1. Ghumura is an ancient folk dance that originated in which of the following states?
[A] Odisha
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odisha]
Notes:
Ghumura is an ancient folk dance that originated from Odisha. As per ancient mythological texts, Ghumura was a war dance of the Gods and Demons. Over the course of time, Ghumurawas imbibed into performing arts and entertainment in Odisha.
2. In which of the following paintings, a paste made of Zinc Oxide and Arabic Gum called “gesso paste” is used?
[A] Tanjore painting
[B] Madhubani painting
[C] Pattachitra
[D] Mysore painting
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mysore painting
]
Notes:
Mysore painting is an important form of classical South Indian painting that originated in the town of Mysore in Karnataka. These paintings are known for their elegance, muted colours and attention to detail.
3. Among the five monolithic rathas of Pallavas at Mahabalipuram, the largest is ___?
[A] Arjuna
[B] Bhima
[C] Dharmaraja
[D] Draupadi
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Correct Answer: C [Dharmaraja]
Notes:
Mahabalipuram Temples: Pallava dynasty: The five monolithic rathas are square or oblong in plan, pyramidal in elevation and varying in their overall dimensions. the Dharmaraja ratha constructed in Pallava style is the largest of all, having huge pillats in the portico with statue of lions, pyramidal tower and turret roof.
4. Sayana, an important commentator on Vedas was associated with which among the following empires?
[A] Chola Empire
[B] Vijayanagar Empire
[C] Hoyasala Empire
[D] Bahmani Empire
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Correct Answer: B [Vijayanagar Empire]
Notes:
Sayana was an important commentator on the Vedas. His commentary on the Rigveda was edited by Max Müller, 1849-1875.He flourished under the king Bukka I and his successor Harihara II in the Vijayanagar Empire.
5. In which Indian state are 838 temples of a distinctive faith located on a single mountain?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Gujarat
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Bihar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
The state of Gujarat, specifically in the city of Palitana, holds a remarkable distinction of having 838 Jain temples located on a single mountain. Jainism, one of the oldest religions in the world, has a strong community still in India. These temples are a major pilgrimage site for Jains and are a testament to the architectural prowess of ancient artisans.
6. 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
7. Who among the following was India’s First photojournalist?
[A] Mira Chaudhuri
[B] Indira Dey
[C] Debalina Mazumadar
[D] Homai Vyarawalla
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Homai Vyarawalla]
Notes:
Homai Vyarawalla was India’s first woman photojournalist. She began work in the late 1930s and retired in the early 1970s. In 2011, she was awarded Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award of the Republic of India.
8. At which of the following places, the only Swaminarayan temple is located in Pakistan?
[A] Islamabad
[B] Lahore
[C] Karachi
[D] Islamabad
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Correct Answer: C [Karachi]
Notes:
The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Karachi is a Hindu temple that is the only Swaminarayan temple in Pakistan. Karachi is the capital of Sindh province of Pakistan.
9. Who among the following is known for the famous quote “an uncontrolled pen serves but to destroy.”?
[A] Jawahar Lal Nehru
[B] Mahatma Gandhi
[C] Leo Tolstoy
[D] Rabindranath Tagore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mahatma Gandhi]
Notes:
The name of the autobiography of Gandhiji is “The Story of My Experiments with Truth”. It was published in 1927. In this book he wrote “In the very first month of Indian Opinion, I realised that the sole aim of journalism should be service. The newspaper press is a great power, but just as an unchained torrent of water submerges whole countryside and devastates crops, even so an uncontrolled pen serves but to destroy”.
10. 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.