1. Which among the following temples does not belong to the Chola Empire?
[A] Brihadishwara
[B] Koranganatha
[C] Kailashanatha
[D] Airavateshwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kailashanatha]
Notes:
Temple Architecture of Cholas : a)Brihadishwara Temple of Tanjore was built by Rajaraja Chola-I. b)Koranganatha Temple,Srinivasanallur was built by Parantaka Chola-I. c)Airavateshwar Temple, Darasuram was built by Rajaraja Chola II Chola-I. »Kailashanatha Temple , Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) was built by Pallava King ,Narsimhamvarman. »Kailasanathar Temple of Ellora was built by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I.
2. Kargam is a folk dance of which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Karnataka
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Karagam is a traditional dance of Tamil Nadu, which is performed by male dancers. In this dance, the dancer wears dhoti and garlands, and dons a kalash, or pitcher, filled with water and uncooked rice on his head (as a symbol of life and fertility). The The pitcher, decorated by a flower-bedecked conical bamboo frame, is balanced by the dancer on his head. Karagam dancers move in a procession throughout the village to reach the temple of the goddess, accompanied by the drum called nadaswaram and other instruments.
3. Lavani is one of the most popular forms of dance and music that is practiced in which state?
[A] Maharastra
[B] Bihar
[C] Gujarat
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maharastra]
Notes:
Lavani is a dance form that originated in the state of Maharashtra in India. It is known for its vibrant and energetic dance moves, as well as the colorful costumes and traditional music that accompanies it. Lavani is typically performed by female dancers, who sing and dance to the accompaniment of a dholak, a traditional Indian drum. The dance is often associated with the state’s folk tradition, and it is often performed at festivals and other celebrations.
4. The doctrine of ‘Vyuhavada’ is associated with which among the following Sects (or) cults of India?
[A] Shaivism
[B] Vaishnavism
[C] Buddhism
[D] Jainism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vaishnavism]
Notes:
Vyuhavada is a Hindu philosophy related to Bhagwatism. So it is associated with the Vaishnavism.
5. Who among the following wrote first Novel in Telugu?
[A] Veeresalingam
[B] Venkataratnam Pantulu
[C] Gurazada Apparao
[D] Srisri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Veeresalingam]
Notes:
Rajasekhara Chairtram was the first novel in Telugu. It was written by Veeresalingam.
6. The “Nayanars” from ancient times were primarily associated with which Hindu deity?
[A] Vishnu
[B] Shiva
[C] Hanuman
[D] Ganesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shiva]
Notes:
The Nayanars were a group of 63 saints specifically associated with Lord Shiva. They were notable figures in Tamil Nadu who propagated the Bhakti Movement with their devotional teachings, poetic expressions, and fervor for their deity. Their heartfelt verses are renowned in Tamil literature. This period marked a significant transition from ritualistic worship towards a more personal and emotional approach towards divinity, contributing significantly to the cultural and spiritual heritage of Tamil Nadu.
7. Who was Namdev ?
[A] He was a Tailor by caste
[B] His bhakti songs have been included in the Adi Granth
[C] He was considered to be the part of the Varkari tradition
[D] All of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of these]
Notes:
Namdev is considered to be a part of the varkari tradition (Vaishnava devotional tradition) was born in Maharashtra in 1270 AD, belong to chipi (cloth painter) caste. He composed hymns on Marathi and some of his verses were included in the Guru Granth Sahib (or Adi Granth). He was a precursor of Kabir and Guru Nanak. His abhangas (or devotional lyrics) were known as Namdevachi.
8. Which of the following musical instruments is NOT of foreign origin?
[A] Flute
[B] Sitar
[C] Violin
[D] Tabla
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Flute]
Notes:
A bansuri is a side blown flute originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is an aerophone produced from bamboo.It is one of the most common instruments in the North Indian or Hindustani classical music.
9. Which one of the following sculptures invariably used green schist as the medium? (UPSC Prelims 1996)
[A] Maurya sculptures
[B] Mathura sculptures
[C] Bharhut sculptures
[D] Gandhara sculptures
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bharhut sculptures]
Notes:
Bharhut sculpture is an early Indian sculpture of the Shunga period that decorated the great stupa, or relic mound, of Bharhut, in Madhya Pradesh state. Sculptures similar to the Bharhut remains are located throughout northern India. The flat planes, rather stiffly posed figures and precise, elegant detailing of the ornamentation suggest continuance in stone of an earlier tradition in wood. Green Schist is used as the medium for this sculpture.
10. Who among the following founded the Radhaswami Movement?
[A] Shibli Naumani
[B] Tulsi Ram
[C] E.V. Radhaswami
[D] C.N. Mudaliar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tulsi Ram]
Notes:
In the year 1861, Radhaswami Movement was started by Tulsi Ram. He is also known as Shiv Dayal Saheb or Swamiji Maharaj. According to them, all religions are true.