1. Lal Ded (Lalla Yogeshwari) was a practitioner of which of the following traditions?
[A] Tibetan Buddhism
[B] Kashmir Shaivism
[C] Sri Sampradaya
[D] Smartism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Kashmir Shaivism ]
Notes:
Lal Ded, better known as Lalla Yogeshwari, ranks as a great mystic poetess of the 14th century. She was an ardent practitioner of Kashmir Shaivism that is also known as Trika Shastra founded by Vasu Gupta.
2. In which of the following paintings, a paste made of Zinc Oxide and Arabic Gum called “gesso paste” is used?
[A] Tanjore painting
[B] Madhubani painting
[C] Pattachitra
[D] Mysore painting
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mysore painting
]
Notes:
Mysore painting is an important form of classical South Indian painting that originated in the town of Mysore in Karnataka. These paintings are known for their elegance, muted colours and attention to detail.
3. Among the five monolithic rathas of Pallavas at Mahabalipuram, the largest is ___?
[A] Arjuna
[B] Bhima
[C] Dharmaraja
[D] Draupadi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dharmaraja]
Notes:
Mahabalipuram Temples: Pallava dynasty: The five monolithic rathas are square or oblong in plan, pyramidal in elevation and varying in their overall dimensions. the Dharmaraja ratha constructed in Pallava style is the largest of all, having huge pillats in the portico with statue of lions, pyramidal tower and turret roof.
4. In field of Music, which among the following state Governments gives Tana Riri Award every year?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gujarat]
Notes:
In Gujarat, Vadnagar is famous for two Mughal time sisters “Tana” and “Riri” who sacrificed their lives for maintaining a tradition of singing only before village deity. They were forced to sing in the court of Emperor Akbar but committed suicide by drowning in a well. Gujarat government gives Tana-Riri award in their honor.
5. Who was the first individual of Indian origin to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church?
[A] Mother Teresa
[B] Saint Alphonsa
[C] Saint Paulina
[D] Gemma Galgani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Saint Alphonsa]
Notes:
Saint Alphonsa became the first person of Indian origin to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2008. She was known for her severe ascetism and spiritual suffering. A commemorative coin was issued by the Government of India in her memory in 2009, highlighting her significance and contribution to Indian Christian history. She is the second Indian to be elevated to sainthood, following Gonsalo Garcia, a 16th-century martyr who was canonized in 1862.
6. Who among the following Sikh Gurus composed Anand Sahib (Hymn of Bliss)?
[A] Guru Angad
[B] Guru Amar Das
[C] Guru Tegh Bahadur
[D] Guru Arjun Dev
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Guru Amar Das]
Notes:
The third Guru, Guru Amar Das ji, composed the Anand Sahib (Hymn of Bliss). He is also known for introducing the Anand Karaj ( Sikh marriage ceremony) and started Sikh Manji system and Piri System.
7. Which of the following temples of Odisha has a khakhara type of Sikhara?
[A] Jagannath Temple
[B] Lingaraja Temple
[C] Rajarani Temple
[D] Baital Deula Temple
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Baital Deula Temple]
Notes:
The Khakhara Deula is altogether a different style of architecture closely appearing similar to the Dravidian Gopuran design. The word is derived from Khakharu (Pumpkin, gourd) as the crown looks like a barrel- vaulted elongated roof. It is a rectangular building with a truncated pyramid-shaped roof, like the gopuras. The temples of the feminine deities as Shakti are temple of that type. One example is the Baitala Deula of Bhubneshwar, dedicated to Chamunda. The Sakta temples are generally of Khakhara order. Brahmi temple of Chaurasi in Puri and Gouri temple of Bhubaneswar are two other glaring examples of Khakhara temple.
8. Rekha Deula, Pidha Deula and Khakhara Deula are three distinct types of temples associated to _?
[A] Pallava architecture
[B] Kalinga architecture
[C] Chola architecture
[D] Chalukyan architecture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kalinga architecture]
Notes:
Rekha Deula, Pidha Deula and Khakhara Deula are three distinct types of temples associated to Kalinga architecture.
9. Who was the first Hindi writer to receive Jnanpith Award?
[A] Mahadevi Verma
[B] Sumitranandan Pant
[C] Dr. Ramdhari Singh Dinkar
[D] S.H. Vatsyayan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sumitranandan Pant]
Notes:
Sumitranandan Pant was an Indian poet. He was one of the most celebrated “Progressive” left-wing 20th century poets of the Hindi language and was known for romanticism in his poems which were inspired by nature, people and beauty within.
10. Which of the following is not related to the Gandhara School of Art? (UPSC Prelims General Studies 1980)
[A] Ellora
[B] Ajanta
[C] Khajuraho
[D] Elephanta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Khajuraho]
Notes:
Gandhara art is known for the first sculptural representations of the Buddha in human form. The art was primarily Mahayana and shows Greco-Roman influence. All the Ellora caves ,Ajanta caves and Elephanta caves has the influence of Gnadhara school of art but the Khajuraho temple does not relate to this art form.