Literary or devotional form) A. Tevaram B. Divya Prabandham C. Abhang D. Razmnama List II (Association) 1. Persian rendering of the Mahabharata 2. Vaishnava Alvars 3. Marathi bhakti 4. Shaiva Nayanars Select the correct answer using the code below.
7Arrange the following milestones in the recognition of classical languages in chronological order, beginning with the earliest: 1. Malayalam received classical-language status 2. Tamil became the first language to receive classical-language status 3. Odia received classical-language status 4. Kannada and Telugu received classical-language status Select the correct answer using the code below.
8With reference to the use of literary sources in history, consider the following statements: 1. Royal inscriptions and court poems are useful for titles, conquests, donations and ideology, although praise and silence form part of their genre. 2. Monastic rules and devotional poems should be read as government orders. 3. Travel accounts require caution because travellers saw limited regions, depended on interpreters and often wrote for audiences at home. Select the correct answer using the code below.
9Consider the following statements about scripts and their historical use: 1. Kharoshthi was used in the north-west and was generally written from right to left. 2. Modi was used for Marathi administrative records. 3. Sharada is important for manuscripts from Kashmir. Select the correct answer using the code below.
10Consider the following statements about ancient textual traditions: 1. The Tripitaka is organised into the Vinaya, Sutta and Abhidhamma baskets in the Pali tradition. 2. The Puranas are single-date historical chronicles. 3. The Bhagavad Gita is embedded in the Mahabharata. Select the correct answer using the code below.