1. Which among the following Mudra is the gesture of Buddha as depicted in his first sermon?
[A] Abhaya Mudra
[B] Dhyana Mudra
[C] Dharmachakra Mudra
[D] Bhumisparsa Mudra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Dharmachakra Mudra ]
Notes:
The sermon Buddha gave to the five monks was his first sermon, called the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. The Seated Buddha from Gandhara is an early statue of the Buddha made in Gandhara, in modern Pakistan, in the 2nd or 3rd century The pose, which was to become one of a number of standard ones, shows Buddha as a teacher setting the wheel of Dharma in motion (Dharmachakra Mudra). Buddha did this following his enlightenment and after delivering his first sermon at the deer park at Sarnath near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
2. Who among the following had written the Novel “Pather Panchali”, which was base of the film of same name by Satyajit Ray?
[A] Bankimchandra Chatterjee
[B] Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay
[C] Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
[D] Shambhunath Pandit
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay]
Notes:
Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay (1894-1950) is best known for his autobiographical novel, Pather Panchali (The Song of the Road), which was later adapted (along with Aparajito, the sequel) into the Apu Trilogy films, directed by Satyajit Ray. Pather Panchali is considered Bibhutibhushan masterpiece and is included in the CBSE syllabus for students choosing to study Bengali.
3. Pancha mahal is located in:
[A] Agra
[B] Delhi
[C] Fatehpur Sikri
[D] Sikandara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Fatehpur Sikri]
Notes:
Panch Mahal is a palace in Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh. The Panch Mahal meaning ‘Five level Palace’ was commissioned by Akbar . This structure stands close to the Zenana quarters which supports the supposition that it was used for entertainment and relaxation.
4. Which among the following is India’s first library to computerize its hand written collection to disseminate through internet?
[A] Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library
[B] Sarasvati Mahal Library
[C] Central Reference Library
[D] Bharati Bhavan Library
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library]
Notes:
Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library is India’s first library to computerize its hand written collection to disseminate through internet. It was opened in 1891 in Kolkata.
5. Which among the following sub-school of Vedanta is followed by ISCON?
[A] Shuddhādvaita
[B] Achintya Bhedābheda
[C] Purnādvaita or Integral Advaita
[D] Modern Vedānta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Achintya Bhedābheda]
Notes:
The correct answer is Achintya Bhedābheda. This sub-school of Vedanta, founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the 16th century, emphasizes the simultaneous oneness and difference between the individual soul (jiva) and the Supreme (Brahman). ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) follows this philosophy, promoting devotion (bhakti) to Lord Krishna while acknowledging the unique relationship between the divine and the individual. This approach is distinct from other Vedantic schools, which may emphasize either non-dualism or dualism more strictly.
6. Who among the following was the author of ‘Harivilasam’ ?
[A] Srinatha
[B] Potana
[C] Redas
[D] Tiruvallar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Srinatha]
Notes:
Srinatha was the author of ‘Harivilasam’. He was a well-known 15th-century Telugu poet and was respected as Kavi Sarvabhouma (King of poets) wrote many on the subjects of history and mythology.
7. With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Pookalam’?
[A] It is a type of Indian tribal martial dance in the state of Manipur
[B] It is a type of type of flower Rangoli in the state of Kerala
[C] It is a type of musical instrument used in Carnatic music
[D] It is a type of painting famous in the state of Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [It is a type of type of flower Rangoli in the state of Kerala]
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.
8. Natwari Nritya is associated to which of the following classical dance forms?
[A] Kathak
[B] Kathakali
[C] Kuchipudi
[D] Bharatanatyam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Kathak]
Notes:
"Natwari Nritya" is also known as the dance of Krishna. Natwar is another name for Krishna.
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. The craft of carpet making was first introduced in India in which of the following states?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Kashmir
[C] West Bengal
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kashmir]
Notes:
Carpet making was first introduced in India in Kashmir in the 15th Century. Sultan Zain ul-Abadin is believed to have brought carpet weavers from Persia and Central Asia to train local weavers.
