Salient aspects of Art, Architecture, literature from Ancient to Modern Times

1. Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. [Architecture] [5 marks] [2013]
2. Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions. [Dance] [5 marks] [2013]
3. Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment. [Literature] [10 marks] [2013]
4. Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of Hindu / Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment. [Religious practice] [10 marks] [2014]
5. Taxila university was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were associated a number of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in the modern sense. Discuss. [University] [10 marks] [2014]
6. Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. [Sculpture] [10 marks] [2014]
7. To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present day urbanization? Discuss. [Civilisation] [10 marks] [2014]
8. 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. [Architecture] [12.5 marks] [2015]
9. The ancient civilization in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment. [Civilisation] [12.5 marks] [2015]
10. Krishnadeva Raya, the King of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss. [Individual] [12.5 marks] [2016]
11. Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate [Buddhism] [12.5 marks] [2016]
12. How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times? [Numismatic] [10 marks] [2017]
13. The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. [Individual] [15 marks] [2018]
14. Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India. [Traveller’s Account] [10 marks] [2018]
15. Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. [Misc] [10 marks] [2018]
16. Highlight the Central Asian and Greco -Bactrian elements in Gandhara art. [Influence of art] [10 marks] [2019]
17. Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. [Literature] [15 marks] [2020]
18. Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. [Philosophy] [15 marks] [2020]
19. Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. [Buddhism] [10 marks] [2020]
20. The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss. [Architecture] [10 marks] [2020]
21. Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti literature and its contribution to Indian culture. [Literature] [10 marks] [2021]
22. How will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days? [Sculpture] [10 marks] [2022]
23. Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture. [Contribution] [15 marks] [2022]
24. Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture. [Architecture] [15 marks] [2022]