1. Who built a temple of Augustus at Muzris?
[A] Romans
[B] Cholas
[C] Pandyas
[D] Cheras
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Romans ]
Notes:
Muzris was an ancient port city in what is now the modern state of Kerala. It was an important trading center in antiquity. There are indications that there may have been a temple dedicated to the Roman emperor Augustus built at Muzris during his reign, reflecting the trade connections between Rome and southern India at that time. However, the exact details and nature of this temple are not well attested in the available historical sources.
2. The temples at Belur, Halebidu and Somnathpura are supreme examples of which among the following types of Temple Architecture?
[A] Nagara
[B] Dravida
[C] Gadag
[D] Vesara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vesara]
Notes:
The architecture of the temples at Belur, Halebidu, and Somanathpura epitomizes the Vesara style of Temple Architecture. This style is a unique blend of two major architectural styles – Nagara, native to North India, and Dravida, native to South India. The Vesara style is thus considered a hybrid form, authentic to regions where the influence of these two styles intersect, showing a confluence of northern and southern architectural traditions. This fusion style notably exhibits intricate detailing and complex designs, reflecting the sophisticated craftsmanship of the era.
3. 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.
4. Aihole is called the cradle of Indian temple architecture. Which among the following dynasty is related to the construction of magnificent temples in Aihole?
[A] Chalukya
[B] Chola
[C] Chera
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chalukya]
Notes:
The Aihole temples were built in the late 7th century by the dynasty of the Chalukyas. It is the largest of a group of over 120 temples at Aihole. The architecture of the temple is predominantly Dravida with Nagara style also is used in certain areas.
5. Ramanuja taught in which of the following temples?
[A] Madurai
[B] Mamallapuram
[C] Srirangam
[D] Tirumala
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Correct Answer: C [Srirangam]
Notes:
Ramanuja was an Indian theologian, philosopher, and one of the most important exponents of the Sri Vaishnavism tradition within Hinduism. His philosophical foundations for devotionalism were influential to the Bhakti movement.
6. 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.
7. Which period is regarded as the Golden age of Telugu literature?
[A] Satavahana rule
[B] Eastern Chalukyan rule
[C] Vijayanagara rule
[D] Kakatiya rule
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vijayanagara rule]
Notes:
The period of Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1565) is regarded as the Golden age of Telugu literature.
8. Kashful Mahjub, the celebrated manual of Sufism was written by whom ?
[A] Khwaja Al Hujuiri
[B] Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti
[C] Khawaja Bahauddin Zakariya
[D] Shaikh Nasiruddin Mahmud
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Khwaja Al Hujuiri]
Notes:
The 11th century Sufi saint, Khwaja Al Hujuiri ( also known as Data Ganj Baksh) was the author of the celebrated manual on Sufism entitled “Kashful Mahjub”.
9. With reference to Indian culture, what is Nabakalebara?
[A] An annual Hindu festival held in the Padmanabhaswamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram
[B] A festival observed in the Jagannath Temple at Puri.
[C] A festival held on the occasion of Makar Sankranti at Sagardwip Island near Kolkata.
[D] A festival observed once in six years at Ganga Ghats, of Varanasi.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A festival observed in the Jagannath Temple at Puri.]
Notes:
Nabakalebara is a festival observed in the Shree Jagannath Temple at Puri. It marks a symbolic recreation of wooden forms of the four deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshana at Jagannath temple. The occasion occurs every 12th or 19th year of the previous Nabakalebara. The event was in news because Department of Economic Affairs says that coins minted in July 2015, have Lord Jagannath”s depiction incorrect, and calls for more designs.
10. In which of the following paintings, artists use distinct symbols like fish to represent good luck and serpents as symbol for protection against illness, accidents and evil forces?
[A] Patachitra
[B] Kangra
[C] Madhubani
[D] Phad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Madhubani]
Notes:
Madhubani painting is practiced in the Mithila state of Nepal and in the Bihar state of India. The artists of these paintings use distinct symbols like fish to represent good luck and serpents as symbol for protection against illness, accidents and evil forces.
