Ancient Art, Architecture and Literary Heritage – NDA History PYQs

NDA 2026-I

Q. 1. Consider the following pairs (Books and Authors):

I. Dayabhaga – Jimutavahana

II. Prithviraj Raso – Chandbardai

III. Lilavati – Bhaskaracharya

IV. Mitakshara – Vijnaneshvara

How many pairs are correctly matched?

(a) One

(b) Two

(c) Three

(d) All four

Answer: (d) All four

Explanation: Jimutavahana did compose the inheritance text Dayabhaga. Chandbardai did compose the epic Prithviraj Raso. Bhaskaracharya did compose the mathematical text Lilavati. Vijnaneshvara did compose the legal commentary Mitakshara. All four book-author pairs are correctly matched here. So option (d), all four, is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Correct author attributions for classical Indian texts

NDA 2025-II

Q. 2. The Ramacharita, an example of dvyasrya-kavya, telling two stories simultaneously, was written by

(a) Subandhu

(b) Bhatti

(c) Sandhyakara

(d) Kamban

Answer: (c) Sandhyakara

Explanation: Sandhyakara Nandi composed the Ramacharita in this style. The text narrates the Ramayana and a king’s history together. Each verse carries a double meaning across both narratives. So option (c) Sandhyakara is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Author of the dual-narrative Ramacharita

NDA 2025-I

Q. 3. Which one of the following sculptures found at Sanchi Stupa is NOT directly inspired by Buddhist ideas?

(a) Empty seat

(b) Shalbhanjika

(c) Tree

(d) Wheel

Answer: (b) Shalbhanjika

Explanation: Empty seat, tree, and wheel are direct Buddhist symbols. They represent the Buddha’s presence, enlightenment, and teaching. Shalbhanjika instead shows a tree-spirit, or yakshi, figure. This motif comes from older folk and nature-worship traditions. So option (b) Shalbhanjika is not directly Buddhist in origin. Concept Tested: Buddhist versus folk-origin motifs at Sanchi

NDA 2024-I

Q. 4. Consider the following statements about ancient Indian inscriptions:

1. The earliest inscriptions are in Sanskrit.

2. Kharoshthi script, used in inscriptions in the north-west, was deciphered with the help of coins of Indo-Greek kings who ruled over the area.

3. Most of the inscriptions mention grand, unique events, and routine agricultural practices do not find mention.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1

(b) 2

(c) 3

(d) None

Answer: (a) 1

Explanation: The earliest Indian inscriptions, Ashoka’s edicts, used Prakrit. So statement 1 wrongly claims Sanskrit came first. Bilingual Indo-Greek coins did help decode the Kharoshthi script. So statement 2 correctly describes this decipherment method. Many inscriptions do mention routine land grants and farming matters. So statement 3 wrongly claims only grand events appear. Only one statement, the second, is correct here. So option (a), meaning one statement, is correct. Concept Tested: Language, decipherment, and content of ancient inscriptions

★ JOVIK Exam Insight: NDA often tests what inscriptions do NOT cover. Many inscriptions do mention routine land and farming matters.

NDA 2024-I

Q. 5. Match List-I (Unit in use in early India) with List-II (Content):

List I	List II
A. Muhurta	1. Measure of weight
B. Raktika	2. Measure of time
C. Angula	3. Metre of poetry
D. Pada	4. Measure of length

Code:

(a) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

(b) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3

(c) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2

(d) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2

Answer: (a) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

Explanation: Muhurta was a unit measuring time in early India. Raktika was a small unit measuring weight. Angula was a unit measuring length, based on finger-width. Pada, by elimination, marked a metre of Sanskrit poetry. This matches the code A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3. So option (a) correctly matches every unit and its content. Concept Tested: Units of measurement used in early India

NDA 2024-I

Q. 6. Which one of the following texts is a commentary written by Chakrapanidatta (11th Century CE from Bengal) on the Sushrut Samhita?

(a) Sabdachandrika

(b) Bhanumati

(c) Nitiratnakara

(d) Lohasarvasava

Answer: (b) Bhanumati

Explanation: Chakrapanidatta wrote Bhanumati as a commentary on Sushruta Samhita. He separately wrote Ayurveda Dipika on the Charaka Samhita. The other listed titles belong to different authors and topics. So option (b) Bhanumati is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Chakrapanidatta’s commentary on the Sushruta Samhita

NDA 2024-I

Q. 7. Consider the following statements about Ajanta paintings:

1. The surface of the rock was coated with clay mixed with rice husk and gum and a coat of lime was applied over this.

2. The outline drawing was done first on the lime coating and colours were added subsequently.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation: Artists first coated the rock with clay, rice husk, and gum. A layer of lime was then applied over this rough base. So statement 1 correctly describes this surface preparation. Outlines were sketched on the lime coat before painting began. Colours were added afterward, over these initial outlines. So statement 2 correctly describes this painting sequence. Both statements together accurately describe the technique. Concept Tested: Technique used to prepare and paint the Ajanta murals

NDA 2023-II

Q. 8. Consider the following statements regarding Sanchi and its archaeological findings:

1. When Sanchi was discovered in 1818, three of its four gateways were still standing, the fourth was lying on the spot where it had fallen

2. Animals depicted at Sanchi include elephants, horses, monkeys and cattle

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation: Sanchi was formally noted by a British officer in 1818. Three of its four gateways remained upright at that time. The fourth gateway lay fallen close to its original spot. So statement 1 matches this recorded discovery condition. Sanchi’s carvings do depict elephants, horses, monkeys, and cattle. So statement 2 also correctly describes its animal motifs. Both statements together are accurate here. Editorial flag: statement 1’s exact 1818 gateway detail is hard to verify independently. Please confirm this specific detail against the official NDA key. Concept Tested: Discovery condition and animal motifs at Sanchi

NDA 2023-II

Q. 9. Arrange the following in correct chronological order:

1. Charak Samhita

2. Bharat’s Natyashastra

3. Sangam Literature

4. Ashtadhyayi

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 – 3 – 4 – 2

(b) 2 – 4 – 1 – 3

(c) 4 – 3 – 1 – 2

(d) 3 – 1 – 2 – 4

Answer: (c) 4 – 3 – 1 – 2

Explanation: Panini’s Ashtadhyayi is the earliest text in this list. Sangam Literature’s core corpus follows some centuries later. Charak Samhita took shape after this early Sangam period. Bharata’s Natyashastra reached its final form after Charaka’s core text. This gives the order Ashtadhyayi, Sangam, Charak, Natyashastra. So option (c), 4-3-1-2, is the correct answer. Editorial flag: Charak Samhita and Natyashastra dates overlap and are contested. Please confirm this exact ordering against the official NDA key. Concept Tested: Relative chronology of major ancient Sanskrit and Tamil texts

NDA 2023-I

Q. 10. Who among the following was the author of the famous Sanskrit work ‘Mrichchhakatika’?

(a) Kalidasa

(b) Bhasa

(c) Valmiki

(d) Shudraka

Answer: (d) Shudraka

Explanation: Shudraka is credited as the author of Mrichchhakatika. The play tells the story of a merchant and a courtesan. Kalidasa, Bhasa, and Valmiki wrote different well-known works. So option (d) Shudraka is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Author of the Sanskrit play Mrichchhakatika

NDA 2022-II

Q. 11. The book Kalila wa Dimna is an Arabic translation of the

(a) Hitopadesha

(b) Panchatantra

(c) Suryasiddhanta

(d) Kathasaritsagar

Answer: (b) Panchatantra

Explanation: Kalila wa Dimna is an Arabic version of an Indian fable text. It traces back through Pahlavi to the Sanskrit Panchatantra. Hitopadesha and Kathasaritsagar are separate, later story collections. So option (b) Panchatantra is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Origins of the Kalila wa Dimna fable collection

NDA 2022-II

Q. 12. Who among the following is the author of the Hastyayurveda?

(a) Palakapya

(b) Vagbhata

(c) Sushruta

(d) Charaka

Answer: (a) Palakapya

Explanation: Palakapya is credited as the author of the Hastyayurveda. This text covers the medical care and treatment of elephants. Vagbhata, Sushruta, and Charaka wrote separate medical works. So option (a) Palakapya is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Author of the elephant-medicine text Hastyayurveda

NDA 2022-I

Q. 13. When did Charaka Samhita originate?

(a) 6th Century BCE

(b) 3rd to 2nd Century BCE

(c) 4th Century BCE

(d) 5th Century BCE

Answer: (b) 3rd to 2nd Century BCE

Explanation: Charaka Samhita took shape over several centuries of revision. Its core compilation is commonly placed around 3rd-2nd century BCE. Later scholars, including Dridhabala, revised it further. So option (b) best matches its accepted origin period. Concept Tested: Approximate origin period of the Charaka Samhita

NDA 2022-I

Q. 14. Early Buddhist sculptors did not show Buddha in human form. Through which of the following symbols was Buddha’s presence shown by the early sculptors?

(a) Empty Seat and Stupa only

(b) Wheel and Tree only

(c) Wheel, Tree and Stupa only

(d) Empty Seat, Wheel, Tree and Stupa

Answer: (d) Empty Seat, Wheel, Tree and Stupa

Explanation: Early sculptors avoided showing Buddha’s actual human form. An empty seat represented his presence without a figure. The wheel symbolised his first sermon and teaching. The Bodhi tree stood for his moment of enlightenment. The stupa represented his relics and final passing. So option (d), all four symbols together, is correct. Concept Tested: Aniconic symbols representing the Buddha in early art

NDA 2018-I

Q. 15. Which of the following is/are NOT historical biography/biographies?

1. Dipavamsa

2. Harshacharita

3. Vikramankadevacharita

4. Prithvirajavijaya

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a) 1 only

Explanation: Dipavamsa is a Buddhist chronicle of Sri Lankan religious history. It is not a biography focused on one individual ruler. Harshacharita is Banabhatta’s biography of King Harsha. Vikramankadevacharita is Bilhana’s biography of Vikramaditya VI. Prithvirajavijaya is a biographical work on Prithviraj Chauhan. So only Dipavamsa is not a historical biography here. Concept Tested: Identifying genuine historical biographies in ancient literature

NDA 2017-II

Q. 16. Consider the following statements about the Nagara style of temple architecture:

1. This style of temples are commonly found in the areas between Himalayas and Vindhyas.

2. The most striking feature of this style is its pyramidal shikhara.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a) 1 only

Explanation: Nagara temples are indeed common between the Himalayas and Vindhyas. So statement 1 correctly places this style geographically. The Nagara shikhara is curvilinear, not pyramidal, in shape. A pyramidal tower instead marks the southern Dravida style. So statement 2 wrongly describes the Nagara shikhara’s shape. Only statement 1 is correct among the two. Concept Tested: Geography and shikhara shape of the Nagara style

★ JOVIK Exam Insight: Nagara = curvilinear shikhara. Dravida = pyramidal vimana. NDA often swaps this pairing to test careful reading.

NDA 2015-II

Q. 17. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

List I	List II
A. Chalukyas	1. Sun Temple, Konark
B. Hoysalas	2. Pattadakal Temples
C. Pandyas	3. Kesava Temple, Somnathpur
D. Eastern Gangas	4. Eastern gopura of Chidambaram Temple

Code:

(a) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4

(b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4

(c) A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1

(d) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

Answer: (d) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

Explanation: The Chalukyas built the Pattadakal group of temples. The Hoysalas built the Kesava Temple at Somnathpur. The Pandyas are linked to the Chidambaram Temple’s eastern gopura. The Eastern Gangas built the Sun Temple at Konark. This matches the code A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1. So option (d) correctly matches every dynasty and monument. Concept Tested: Dynasties and their signature temple monuments

NDA 2013-I

Q. 18. The greatest stylistic forms of temple architecture during the early medieval period were the Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara. Which of the following was the geographical spread of the Dravida style?

(a) Between Vindhyan and Krishna river

(b) Between Krishna and Kaveri rivers

(c) Between Vindhyan and Kaveri river

(d) Between Godavari and Krishna rivers

Answer: (b) Between Krishna and Kaveri rivers

Explanation: The Dravida style spread across the far south of India. Its core region lay between the Krishna and Kaveri rivers. The Vesara style instead spread between the Vindhyas and Krishna. So option (b) correctly states the Dravida style’s spread. Concept Tested: Geographical spread of the Dravida temple style

★ JOVIK Exam Insight: NDA often tests the exact river boundaries for Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara styles. Learn all three ranges together.

NDA 2012-II

Q. 19. Which one among the following is not correct about the cave paintings at Ajanta?

(a) Scenes have no dividing frame and blend into each other

(b) Scenes are both religious and secular in nature

(c) The influence of the Gandhara art is seen

(d) Scenes mostly depict tales from Jatakas

Answer: (c) The influence of the Gandhara art is seen

Explanation: Ajanta paintings form their own distinct classical Indian style. They are not generally described as showing Gandhara influence. So statement (c) wrongly attributes this outside influence. Ajanta scenes genuinely blend together without dividing frames. They do mix religious themes with everyday secular life. Jataka tales remain their single most common subject. These other statements about Ajanta are accurate. Concept Tested: Distinctive stylistic features of Ajanta cave paintings

NDA 2011-II

Q. 20. The themes of the murals of the Ajanta Caves are

1. Decorative designs which include a variety of animals, trees and flowers.

2. Portraits of various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

3. Narrative scenes portraying Jataka stories.

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 2 only

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation: Ajanta murals include decorative motifs of plants and animals. They also show portraits of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas directly. Many panels narrate Jataka stories about the Buddha’s past lives. All three themes appear across the different Ajanta caves. So option (a), all three together, is the correct answer. Concept Tested: Range of themes in the Ajanta murals

NDA 2011-I

Q. 21. Consider the following statements:

1. The Buddhists in Deccan excavated rock-cut Chaityas and the Vaishnavas, Shaivas and Jainas imitated these in later centuries.

2. The Vaishnavas, Shaivas and Jainas excavated temples at sites far distant from rock-cut Chaityas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a) 1 only

Explanation: Buddhists first excavated rock-cut chaityas in the Deccan. Vaishnavas, Shaivas, and Jainas later imitated this same technique. So statement 1 correctly describes this pattern of imitation. But these later groups excavated temples nearby, not far away. Ellora shows Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves side by side. So statement 2 wrongly claims distant, separate locations. Only statement 1 holds true among the two. Concept Tested: Spread and imitation of rock-cut architecture

NDA 2011-I

Q. 22. Which one among the following statements is not correct?

(a) Gandhara School of Art owed its origin to the Indo-Greek rulers but the real patrons of the school were the Kushans, especially Kanishka

(b) Rich carving, elaborate ornamentations and complex symbolism were not the main features of the Gandhara sculpture

(c) The Graeco-Roman architectural impact modified the structure of Buddhist Stupas

(d) The artists of the Amravati School of Arts mainly used white marble

Answer: (b) Rich carving, elaborate ornamentations and complex symbolism were not the main features of the Gandhara sculpture

Explanation: Gandhara sculpture is actually known for rich, detailed carving. Elaborate ornamentation and complex symbolism define this school. So statement (b) wrongly denies these well-known features. Indo-Greek origins and Kushan patronage of Gandhara are accurate. Graeco-Roman influence did shape Buddhist stupa architecture too. Amaravati sculptures used a white, marble-like limestone. These other statements about the schools are accurate. Concept Tested: Defining features of the Gandhara school of art

★ JOVIK Exam Insight: NDA sometimes negates a school’s signature feature to trap students. Gandhara IS known for rich carving and ornamentation.

---