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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 1996
Painting & Sculpture
Question No. 95Interactive Test Mode
00:00
+2-0.66

Q95. Which one of the following Sculptures invariably used green schist as the medium?

Which one of the following Sculptures invariably used green schist as the medium?

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 1996 • Art and Culture

Correct Answer: Option (D) — Gandhara Sculptures

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Option (d) is correct: The Gandhara School of Art (flourishing in the northwestern subcontinent) predominantly used grey and green/bluish-grey schist stone and stucco as its primary sculpting media, blending Indian iconographic themes with Hellenistic and Roman sculptural styles.

Incorrect options:

  • Maurya sculptures used polished buff-coloured Chunar sandstone.
  • Mathura school primarily used spotted red sandstone from Sikri.
  • Bharhut sculptures were executed in red sandstone.
Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Associate schools of art with their signature stone: Gandhara = Grey/Green Schist & Stucco; Mathura = Spotted Red Sandstone; Mauryan = Polished Chunar Sandstone; Amaravati = White Marble/Limestone.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 1996 (Q95)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicArt and Culture → Painting & Sculpture
Official Answer KeyOption (D) — Gandhara Sculptures

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 1996 Q95

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 1996 GS Paper I Question 95 (Art and Culture)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 1996 Art and Culture (Painting & Sculpture) question is Option (D): "Gandhara Sculptures". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 1996 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?

Associate schools of art with their signature stone: Gandhara = Grey/Green Schist & Stucco; Mathura = Spotted Red Sandstone; Mauryan = Polished Chunar Sandstone; Amaravati = White Marble/Limestone.

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