Q.1 .The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site of the Palaeolithic period. It is located in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Jharkhand
Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site of the Palaeolithic, exhibiting the earliest traces of human life on the Indian Subcontinent. It is located in the Raisen District in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, near Abdullaganj town and inside the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary.
Q.2. Consider the following medicine types:
- Sowa-Rigpa
- Ayurveda
- Siddha
- Unani
Which of the above have legal recognition among Indian Systems of Medicine under the Department of AYUSH?
[A] Only 2 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
All the above got legal recognition among Indian Systems of Medicine under the Department of AYUSH.
Q.3. The Nathpanthis, Siddhacharas and Yogi advocated salvation through _?
[A] Meditation
[B] Knowledge
[C] Sacrifices
[D] Self-effort
Answer: A [ Meditation]
Notes:
The Nathpanthis, Siddhacharas and Yogi advocated salvation through meditation.
Q.4. Rekha Deula, Pidha Deula and Khakhara Deula types of temples are found in:
[A] Chola architecture
[B] Kalinga architecture
[C] Chalukya architecture
[D] Champa architecture
Answer: B [Kalinga architecture]
Notes:
Rekha Deula, Pidha Deula and Khakhara Deula types of temples are found in Kalinga architecture
Q.5. Which of the following emerged as the great apostles of the Bhakti cult?
- Ramananda
- Kabir
- Nanak
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Ramananda, Kabir, and Nanak emerged as the great apostles of the Bhakti cult in the 14th and 15th centuries. The followers of Bhakti cult were not linked with any particular religious creed and did not believe in rituals and ceremonies.
Q.6. In context with the Mahayana Buddhism faith, the future Buddha is _?
[A] Krakuchanda
[B] Amitabha
[C] Maitreya
[D] Kanak Muni
Answer: C [Maitreya]
Notes:
Maitreya is a future Buddha. . According to scriptures, Maitreya will be a successor of the historic Sakyamuni Buddha, who in the Buddhist tradition is to appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma.
Q.7. Consider the following:
- Thumri
- Tarana
- Melakarta
- Khyal
- Ghazal
Which of the above are styles of Hindustani classical music?
[A] 1, 2 and 4 Only
[B] 1, 3, 4 and 5 Only
[C] 1, 2, 4 and 5 Only
[D] 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: C [1, 2, 4 and 5 Only]
Notes:
Melakarta is a collection of fundamental ragas (musical scales) in Carnatic music (South Indian classical music).
Q.8. Identify the dance form with the help of given information:
- It started out as a ritual dance form in the latter part of Bhakti movement
- It is essentially dedicated to the love and devotion towards Lord Krishna
- The movements involved in this dance form are basically circular with number of leaps and jumps
- The dance form has been endowed with emotional content based on Sankaradeva’s Chinha-yatra and Ojapali Select the correct answer from options given below:
[A] Sattriya
[B] Mohiniyattam
[C] Chhau
[D] Yaksagana
Answer: A [ Sattriya]
Notes:
All given features are of Sattriya dance form
Q.9. Consider the following matches:
- Veedhi – Karnataka
- Thora – Punjab
- Tamasha – Maharashtra
- Rauf – Jammu & Kashmir
Which among the above is / are correct matches?
[A] Only 1, 2 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 3 & 4
[D] Only 3
Answer: C [Only 3 & 4]
Notes:
These are folk dances. Veedhi is of Andhra, Tamasha is of Maharastra, Rauf is of J & K and Thora is of Uttar Pradesh.
Q.10. Which of the following popularized the Chisti order in Bijapur?
[A] Miranji Shams al Ushshaq
[B] Kamaluddin Biyabani
[C] Shaikh Piyara
[D] Sayyid Yadullah
Answer: A [Miranji Shams al Ushshaq]
Notes:
The Chishti order took firm root in the Deccan because of Gesu Daraz’s presence in Gulbarga. Miranji Shams al Ushshaq who was the disciple of Kamaluddin Biyabani popularized the Chisti order in Bijapur.
Q.11. Which among the following is the hallmark feature of the Dravida style of temple architecture?
[A] Shikara
[B] Gopura
[C] Vimana
[D] Mandapa
Answer: C [Vimana]
Notes:
Vimana is a term for the tower above the Garbhagriha or Sanctum sanctorum in a Hindu temple in Dravidian style.
Q.12. Identify the Hindu temple architecture with the help of given information:
- The temple is always square in plan and surmounted by a pyramidal roof of one or more stories
- The temple contains pillared outdoor hall for public rituals
- Monumental tower, usually ornate, at the entrance, called Gopurams are the principal features of the temple
Select the correct answer from options given below:
[A] Nagara
[B] Dravidian
[C] Vesara
[D] Panchayatan
Answer: B [Dravidian]
Notes:
All given statements are features of Dravidian architecture.
Q.13. Consider the following languages:
- Kannada
- Malayalam
- Assamese Which of the above are recognized as classical languages of India?
[A] 1 & 2 Only
[B] 2 & 3 Only
[C] 1 & 3 Only
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Answer: A [ 1 & 2 Only]
Notes:
The classical languages of India are: Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Sanskrit, Odia & Telugu
Q.14. Consider the following matches:
- Patan Patola – Gujarat
- Channapatna toys – Karnataka
- Nachiarkoil brass lamp – Tamil Nadu
Which among the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Patan Patola “Patan Patola”, a double-sided saree from Gujarat. Channapatna toys The “Channapatna toys” are a particular form of wooden toys that are manufactured in Channapatna town in Karnataka state. The toys from this place are famous worldwide for their uniqueness. The traditional toys and dolls made of special wood in colours are protected as a geographical indication. Nachiarkoil brass lamp Traditional brass lamps from Nachiarkoil in Thanjavur district obtained the geographical indication (GI) tag. The traditional Nachiarkoil brass lamps are known as Nachiarkoil Kuthuvilakku. The production of the ornamental lamp is mainly done by local artisans who have domicile in and around Nachiarkoil, a town in Kumbakonam taluk. The craftsmanship is not found anywhere else. The lamps made for temples are artistically used in South India. The lamp usually consists of four parts—base (Keezhbagam), stem (kandam), oil container (Thanguli) and the apex or Prabhai. The Thanguli or oil container consists of V-shaped spouts to hold the wicks. These four parts are joined together with the help of screw threads. The lamps are suspended from the ceiling and richly decorated and always excellent in workmanship and design.
Q.15. Which of the following is considered as the founder of the Muslim kingdom of Gujarat?
[A] Muhammad bin Tughlaq
[B] Feroz Shah Tughlaq
[C] Zafar Khan
[D] Iltutmish
Answer: C [Zafar Khan]
Notes:
Zafar Khan who was later known as Muzaffar Shah I was appointed as the governor of Gujarat by Nasir-ud-Din Muhammad bin Tughluq IV. Zafar Khan founded of the Muslim kingdom of Gujarat.
Q.16. Thaipusam festival is celebrated by which of the following communities?
[A] Tamil
[B] Telugu
[C] Marathi
[D] Malayalam
Answer: A [Tamil]
Notes:
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the month of January. It is mainly observe in countries where there is a significant presence of Tamil community such as India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, Thailand and Myanmar.
Q.17. Mohiniattam:
- is based on the legend of the Hindu mythological seductress Mohini, who tempted Shiva.
- is patterned on bharatanatyam with elements of kathakali
- uses Malayalam songs with Carnatak music
Select the correct statements from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Mohiniattam is one of the famous classical dances of India that developed and remained popular in the state of Kerala. Kathakali is another classical dance form of Kerala. Mohiniyattam dance gets its name from the word Mohini a mythical enchantress avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, who helps the good prevail over evil by developing her feminine powers.
Q.18.’Bhand Pather’ is the traditional folk theatre of which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Jammu and Kashmir
[D] Gujarat
Answer: C [Jammu and Kashmir]
Notes:
The Bhand Pather is not a monologue but a social drama which incorporates mythological legends and contemporary social satire. Bhands are the traditional folk entertainers and plays of the Bhands are called pather. It is predominantly practised in Jammu & Kashmir.
Q.19. Consider the following matches:
- Bohag Bihu – advent of the cropping season
- Bhogali Bihu – harvest festival
- Kongali Bihu – Assamese new year
Which among the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Answer: A [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
Assam has an exclusive range of colourful festivals. Bihu is the chief festival celebrated on three occasions. Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu marks the advent of the cropping season and it also ushers in the Assamese New Year. Bhogali Bihu or Magh Bihu is the harvest festival and Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu coming in autumn is a simple affair.
Q.20. What is the practice adopted by Hindus of engaging in lifelong monasticism in order to achieve Moksha at the last stage of their lives?
[A] Yoga
[B] Sanyasa
[C] Puja
[D] Sadhna
Answer: B [Sanyasa]
Notes:
There is a range of rituals and practice in Hinduism rituals such as puja (worship) and recitations (japa) and meditation (dhyana) to realize divine goals. During the last stage of their lives, some Hindus leave their social world and material possessions to engage in lifelong Sannyasa (monasticism) in order to achieve Moksha (salvation).
Q.21. After a defeat in prolonged debate on Vedic philosophies, who among the following is known to have become disciple of Adi Sankara and later became first head of Sringeri Mutt?
[A] Hastamalaka
[B] Totakacharya
[C] Padmapada
[D] Madana
Answer: D [Madana]
Notes:
Madana Misra was defeated in a debate by his contemporary ,Adi Shankara. He is said to have become a disciple of Adi Sankara. Maṇḍana Miśra’s wife was Ubhaya Bharati.
Q.22. Consider the following GI protected agricultural products of India and their respective states:
- Palakkadan Matta Rice – Kerala
- Kalanamak Rice – Madhya Pradesh
- Fazli Mango – Uttar Pradesh
Which among the above is / are correct matches:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Answer: A [ Only 1]
Notes:
The above three are GI protected farm products of India.
- Palakkadan Matta: The Palakkadan Matta is an indigenous variety of rice grown in Palakkad district of Kerala. It is described as a bold rice with distinct flavour.
2.Kalanamak Rice: Kalanamak, a non basmati scented rice variety grown primarily in the tarai region of Uttar Pradesh, is so named because its husk is black. The variety has raised much hope amongst Indian farmers and rice-exporters due to traits superior even to the most preferred basmati.
3.Fazli Mango: Fazli Mango is predominantly grown in Malda and neighboring districts of West Bengal.
Q.23. Consider the following pairs of fairs with states where they are celebrated:
- Surajkund – Haryana
- Hemis Gompa – Jammu & Kashmir
- Ambubasi – Assam Which of the above is/are correct?
[A] 1 & 2 Only
[B] 3 Only
[C] 2 & 3 Only
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
This Ambubasi fair is organized every year during monsoon in the Kamakhya temple at Guwahati. It is unique as it showcases the richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms and cultural fabric of India, & is the largest crafts fair in India. It is organised every year in Surajkund near Faridabad, Haryana.
Q.24. Consider the following statements about the Indian Harvest Festival. Which of the following is /are true regarding it?
- Gujarat celebrates the harvest season in the form of the convivial kite festival of Uttarayan.
- In Punjab, it is celebrated as Maghi.
- In Shimla, the start of harvest season is celebrated as Kicheri.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] 1,2,3
[B] 1 and 2 only
[C] 2 and 3 only
[D] 1 and 3 only
Answer: B [ 1 and 2 only ]
Notes:
In Assam and many parts of the North East, the festival of Magha Bihu is celebrated as the start of harvest season. Gujarat celebrates it in the form of the convivial kite festival of Uttarayan. In Shimla it is known as Magha Saaji. The festival is known as Kicheri in Uttar Pradesh and involves ritual bathing.
Q.25. How many vows do Jains take while practicing Jainism?
[A] Five
[B] Four
[C] Six
[D] Seven
Answer: A [Five]
Notes:
A practicing Jain takes five main vows while adhering to the core belief of Jain Dharma which include ahi?sa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (not stealing), brahmacharya (sexual continence), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness).