1. The Pagodas at Mahabalipuram had been constructed by ___?
[A] Cholas
[B] Chalukyas of Kalyani
[C] Pallavas
[D] Pandyas
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Correct Answer: C [Pallavas]
Notes:
Pallava dynasty: the reign of Narasimhavarman I : constructed five rath temples at the port town of Mamllapuram (Mahabalipuram) These are now known as seven raths or Pagodas.
2. Who among the following has written “Bharat Durdasha”?
[A] Maithili Sharan Gupt
[B] Munshi Prem Chand
[C] Swami Sahajanand Saraswati
[D] Bharatendu Harishchandra
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Correct Answer: D [Bharatendu Harishchandra]
Notes:
Bharatendu Harishchandra (1850 – 1885) lived only for 34 years but he was such a great writer that he is known as father of modern Hindi literature as well as Hindi theatre. His pen name was “Rasa”. The title “Bharatendu” was conferred on him at a public meeting by scholars of Kashi in 1880 for his role in the development of Hindi Literature. Government of India confers the Bharatendu Harishchandra Awards since 1983 to promote original writings in Hindi mass communication.
3. Madai festival is a tribal festival of which among the following states?
[A] Assam
[B] Bihar
[C] Chattisgarh
[D] Manipur
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Correct Answer: C [Chattisgarh]
Notes:
Madai festival is a popular festival of Chhattisgarh. The festival reflects the rich culture and tradition of the state. The Madai Festival is celebrated by people belonging to the Gond Tribe.
4. After a defeat in prolonged debate on Vedic philosophies, who among the following is known to have become disciple of Adi Sankara and later became first head of Sringeri Mutt?
[A] Hastamalaka
[B] Totakacharya
[C] Padmapada
[D] Madana
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Correct Answer: D [Madana]
Notes:
Madana Misra was defeated in a debate by his contemporary ,Adi Shankara. He is said to have become a disciple of Adi Sankara. Maṇḍana Miśra’s wife was Ubhaya Bharati.
5. Vachaspati Puraskar is awarded by the K.K. Birla Foundation, for outstanding contribution to which of the following?
[A] Scientific research
[B] Sanskrit Literature
[C] Literary work in any Indian language
[D] Dance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sanskrit Literature]
Notes:
Vachaspati Puraskar, instituted by the KK Birla Foundation in 1992, is given to honour a writer’s work in Sanskrit published during the last 10 years.
6. Four Noble Truths are one of the most fundamental truths of which of the following religion?
[A] Jainism
[B] Buddhism
[C] Islam
[D] Hinduism
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Correct Answer: B [Buddhism]
Notes:
There are four noble truths of Buddhism:a. The world is full of sorrowb. Desire is the cause of sorrowc. If desire is conquered all sorrow is won overd. Desire can be conquered by following eight fold paths (Ashtangirka Marg)
7. Gaudavaho of Vakpati narrates the Digvijay of whom among the following?
[A] Bhaskaravarman
[B] Isanavarman
[C] Sasanka
[D] Yasovarman
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Correct Answer: D [Yasovarman]
Notes:
Gaudavaho of Vakpati narrates the Digvijay to Yasovarman. Gaudavaho a Prakrit-language poem written by Vakpati
8. Which chapter of Mahabharata deals with fruitless efforts to bring about peace between the Kurus and the Pandavas ?
[A] Vana Parva
[B] Virat Parva
[C] Udyog Parva
[D] Drona Parva
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Correct Answer: C [Udyog Parva]
Notes:
Udyog Parva of Mahabharata deals with fruitless efforts to bring about peace between the Kurus and the Pandavas. There are 18 parvas.
9. Which among the following is the correct description of Nagara , Dravida and Vesara?
[A] The three main racial groups
[B] Three Linguistic Divisions
[C] Three main styles of Indian temple architecture
[D] Musical Gharanas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Three main styles of Indian temple architecture]
Notes:
Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara are indeed the three main styles of Indian temple architecture. 1. Nagara: Predominantly found in northern India, characterized by curvilinear shikhara (tower) and intricate carvings. 2. Dravida: Common in southern India, featuring pyramid-shaped towers (vimanas) and extensive use of stone. 3. Vesara: A hybrid style combining elements of both Nagara and Dravida, seen in regions like Karnataka. These styles reflect the diverse cultural and religious influences across India, with temples serving as important architectural and spiritual landmarks.
10. Dalai lamas are considered reincarnations of which of the following?
[A] Avalokiteshwara
[B] Buddha
[C] Maitreya
[D] Ksitigarbha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Avalokiteshwara]
Notes:
The Dalai Lama is considered a reincarnation of Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Avalokiteśvara is the patron saint of Tibet and embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The 14th and current Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso, who lives in exile in India.
According to Tibetan Buddhism, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth is a key belief. When a Dalai Lama dies, they believe that their spirit is reincarnated in the body of their successor, who is born at the moment of their death. Search parties are sent across Tibet to find children who are “special” and born within a year of the Dalai Lama’s death.
