An Introduction to Indian Art is the single most important NCERT for UPSC Art & Culture questions. It covers the entire chronological sweep of Indian visual art — from the prehistoric and Indus Valley to the colonial and modern period. UPSC Prelims regularly tests cave paintings, Buddhist stupa iconography, temple styles (Nagara/Dravida/Vesara), Gandhara vs Mathura art, Mughal miniature paintings, and Rajput/Pahari schools. This is the go-to reference for Art & Culture preparation.