1. The Varkari sect in Maharashtra was founded by __?
[A] Tukaram
[B] Namdev
[C] Visoba Khechar
[D] Dhyaneshwar
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Correct Answer: D [Dhyaneshwar]
Notes:
The sect is believed to have originated in Karnataka and migrated to Maharashtra later. The followers of the sect believe that Dnyaneshwar laid the foundation stone, which is evident from the saying “Dnyanadev rachila paya”
2. Who among the following had written Bangladesh’s national anthem “Amar Sonar Bangla”?
[A] Nazrul Islam
[B] Rabindranath Tagore
[C] Anisur Rahman
[D] Santidev Ghosh
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Correct Answer: B [Rabindranath Tagore]
Notes:
Apart from Indian national anthem Rabindranath Tagore has written national anthem of Bangladesh ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’ and also the lyrics of Sri Lanka’s National Anthem (Sri Lanka Matha). Tagore had written the music and lyrics for Nama Nama Sri Lanka Mata in the Bengali language for his student Ananda Samarakoon.
3. Which School of Art is also recognized as the “mature” school?
[A] Kushana School
[B] Andhra School
[C] Arafat School
[D] Mathura School
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Correct Answer: A [Kushana School]
Notes:
The Kushana School of Art, also known as the mature school, has a unique amalgamation of Indian and Greek artistry. The school flourished during the Kushana Empire and was greatly influenced by the cultural confluence with the Romans. While the Gandhara and Mathura schools predominantly shaped the Kushana Art, the amalgamation formed a mature phase in the evolution of Indian art, hence earning the moniker.
4. Sylheti language is a dialect of which of the following languages ?
[A] Sindhi
[B] Bengali
[C] Odia
[D] Punjabi
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Correct Answer: B [Bengali]
Notes:
Sylheti is a language spoken by the Sylheti people, who are primarily found in the Sylhet Division of northeastern Bangladesh and in the adjacent parts of the Indian state of Assam. Sylheti is part of the Eastern Indo-Aryan language group and is closely related to Bengali, the national language of Bangladesh. It is written in the Bengali script and has its own distinctive vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Sylheti is spoken by around 15 million people and is an important language for commerce and education in the Sylhet region. It is also used as a literary language, and there is a rich tradition of Sylheti poetry, prose, and drama.
5. 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.
6. Who among the following Sikh Gurus is known for introducing the Anand Karaj?
[A] Guru Angad
[B] Guru Amar Das
[C] Guru Tegh Bahadur
[D] Guru Arjun Dev
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Correct Answer: B [Guru Amar Das]
Notes:
Guru Amar das ji, the 3rd guru of Sikhs, is known for introducing the Anand Karaj ( Sikh marriage ceremony). As per the rules and regulations of Sikhism, persons not conceding the Sikh faith cannot be joined in marriage by the Anand Karaj ceremony.The notable points are Sikhs practise monogamy and widows or widowers may remarry.
7. Kovai Kora cotton saris, which received the GI status in 2014, are manufactured in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Karnataka
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Kovai Kora cotton is a blend of silk and cotton and Kora another product that is found more in the Sirumugai area of Tamil Nadu. This art is mostly practised by people belonging to the Devanga community, who are involved mostly in weaving Kovai Kora cotton saris and they are the pioneers also in making the product. It received GI status in 2014.
8. With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is Kuttu varisai?
[A] It is a stick dance native to north-east India
[B] It is an unarmed martial art practised mainly in Tamil Nadu
[C] It is the ancient Manipuri Martial Art
[D] It is a resist dyeing technique, originating from Indian state of Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [It is an unarmed martial art practised mainly in Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Kuttu varisai is the unarmed set of techniques for martial art practised in Tamil Nadu.
9. 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.
10. Who designed the city of Chandigarh? (UPSC Prelims 1980).
[A] Le Corbusier
[B] Jacob Epstein
[C] Rodhin Auguste
[D] Ferdinand M. V. De Lesseps
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Le Corbusier]
Notes:
Chandigarh is the dream city of India’s first Prime Minister, Sh. Jawahar Lal Nehru. It was planned by the famous French architect Le Corbusier. It is located at the foothills of Shivaliks. It is known as one of the best experiments in urban planning and modern architecture in the twentieth century in India.