QUESTION 11
GS1
15 marks
Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.
WRITE IN
11 min
250 words
What the examiner wants
Discuss how Indian philosophical and religious ideas shaped the design and art of monuments.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Buddhist: stupa as cosmic mound, circumambulation, Jataka panels (Sanchi, Bharhut)≈50 words
- 2Hindu: temple as cosmic mountain (Meru), garbhagriha, Vastu Purusha Mandala, iconography from Puranas≈50 words
- 3Jain: Dilwara, Shravanabelagola (renunciation)≈50 words
- 4Syncretic/Indo-Islamic: Sufi ideas, paradise gardens (charbagh), Akbar's Fatehpur Sikri≈50 words
Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.
Answer plan
IntroBuddhistHinduJainIndo-IslamicConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Listing monuments without the philosophy behind them
- Only Hindu temples
Draw this
- Temple plan sketch with Vastu Purusha Mandala grid
Value addition
- ConceptTemple plans follow the Vastu Purusha Mandala, a square grid representing the cosmos, described in texts like the Brihat Samhita.Brihat Samhita / Manasara
- ExampleSanchi stupa's four toranas show Jataka tales and aniconic symbols of the Buddha (footprints, empty throne).ASI
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Akansh Dhull · AIR 3 · Page 3 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Ritika Chitlangia · Page 26 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Ajay R Raj · AIR 109 · Page 15 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Monika Srivastava · AIR 16 · Page 3 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 11 minutes, then get it checked.