1. Which among the following is known as the earliest example of Panchayatana style of temple?
[A] Dashavatara temple at Deogarh
[B] Temple at Pathari
[C] Shatrughneshwara temple at Bhubaneshwar
[D] Lakshmana temple at Sirpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dashavatara temple at Deogarh]
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.
2. Which among the following are called Dharamchakra ?
[A] The chakra which is a weapon of lord Vishnu in Hindu Mythology
[B] The first sermon of Mahavira Jain
[C] The chakra which has 24 spokes in the central white band in Indian Flag
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [The chakra which has 24 spokes in the central white band in Indian Flag]
Notes:
The Ashoka Chakra is a depiction of the Dharma Chakra which has 24 spokes in the central white band in Indian Flag. The circular Ashoka Chakra represents the progressiveness of the country.
3. Lavani is one of the most popular forms of dance and music that is practiced in which state?
[A] Maharastra
[B] Bihar
[C] Gujarat
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maharastra]
Notes:
Lavani is a dance form that originated in the state of Maharashtra in India. It is known for its vibrant and energetic dance moves, as well as the colorful costumes and traditional music that accompanies it. Lavani is typically performed by female dancers, who sing and dance to the accompaniment of a dholak, a traditional Indian drum. The dance is often associated with the state’s folk tradition, and it is often performed at festivals and other celebrations.
4. Gaudavaho of Vakpati narrates the Digvijay of whom among the following?
[A] Bhaskaravarman
[B] Isanavarman
[C] Sasanka
[D] Yasovarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Yasovarman]
Notes:
Gaudavaho of Vakpati narrates the Digvijay to Yasovarman. Gaudavaho a Prakrit-language poem written by Vakpati
5. In which of the following states of India , a festival called Chapchar Kut is celebrated in March ?
[A] Assam
[B] Mizoram
[C] Karnataka
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mizoram]
Notes:
The Chapchar Kut is a festival of Mizoram, India. It is celebrated during March after completion of their most arduous task of jhum operation i.e., jungle-clearing (clearing of the remnants of burning). It is a spring festival celebrated with great favour and gaiety.
6. A Fire temple is a place of worship for _____?
[A] Sikhs
[B] Zoroastrians
[C] Buddhists
[D] Shinto’s
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Zoroastrians]
Notes:
A fire temple in Zoroastrianism is the place of worship for Zoroastrians, often called dar-e mehr (Persian) or agiyari (Gujarati). In the Zoroastrian religion, fire together with clean water (see aban), are agents of ritual purity.
7. Which among the following is NOT a classical language?
[A] Tamil
[B] Telugu
[C] Kannada
[D] Rajasthani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rajasthani]
Notes:
As of October 2024, India recognizes eleven classical languages: Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), Odia (2014), and, more recently, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali (all in 2024). These languages are esteemed for their antiquity, rich literary heritage, and significant cultural contributions. The designation aims to preserve and promote India’s diverse linguistic legacy.
8. Which among the following is not one of the eight limbs of the Ashtanga Yoga?
[A] Yama
[B] Pranamayam
[C] Dhyana
[D] Vinyasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vinyasa]
Notes:
There are eight limbs of ashtanga yoga viz. yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.
9. Which of the following paintings involves the art of creating images on cotton cloth using the wax resist method?
[A] Kalighat
[B] Batik
[C] Kalamkari
[D] Madhubani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Batik ]
Notes:
The art of Batik painting is practised mainly in West Bengal, Odisha and Tamil Nadu. It involves the art of creating images on cotton clothes using the wax resist method.
10. When was the first Bharat Ratna Award given?
[A] 2 January 1954
[B] 26 January 1954
[C] 15 August 1954
[D] 2 October 1954
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [2 January 1954]
Notes:
The first recipients of the Bharat Ratna were politician C. Rajagopalachari, philosopher Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and scientist C. V. Raman, who was honoured on 2nd January, 1954. Since then, the award has been bestowed on 45 individuals, including 12 who were awarded posthumously.
