1. Which among the following is the most famous Bronze Image of Chola Period?
[A] Murugan
[B] Nataraja
[C] Venkateshwar
[D] Vishunu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nataraja]
Notes:
Chola art: The most famous of all the bronze icons is that of Nataraja, the Divine Dancer. The symbolism presents Siva as lord of the cosmic dance of creation and destruction.
2. The famous World Heritage Site “Basilica of Bom Jesus” is located in which among the following places in India?
[A] Pondichery
[B] Mahe
[C] Daman
[D] Goa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Goa]
Notes:
The Basilica of Bom Jesus holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier and is a Roman Catholic basilica located in Goa. It is a part of the Churches and convents of Goa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Who among the following professed Suddhadvaita philosophy?
[A] Swami Krishnananda
[B] Ramanada
[C] Vallabha Acharya
[D] Guru Jambheshwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vallabha Acharya]
Notes:
Shuddadvaita philosophy is given by Vallabhacharya (1479-1531 CE). It is the “purely non-dual” philosophy. Vallabhacharya is founding philosopher and guru of the Vallabha sampradaya, a Hindu Vaishnava tradition focused on the worship of Krishna.
4. At which of the following places a Farm Radio was established as a Joint venture between All India Radio and UNESCO in 1956 for the purpose of broadcasting programmes related to agriculture?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Nagpur
[C] Hyderabad
[D] Pune
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pune]
Notes:
The correct answer is Pune. In 1956, a Farm Radio was established in Pune as a joint venture between All India Radio and UNESCO. This initiative aimed to disseminate agricultural knowledge and practices to farmers, enhancing rural development. Pune was chosen due to its proximity to agricultural research institutions, making it an ideal location for such educational broadcasts.
5. 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.
6. In the Indian mythology, who sung Shiva Tandava Stotra?
[A] Ravana
[B] Rama
[C] Kuber
[D] Vibhishana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ravana]
Notes:
Shiva Tandava Stotra is sung by Ravana in Ramayana. It is a Sanskrit sloka. Ravana is king of Lanka.
7. In which of the following Central Asian countries, the “Sharq Taronalari” film festival is held biennially, in which many Indian artists also take part?
[A] Kazakhstan
[B] Uzbekistan
[C] Kyrgyzstan
[D] Tajikistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Uzbekistan]
Notes:
The “Sharq Taronalari” film festival is held biennially in Uzbekistan, specifically in the city of Samarkand. Established in 1997, it aims to promote cultural exchange and showcase films from various countries, including important participation from Indian artists. Uzbekistan has a rich cinematic history and is known for its contributions to the arts, making it a fitting host for such an international event.
8. Who among the following was the disciple of Vallabhacharya?
[A] Surdas
[B] Dhanna
[C] Raidas
[D] Kabir Das
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Surdas]
Notes:
Saint Surdas ji was a 15th-century blind saint and an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, known for his devotional songs dedicated to Lord Krishna. He being a disciple of guru Vallabhacharya was a advocator of the Shuddhadvaita school of Vaishnavism (also known as Pushti Marg).
9. With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Pookalam’?
[A] It is a type of Indian tribal martial dance in the state of Manipur
[B] It is a type of type of flower Rangoli in the state of Kerala
[C] It is a type of musical instrument used in Carnatic music
[D] It is a type of painting famous in the state of Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [It is a type of type of flower Rangoli in the state of Kerala]
Notes:
Pookalam is a beautiful and intricate floral design or arrangement that is traditionally created during the festival of Onam in the Indian state of Kerala. Onam is one of the most significant festivals in Kerala and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and cultural fervor. Pookalam plays a central role in the festivities, and it is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the state.
10. Who among the following said “Truth is the ultimate reality and it is God” ?
[A] Radhakrishnan
[B] MK Gandhi
[C] Rabindra Nath Tagore
[D] Swamy Vivekananda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [MK Gandhi]
Notes:
Mahatma Gandhi has said that the truth is the ultimate reality and it is God. Gandhi’s conception of truth has obviously not the common meaning attributed to it for there were divine and philosophical dimensions to it.