Indian Culture MCQs

Notes:
Fourth statement is incorrect because Contemporary Lingayatism is influential in South India, especially in the state of Karnataka. 

Notes:
The Dashavatara Temple or Vishnu Temple also called Gupta temple at Deogarh. It was built in the Gupta Period (320 to c. 600 AD ). Archaeologists have inferred that it is the earliest known Panchayatana temple in North India. A hindu temple is a Panchayatana one when the main shrine is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines.

Notes:
Buddhism stupa are called Chorten in North east India and Tibet

Notes:
Matrimandir is a spiritual center located in Auroville, in the Union Territory of Puducherry, which is also known as Pondicherry. It is situated in the southern part of India, about 160 kilometers south of Chennai. Auroville was founded in 1968 as an experiment in human unity and international understanding, and it is home to people from over 50 different countries. The Matrimandir is a central feature of Auroville and is considered a symbol of the town’s spiritual and philosophical ideals.

Notes:
The Indian peacock or Pavo cristatus was declared the national bird of India in 1963. It was made the national bird because of its rich religious and legendary involvement in Indian traditions.

Notes:
The correct answer is Uttar Pradesh. It is a leading state in India for handloom and handicrafts, particularly known for its rich tradition of weaving, including the famous Banarasi sarees. Uttar Pradesh has numerous clusters, such as Varanasi for silk weaving and Bhadohi for carpets, contributing importantly to the state’s economy and cultural heritage. The state also supports artisans through various government initiatives and schemes aimed at preserving traditional crafts.

Notes:
The famous Sufi poet, Amir Khusrau was the author of the poem Ghurrat-ul-Kamaal (the Prime of Perfection). Excerpts of the  works done by him are Tughluq Nama, Wast-ul-Hayat, Nuh Sipihr, Laila Majnun, etc. He was the court poet of Alauddin Khilji  and a spiritual disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya, Delhi.

Notes:
Lingayatism was founded by the 12th century Kannada poet and a social reformer Basava and gave Ishta linga – in the form of a universal divine concept for worship.Their devotees have the Shiva as a centre of worship in the form of Linga. Basava was the Prime Minister of Kalacuri Bijjala, King at Kalyani (1156 AD).

Notes:
Pookalam is a beautiful and intricate floral design or arrangement that is traditionally created during the festival of Onam in the Indian state of Kerala. Onam is one of the most significant festivals in Kerala and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and cultural fervor. Pookalam plays a central role in the festivities, and it is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the state.

Notes:
Each Veda has its own Aranyakas and Upanisads. Aranyakas were mainly meant for ascetics who lived in forest.  Kaushitaki Aranyakas and Aitareya Aranyakas are parts of Rig-Veda.