Questions cover Indian art, architecture, dance, music, painting, literature, festivals, heritage sites, and world culture.
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100 Art & Culture MCQs with Answers and Explanations
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1. The Ajanta Caves are primarily known for which art form?
A. Rock-cut sculptures
B. Fresco paintings
C. Terracotta art
D. Bronze carvings
Answer: B. Fresco paintings
Explanation: Ajanta caves are famous for their Buddhist fresco murals depicting Jataka tales, dating back to 2nd century BCE–6th century CE.
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2. Who wrote the classical Sanskrit play Abhijnanasakuntalam?
A. Kalidasa
B. Bhasa
C. Sudraka
D. Bhavabhuti
Answer: A. Kalidasa
Explanation: Kalidasa, one of India’s greatest poets, authored Abhijnanasakuntalam, a landmark in Sanskrit literature.
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3. Odissi dance originated in which Indian state?
A. Odisha
B. West Bengal
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Kerala
Answer: A. Odisha
Explanation: Odissi is an ancient classical dance form closely linked with the temples of Odisha.
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4. The Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur was built by which ruler?
A. Rajendra Chola
B. Rajaraja Chola I
C. Narasimhavarman
D. Krishnadevaraya
Answer: B. Rajaraja Chola I
Explanation: Built in 1010 CE, this is a masterpiece of Chola Dravidian architecture.
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5. The ‘Saraswati Samman’ is awarded for excellence in—
A. Art
B. Literature
C. Music
D. Cinema
Answer: B. Literature
Explanation: Saraswati Samman is a prestigious award for outstanding literary works in any Indian language.
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6. Which musical instrument is associated with Ustad Bismillah Khan?
A. Sitar
B. Sarod
C. Shehnai
D. Flute
Answer: C. Shehnai
Explanation: Ustad Bismillah Khan popularized the shehnai globally, performing at the 1947 Independence ceremony.
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7. The Sanchi Stupa was originally commissioned by—
A. Ashoka
B. Kanishka
C. Harsha
D. Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: A. Ashoka
Explanation: Emperor Ashoka built the Great Stupa at Sanchi in the 3rd century BCE.
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8. The Sun Temple at Konark is shaped like a—
A. Chariot
B. Lotus
C. Mandala
D. Fort
Answer: A. Chariot
Explanation: The Konark Sun Temple resembles the solar chariot with 12 pairs of wheels and seven horses.
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9. Bharatnatyam is traditionally associated with—
A. Devadasi tradition
B. Sufi practice
C. Folk theatre
D. Jain rituals
Answer: A. Devadasi tradition
Explanation: Bharatnatyam evolved from the Devadasi temple dance tradition of Tamil Nadu.
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10. Kathak originated in which region?
A. South India
B. Eastern India
C. Northern India
D. Western India
Answer: C. Northern India
Explanation: Kathak developed in the courts of North India, blending Hindu and Mughal influences.
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11. The Bihu dance is associated with which state?
A. Assam
B. Manipur
C. Nagaland
D. Tripura
Answer: A. Assam
Explanation: Bihu is a vibrant folk dance celebrating the Assamese New Year.
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12. The ‘Natyashastra’ was written by—
A. Patanjali
B. Bharata Muni
C. Panini
D. Varahamihira
Answer: B. Bharata Muni
Explanation: Natyashastra is an ancient treatise on performing arts.
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13. Which city is famous for Madhubani paintings?
A. Jaipur
B. Patna
C. Mithila region
D. Lucknow
Answer: C. Mithila region
Explanation: Madhubani (or Mithila) painting is a traditional art form from Bihar.
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14. The Nishada, Gandhara, Panchama etc. are related to—
A. Sculpture
B. Architecture
C. Classical Music
D. Painting
Answer: C. Classical Music
Explanation: These are swaras (notes) in Indian classical music.
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15. The famous ‘Buddha with a Halo’ sculpture is an example of—
A. Gandhara art
B. Mathura art
C. Chola art
D. Mughal art
Answer: A. Gandhara art
Explanation: Gandhara art shows strong Greco-Roman influence.
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Continue MCQs (16–100)
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16. The Meenakshi Temple is located in—
A. Chennai
B. Madurai
C. Hyderabad
D. Kochi
Answer: B. Madurai
Explanation: Famous for its towering gopurams, the Meenakshi Temple is a major Dravidian architectural marvel.
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17. The ‘Garba’ dance is from—
A. Rajasthan
B. Gujarat
C. Maharashtra
D. Haryana
Answer: B. Gujarat
Explanation: Garba is a traditional Gujarati dance performed during Navratri.
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18. The Kailasa Temple at Ellora was carved during which dynasty?
A. Chalukya
B. Rashtrakuta
C. Gupta
D. Vijayanagara
Answer: B. Rashtrakuta
Explanation: Carved from a single rock, it was built by Krishna I of the Rashtrakutas.
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19. ‘Raga Megh Malhar’ is believed to bring—
A. Fire
B. Rain
C. Prosperity
D. Storm
Answer: B. Rain
Explanation: Megh Malhar is associated with the monsoon.
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20. The Bhagavata Purana is associated with the worship of—
A. Shiva
B. Vishnu/Krishna
C. Brahma
D. Surya
Answer: B. Vishnu/Krishna
Explanation: It narrates the life and teachings of Lord Krishna.
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Here are the remaining Art & Culture MCQs (21–100) with answers and explanations.
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Art & Culture MCQs (21–100)
(Answers + Explanations included)
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21. ‘Pattachitra’ painting belongs to which state?
A. Karnataka
B. Odisha
C. Rajasthan
D. Himachal Pradesh
Answer: B. Odisha
Explanation: Pattachitra is a traditional cloth painting style depicting mythological themes, especially Lord Jagannath.
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22. The Yakshagana dance-drama is native to—
A. Kerala
B. Karnataka
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Andhra Pradesh
Answer: B. Karnataka
Explanation: Yakshagana blends dance, music, dialogue, and costumes in coastal Karnataka.
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23. The Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro belongs to which civilization?
A. Mesopotamian
B. Indus Valley
C. Egyptian
D. Chinese
Answer: B. Indus Valley
Explanation: The Great Bath is one of the earliest public water structures.
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24. Who is called the ‘Father of Indian Cinema’?
A. Raj Kapoor
B. Satyajit Ray
C. Dadasaheb Phalke
D. Bimal Roy
Answer: C. Dadasaheb Phalke
Explanation: He directed India’s first full-length feature film Raja Harishchandra (1913).
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25. The dance form ‘Mohiniyattam’ is from—
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Karnataka
C. Kerala
D. Andhra Pradesh
Answer: C. Kerala
Explanation: Mohiniyattam is known for its graceful, feminine movements.
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26. The Khajuraho temples are famous for—
A. Buddhist monasteries
B. Erotic sculptures
C. Mughal architecture
D. Cave paintings
Answer: B. Erotic sculptures
Explanation: Built by Chandela rulers, Khajuraho is famous for Nagara architecture and intricate carvings.
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27. The Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial architecture is located in—
A. Delhi
B. Patna
C. Ahmedabad
D. Amritsar
Answer: D. Amritsar
Explanation: It is a memorial to the 1919 massacre under British rule.
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28. The famous bronze statue ‘Nataraja’ represents—
A. Vishnu
B. Brahma
C. Shiva
D. Indra
Answer: C. Shiva
Explanation: Nataraja depicts Shiva as the Lord of Dance, symbolizing cosmic creation and destruction.
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29. The Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) was built by—
A. Guru Nanak
B. Guru Arjan Dev
C. Guru Gobind Singh
D. Guru Tegh Bahadur
Answer: B. Guru Arjan Dev
Explanation: Guru Arjan Dev completed the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
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30. Who wrote the Tamil epic Silappadikaram?
A. Ilango Adigal
B. Tiruvalluvar
C. Kambar
D. Avvaiyar
Answer: A. Ilango Adigal
Explanation: It is one of the Five Great Epics of Tamil literature.
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31. Madhura, Khanda, and Prabhanda are types of—
A. Ragas
B. Talas
C. Poetic compositions
D. Sculptures
Answer: C. Poetic compositions
Explanation: They belong to classical Sanskrit and Prakrit literature.
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32. The Bhangra dance originates from—
A. Haryana
B. Punjab
C. Rajasthan
D. Himachal Pradesh
Answer: B. Punjab
Explanation: Bhangra is a lively folk dance of the Punjabi harvest season.
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33. The Chola bronze art particularly flourished in—
A. 5th century
B. 7th century
C. 9th–12th centuries
D. 13th century
Answer: C. 9th–12th centuries
Explanation: Cholas were masters in creating realistic bronze idols.
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34. Jnanpith Award is given for—
A. Dance
B. Literature
C. Films
D. Architecture
Answer: B. Literature
Explanation: It is India’s highest literary honour.
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35. ‘Shanta Ras’ and ‘Veer Ras’ are concepts of—
A. Natyashastra
B. Ayurveda
C. Arthashastra
D. Sangam texts
Answer: A. Natyashastra
Explanation: Bharata Muni describes 9 rasas (emotions) in drama.
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36. The Jantar Mantar observatories were built by—
A. Akbar
B. Maharaja Jai Singh II
C. Sawai Pratap Singh
D. Rana Sanga
Answer: B. Maharaja Jai Singh II
Explanation: He built astronomical observatories in Jaipur, Delhi, Ujjain, etc.
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37. Kalbelia dance is associated with—
A. Assam
B. Kerala
C. Rajasthan
D. Maharashtra
Answer: C. Rajasthan
Explanation: Kalbelia is performed by the Kalbelia tribe, known for snake-like movements.
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38. The phrase ‘Satyameva Jayate’ is taken from—
A. Ramayana
B. Quran
C. Mundaka Upanishad
D. Arthashastra
Answer: C. Mundaka Upanishad
Explanation: It means “Truth alone triumphs.”
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39. The famous painting ‘Bharat Mata’ was created by—
A. Raja Ravi Varma
B. Nandalal Bose
C. Abanindranath Tagore
D. Rabindranath Tagore
Answer: C. Abanindranath Tagore
Explanation: This painting became a symbol of Indian nationalism.
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40. The Ellora caves represent which religions?
A. Hinduism only
B. Buddhism only
C. Jainism only
D. Hinduism, Buddhism & Jainism
Answer: D. All three
Explanation: Ellora is an example of Indian religious harmony.
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✔ MCQs 41–100 continue below
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41. The Blue Pottery craft is native to—
A. Varanasi
B. Jaipur
C. Pune
D. Madurai
Answer: B. Jaipur
Explanation: Jaipur’s blue pottery uses quartz instead of clay.
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42. ‘Cheraw’ bamboo dance belongs to—
A. Nagaland
B. Mizoram
C. Meghalaya
D. Tripura
Answer: B. Mizoram
Explanation: Also known as the “bamboo dance,” it is performed by the Mizo community.
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43. The timeless epic Mahabharata was written by—
A. Valmiki
B. Veda Vyasa
C. Kalidasa
D. Bharavi
Answer: B. Veda Vyasa
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44. Which Mughal emperor built the Taj Mahal?
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Shah Jahan
D. Aurangzeb
Answer: C. Shah Jahan
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45. The ‘Dhokra’ metal craft uses which technique?
A. Lost-wax casting
B. Hammering
C. Welding
D. Engraving
Answer: A. Lost-wax casting
Explanation: Practised by tribal artisans of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, WB.
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46. Kathkali uses elaborate—
A. Masks
B. Makeup
C. Headgear
D. All of these
Answer: D. All of these
Explanation: All these elements are integral to Kathakali.
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47. Which language is associated with Guru Granth Sahib?
A. Sanskrit
B. Hindi
C. Punjabi (Gurmukhi)
D. Sindhi
Answer: C. Punjabi (Gurmukhi)
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48. The classical dance Kuchipudi comes from—
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Karnataka
D. Gujarat
Answer: A. Andhra Pradesh
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49. The Victoria Memorial is located in—
A. Mumbai
B. Kolkata
C. Chennai
D. Surat
Answer: B. Kolkata
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50. The ‘Bihu festival’ is celebrated in—
A. Nagaland
B. Assam
C. Sikkim
D. Manipur
Answer: B. Assam
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51. Which of the following is a form of Persian-influenced Indian painting?
A. Madhubani
B. Kalamkari
C. Mughal Miniature
D. Warli
Answer: C. Mughal Miniature
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52. Gita Govinda was composed by—
A. Tulsidas
B. Jayadeva
C. Kabir
D. Surdas
Answer: B. Jayadeva
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53. The Lingaraja Temple is located in—
A. Bhubaneswar
B. Varanasi
C. Mathura
D. Ujjain
Answer: A. Bhubaneswar
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54. Which is the oldest Veda?
A. Atharvaveda
B. Rigveda
C. Samaveda
D. Yajurveda
Answer: B. Rigveda
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55. Bharatanatyam costume features distinctive—
A. White saree
B. Drape resembling a fan
C. Tribal ornaments
D. Mask
Answer: B. Drape resembling a fan
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56. The Cave Temples of Badami were built by—
A. Pallavas
B. Cholas
C. Chalukyas
D. Rashtrakutas
Answer: C. Chalukyas
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57. The folk painting ‘Warli’ belongs to—
A. Gujarat
B. Maharashtra
C. Assam
D. Bihar
Answer: B. Maharashtra
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58. The Sattriya dance was introduced by—
A. Sankardeva
B. Kabir
C. Guru Nanak
D. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
Answer: A. Sankardeva
Explanation: It emerged in the Vaishnavite monasteries (Satras) of Assam.
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59. Lotus Temple in Delhi is famous for its—
A. Dravidian style
B. Lotus shape
C. Wood carvings
D. Stupa architecture
Answer: B. Lotus shape
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60. Which festival is associated with Lord Jagannath?
A. Pongal
B. Rath Yatra
C. Onam
D. Lohri
Answer: B. Rath Yatra
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61–100 MCQs Continue Below
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61. Kalaripayattu is a martial art of—
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Kerala
C. Karnataka
D. Manipur
Answer: B. Kerala
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62. The Red Fort in Delhi was built by—
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Shah Jahan
D. Aurangzeb
Answer: C. Shah Jahan
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63. The Amrita Sher-Gil is famous for—
A. Sculpture
B. Painting
C. Dance
D. Acting
Answer: B. Painting
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64. ‘Kalidasa’ lived during which dynasty?
A. Maurya
B. Gupta
C. Mughal
D. Chola
Answer: B. Gupta
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65. Lavani dance is popular in—
A. Maharashtra
B. Rajasthan
C. Odisha
D. Karnataka
Answer: A. Maharashtra
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66. The Charminar is located in—
A. Hyderabad
B. Lucknow
C. Delhi
D. Agra
Answer: A. Hyderabad
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67. Pattadakal monuments belong to which style?
A. Indo-Islamic
B. Chalukyan
C. Nagara
D. Mughal
Answer: B. Chalukyan
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68. The Sangam literature belongs to—
A. Malayalam
B. Tamil
C. Kannada
D. Telugu
Answer: B. Tamil
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69. The tribal dance ‘Ghoomar’ belongs to—
A. Rajasthan
B. Madhya Pradesh
C. Haryana
D. Odisha
Answer: A. Rajasthan
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70. The Bodhi Tree is associated with—
A. Birth of Buddha
B. Enlightenment of Buddha
C. Death of Buddha
D. First sermon
Answer: B. Enlightenment
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71. The ‘Purana Qila’ in Delhi was built by—
A. Humayun & Sher Shah
B. Aurangzeb
C. Akbar
D. Shah Jahan
Answer: A. Humayun & Sher Shah
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72. The folk theatre ‘Nautanki’ is popular in—
A. Haryana & UP
B. Assam
C. Maharashtra
D. Odisha
Answer: A. Haryana & UP
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73. ‘Veena’ is primarily associated with—
A. North Indian Music
B. Carnatic Music
C. Folk music
D. Western music
Answer: B. Carnatic Music
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74. The temple architecture style of North India is called—
A. Dravida
B. Vesara
C. Nagara
D. Chola
Answer: C. Nagara
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75. The Epic Ramayana was written by—
A. Veda Vyasa
B. Valmiki
C. Tulsidas
D. Bharavi
Answer: B. Valmiki
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76. The Mysore Palace is famous for its—
A. Mughal style
B. Indo-Saracenic style
C. Gothic style
D. Nagara style
Answer: B. Indo-Saracenic
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77. The ‘Sopana’ style is a feature of—
A. Hindustani music
B. Carnatic music
C. Kerala temple music
D. Odissi music
Answer: C. Kerala temple music
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78. The festival ‘Navroz’ is celebrated by—
A. Jains
B. Parsis
C. Sikhs
D. Buddhists
Answer: B. Parsis
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79. The earliest metal used by humans was—
A. Iron
B. Bronze
C. Copper
D. Gold
Answer: C. Copper
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80. The phrase ‘Surya Mandapa’ refers to a part of—
A. Sun Temples
B. Jain monasteries
C. Buddhist stupas
D. Roman cities
Answer: A. Sun Temples
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81. The Ellora Cave 10 (Vishvakarma Cave) is also called—
A. Music hall
B. Carpenter’s cave
C. Queen’s cave
D. Shiva cave
Answer: B. Carpenter’s cave
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82. The classical instrument ‘Mridangam’ is used in—
A. Hindustani music
B. Carnatic music
C. Western classical
D. Tribal music
Answer: B. Carnatic music
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83. The UNESCO site ‘Rani ki Vav’ is in—
A. Gujarat
B. Tamil Nadu
C. MP
D. Bihar
Answer: A. Gujarat
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84. The ‘Bhagavad Gita’ is part of which epic?
A. Ramayana
B. Mahabharata
C. Rigveda
D. Arthashastra
Answer: B. Mahabharata
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85. The Ganesha Chaturthi festival was popularized by—
A. Gandhi
B. Tilak
C. Nehru
D. Subhas Bose
Answer: B. Tilak
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86. The Veerabhadra Temple at Lepakshi is famous for—
A. Hanging Pillar
B. Erotic sculptures
C. Chariot wheels
D. Cave monasteries
Answer: A. Hanging Pillar
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87. ‘Phad’ painting is from—
A. Rajasthan
B. Gujarat
C. Odisha
D. Uttarakhand
Answer: A. Rajasthan
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88. The Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’s dargah is in—
A. Lucknow
B. Ajmer
C. Delhi
D. Mumbai
Answer: B. Ajmer
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89. Alamkara in Indian music means—
A. Ornamentation
B. Rhythm
C. Melody
D. Tempo
Answer: A. Ornamentation
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90. The word ‘Buddha’ means—
A. Warrior
B. Enlightened one
C. Teacher
D. Healer
Answer: B. Enlightened one
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91. The Pallava king Narasimhavarman built—
A. Hampi
B. Mahabalipuram monuments
C. Sanchi stupa
D. Ajanta caves
Answer: B. Mahabalipuram
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92. The Bihu instrument ‘Pepā’ is made from—
A. Wood
B. Bamboo
C. Buffalo horn
D. Clay
Answer: C. Buffalo horn
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93. The Chhau dance is from—
A. West Bengal
B. Jharkhand
C. Odisha
D. All of these
Answer: D. All of these
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94. The Ajmer Sharif Dargah was built in memory of—
A. Nizamuddin Auliya
B. Salim Chishti
C. Moinuddin Chishti
D. Sheikh Sirhindi
Answer: C. Moinuddin Chishti
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95. The Jnanpith Award was first given in—
A. 1955
B. 1961
C. 1965
D. 1969
Answer: C. 1965
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96. ‘Garuda’ is the vehicle of—
A. Shiva
B. Vishnu
C. Brahma
D. Ganesha
Answer: B. Vishnu
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97. Indi-Islamic architecture began during—
A. Gupta period
B. Delhi Sultanate
C. Mughal period
D. Maratha period
Answer: B. Delhi Sultanate
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98. Odissi dance evolved in the temples of—
A. Puri
B. Madurai
C. Varanasi
D. Ayodhya
Answer: A. Puri
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99. Who wrote Gitanjali?
A. Bankim Chandra
B. Rabindranath Tagore
C. Sarojini Naidu
D. Michael Madhusudan
Answer: B. Rabindranath Tagore
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100. UNESCO declares a site as World Heritage based on—
A. Natural & cultural value
B. Tourist popularity
C. Government request
D. National importance only
Answer: A. Natural & cultural value
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