1. Akshardham temple, which is situated in Delhi, is revered for which Hindu deity?
[A] Swaminarayan
[B] Shiva
[C] Krishna
[D] Ganesh
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Correct Answer: A [Swaminarayan]
Notes:
The temple is located near the banks of the Yamuna River. The temple was opened to the general public on 6th November 2005. It holds the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple.
2. 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
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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.
3. 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
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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.
4. Who among the following was known as Bengal’s Greata Garbo?
[A] Suchitra Sen
[B] Amaravati
[C] Kanan Devi
[D] Bharathi Shirodkor
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Correct Answer: A [Suchitra Sen]
Notes:
Legendary actress Suchitra Sen was popularly known as Bengal’s Greata Garbo. Sen began her career with the Bengali film “Shesh Kothay” in 1952. She is well known for her role in Devdas and Aandhi. She died at the age of 82.
5. Four Noble Truths are one of the most fundamental truths of which of the following religion?
[A] Jainism
[B] Buddhism
[C] Islam
[D] Hinduism
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Correct Answer: B [Buddhism]
Notes:
There are four noble truths of Buddhism:a. The world is full of sorrowb. Desire is the cause of sorrowc. If desire is conquered all sorrow is won overd. Desire can be conquered by following eight fold paths (Ashtangirka Marg)
6. Which state is famous for Lavi Fair?
[A] Gujarath
[B] Punjab
[C] Orissa
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The Lavi Fair is primarily held in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the town of Rampur Bushahr. This fair, celebrated in November, has historical significance as it dates back to the 16th century and is associated with trade and cultural exchange. It attracts traders and visitors from various regions, showcasing local handicrafts, traditional foods, and folk performances. The fair is a vibrant reflection of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
7. Navalinga Temples, the nine temples cluster of the 9th century built by the Amoghavarsha I of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty was located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Maharastra
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Correct Answer: C [Karnataka]
Notes:
The Navalinga temple cluster is located in Kukkanur town of Karnataka. This 9th century complex was built during the reign of King Amoghavarsha I or his son Krishna II of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty. They are build in Dravidian style.
8. 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.
9. The motif of ‘Hampi with Chariot’ is printed on the reverse of which currency notes?
[A] One Rupee Note
[B] Rs. 500 note
[C] Rs. 1000 note
[D] Rs. 50 note
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rs. 50 note]
Notes:
The new 50 rupees banknote from India is in a bright turquoise colour. On the obverse side of the Rs.50 note is a portrait of Mahatmi Gandhi, India’s independence movement leader. On the reverse side of the ₹50 bill is an image of the stone chariot in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi.
10. Which of the following was advocated by Ramanujacharya? (UPSC Prelims 1984)
[A] Dvaita
[B] Advaita
[C] Bhakti cult
[D] Vaishnavism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bhakti cult]
Notes:
Sri Ramanujacharya is one of the greatest philosopher lighted the path of equality, bhakti & world peace. Ramanujacharya’s school of thought is called Monoism, which in Hindu religion translates into Vishishtadvaita Vedanta. Upnishadas formed the basis of his philosophy. They are also known as Vedantas, forming the concluding parts of the Vedas.