Comprehension : Comprehension

Q 20 / 466

UPSC CSE Prelims 2026

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the items that follow. Your answers should be based solely on the passage.
Passage: 'Kalagram', the cultural village set up at the Maha Kumbh Mela, unfolded as a mosaic of India's diverse regions, each represented by seven meticulously crafted 'Sanskriti Angans' - stepping through the grand portal was like entering another world. These thematic zones, inspired by iconic temples like the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple and the Brahma Mandir, were treasure troves of regional artistry. Bengal's Pattachitra paintings, Assam's bamboo crafts, Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur paintings, and Madhya Pradesh's tribal sculpture - all were showcased in these living galleries where 230 master artisans breathed life into them using age-old techniques, their hands shaping India's ancient history into creations to behold.
Which one of the following statements is not correct?

EXPLANATION

The correct option is (a) - Paintings from four States of India have been mentioned.

[as per provisional answerkey]

Why this is correct

The question asks for the statement that is not correct based on the passage. According to the text, only two specific types of paintings from two states are mentioned: 1. Bengal's Pattachitra paintings and 2. Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur paintings. The other crafts mentioned are Assam's bamboo crafts and Madhya Pradesh's tribal sculpture. Therefore, the claim that paintings from four states were mentioned is factually incorrect according to the passage.

Why the other options are incorrect

  • Option (b) - Stepping into Kalagram is likened to stepping into another world: This is a correct statement as the passage explicitly states, "stepping through the grand portal was like entering another world."
  • Option (c) - The Angans have been described as living galleries: This is a correct statement as the passage refers to the thematic zones (Sanskriti Angans) as "living galleries where 230 master artisans breathed life into them."
  • Option (d) - Kalagram is divided into thematic zones, inspired by well-known temples of India: This is a correct statement as the passage mentions "thematic zones, inspired by iconic temples like the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple and the Brahma Mandir."

Key Concept

This question tests Literal Comprehension and Data Verification, requiring the reader to distinguish between different categories of art forms (paintings vs. crafts) mentioned in the text.