1. Akshardham temple, which is situated in Delhi, is revered for which Hindu deity?
[A] Swaminarayan
[B] Shiva
[C] Krishna
[D] Ganesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Swaminarayan]
Notes:
The temple is located near the banks of the Yamuna River. The temple was opened to the general public on 6th November 2005. It holds the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple.
2. Which of the following was the birth place of Guru Nanak ?
[A] Shakargarh
[B] Sultanpur
[C] Nankana Sahib
[D] Shahkot
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nankana Sahib]
Notes:
Nankana Sahib was the birth place of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion. He was born in 1469 in a khatri family. He had strong faith in worship of Nirakar Brahma.
3. Famous monument Rumi Darwaja is located in which city?
[A] Bulandshahar
[B] Bhopal
[C] Lucknow
[D] Murshidabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Lucknow]
Notes:
The Rumi Darwaza was built under the patronage of Nawab Asaf-Ud-daula in 1784 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It is an example of Awadhi architecture.
4. Who was the first recipient of Dadasaheb Phalke Award?
[A] Prithviraj kapoor
[B] Raj kapoor
[C] Devika Rani
[D] Guru Dutt
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Devika Rani]
Notes:
The first recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award was actress Devika Rani, who was honoured at the 17th National Film Awards.
5. Hymns composed by which among the following rulers have been incorporated in Guru Grantha sahib of Sikhs?
[A] Jaydev
[B] Swami Haridas
[C] Namdev
[D] Dhyaneshwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jaydev]
Notes:
Hymns composed by Jaydev have been incorporated in Guru Grantha sahib of Sikhs. The hymns are written in a mixture of Sanskrit and eastern Apabhramsha. There are records narrating how Jayadeva’s work had a profound influence on Guru Nanak during his visit to Puri.
6. Which of the following temple in India was called as “The Black Pagoda” by the Europeans?
[A] Tirumala Tirupati , Andhra Pradesh
[B] Kamakhya Temple -Assam
[C] Konark Sun Temple, Orissa
[D] Jagannath Temple, Orissa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Konark Sun Temple, Orissa]
Notes:
Konark Sun Temple, Orissa was called as “The Black Pagoda” by the Europeans. The temple is attributed to king Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty about 1250 CE.
7. Who among the following poet/poetess is well known for his work ‘Brahmarakshas’?
[A] Harishankar Parsai
[B] Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh
[C] Subhadra Kumari Chauhan
[D] Nida Fazli
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh ]
Notes:
Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh was one of the most prominent Hindi poets, essayist, literary and political critic, and fiction writers of the 20th century.He also remained assistant-editor of journals like, Naya Khun and Vasudha.He is best known for his long poems:Brahma-rakshasa, Chand ka Muh Teda hai,Andhere Mein and Bhuri Bhuri Khak Dhul.
8. Which among the following is true about the Saint Jnaneswar ?
[A] He wrote Jnaneswari
[B] He wrote commentary on Bhagwad Gita
[C] He was the pioneer Bhakti saint of Maharashtra
[D] All of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of these]
Notes:
Saint Jnaneswar was a famous poet-saint of Maharashtra was born in 1275 AD in Alandi, Maharashtra. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu who wrote Jnaneswari (a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita) and translated Bhagwad Gita into the Marathi language. Excerpts of his works are Amrutanubhava, Commentary on Yoga Vashishtha, Changdev Pasashti, etc.
9. 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.
10. Which beautiful and imposing mosque is located in the middle of the sea?
[A] Haji Ali Dargah
[B] Fatehpur Sikri
[C] Char Minar
[D] Lal Quila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Haji Ali Dargah]
Notes:
The Haji Ali Dargah can only be reached during low tide as it is situated about 500 yards into the sea. The mosque is built over the tomb of Saint Haji Ali. According to legend, he died on a pilgrimage to Mecca and his casket reached Bombay. It contained a note that said it should be buried wherever it landed.