1. Bobbili veena, also known as Saraswathi Veena or the Ekanda Veena, is a large plucked string instrument used in Carnatic classical music. It is made from which of the following trees?
[A] Sandalwood
[B] Jackwood
[C] Bamboo
[D] Rosewood
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Correct Answer: B [Jackwood]
Notes:
Bobbili veena, also known as Saraswathi Veena or the Ekanda Veena, is a large plucked string instrument used in Carnatic classical music. It is carved from a single piece of Jackwood. Jackwood is a rainforest tree.
2. 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”
3. Pandit Jasraj belongs to which among the following Gharanas?
[A] Kirana
[B] Jaipur
[C] Banaras
[D] Mewati
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Correct Answer: D [Mewati]
Notes:
Pandit Jasraj was an Indian classical vocalist, belonging to the Mewati gharana. His musical career spanned 75 years resulting in national and international fame, respect and numerous major awards and accolades. He died in August 2020.
4. 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
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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.
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 was the first Sikh Guru Martyr ?
[A] Guru Teg Bahadur
[B] Guru Har Govind
[C] Guru Arjun dev
[D] Guru Harkishan
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Correct Answer: C [Guru Arjun dev]
Notes:
The 5th guru of Sikhs, Guru Arjun Dev ji was the first Sikh Guru Martyr, who was executed by Mughal emperor Jahangir on charges of helping his rebel son, Prince Khurram with money and prayer. He built the Swarna Mandir (or Golden temple) in Amritsar and compiled Adigranth, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
7. Who among the following is associated with the field of sculpture ?
[A] Ram Kinkar
[B] Raja Ravi Varma
[C] Manjit Bawa
[D] Saroja Vaidyanathan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ram Kinkar]
Notes:
Ramkinkar Baij was an Indian sculptor and painter, one of the pioneers of modern Indian sculpture and a key figure of Contextual Modernism. He is a noted scholar on Indian scriptures and a recipient of Padma Bhushan in 1999.
8. In which of the following areas, “Garba” dance form is common?
[A] Punjab
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Gujarat
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Correct Answer: D [Gujarat]
Notes:
Garba is a form of dance which originated in the state of Gujarat in India. The name is derived from the Sanskrit term Garbha and Deep. Many traditional garbas are performed around centrally lit lamp or a picture or statue of the Goddess Shakti.
9. What is the best definition of Upanishads? (UPSC Prelims General Studies 1980)
[A] These are religious books of Hindus
[B] There are the books dealing with ancient Hindu laws
[C] There are books on social behaviour of man
[D] These are the prayers to God
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [These are religious books of Hindus]
Notes:
The Upanishads are a collection of texts of religious and philosophical nature. These were written in India probably between 800 BCE and 500 BCE.The teachings of the Upanishads revolve around four primary spiritual themes. The first and most important is the realization that the ultimate, formless, and inconceivable Brahman is the same as Atman, as our internal soul. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is one of the Principal Upanishads and one of the oldest Upanishadic scriptures of Hinduism.
10. Which among the following is the national animal of India?
[A] Lion
[B] Tiger
[C] Elephant
[D] Bull
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tiger]
Notes:
Panthera tigris or the tiger holds the position of the national animal of India as it symbolizes strength and agility.