1. Which of the following statements is incorrect about the Lingayatism?
[A] It was founded by the 12th-century philosopher and statesman Basava
[B] It is a distinct Shaivite religious tradition in India
[C] Lingayat thinkers rejected the custodial hold of Brahmins over the Vedas and the shastras
[D] Contemporary Lingayatism is influential in North India, especially in the state of Jammu & Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Contemporary Lingayatism is influential in North India, especially in the state of Jammu & Kashmir]
Notes:
Fourth statement is incorrect because Contemporary Lingayatism is influential in South India, especially in the state of Karnataka.
2. Dr M Balmuralikrishna was a renowned artist of ______?
[A] Hindustani Vocal
[B] Carnatic Vocal
[C] Dhrupad Style
[D] Carnatic Instrumental
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Carnatic Vocal]
Notes:
Dr M Balmuralikrishna was a famous Carnatic vocalist. He belongs to Tamil Nadu. He died in 2016.
3. At which of the following places, the only Swaminarayan temple is located in Pakistan?
[A] Islamabad
[B] Lahore
[C] Karachi
[D] Islamabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Karachi]
Notes:
The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Karachi is a Hindu temple that is the only Swaminarayan temple in Pakistan. Karachi is the capital of Sindh province of Pakistan.
4. Consider the following:
- Ellora Caves
- Mahabalipuram Caves
- Khajuraho Temple
Which among the following is the correct set of dynasties to which the above three are ascribed to?
[A] Rastrakuta, Pallava, Chandella
[B] Rastrakuta, Chola, Chandella
[C] Saatvahana, Pallava, Chandella
[D] Saatvahana, Chola, Chandella
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Rastrakuta, Pallava, Chandella]
Notes:
- Ellora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. It is associated with Rashtrakuta.
- The Cave Temples of Mahabalipuram are part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, less well-known than the ratha temples. It is associated with Chola.
- The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu temples and Jain temples in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh. It is associated with Chandelas.
5. Which of the following films is India’s first talkie film?
[A] Alam Ara
[B] Pundlik
[C] Raja Harishchandra
[D] Nal Damayanti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Alam Ara]
Notes:
India’s first talkie film was Alam Ara which was release in 1931 and produced by Imperial Film Company. Ardeshir Irani directed this film. It was the first Indian sound film.The film was houseful for the next 8 weeks of its release. It was advertised with the tagline “All living. Breathing. 100 per cent talking”.
6. The Muslims march seven times round the Kaaba as path of their Haj pilgrimage .At which of the following places they march? (UPSC Prelims 1980).
[A] Riyadh
[B] Mecca
[C] Rabat
[D] Jeddah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mecca]
Notes:
The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the holiest city of Muslims. It is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and can support their family during their absence.
7. Which of the following was the 23rd trithankar?
[A] Abinandan Nath
[B] Suvidhinatha
[C] Arishtnemi
[D] Parshavanath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Parshavanath]
Notes:
The term ‘Trithankhar’ is associated with the Jain religion. Parshavanath was the twenty-third Jain trithankar. There are in total twenty-four trithankar in Jain religion who propagated the Jain philosophy from time to time.
8. In how many forms is Hindu religiosity mentioned?
[A] Four
[B] Five
[C] Six
[D] Three
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Four]
Notes:
The four forms of Hindu religiosity are : karma-marga(action), jnana-marga (wisdom or knowledge), bhakti-marga(devotion), and virya-marga( valour).
9. Which of the following was founded by Brihaspati?
[A] Mimansa school of Hindu philosophy
[B] Sankhya school of Hindu philosophy
[C] Vedantism
[D] Charvaka philosophy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Charvaka philosophy]
Notes:
Brihaspati is regarded as the founder of Charvaka or Lokayata philosophy.
10. Sarhool festival is mainly associated with the tribal community of which of the following state?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Odisha
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
Sarhul is the festival of the New Year celebrated in the state of Jharkhand by the tribal communities as part of the local Sarna religion. It is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra, three days after the appearance of the new moon. It is also a celebration of the beginning of spring. It is celebrated by the Oraon, the Munda and the Ho tribes.
