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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 1995
Painting & Sculpture
Question No. 96Interactive Test Mode
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+2-0.66

Q96. Bronze icons of Nataraja cast during the Chola period invariably show the deity with:

Bronze icons of Nataraja cast during the Chola period invariably show the deity with:

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 1995 • Art and Culture

Correct Answer: Option (C) — Four hands

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Option (c) is correct: Classical Chola bronzes depicting Nataraja (Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer) cast via the lost-wax (cire perdue) process feature four arms (chaturbhuja):

  1. Upper right hand holds the Damaru (drum of creation).
  2. Upper left hand holds Agni (fire of destruction).
  3. Lower right hand shows Abhaya Mudra (gesture of protection/fearlessness).
  4. Lower left hand points downward towards the raised left foot, symbolizing liberation (anugraha).
Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

The iconic visual anatomy of Nataraja portrays a four-armed Shiva enclosed in a circular aureole of flames (Prabhamandala).

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 1995 (Q96)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicArt and Culture → Painting & Sculpture
Official Answer KeyOption (C) — Four hands

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 1995 Q96

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 1995 GS Paper I Question 96 (Art and Culture)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 1995 Art and Culture (Painting & Sculpture) question is Option (C): "Four hands". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 1995 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Art and Culture" and micro-topic "Painting & Sculpture". You can explore all repeated questions from Painting & Sculpture in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Painting & Sculpture UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

The iconic visual anatomy of Nataraja portrays a fourarmed Shiva enclosed in a circular aureole of flames (Prabhamandala).

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