Q1. “Monalisa” – the famous painting was recently in the news because
(a) Its fifth centenary was celebrated
(b) The colour of the painting changed due to chemical preservatives
(c) It was auctioned at high prices
(d) It was stolen from the museum where it was placed
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (b) The colour of the painting changed due to chemical preservatives
Explanation: The Monalisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, was in the news due to chemical reactions affecting its pigments, possibly caused by preservation techniques. This raised concerns about art conservation methods.
Q2. Match List I with List II
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| (A) West Bengal | (i) Alpana |
| (B) Maharashtra | (ii) Rangoli |
| (C) Tamil Nadu | (iii) Pahari |
| (D) Rajasthan | (iv) Kolam |
Select the correct answer:
(a) A-(i) B-(ii) C-(iii) D-(iv)
(b) A-(iv) B-(iii) C-(ii) D-(i)
(c) A-(i) B-(ii) C-(iv) D-(iii)
(d) A-(ii) B-(i) C-(iv) D-(iii)
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Alpana is a traditional floor art of West Bengal, hence A-(i).
Rangoli is widely practiced in Maharashtra, making B-(ii) correct.
Kolam is a customary art form drawn in Tamil Nadu, confirming C-(iv).
Pahari painting is associated with the hilly regions including Rajasthan, validating D-(iii).
Thus, the correct matching is A-(i), B-(ii), C-(iv), D-(iii).