1. Who built a temple of Augustus at Muzris?
[A] Romans
[B] Cholas
[C] Pandyas
[D] Cheras
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Romans ]
Notes:
Muzris was an ancient port city in what is now the modern state of Kerala. It was an important trading center in antiquity. There are indications that there may have been a temple dedicated to the Roman emperor Augustus built at Muzris during his reign, reflecting the trade connections between Rome and southern India at that time. However, the exact details and nature of this temple are not well attested in the available historical sources.
2. Which of the following statements is incorrect about the Lingayatism?
[A] It was founded by the 12th-century philosopher and statesman Basava
[B] It is a distinct Shaivite religious tradition in India
[C] Lingayat thinkers rejected the custodial hold of Brahmins over the Vedas and the shastras
[D] Contemporary Lingayatism is influential in North India, especially in the state of Jammu & Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Contemporary Lingayatism is influential in North India, especially in the state of Jammu & Kashmir]
Notes:
Fourth statement is incorrect because Contemporary Lingayatism is influential in South India, especially in the state of Karnataka.
3. Bishnupur which is famous for terracotta temples is located in which state of India?
[A] Orissa
[B] West Bengal
[C] Chhattisgarh
[D] Bihar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [West Bengal]
Notes:
Bishnupur is located in West Bengal. It’s known for its Hindu temples made from local terracotta, such as the pyramid-shaped Rasmancha, established around 1600.
4. Which among the following place is not associated with Jain Temples?
[A] Sravanbelgola
[B] Palitana
[C] Khandgiri
[D] Ratnagiri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ratnagiri]
Notes:
Ratnagiri is a port town in Maharashtra, western India. It is Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Ratnadurg Fort has the Bhagwati temple and a lighthouse. It is not associated with the Jain temples.
5. What is the official name of the women’s branch of the Vishva Hindu Parishad?
[A] Sewa Bharti
[B] Durga Vahini
[C] VHP Mahila Morcha
[D] Hindu Shakti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Durga Vahini]
Notes:
Durga Vahini is the women’s wing of the Vishva Hindu Parishad, a right-wing Hindu nationalist organisation in India. The wing was founded in 1991 by Sadhvi Rithambara as a part of a larger movement to mobilize Hindu women for the protection and promotion of Hindu culture. The group trains women in self-defense and other tactical skills as part of its ideology to build a Hindu nation.
6. Ancient Bhima Devi Temple is located in which state ?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Haryana
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Haryana]
Notes:
Bhima Devi Temple Complex, also known as Khajuraho of North India is located in Pinjore town in Panchkula district of Haryana. This temple was built between 8-11 century AD and is known for its erotic sculptures like Khajuraho.
7. Kashful Mahjub, the celebrated manual of Sufism was written by whom ?
[A] Khwaja Al Hujuiri
[B] Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti
[C] Khawaja Bahauddin Zakariya
[D] Shaikh Nasiruddin Mahmud
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Khwaja Al Hujuiri]
Notes:
The 11th century Sufi saint, Khwaja Al Hujuiri ( also known as Data Ganj Baksh) was the author of the celebrated manual on Sufism entitled “Kashful Mahjub”.
8. The basic motive of Buddha’s teaching is ___
[A] Attaining Liberation
[B] Redemption from suffering
[C] Improving the quality of life
[D] Attaining individual and collective kaivalya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ Redemption from suffering ]
Notes:
The basic motive of Buddha’s teaching is redemption from suffering. He taught that suffering arises from ignorance, craving, and attachment and that these can be overcome through the Eightfold Path, a practical framework for ethical and mental development.
Note: This question has very close alternatives. The basic motive is redemption from suffering but ultimate goal of Buddha’s teachings was to help individuals achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death (reincarnation) and attain a state of permanent inner peace.
9. Why the Buddha’s teachings are considered to be along the middle path?
[A] It was based on two cultures
[B] It avoided the extremes of habitual sensuality and habitual self-torture
[C] It may be practiced by all very easily
[D] It stood between the Vedic religion and Jainism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ It avoided the extremes of habitual sensuality and habitual self-torture ]
Notes:
It avoided the extremes of habitual sensuality and habitual self-torture
10. Who among the following said “Truth is the ultimate reality and it is God” ?
[A] Radhakrishnan
[B] MK Gandhi
[C] Rabindra Nath Tagore
[D] Swamy Vivekananda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [MK Gandhi]
Notes:
Mahatma Gandhi has said that the truth is the ultimate reality and it is God. Gandhi’s conception of truth has obviously not the common meaning attributed to it for there were divine and philosophical dimensions to it.
