Passage

Directions for the next 2 (two) items : 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 of the following conclusions are valid? 1. Seven Sanskriti Angans, representing different regions of India, had been showcased in Kalagram. 2. Regional artistry was recognised via the inspiration drawn from iconic temples. 3. India's ancient history had been crafted by the contemporary craftsmanship of 230 artisans into creations to behold. 4. Art forms from all regions of India had been showcased in these living galleries. Select the answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1 and 3

Why the answer is (a)

• Conclusion 1 is valid: the passage says Kalagram represented India's regions through seven Sanskriti Angans.

• Conclusion 2 is valid: the thematic zones, inspired by iconic temples such as Dakshineshwar Kali and Brahma Mandir, were "treasure troves of regional artistry".

• Conclusion 3 is not valid: the passage says the 230 artisans used age-old techniques; calling it "contemporary craftsmanship" changes what the passage says.

• Conclusion 4 is not valid: only four regional art forms are named; nothing says art from all regions was shown.

• Hence 1 and 2 only: (a).

Why the other options are wrong

(b) 2, 3 and 4: Conclusions 3 and 4 are not supported, and 1 is valid.
(c) 1, 2 and 4: Conclusion 4 overstates the passage: only four art forms are named.
(d) 1 and 3: Conclusion 3 is not valid (age-old techniques, not contemporary craft), and 2 is valid.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.