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UPSC Prelims 2026 GS Paper 1, question 6

Topic: Art and culture

Q6

The Hallisalasya painting in the Bagh Caves represents :

  1. (a) A joyous folk danceCorrect answer
  2. (b) Buddha in a meditative pose
  3. (c) The depiction of Shiva and Parvati on Kailasha
  4. (d) Samudramanthan (Churning of the Ocean)

Solution.

Answer: (a) A joyous folk dance

  1. The famous mural on the verandah wall of Cave 4 (Rang Mahal) at the Bagh Caves in Madhya Pradesh depicts the Hallisalasya (or Hallisaka), a joyous circular folk dance performed by two groups of female dancers surrounding male musicians.
  2. The Bagh murals (5th to 6th century CE) are celebrated for their secular and courtly scenes alongside Buddhist themes.