1. The philosophy of “Nyaya Darshan” has been ascribed to who among following?
[A] Kanad
[B] Gautam
[C] Panini
[D] Bhartṛhari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gautam]
Notes:
The philosophy of “Nyaya Darshan” has been ascribed to Gautama Maharishi, who is also known as Gautama Nyaya. Nyaya is one of the six orthodox (astika) schools of Indian philosophy, and it primarily focuses on the logical and epistemological aspects of philosophy. Nyaya Darshan provides a system of logic, reasoning, and argumentation to establish knowledge and truth. It is often associated with the Nyaya Sutras, a foundational text attributed to Gautama Maharishi, which outlines the principles and tenets of Nyaya philosophy.
2. 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
Show Answer
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.
3. A Fire temple is a place of worship for _____?
[A] Sikhs
[B] Zoroastrians
[C] Buddhists
[D] Shinto’s
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Correct Answer: B [Zoroastrians]
Notes:
A fire temple in Zoroastrianism is the place of worship for Zoroastrians, often called dar-e mehr (Persian) or agiyari (Gujarati). In the Zoroastrian religion, fire together with clean water (see aban), are agents of ritual purity.
4. 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.
5. Who among the following was the spiritual Guru of Chhatrapati Shivaji?
[A] Tukaram ji
[B] Samrath Ramdas
[C] Jija bai
[D] Dadajikondadev
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samrath Ramdas]
Notes:
Samrath Ramdas ji was the spiritual Guru of Chhatrapati Shivaji, who is remembered for his Advaita Vedanta (Non-dualism) text Dasbodh.
6. Which of the following instituted “Moortidevi Sahitya Puraskar”? (UPSC Prelims 1985)
[A] Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
[B] Bhartiya Jnanpith
[C] Ministry of Education, Government of India
[D] Sahitya Akademi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bhartiya Jnanpith]
Notes:
Bharatiya Jnanpith a literary and research organization, based in New Delhi, India, was founded on February 18, 1944 by Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain. The “Moortidevi Sahitya Puraskar” is instituted by Bhartiya Jnanpith.
7. Which among the following is a folk dance of India? (UPSC Prelims 1989)
[A] Manipuri
[B] Garba
[C] Kathakali
[D] Mohiniattam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Garba]
Notes:
Garba Dance is a popular folk Dance of Gujarat. It is a circular form of dance performed by ladies on the Navaratri days, Sharad Purnima, Vasant Panchami, Holi and such other festive occasions. The basics of the dance are singing and clapping rhythmically while going round the goddess.
8. 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.
9. The paintings of Abanindranath Tagore are classified under which of the following groupings? (UPSC Prelims 1999)
[A] Realistic
[B] socialistic
[C] revivalistic
[D] impressionistic
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [revivalistic]
Notes:
Abanindranath Tagore is known as the leader of the Revivalist Movement in the field of modern Indian painting in Bengal. Abanindranath Tagore’s works reflect the synthesis of Ajanta murals and Mughal painting. Essentially a romantic painter, he delighted in painting the hoary past. He along with his disciples viz. Nandalal Bose and Ashit Kumar Haldar are said to be the Pre-Raphaelites of Bengal.
10. Which Thithankara’s philosophy influenced the Economics in Jainism ?
[A] Mahavira
[B] Gowthama Buddha
[C] Rishabanath
[D] Prashavanatha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mahavira]
Notes:
Economics in Jainism is influenced by Mahavira and his philosophy. He was the last of the 24 Titthankars, who spread Jainism. Relating to economics he explained the importance of the concept of ”anekantavada”.