Home / Topic / Buddhist art
Topic Buddhist art
Asked 5 times across 3 UPSC exams over 3 years (2021–2024), peaking in 2021.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 2 of 5 PYQs
- Most asked in 2021
- Recurs across 3 years (2021–2024)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CAPF 2021 → CDS 2022
How the concept evolved
Rising — more than half its appearances (3 of 5) are since 2016.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CDS2024
In the decoration of Stupas, what does the term 'Kinjalkini' refer to ?
- A Creepers showing ornaments and textiles
- B Scarves and saris
- C Mango shaped pendants
- D A garland of thousand lotus flowers ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Art & Culture › Architecture & Sculpture
CDS2022
Which of the following statements about sculptures at Sanchi is/are correct ?
- In some sculptures there is representation of Shalabhanjika
- The figure of Shalabhanjika is represented by a woman surrounded by lotuses and elephants
- The Shalabhanjika motif was not directly inspired by Buddhist ideas
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- A 1, 2 and 3
- B 2 and 3 only
- C 2 only
- D 1 and 3 only ✓
✓ Correct answer: (D)
Art & Culture › Architecture & Sculpture
CAPF2021
In the Mathura School of Art, Buddha's images are largely carved in
- A Dhyana Mudra
- B Abhaya Mudra ✓
- C Dharmachakra Mudra
- D Varada Mudra
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Art & Culture › Architecture & Sculpture
Study how UPSC repeats — not just the papers
₹199 / 1 year · Founding Member
Full access unlocks the three things no PYQ PDF gives you:
① Cross-exam learning — see the same idea recur across CSE, CAPF, CDS and NDA.
② Topic evolution — how each idea is framed, year by year.
③ Question intelligence — every PYQ + answer, linked to related concepts and similar questions.
e.g. Round Table Conference: CDS 2017 → CSE 2017 → … → CAPF 2024
15 days free, no card required — then ₹199 for 1 year.
Start your 15-day free trial →