1. God knows man’s virtues and inquires not his caste; in the next world there is no caste. This teaching is of __?
[A] Kabir
[B] Guru Nanak
[C] Chaitanya
[D] Ramananda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Guru Nanak]
Notes:
Guru Nanak said that a man was to be honoured for his devotion to God and not for his social position. He said– “God knows man’s virtues and inquires not his caste; in the next world there is no caste.”
2. ‘BHAGORIA’ is the traditional folk dance of which tribe?
[A] Bhil
[B] Gond
[C] Korku
[D] Baiga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bhil]
Notes:
Tribal dance forms are Karma and Saili (Gonds), Bhagoria (Bhils), Lehangi (Saharias) and Thaapti (Kokru), Pardhauni (Baiga).
3. Who was the third guru in the succession of Sikh Gurus?
[A] Guru Amardas Ji
[B] Guru Nanak Dev Ji
[C] Guru Angad Dev Ji
[D] Guru Ramdas Ji
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Guru Amardas Ji]
Notes:
Guru Amardas Ji was the third Guru of the Sikhs and took over the mantle of Sikh Guruship in 1552 at the age of 73. He was known for establishing the Manji system for missionary activities in various parts of India. His commitment to equality for humans has also left an indelible mark on the culture and principles of Sikhism. He initiated the tradition of free food distribution (langar) to all visitors, without concerning for their religious or social status.
4. Which among the following states leads in Handloom and Handicrafts clusters in India?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Odisha
[D] West Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
The correct answer is Uttar Pradesh. It is the leading state in India for handloom and handicrafts, with a rich tradition of weaving and craftsmanship. Uttar Pradesh is known for its intricate Banarasi sarees, which are made in Varanasi, and its vibrant carpet industry in Bhadohi. The state has over 1.5 million artisans engaged in various handicraft sectors, making it a important hub for traditional crafts in India.
5. Which among the following is NOT among the Panchabhutas as per ancient Indian philosophy?
[A] Earth
[B] Fire
[C] Water
[D] Space
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Space]
Notes:
There are nine substances viz. prithvi (earth), ap (water), tejas (fire), vayu (air), akasha (ether), kala (time), dik (space), atman (self) and manas (mind). The first five are called bhutas (Panchabhutas) the substances having some specific qualities so that they could be perceived by one or the other external senses.
6. With reference to Indian culture and heritage, what is Dhodro Banam?
[A] is a distinctive folk dance of Rajputs of Rajasthan
[B] is a single-string musical instrument used by Santal tribes of Odisha
[C] is the oldest form of martial art in India
[D] is the only surviving specimen of the ancient Sanskrit theatre
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [is a single-string musical instrument used by Santal tribes of Odisha]
Notes:
Dhodro banam is a single-string musical instrument used by the Santal tribes in Odisha.
7. 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.
8. Who among the following was born in Gwalior in 1945 to Haafiz Ali Khan?
[A] Amjad Ali Khan
[B] Atif Khan
[C] Bismillah Khan
[D] Ali Akbar Khan
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Correct Answer: A [Amjad Ali Khan]
Notes:
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan was born on 9th October 1945 at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. His father Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan was a musician in the court of the royal family of Gwalior.
9. Which museum was designed by George Witter and was formerly known as Prince of Wales Museum?
[A] Dr. Ambedkar Sanghralaya
[B] Mahatma Gandhi Sanghralaya
[C] Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sanghralaya
[D] Veermata Sanghralaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sanghralaya]
Notes:
The foundation for Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sanghralaya museum was laid by the Prince of Wales in 1905 and the building was completed in 1914. It also served as a Military Hospital for a short while during the First World War. The museum has an impressive collection of Indus Valley artifacts dating back to 2000 B.C. and Tibetan and Nepali art.
10. What is the best definition of Upanishads? (UPSC Prelims General Studies 1980)
[A] These are religious books of Hindus
[B] There are the books dealing with ancient Hindu laws
[C] There are books on social behaviour of man
[D] These are the prayers to God
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [These are religious books of Hindus]
Notes:
The Upanishads are a collection of texts of religious and philosophical nature. These were written in India probably between 800 BCE and 500 BCE.The teachings of the Upanishads revolve around four primary spiritual themes. The first and most important is the realization that the ultimate, formless, and inconceivable Brahman is the same as Atman, as our internal soul. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is one of the Principal Upanishads and one of the oldest Upanishadic scriptures of Hinduism.