1. Who among the following was propounder of the Madhyamika Philosophy?
[A] Bhadrabahu
[B] Parshwanath
[C] Sheelbhadra
[D] Nagarjuna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Nagarjuna ]
Notes:
Nagarjuna (ca. 2nd or 3rd century) was a patriarch of Mahayana and the founder of Madhyamika School.
2. Which among the following ancient authors has complained of the drain of gold to India (due to trade hegemony of ancient India)?
[A] Ptolemy
[B] Nero
[C] Strabo
[D] Pliny
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pliny]
Notes:
The lamentation of the Roman writer Pliny in the 1st century A.D refers to heavy drain of Gold from Roman into India in payment of her imports from India. He writes that the drain of Gold is in return for unproductive luxuries. The Roman gold and silver were steadily drained into South India in exchange not only for spices, but also muslin, silk and other costly luxuries.
3. Which among the following is known as the earliest example of Panchayatana style of temple?
[A] Dashavatara temple at Deogarh
[B] Temple at Pathari
[C] Shatrughneshwara temple at Bhubaneshwar
[D] Lakshmana temple at Sirpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dashavatara temple at Deogarh]
Notes:
The Dashavatara Temple or Vishnu Temple also called Gupta temple at Deogarh. It was built in the Gupta Period (320 to c. 600 AD ). Archaeologists have inferred that it is the earliest known Panchayatana temple in North India. A hindu temple is a Panchayatana one when the main shrine is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines.
4. Which among the following statements about Devadasis is not true?
[A] According to Paes, Devadasis held a highly esteemed position in Vijayanagar society.
[B] The Devadasi system originated solely during the Vijayanagar era.
[C] Devadasi implies that the girls were married to deities.
[D] All the above statements are true.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [The Devadasi system originated solely during the Vijayanagar era.]
Notes:
The Devadasi system, which involves dedicating girls to a deity, predates the Vijayanagar era. This tradition, prevalent in South India, had Devadasis performing music and dance in temples. While their status varied over time, foreign travelers like Paes and Nuniz noted Devadasis’ respected position in Vijayanagar society.
5. 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.
6. Which among the following is the main feature of Dravida Style of Temple architecture?
[A] Gopuram
[B] Garbha Griha
[C] Vimana & Shikhara
[D] Manastambha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vimana & Shikhara]
Notes:
Vimana and Shikara are the man features of Dravida style of temple architecture. Unlike the nagara temple, the dravida temple is enclosed within a compound wall. The vimana is like a stepped pyramid that rise up geometrically rather than the curving shikhara of north India.
7. Consider the following matches:
- Khudabaksh Oriental Library
- Library of Tibetan Works and Archives
- Indira Gandhi Rastriya Manav sangrahalaya
The states in which the above are located are as follows:
[A] Bihar, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh
[B] Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
[C] Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
[D] Bihar, Sikkim, Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
Khudabaksh Oriental Library – Patna,
Library of Tibetan Works and Archives-Dharamsala,
Indira Gandhi Rastriya Manav sangrahalaya – Bhopal
8. 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.
9. Which among the following states leads in Handloom and Handicrafts clusters in India?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Odisha
[D] West Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
The correct answer is Uttar Pradesh. It is the leading state in India for handloom and handicrafts, with a rich tradition of weaving and craftsmanship. Uttar Pradesh is known for its intricate Banarasi sarees, which are made in Varanasi, and its vibrant carpet industry in Bhadohi. The state has over 1.5 million artisans engaged in various handicraft sectors, making it a important hub for traditional crafts in India.
10. Which of the following is indicated by the oval ring around the original figure of Shiva Nataraja?
[A] Universe
[B] Cosmic Fire
[C] Cycle of birth and death
[D] Cosmic rhythm
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Cosmic Fire]
Notes:
There is an oval ring around the original figure of Shiva Nataraja. It represents the cosmic fire he uses to destroy the universe as part of the cycle of destruction and creation. Each flame has three points. In the eleventh and twelfth centuries, a round circle of fire with flames of five points became typical for the Shiva Nataraja image.
