1. Which among the following Mudra is the gesture of Buddha as depicted in his first sermon?
[A] Abhaya Mudra
[B] Dhyana Mudra
[C] Dharmachakra Mudra
[D] Bhumisparsa Mudra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ Dharmachakra Mudra ]
Notes:
The sermon Buddha gave to the five monks was his first sermon, called the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. The Seated Buddha from Gandhara is an early statue of the Buddha made in Gandhara, in modern Pakistan, in the 2nd or 3rd century The pose, which was to become one of a number of standard ones, shows Buddha as a teacher setting the wheel of Dharma in motion (Dharmachakra Mudra). Buddha did this following his enlightenment and after delivering his first sermon at the deer park at Sarnath near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
2. Adya Dhara niradhara, niralamba Saraswati, thus lamented a poet at the demise of which among the following Kings?
[A] Chahmana Visaladeva
[B] Chandela Kirtivarma
[C] Mihira Bhoja
[D] Bhoja Paramara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Bhoja Paramara]
Notes:
Raja Bhoja Of Dhar was a philosopher king and polymath of medieval India. He was from the Paramara dynasty of Arya, who ruled the kingdom of Malwa in Centra India from about 1010 to 1060. On his demise, a poet lamented “Adya Dhara niradhara, niralamba Saraswati Panditah khanditah sarve Bhojraje divam gate”. This means that Saraswati is now helpless, ll learned people have scattered, because the support of Dhara (Kingdom) Raja Bhoj has gone”.
3. Four Noble Truths are one of the most fundamental truths of which of the following religion?
[A] Jainism
[B] Buddhism
[C] Islam
[D] Hinduism
Show Answer
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)
4. 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.
5. In which region Hemis Gompa is located in India?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Ladakh
[C] Gwalior
[D] Nagpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ladakh]
Notes:
Hemis Gompa located in the Ladakh Region and is in the tentative list of World Heritage Sites.Hemis gompa is believed to have been established in 1630 by Lama Tagstang Raspa
6. Nipponzon Myohoji Buddhist temple or commonly called Peace Pagoda or Shanti Stupa was established by who among the following?
[A] Fuji Guru
[B] Ashoka
[C] King Devanampiyatissa
[D] Mahatma Gandhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Fuji Guru]
Notes:
Fujii was greatly inspired by his meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in 1931 and decided to devote his life to promoting non-violence.
7. Which among the following sub-school of Vedanta is followed by ISCON?
[A] Shuddhādvaita
[B] Achintya Bhedābheda
[C] Purnādvaita or Integral Advaita
[D] Modern Vedānta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Achintya Bhedābheda]
Notes:
The correct answer is Achintya Bhedābheda. This sub-school of Vedanta, founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the 16th century, emphasizes the simultaneous oneness and difference between the individual soul (jiva) and the Supreme (Brahman). ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) follows this philosophy, promoting devotion (bhakti) to Lord Krishna while acknowledging the unique relationship between the divine and the individual. This approach is distinct from other Vedantic schools, which may emphasize either non-dualism or dualism more strictly.
8. The establishment of Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) enshrines which among the following objectives ?
[A] Protection from Pollution
[B] Tourism Development
[C] Economy Hub
[D] Transportation facilities
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Protection from Pollution]
Notes:
Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) covers an area of 10,400 sq km around the Taj Mahal. Its objective is to protect the monument from pollution.
9. The only Dravidian language that is spoken entirely outside India is ___:
[A] Tulu
[B] Kurukh
[C] Brahui
[D] Gondi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Brahui]
Notes:
The only Dravidian language spoken entirely outside of India is Brahui. Brahui is spoken by over 2 million people, mostly in the Pakistani province of Balochistan. Smaller groups of Brahui speakers are also found in Afghanistan, Irani Balochistan, and the Marw oasis in Turkmenistan.
10. Consider the following statements regarding the Chakiarkoothu form of dance:
- It is performed by Chakiar caste.
- It cannot be traditionally witnessed by the higher caste Hindus.
- Mizhavu is the accompanying instrument.
- Its theatre form is called koothambalam.
Which of these statements are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2000)
[A] Only 1, 3 and 4
[B] 1, 2 and 3
[C] 2, 3 and 4
[D] 1, 2 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 and 4]
Notes:
Chakiarkoothu is the renowned folk dance of Kerala, related to which statements 1, 2 and 4 are accurate. This dance form, believed to have been introduced to Kerala by early Aryan immigrants, is performed only by the members of the Chakiar caste. Traditional observation by higher caste Hindus is non-existent. Its theatre form is named koothambalam.
