1. Where is Largest Monastery in India?
[A] Jetavana
[B] Kardang Monastery
[C] Tawang Monasatery
[D] Zang Dhok Palri Phodang
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Correct Answer: C [Tawang Monasatery]
Notes:
Tawang monastery is the largest of its kind in the country and is one of the largest monasteries in Asia. It is said to be one of the biggest Buddhist monasteries in the world outside of Lhasa, Tibet. It is also known by another Tibetan name, ‘Galden Namgey Lhatse’, which means ‘celestial paradise in a clear night’.
2. In which type of following classical dance forms of India the Pung which is a drum is a integral part?
[A] Bharatnatyam
[B] Kathakali
[C] Kuchipudi
[D] Manipuri
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Correct Answer: D [Manipuri]
Notes:
Punj or Drum dance is a dance that belongs to Manipur. The Pung cholom is a Manipuri dance. It is the soul of Manipuri Sankirtana music and classical Manipuri dance.
3. Which among the following is the main feature of Dravida Style of Temple architecture?
[A] Gopuram
[B] Garbha Griha
[C] Vimana & Shikhara
[D] Manastambha
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Correct Answer: C [Vimana & Shikhara]
Notes:
Vimana and Shikara are the man features of Dravida style of temple architecture. Unlike the nagara temple, the dravida temple is enclosed within a compound wall. The vimana is like a stepped pyramid that rise up geometrically rather than the curving shikhara of north India.
4. Who among the following produced India’s first dubbed film, Harischandra, in 1944?
[A] A. V. Meiyappan
[B] S. S. Vasan
[C] L V Prasad
[D] Kadaru Nagabhushanam
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Correct Answer: A [A. V. Meiyappan]
Notes:
A.V.Meiyappan is India’s first dubbed film Harischandra in 1944. It was dubbed in Tamil.
5. Ancient Bhima Devi Temple is located in which state ?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Haryana
[D] Punjab
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Correct Answer: C [Haryana]
Notes:
Bhima Devi Temple Complex, also known as Khajuraho of North India is located in Pinjore town in Panchkula district of Haryana. This temple was built between 8-11 century AD and is known for its erotic sculptures like Khajuraho.
6. Who among the following Guru of Sikhs invented Gurumukhi ?
[A] Guru Angad
[B] Guru Amar Das
[C] Guru Nanak
[D] Guru Govind Singh
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Correct Answer: A [Guru Angad]
Notes:
Guru Angad Dev Ji, the 2nd guru of Sikhs, invented a new script for Punjabi language known as “Gurmukhi” in order to make the scriptures (Guru writings) available for the common people of the society. Gurmukhi means “from the mouth of the Guru.”
7. Who among the following authors wrote “Ganga Lahri”?
[A] Bhimsen
[B] Sujan Rai
[C] Padma Shankar
[D] Jagannatha Pandit
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Correct Answer: D [Jagannatha Pandit ]
Notes:
Jagannatha Pandit wrote a poem (of 52 Sanskrit Shlokas) in praise of Ganga known as Ganga Lahari. He was a poet, scholar and musician in the courts of the Mughal emperors Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Excerpts of his works are Rasa Gangadharam (Alankara Sastram), Five Vilasams, etc.
8. Gatka is an ancient martial art from which state of India?
[A] Punjab
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Andhra Pradesh
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Correct Answer: A [ Punjab]
Notes:
Gatka is an ancient martial art used by the Gurus to help defend the religious beliefs of Sikhi.
9. Which among the following dance forms of India was known as Bhagavata Mela Natakam originally?
[A] Odissi
[B] Sattariya
[C] Kuchipudi
[D] Bharatnatyam
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Correct Answer: C [Kuchipudi]
Notes:
Kuchipudi tradition originated as a type of Bhagavata Mela Natakam, a dramatic sadhana dedicated to the worship of Vishnu.
10. Which of the following philosophies was advocated by the great philosopher Shankara? (UPSC Prelims 1979).
[A] Dvaita
[B] Advaita
[C] Hinduism
[D] Altruism
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Correct Answer: B [Advaita]
Notes:
Principle of Advita was propounded by Adi Shankaracharya. Following are the features of this Advaita philosophy:• According to this principle there is no difference between soul & universe i.e both are intermingled• The doctrine says that there is no difference between the Atman and the Brahman. The individual soul is not different from Brahman. Hence, its name Advaita meaning non-duality• The basic theme of Advaita is that the one unchanging entity alone is real, while changing entities do not have absolute existenceThe world is Maya or illusion and only the Self is real. A person who realises this attains moksha (liberation of the soul)
