1. According to the beliefs of the Pasupata sect, Siva is the lord of Pasu. Pasu here refers to __?
[A] Lion
[B] Bull
[C] Parvati
[D] Jiva
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Jiva]
Notes:
The Pasupata was a Saivite sect associated with Siva in his aspect of the “Herdsman” (pasu, “animal” and pati, “lord”). The devotees of Pashupati Siva are called Pashupatas.
2. The annual “Royal Kathina Ceremony” is associated with which of the following religions?
[A] Jainism
[B] Buddhim
[C] Parsi
[D] Sikhism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Buddhim]
Notes:
The Royal Kathina Ceremony is observed every year by Buddhist. It is observed in only one Buddhist temple outside Thailand and this year the Namphake Buddhist temple of Assam was selected. Kathina offering is an ancient Buddhist Tradition of offering special robe and other necessities to monks who maintain strict discipline of retreat during the rainy season. The main purpose of the ceremony is not merely for religious belief but also to strengthen the relationship between Thailand and other countries.
3. “Shesher Kabita” is the reknowned work of which among the following legends?
[A] Rabindranath Tagore
[B] Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay
[C] Narendranath Mitra
[D] Dinabandhu Mitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rabindranath Tagore]
Notes:
Shesher Kabita is a novel by Rabindranath Tagore, widely considered a landmark in Bengali literature. The novel was serialised in 1928 from Bhadro to Choitro in the magazine Probashi, and was published in book form the following year.
4. Which among the following religion is related to Dilwara temples at Mount Abu ?
[A] Vaishnav sect of Hindus
[B] Shaiv Sect of Hindus
[C] Jainism
[D] Buddhism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jainism]
Notes:
The Dilwara temples are located at Mount Abu in Rajasthan. These temples appear simple from outside but the interior showcase the extraordinary work of human craftsmanship. These Jain temples were built by Vimal Shah and designed by Vastupala, Jain minister of Dholka.
5. For which of the following the term Sandalwood is used?
[A] Kannada Cinema
[B] Telugu Cinema
[C] Tamil Cinema
[D] South Indian Cinema
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kannada Cinema]
Notes:
Sandalwood is the term used for Kannad cinema. Tollywood is used for Telugu cinema. Kollywood is used for Tamil Cinema.
6. Watson’s Hotel or Esplanade Mansion, which is India’s oldest surviving cast Iron Building is located in which of the following cities?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Kolkata
[C] Surat
[D] Chennai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mumbai]
Notes:
Watson’s Hotel, also known as Esplanade Mansion, is located in Mumbai. Built in 1867, it is recognized as India’s oldest surviving cast iron building. The structure showcases Victorian Gothic architecture and was originally a luxury hotel. Its unique cast iron framework was sourced from the UK, reflecting the colonial era’s architectural trends.
7. Which of the following was the first language to be included in the list of Classical Languages of India?
[A] Tamil
[B] Sanskrit
[C] Telugu
[D] Pali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Tamil]
Notes:
Tamil was the first Classical Language of India. The government declared Tamil (in 2004) & Sanskrit (in 2005). Later the government declared Kannada and Telugu (in 2008) as classical languages of India. In 2013, Malayalam was also given status of classical language. In 2014, Odiya was also given the status of Classical language.
8. It is a traditional festival celebrated in the month of March-April after completion of the Jhum operation for agriculture. It is one of three annual festivals of the Mizos tribe celebrated to mark three different stages of the agricultural cycle. This festival is celebrated to thank the gods for saving the people from harm during the clearing of forest on hill slopes for Jhum cultivation at the beginning of a year. The name of the festival is _?
[A] Losar
[B] Kandhei Jatra
[C] Chapchar Kut
[D] Hornbill
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chapchar Kut]
Notes:
Chapchar Kut is a traditional festival of Mizoram. It is celebrated in the month of March-April after completion of the Jhum operation i.e., jungle-clearing for agriculture. It is one of three annual festivals of the Mizos tribe celebrated to mark three different stages of the agricultural cycle. The festival is to be celebrated to thank the gods for saving the people from harm during the clearing of forest on hill slopes for Jhum cultivation at the beginning of a year. This festival is said to have involved in 1450-1700 A.D. in a village called Suaipui in Mizoram.
9. Who wrote the Novel ‘Pather Dabi’in Bengali?
[A] Saratchandra Chattopadhay
[B] Kazi Nazrul Islam
[C] Bankimchandra
[D] Rabindranath Tagore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Saratchandra Chattopadhay]
Notes:
Saratchandra Chattopadhay wrote the Novel ‘Pather Dabi’in Bengal. It was banned by the British because it was a rebellious book which stirred anger in the hearts of Indian people for the British.
10. Which of the following is not a feature of Gandhara School of Art? (UPSC Prelims 1989)
[A] It was patronized by Sakas and Kushanas
[B] It has Indian and Greek influence
[C] It resulted in the origination of Hinayanism
[D] It portrayed human figures exactly
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [It resulted in the origination of Hinayanism]
Notes:
1. In this school of art the life size statues of Gautama Buddha were carved. Until then, the Buddhist existence was shown in the form of symbols like lotus, umbrella etc.
2. While carving the statues utmost care was given to the symmetry of the body including the muscles and moustaches which were shown in a natural setting.
3. In the specimens of the craftsmanship of this art-the folds and turns of the clothes were exhibited with minute care and skill.
4. In this art the ornaments that were carved on the statues received much attention which added to the physical beauty of the statue.
5. Polishing the statues is an important feature of this art.
6. The specimens were mostly prepared in stone, terracotta and clay.
7. The technique used in making the statues was Greek but, the idea, inspiration and personality all were Indian.