Art and Culture

Ans: c

Exp:

Bhasa — one of the earliest Indian playwrights — straddles between two worlds in his celebrated work, Madhyama Vyayoga . He is within the epic and outside of it. Bhasa picks characters from the epic Mahabharatha – Ghatotkacha, Bhima and Hidimba, and weaves it with the story of a Brahmin, taken from a Vedic text. In doing so, Bhasa is creatively liberated from the epic, as also from the Vedic text. This conjunction also makes it possible for Bhasa to gain an interpretive freedom: he thereby bestows upon these epic figures, a new dimension. Ghatokacha is not a cruel demon and Brahmin hater as he is in the epic, Hidimba is no mere mountain of strength and a brutal demoness, and Bhima is not all show of strength

Ans: b

Exp: 

List of properties included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site ,2023 are: 

• Santiniketan, a town located in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, set up by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore on September 17, 2023 made it to the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Santiniketan which means ‘abode of peace’ started taking shape in 1901, and it was this place Tagore later put up the foundations of Visva Bharati University. 
• Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas: This serial property encompasses the three most representative examples of Hoysala-style temple complexes in southern India, dating from the 12th to 13th centuries. The shrines are characterized by hyper-real sculptures and stone carvings that cover the entire architectural surface, a circumambulatory platform, a large-scale sculptural gallery, a multi-tiered frieze, and sculptures of the Sala legend. This was included in UNESCO WHS list in 2023.

Other sites: 

• Rani-ki-Vav : on the banks of the Saraswati River, was initially built as a memorial to a king in the 11th century AD. Stepwells are a distinctive form of subterranean water resource and storage systems on the Indian subcontinent, and have been constructed since the 3rd millennium BC. It was included in UNESCO WHS list in 2014
• Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya: It is one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha, and particularly to the attainment of Enlightenment. The first temple was built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C., and the present temple dates from the 5th or 6th centuries. It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick, still standing in India, from the late Gupta period. It was included in UNESCO WHS list in 2002.

Ans: b

Exp: 

Statement 1 is not correct: A parable is a succinct, didactic story, in prose or verse, that illustrates one or more instructive lessons or principles. There are parables in the Upanishads such as  Yama – Nachiketa (Katha Upanishad).

Statement  2 is correct:   There are four Vedas: Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda and Yajur Veda. The Rig Veda is the oldest. The time period during which the Rig Veda is supposed to have been composed isfrom 1500 BCE to 1000 BCE. It has 10 mandalas or books. Some sections of the Rig Veda are older and some are later. For example, books I, VIII, IX and X are later than books II-VII. Sama, Yajur and Atharva Veda along with the Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads (1000-500 BCE) constitute Later Vedic literature. While the The itihasa-purana tradition was finally compiled in the form of the Puranas in the mid-first millennium CE (~). It recorded history to the extent that it represents a transition from embedded to externalised history. It has links to the bardic tradition where suta and Magadha were its earliest authors.

Ans: b

Exp:

Statement 1 is not correct: The practice of preserving the remains of an important personality below accumulated earth was long in existence. Buddhist
art adopted this practice and the structure built over such a site was known as Stupa. Hence, the concept of Stupa was not Buddhist in origin.

Statement 2 is correct: According to Buddhist sources, the remains of the Buddha’s body were divided into eight parts and placed under the Stupas.
These during the time of Asoka, were dug out and redistributed which led to the construction of other Stupas – the sacred places of Buddhism.

Statement 3 is correct: Stupas serve both votive and commemorative functions, often constructed as acts of reverence and offerings to the Buddha or other enlightened figures. Additionally, they are built to honor important events, individuals, or historical locations.

Ans: d

Exp:

Vatakkiruttal, also known as Vadakiruthal or Vadakiruttal, was particularly prevalent during the Sangam period. Tamil Kings, in a bid to uphold their honor and prestige, were willing to face death by fasting, a practice known as “Vatakkiruttal.”

Ans: b

Exp:

Option (b) is correct:
Pair 1 is not correct: Vishakhadatta was a great Sanskrit poet and playwright of Gupta age. Vishakhadatta was the author of Mudrarakshasa and Devichandraguptam. The focus of Devichandraguptam revolves around an event that occurs during the rule of King Ramagupta of the Gupta dynasty.

Pair 2 is correct: Nayacandra Suri, was a Svetambara Jain monk. He lived in the 15th century and is known as the author of a historical large poem, the Hammiramahakavya.

Pair 3 is not correct: Milind-panha is a Buddhist text, written by Nagasena. It involves a conversation discussing various philosophical matters between King Milinda and the monk Nagasena.

Pair 4 is correct: Somadeva Suri, a Jain monk from South India in the 10th century CE, authored the Nitivakyamrtam, known as the “Nectar of the Science of Polity,” which is a treatise on statecraft.

Ans: b

Exp:

Pair 1 is not correctly matched: As Besnagar is not known for being a Shaivite Cave Shrine, rather it is known for Garuda Pillar dedicated to lord Vasudeva by Heliodorus, who came as an envoy of an Indo-Greek ruler Antialkidas in the court of Bhagabhadra. Heliodorus followed Vaishnava Sect.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: As Buddhist caves are in abundance in the western ghats. The Bhaja Caves, also referred to as the Bhaje Caves, comprise a collection of 22 rock-cut caves constructed around the 2nd century BC. Situated in the Pune district, near Lonavala, Maharashtra, these caves hold historical significance. These caves belong to Hinayana Buddhism.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: As Sittanavasal is a small village in Pudukottai district of Tamil Nadu, it was a major centre of Jain influence for 1,000 years just before the Christian era.

2022

Question 1

Consider the following pairs:

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair

(b) Only two pairs

(c) Only three pairs

(d) All four pairs

Explanation

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Ashoka’s Rock Edicts and Inscription

Pair 1 is correct: Dhauli Rock edict is located in dhauli hills, close to 10 kms from Bhubaneswar  in  Odisha.  The  edicts  are engraved on a large piece of rock, written in Pali. The rock edict is located near the historical site of the Kalinga war which is said to transform Samrat Ashok.

Pair 2 is correct: Erragudi or Yerragudi rock edict is located in Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh. The inscriptions were one of the important treasures of Mouryan king Ashoka (269-231 BCE) falling under major and minor rock inscriptions.

Pair 3 is incorrect: Jaugada is situated on the northern bank of Rushikulya river, Ganjam district, Odisha. It was part of the ancient kingdom of Kalinga as suggested by separate rock edicts 1 and 2.

Pair 4 is incorrect: Kalsi is a small town located in between Chakrata and Dehradun on the banks of Yamuna River in Uttarakhand. The site of Ashoka’s inscriptions at Kalsi is singularly unique as it is the only place in North India where the great Mauryan emperor has inscribed the set of the 14 rock edicts. Ashoka inscribed a rock edict here to preach the principle of Dhamma to maximum people.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Temple Architecture

Statement 1 is correct: Somnath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for the Hindus. They believe it to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is located in Prabhas Patan, Veraval in Gujarat, India.

Statement 2 is correct: A description of the temple by Al-Biruni, an Arab traveller, was so glowing that it prompted a visit in 1024 by Mahmud of Ghazni.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The contemporary Somnath temple’s reconstruction was started under the orders of the first Home Minister of India Vallabhbhai Patel and completed in May 1951 after his death. Then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, did the Pran-Pratistha at the existing temple on 11 May 1951.

Somnath Temple:

• The Somnath temple, also called Somanātha temple or Deo Patan, is located in Prabhas Patan, Veraval in Gujarat, India.
• One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for the Hindus, they believe it to be the first among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.
• It was reconstructed several times in the past after repeated destruction by several Muslim invaders and rulers.
• A description of the temple by Al-Biruni, an Arab traveller, was so glowing that it prompted a visit in 1024 by Mahmud of Ghazni.
• After India’s independence, those ruins were demolished and the present Somnath temple was reconstructed in the Māru- Gurjara style of Hindu temple architecture.
• The contemporary Somnath temple’s reconstruction was started under the orders of the first Home Minister of India Vallabhbhai Patel and completed in May 1951 after his death.
• Then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, did the Pran-Pratistha at the existing temple on 11 May 1951.
• Presently the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi is the chairman of Shree Somnath Mandir trust.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Sangam Literature

Option (b) is correct: Sangam literature does make references to the social classification of Varna, which was a system of social classification in ancient India based on occupation and birth.

Sangam Literature:

• Sangam Literature provides valuable details about the Sangam society and polity.
• The social classification of varna was known to Sangam poets.
• There is mention of the Arashar (kings), Vaishiyar (traders), and Velalar (farmers).
• Tamil Epics: The two epics Silappathikaram is written by Elango Adigal and Manimegalai by Sittalai Sattanar.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Mughal Literature/Translation work under Mughals

Option (a) is correct: The “Yoga Vasistha” was translated into Persian by Nizamuddin Panipati during the reign of Akbar.

• Akbar had commissioned the translation of many Sanskrit works into the Persian
• A Maktab Khana (translation bureau) was also established at Fatehpur Sikri for this
• The Mahabharata, Ramayana, Lilavati, and Yogavashisht were some of the important Sanskrit works that were translated during his reign.
• Nizamuddin Panipati  translated Yogavasistha (a treatise on Vedantic philosophy) in the late 16th century.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Jain and Buddhist Literature/Text

• Buddhist Literature/Texts: The earliest Buddhist works were written in Pali, which was spoken in Magadha and South Bihar. The Buddhist works can be divided into the canonical and non-canonical texts. Canonical texts are believed to be the actual words of the Buddha. Canonical texts are books which lay down the basic tenets and principles of Buddhism such as the Tripitakas. Non-canonical texts or semi-canonical texts are commentaries and observations on canonical texts, quotes, definitions, historical information, grammars and other writings in Pali, Tibetian, Chinese and other East Asian
• Jain Literature/Text: The sacred books of the Jainas are collectively known as the Siddhanta or Agama. Both the Shvetambara and Digambara schools accept and give prime importance to the Angas. Agamas is a term used for Jaina canonical It includes: 14 Purvas; 12 Angas; 12 Upangas; 10 Prakirnas; 6 Cheda Sutras; 4 Mala Sutras; Niryuktis; Kalpasutra; Acharang Sutras; Nandi Sutra; Anuyogadvara.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Netti Pakarana is a Buddhist scripture containing methods that were taught by the Buddha’s disciple Kaccana as approved by the Buddha and that it was recited at the First Buddhist Council.

Statement 2 is correct: The Parishishta Parvan (12th century) by Hemachandra gives a history of the earliest Jaina teachers and also mentions certain details of political history.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Avadana literature (Avadana means ‘Legends’) is a type of Buddhist literature correlating past lives’ virtuous deeds to subsequent lives’ events.

Statement 4 is correct: Trishashthilkshana Mahapurana is a major Jain text composed largely by Acharya Jinasena during the rule of Rashtrakutas.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Scholars and Thinkers of Ancient India

Pair 1 is incorrect: A ryadeva was a Mahayana Buddhist monk, a disciple of Nagarjuna and a Madhyamaka philosopher. After Nagarjuna, he is considered to be the next most important figure of the Indian Madhyamaka school. His writings are important sources of Madhyamaka in both East Asian Buddhism and in Tibetan Buddhism. A ryadeva is also known as Kanadeva, recognized as the 15th patriarch in Chan Buddhism and some Sinhalese sources also mention an elder (thera) called Deva which may also be the same person. He is known for his association with the Nalanda monastery in modern-day Bihar, India.

Pair 2 is correct: Dignāga, Buddhist logician and         author  of  the  Pramāṇasamuccaya (“Compendium       of      the Means   of  True Knowledge”), a work that laid the foundations of Buddhist logic. Dignāga gave a new definition of “perception”: knowledge that is free from all conceptual constructions, including name and class concepts. Dignāga’s tradition was further developed in the 7th century by Dharmakīrti.

Pair 3 correct:  Sri  Ranganathamuni, popularly known as Sriman Nathamuni (823 CE–951 CE), was a Vaishnava theologian who collected and compiled the Nalayira Divya Prabandham. Considered the first of Sri Vaishnava āchāryās, Nathamuni is also the author of Yogarahasya, and Nyāyatattva.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Ancient Architecture/Sculpture/ Ajanta Cave

Option (a) is correct: The famous Buddhist site of Ajanta lies in the Sahyadri hills by the gorge of the Waghora river.

Option (b) is incorrect: Sanchi lies to the west of the Betwa river. Madhya Pradesh’s Sanchi Stupa built by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Option (c) is incorrect: Pandu-Lena cave shrines also known as Nasik Caves are located at Gomai river, about 6 kilometres north of Shahada, Maharashtra.

Option (d) is incorrect: Amaravati stupa lies in the gorge of the Krishna river. It is the largest one in the state of Andhra Pradesh, with a diameter of about 50 metres and a height of about 27 metres.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Ancient Indian Temple Architecture

Statement 1 is correct: The Chausath Yogini temple is in Morena district in Madhya Pradesh. According to an inscription dated 1323 CE, this temple was built by Kachachapaghata king Devapala (1055-1075).

Statement 2 is incorrect: The temple with a circular design pattern is situated on top of a small hill. It is not the only circular temple in India.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Originally 64 yoginis were placed in 64 subsidiary shrines around the central shrine of Maha Shakti. Today Shiva linga have taken their place in shrines. The central shrine also holds a Shivalinga. Statement 4 is correct: This temple’s circular design has given rise to the popular idea that the Indian parliament’s design was taken from here.

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Tribal Culture

Option (d) is correct: Halbi, Ho, and Kui are the tribal languages. Halbi is an Eastern Indo-Aryan language, Kui is a South-Eastern Dravidian language spoken by the Kandhas and Ho language is spoken by tribal communities of Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Assam.

• Halbi, Ho and Kui are languages spoken by tribes of India.

• Halbi is spoken in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It belongs to the group of Indo Aryan tribal languages.
• Ho and Kui are important Dravidian languages along with Kolami, Konda, Koya, Gondi, Kudukh, Parji.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Buddhism

Option (c) is correct: Paramitas are qualities to be perfected in order to attain a state of self enlightened Universal Buddha (a samma sambuddha) a term prevalent in Eastern and Northern traditions.

• Paramitas are qualities to be perfected in order to attain a state of self enlightened Universal Buddha (a samma sambuddha) a term prevalent in Eastern and Northern
• These are similar to the 4th Noble truth to attain the state of Bodhisattva.
• Following are the Ten Paramitas: Generosity, Morality, Patience, Energy, Meditation, Wisdom, Skillful means, Resolution, Power, Knowledge.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Buddhism

• Statement 1 is incorrect: After the 2nd Buddhist council in Vaishali (Bihar), Buddhism got bifurcated into two factions- sthaviravada and mahasanghika. These two factions became the basis of Hinayana (The lesser vehicle) and Mahayana (The greater vehicle) respectively in future.
  • Hinayana followers stayed true to Buddha’s teaching, never practised idol worship and Mahayana followers started believing in the heavenliness of Buddha and idol worship in Buddhism began.
• Statement 2 is correct: Mahasanghika was further subdivided into lokottarvadin, kavya variks, kaukkitikas in coming years.
  • Lokottarvadin was based on the philosophy of lokottar buddha or supernatural
• Statement 3 is correct: The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghika fostered Mahayana Buddhism. They attributed divinity to Buddha and worship of Buddha in Statue form started which is still prevalent in modern days.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Places of historical importance

Pair 1 is correct: Bhilsa is the medieval name of the modern day Vidisha city of Madhya Pradesh. Vidisha was also known as Besnagar in ancient times. This city lies east of the Betwa river and was renamed Vidisha in 1956. King Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty served as the Governor of Vidisha during his father’s regime.

Pair 2 is incorrect: Dwarasamudra was the capital of the Hoysala kingdom in the 11th century. Today it is known as Halebidu – a town located in Hassan district in Karnataka. Pair 3 is correct: Girinagar also known as Girnar or Revatak Parvat is a group of mountains in the Junagadh district of Gujarat. Temples situated on Mount Girnar are sacred to both Digambar and Swetambars branches of Jainism.

Pair 4 is incorrect: Thanesar ( Thaneshwar) is an old Hindu pilgrimage town of Haryana that was famous as Sthanesvara in ancient times. Thaneshwar was ruled by the great King Harsha of the Vardhan dynasty.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Keywords of Ancient India/ Buddhism

• Pair 1 is correct: The Sanskrit word Parivrajaka means renunciant & wanderer in English. Ajita Keshkambalin, Makhkhali Goshala, Gauthama Buddha, and Vardhamana Mahavira are a few well-known examples for Parivrajaka.
• Pair 2 is incorrect: Brahmins were privileged as intermediaries between God and its followers, making them socially dominant groups of the society. There have been many movements that tried to distance themselves from this practice and belief. Shramanas were one such group.
  • Famous among them were Buddhists, Jains, lokayats, and Ajivikas. The Shramanas included a variety of ascetics, monks and lay followers of various sects.
  • They renounced worldly life to search for the truth about life and the universe. The main feature of Shramana was their equal treatment. They lived as an equal member of the order, without any caste
• Pair 3 is correct: Lay followers of Buddhism were known as Upsakas or Upasikas. This title is used for the followers of Buddhism who were not monks, nuns and took certain vows.

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Ancient Indian Temple Architecture

Option (d) is correct: A prominent aspect of the Vijayanagara kingdom’s temple construction was the construction of “Kalyana Mandapas.” Vijayanagara Architecture:

• In 1336  AD,  Harihara  and  Bukka established the Vijayanagar Empire.
• The chief  characteristics  of  the Vijayanagara architecture were:
  • The construction of tall gateways or Raya Gopurams,
  • The carved-pillared  Kalyana mandapam inside the temple grounds,
  • The Garbhagriha,
• The Amman shrine.
  • The horse was the most prevalent animal on the pillars where sculptures were
  • A prominent aspect of this kingdom’s temple construction was the construction of “Kalyana Mandapas.”

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Buddhism/Protest Religion

Option (d) is correct: All three statements are features of Mahayana Mahayana Buddhism  involves  the  deification  of  the Buddha, the path of the Bodhisattva, and the use of images and rituals in worship.

Mahayana Buddhism:

• Mahayana sect of Buddhism emerged during the Fourth Buddhist council held at Kashmir during the reign of Kanishka.
• Worship of images of Buddha and Bodhisattvas was a distinctive feature of this sect.
• A Bodhisattvas is someone who has compassion within himself or herself and who is able to make another person smile or help someone suffer less. Every one of us is capable of this ~ Thich Nhat Hanh.
• They accumulated knowledge through their hard work, delayed their passing to heaven, and helped others to attain Buddhahood.
• Deification of the Buddha, Trading the path of Bodhisattvas and Image worship and rituals are all features of Mahayana Buddhism.

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Indian Painting Schools

Correct answer is Option (d): Bani Thani painting belongs to the Kishangarh school of paintings.

• It was painted by an artist named Nihal Chand.
• Bani Thani was a singer and a poetess in the court of Raja Samant Singh (1748-1764).
• It is frequently said that the small portrait is as beautiful as the Mona Lisa.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Cultural Tradition of India

• Tyagaraja is known for his life and his exemplary devotion to Lord Rama, via the path of soulful music. Born in Thanjavur in 1767, Tyagaraja is credited with creating thousands of devotional compositions mostly in praise of Lord Rama.
• Statement     1     is     incorrect:     Rama–     an incarnation of Lord Visnu, was the focus and main theme of most of the songs of Tyagaraja. Statement 2 is correct: Tyagaraja innovated the technique of structural variations of musical lines within the performance.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Annamacharya belonged to the 15th century whereas Tyagaraja belonged to the 18th century.
• Statement 4 is correct: Annamacharya was a 15th-century Hindu saint who composed songs called Sankeertanas in praise of Lord Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Cultural tradition of India

• Pair 1 is correct. Chapchar Kut is a spring festival of Mizo people in Mizoram. It is celebrated in March after they complete their jhum cultivation (Jungle clearing).
• Pair 2 is correct. Khongjom Parba is a traditional mmpanied by the sounds of dholak or drum. It is one of theusical art of Manipur that involves ballad singing acco most popular music art forms of the state and incites the spirit of patriotism and nationalism in the heart and minds of the audience.
• Pair 3 is incorrect. Thang-Ta – is an ancient Manipuri Martial Art dance developed from the war environment of Manipur & created by the Meitei. Thang-Ta was also known as Huyen Lallong which means ‘The art of sword and the spear’.The art developed from the war environment of Manipur. It played an important role in the geopolitical environment of medieval times in between India and China with many independent states at war with each other.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Buddhism/Jainism/Protest Religion Option (b) is correct: The “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to Jainism.

Sthanakvasi:

• It is a branch of Svetambara Jainism that was started in 1653 AD by a merchant named Lavaji.
• It holds that the path to soul purification and achieving Nirvana/Moksha does not include idol worship.
• Sthanakvasi acknowledges 32 of the Svetambara canonical Jain Agamas (text detailing Mahavira’s teachings

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Buddhism/Bodhisattva

Option (c) is correct: Maitreya is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world.

• According to Buddhist tradition, Maitreya is a Bodhisattva who will appear on earth in future, attain enlightenment and teach pure dharma.
• He will be the future Buddha. He is also known as Ajit Bodhisattva (Amitabha sutra and Lotus sutra).[ Avalokiteshvara (“The Lord Who Looks Down”), also called Padmapani (“The Lotus-Bearer”) also called Lokesvara in Sanskrit (The Lord of the World).

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Ancient Indian Temple Architecture

• Arasavalli Sun temple is located in Andhra Pradesh. The temple dates back to the 7th century and a Kalinga king is said to have constructed it.
• Amarkantak is a pilgrim town in Madhya Pradesh and the origin of the Narmada river. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Narmadeswar Amranath
• Omkareshwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Madhya Pradesh and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.

List of famous Sun temples in India:

The Dakshinaarka temple at Gaya, Bihar:

• There is an ancient Sun temple at Gaya in the state of Bihar.
• Offerings to the ancestors are made at the Surya Kunda or the Dakshina Maanas tank in front of the temple.

The Bhramanya Dev Temple at Unao in Madhya Pradesh:

• The Brahmana Dev (Baramju) temple dedicated to the Sun is located at Unao near Jhansi in Madhya Pradesh.
• It is a well-visited
• Local belief is that worshippers find relief from ailments such as blindness and leprosy and other skin diseases.

Sun Temple at Surya Pahar in Assam:

• This relatively modern Sun temple in the vicinity of the Surya Pahar Hill near Goalpara in Assam.
• This temple enshrines a circular stone tablet having 12 images of Aditya in a circle with an image of Kashyapa the father of Aditya in the centre.

Suryanar Temple near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu:

• This ancient temple dedicated to the Sun is located near Kumbakonam in Tamil Kumbhakonam and its surroundings abound in huge temples.
• This well-known temple enshrines the Sun – Surya, Kasi Viswanatha and Visalakshi, and the other eight celestial bodies namely Chandran, Angarakan, Budhan, Brihaspati, Sukran, Saniswaran, Rahu and Ketu.

Suryanarayana Swamy temple at Arasavalli in Andhra Pradesh:

• This is a shrine of the Sun in a well-preserved
• The temple dates back to the 7th century and a Kalinga king is said to have constructed
• The image of worship is a 5 ft tall one of black granite holding lotus buds – flanked by Usha and Chhaya.
• Padmapani is the name of this Sun God – the Padma stands for wisdom Usha and Chhaya stand for eternity

The Sun Temple at Modhera – Gujarat:

• This is a grand temple to the Sun God conceived and built-in 1026.
• As in the Sun Temple at Konark, this temple was so designed that the rays of the Sun
• This dates back to the 13th century and it represents the highest point in Orissan temple architecture.
• Konark is situated 20 miles to the northeast of Puri.
• The word Konark means corner sun.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Rock cut painting

Correct answer is Option (a): The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is in Ajanta cave no 1, which dates back to the 5th century AD.

Mural of Padmapani in Ajanta cave

• Other paintings of Bodhisattvas include Vajrapani (protector and guide, a symbol of Buddha’s power) and Manjusri (manifestation of Buddha’s wisdom).
• In this painting, Bodhisattva is holding a lotus in his hand in a tribhanga pose.

NOTE: Reading pages no 54-55 from Fine Art NCERT will help you to solve this question. Also, details of Ajanta has already been discussed in earlier PYQs, where the question was on Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Indian Folk or Local Dances

Statement 1 is correct: Manipuri Sankirtana involves ritual     singing,     drumming     and dancing.  It  was  also  inscribed  in  the Representative List of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Of Humanity in 2013.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Not only Cymbals but Drums are also used in the performance. In a typical performance, two drummers and about ten singers-dancers perform in a hall encircled by devotees.

Statement 3 is correct: Lord Krishna life and deeds are the main theme of this performance. It is practised primarily by the Vaishnavite community.

Sankirtana:

• It includes a wide range of artistic expressions carried out to commemorate special religious occasions and different phases in the lives of the Vaishnava people of the Manipur plains.
• Sankirtana rituals are centred on the temple, where dancers and singers narrate stories of Lord Krishna’s life and actions through dance and song.
• A typical performance of a drum and dance ensemble features two drummers and ten singer-dancers who perform in a hall or domestic courtyard surrounded by seated devotees.
• The artists’ humility and the flow of their artistic and spiritual energy are unmatched, bringing audience members to tears.
• Sankirtana has two main social functions:
  • It acts as a unifying factor within Manipur’s Vaishnava community by bringing them together on festive events throughout the year;
  • Through life-cycle rites, it creates and strengthens bonds between the individual and the community.
    • Thus, it is viewed as the visible manifestation of God.
    • The Sankirtana of Manipur is an active practice that fosters a natural connection with people; the entire society is involved in preserving it, and the unique knowledge and abilities are customarily passed down from mentor to disciple.
    • The myriad ceremonies of Sankirtana acknowledge the presence of natural world while fostering harmony with it.
    • The Sankirtana is a ritual dance and music form of Manipur.
    • The performance is carried out in a circle in an east-facing square performance
    • In 2013, UNESCO added Manipur’s distinctive cultural legacy to its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Buddhism

Statement 1 is incorrect. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Buddhism.

Statement 2 is correct. Sarvastivadin considers everything empirical to be impermanent, they maintain that the dharma factors are eternally existing realities.

Sarvastivadin:

• Believes in the eternal existence of dharma factors
• Considers empirical phenomena as illusory but exist beyond the empirical world
• Affirms the presence of past, present, and future
• Criticized by Sautrantikas for violating the Buddhist idea of impermanence

Sautrantika:

• Descended from the Sarvastivadins
• Relies on sutras rather than Abhidharma commentaries
• Adheres to extreme momentariness, believing only the current moment exists
• Criticizes Sarvastivadin’s belief in the existence of past, present, and future phenomena

Sammitiya and other sub-schools:

• Branches off from Vatsiputriya, a parent school
• Well-known in Gujarat and Sindh during the

Maitraka dynasty

• Speaks Apabhraṃśa as their primary language
• Replaced Sarvastivadins as Sarnath’s most illustrious institution by the 4th century CE
• Split into two sub-schools: Avantakas and Kurukulas

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Cultural Traditions of India

Pair 1 is correct: Chalia sahib is the festival of the Sindhis which involves devotees fasting for days.

Pair 2 is incorrect: The Nanda Devi Jat is celebrated every year in the Nanda Devi temples spread across Garhwal and Kumaon regions.

Pair 3 is incorrect: Wari-Warkari is an annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur – the seat of the god Vithoba in Maharashtra for the Warkari sect.

NOTE: Here from  our  basic knowledge we can easily infer that neither Gonds are native to Uttarakhand nor Santhals are native to Maharashtra. So these festivals cannot be associated with these two tribes.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Ancient Architecture/Sculpture/ Ajanta Cave

Statement 1 is incorrect: Ajanta Caves are 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments that date from the 2nd century BCE to 480 or 650 CE. Mahabalipuram has a group of sanctuaries, which was carved out of rock along the Coromandel coast in the 7th and 8th centuries.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Ajanta caves are mostly dedicated to Buddhist denominations while Mahabalipuram has more inclination towards the Vaishnavite sect.

Statement 3 is correct: Both Mahabalipuram and Ajanta are one of the finest examples of rock-cut monuments.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Buddhism

Statement 1 is incorrect: A Bodhisattva is literally a living being(Sattva) who aspires to attain enlightenment(Bodhi). The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.

Statement 2 is correct: Compassion, an empathetic sharing of the sufferings of others, is Bodhisattva’s greatest characteristic.

Statement 3 is correct: Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help others on the same path. It is held that the Bodhisattva makes four vows expressing a determination to work for the happiness of others; “ However innumerable sentient beings are, I vow to save them; however inexhaustible the passions are, I vow to master them; However limitless the teachings are, I vow to study them, However infinite The Budha-truth is, I vow to attain it.”

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Literary work of ancient India

Option (b) is correct: The love story of the son of the founder of the Shunga dynasty is found in the book “Malavikagnimitra”.Malavikagnimitra:

• The Malavikagnimitra is a Sanskrit play byKalidas.
• The play tells the love story of Agnimitra the son Of Pushyamitra Shunga- the founder of the Shunga dynasty.
• He falls in love with the picture of an exiled servant girl named Malavika.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Ancient Architecture/Sculpture/ Rock cut Cave

Option (b) is correct: The rock-cut elephant situated in Dhauli was constructed during the reign of Ashoka, who ruled from 272-231 BCE. On the other hand, the Lingaraj Temple was built in the 11th century AD, while the rock-cut monuments in Mahabalipuram were constructed during the 7th and 8th centuries AD. Additionally, the Varaha Image was built in the 5th century AD.

• The rock-cut elephant at Dhauli was built during the reign of Ashoka (272-231 BCE).
• Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneshwar: The largest temple in the city of Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Lingaraj Temple, was constructed in the 11th century AD and dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Mahabalipuram: The rock-cut monu- ments at Mahabalipuram were built by the Pallava king Narasimha in the 7th and 8th centuries.
• Varaha Image at Udayagiri was built in the 5th century This image was engraved by Chandragupta on the hill of Udayagiri to commemorate the victory over the foreign Shaka kings.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Indian Painting Schools Correct answer is Option (a): Kalamkari:

• This particular cotton textile is made in Andhra Pradesh and is either hand- painted or block-printed.
• In this style, the kalam(pen) is used for freehand drawing of the subject and filling in the colours and is entirely done by hand.
• The present states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are where kalamkari first appeared.
• Kalamkari was first used to depict scenes from sacred texts such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Bhagavatam.

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Buddhism

Option (d) is correct: Kosala and Magadha were the two kingdoms associated with the life of the Buddha.

• Buddha travelled through the kingdoms of Kosala, Magadha, Vaishali and Vajji in order to preach his philosophy.
• Avanti had no direct connection to Buddha’s life.
• Gandhara received Buddhist influence during the time of Ashoka When the Mauryan empire expanded up to
• As per various Pali texts, it is known that Prasenjit, king of Kosala was a contemporary of Buddha.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Mughal Architecture/Islamic Architecture

Option (c) is correct: Ibadat Khana was used for discussions with various spiritual leaders of different religious grounds and to conduct a discussion on teachings of various religious leaders. Also known as the Hall of prayer.

Ibadat Khana:

• It was a meeting house built by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575 AD.
• The emperor increasingly indulged in intellectual pursuits and came in contact with ascetics and disciples of Sufi saint Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti.
• He also expected to receive Mirza Suleiman of Badakhshan, a Sufi with a strong taste for theological discussions.
• Hence, he resolved to construct a debating hall that could accommodate a large number of Muslim theologians.
• The construction of the Ibadat Khana started in the early 1575 CE at Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory) and was completed in 1576 CE.

NOTE: This was a simple question direct hit from Class 7th History NCERT (pg.55). NCERTs are important for prelims. Attaching a screenshot here to convey to you the importance of reading and revising sidebars, chars and image texts from NCERTs.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Temple Architecture

1. Ardha mandapa
2. Mandapa
3. Maha mandapa
4. Antarala
5. Garba griha
6. Pradakshina
7. Transepts
8. Jagatl
9. Subsidiary shrines

                                                                                      Plan of Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

Correct answer is Option (c):

Panchayatan Style:

• Panchayatan is a style of temple construction.
• The main shrine is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines.
• The origin of the name is the Sanskrit words Pancha which mean five and ayatana means containing.
• Dashavatara Vishnu Temple, Deogarh (in Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh) was built in the early sixth century CE.
• That is, about a hundred years or so after the small temples we just learnt about in Sanchi and Udaygiri.
• The main shrine of this temple is constructed on a rectangular plinth in the panchayatana architectural style, and four additional subsidiary shrines are located at each of the four corners making it a total number of five shrines, hence the name, panchayatana.

NOTE: This question was a direct hit from Fine Art NCERT. It is also mentioned in the glossary of the same NCERT. Temple architectural styles are always important from prelims perspective. There were repeated questions on circular temples, Nagara style, Dravida style, Vesara style and Panchayatana.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Ancient Architecture/Sculpture/ Ajanta Cave

Pair 1 is correct: The image of Mahaparinirvana of Buddha is in cave 26 of Ajanta caves in the Sahyadri range on Waghora river in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. They were built under the patronage of Vakataka rulers.

Pair 2 is incorrect: A huge image of the Varaha Avatar of Lord Vishnu, rescuing Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters is in Udayagiri caves near Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh. They were built under the patronage of Gupta rulers around the 5th century AD. Pair 3 is correct: Arjuna’s penance/Descent of Ganga is the monolithic sculpture built under the reign of Pallava King Mahendravarman and is located in Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), Tamil Nadu. This site was also included in UNESCO World heritage sites.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Indian Classical Dances

Statement 1 is correct: This dance form is a combination of music, dance and drama. Sattriya dance tradition is governed by strictly laid down principles in respect of hasta mudras, footwork, aharyas, music etc.

Statement 2 is correct: The Sattriya dance form was introduced in the 15th century A.D by the great Vaishnava saint and reformer of Assam, Mahapurusha Sankaradeva as a powerful medium for the propagation of the Vaishnava faith.

Statement 3 is incorrect: It is based on the songs composed by Sankaradeva and Madhvadeva.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Indian Folk or Local Dances/ Performing Arts

Pair 1 is correct: Garba is a famous dance form of Gujarat, performed in October to honour the Hindu Deity of Divinity, Goddess Durga. It is a sacred practice in Gujarat to perform this joyful folk dance on practically all important occasions.

Pair 2 is incorrect: Mohiniattam is a classical dance form of Kerala. It belongs to the Lasya type, which presents a more elegant, soft, and feminine manner of dancing, despite having roots in the ancient Sanskrit Hindu scripture on performing arts known as “Natya Shastra”. Pair 3 is correct: Yakshagana is a musical dance theatre form of Karnataka. The dance form includes players dressed in costumes with vivid colours and shapes, singing, drumming, and dancing, as well as players who interpret words with gestures.

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Buddhism

Option (d) is correct: Kosala and Magadha were the two kingdoms associated with the life of the Buddha.

• Buddha travelled through the kingdoms of Kosala, Magadha, Vaishali and Vajji in order to preach his philosophy.
• Avanti had no direct connection to Buddha’s life.
• Gandhara received Buddhist influence during the time of Ashoka When the Mauryan empire expanded up to
• As per various Pali texts, it is known that Prasenjit, king of Kosala was a contemporary of Buddha.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Keywords from the Medieval India

Option (b) is correct: The designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were used for village officers in medieval India.

• Mahattara and pattakila were the village headmen.
• Pattalika is generally identified with the modern Patel, believed to be the king’s representative in the village.
• Mahattara was a non-official and possibly a representative of the people.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Tribal Culture

Option (b) is correct: The Gond and Korku tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees during a month-long festival called “Bhooma” or “Bhoomi” in India. This festival is a part of their traditional ecological practices aimed at promoting the conservation of natural resources.

• Gond and Korku tribes of Madhya Pradesh celebrate the festival of Hari Jiroti in Betul and Harda districts. It is a month-long festival of Greenery during which tribals plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees.
• Bhutia and Lepcha– Indigenous tribes of Sikkim
• Irula and Toda– Tribes found in Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu
• Sahariya and Agariya– Mostly found in Madhya Pradesh.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Basic Observation

Option (a) is correct: Chaitra, one of the national calendars based on the Saka Era, corresponds to 22nd March (or 21st March) of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Famous Shrines in India

Pair 1 is correct: Tabo Monastery is located in Spiti valley, Himachal Pradesh.

Pair 2 is incorrect: Lhotsava Lhakhang temple is in Nako village in the Kinnaur region  of  Himachal  Pradesh.  Zanskar valley is in the Kargil district of Ladakh. It has been identified as one of the hundred most endangered heritage sites by the World Monuments Fund.

Pair 3 is correct: Alchi temple complex is situated in Alchi village of Leh district, Ladakh. It was constructed by Guru Rinchen Zangpo around the 10th century.

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Bhakti Movement

Statement 1 is incorrect: Bijak is the collection of ideas and teachings of Kabir. He was a 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint, whose writings influenced Hinduism is Bhakti movement and his verses are found in Sikhism’s scripture Guru Granth Sahib. He was a disciple of Ramananda. He began a strong campaign against the superficial religious rituals of both Muslims and Hindus.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Vallabhacharya’s philosophy came to be known as Pushti Marga. He was also known as ‘Achinitabhadra’. He was the first to advocate for Krishna Bhakti using the Maha Bhagavata Purana as a foundation. Kabir:

• He was a 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint, whose writings influenced Hinduism’s Bhakti movement and his verses are found in Sikhism’s scripture Guru Granth Sahib.
• He was a disciple of Ramananda. He began a strong campaign against the superficial religious rituals of both Muslims and
• According to Kabir, the individual who is following the path of righteousness, sees all living things as his own, and is passively detached from worldly affairs is the one who is closest to the truth.
• Through the Kabir Panth (“Path of Kabir”), a religious group that claims him as its founder and is one of the Sant Mat sects, Kabir’s legacy continues on and is preserved by them.
• He wrote- Sabad, Bijak, Doha, Holi, and Rekhtal. He propagated Ram Bhakti.

Vallabhacharya:

• He was also known as ‘Achinitabhadra’.
• He was the first to advocate for Krishna Bhakti using the Maha Bhagavata Purana as a foundation.
• He founded the philosophy of Shuddhadvaita which believed in the absolute union.
• He prescribed Pushtimarg as the means for salvation (extreme devotion to God).

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Tribes

Option (b) is correct: The community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their musical tradition in North-West India. They are a Muslim community of hereditary musicians who live in the desert regions of Rajasthan and parts of Pakistan.

Manganiyars:

• Manganiyars are a Muslim community of North-West India. They, along with the Langham community, are known for their folk music.
• They have been professional musicians for generations supported by wealthy landlords of the area.
• Pietra Dura is the art of carving the stone from a general point of This is an Inlay technique. The words “Pietra dura” come from Italian, it means “hard stone”, but also “semi-precious stone”.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Indian Languages

Option (c) is correct: Both Kannada and Telugu have been declared as ‘Classical Language/Languages’ by the Government.

• Gujarati has not been declared as a classical language by the government of India.
• There are six classical languages in our country- Tamil (declared in 2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), Odia (2014).
• All the classical languages are listed in the 8th schedule of our constitution.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Indian School of Philosophy

Option (c) is correct: Lokayata and Kapalika are not part of these six Lokayata refers to the materialist school of thought that originated in ancient India, while Kapalika is a tantric sect that emerged in the medieval period.

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Indian School of Philosophy Option (d) is correct: Satyameva Jayate means “Truth alone Triumphs”. It is taken from Mundaka Upanishad. Mundaka Upanishad is listed as no. 5 in the list of 108 Upanishads of Hinduism.

• Satyameva Jayate means “Truth alone Triumphs”. It is taken from Mundaka Upanishad. Mundaka Upanishad is listed as no. 5 in the list of 108 Upanishads of
• The Mundaka Upanishad is a collection of philosophical poems used to teach meditation and spiritual knowledge regarding the true nature of Brahma and the Self (Atman).
• It is composed of the three main parts (Mundaka):

1. The first part expounds on the science of higher and lower knowledge.
2. The second part describes the true nature of the Self (Atman) and Brahman.
3. The third part further builds on the previous two parts and attempts to describe the state of knowing Brahman, which is one of bliss and fearlessness.

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Indian Martial Art

Option (d) is correct: Kalaripayattu, which originated in present-day Kerala, is a form of Indian martial arts known as Kalari. It has a rich history and is considered to be the oldest surviving martial art in India.

Kalaripayattu:

• It is a martial dance practised in Kerala/ South India.
• The art also bases medical treatments upon concepts found in the ancient Indian medical text, the Ayurveda.
• Practitioners of Kalaripayattu possess intricate knowledge of pressure points on the human body and healing techniques that incorporate the knowledge of Ayurveda and Yoga.
• This is taught in accordance with the Indian guru-shishya system.
• It differs from many other martial arts systems in the world in that weapon based techniques are taught first, and barehanded techniques are taught last.

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Ancient Indian Architecture

Statement 1 is incorrect: Badami caves were constructed in the 6th century by the Chalukya dynasty, in their capital Badami, which was earlier known as Vatapinagar. Barabar caves are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Barabar caves were constructed by Emperor Ashoka. These are located in Jehanabad district, Bihar.

Statement 3 is correct: Ellora caves are a complex of Hindu (Caves 13-29), Buddhist (Caves 1-12) and Jain (Caves 30-34) monuments. These were built during the Rashtrakuta dynasty. It was designated as a World heritage site By UNESCO.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Mural Paintings

Option 1 is correct: The paintings on the caves of Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta are truly magnificent.

Option 2 is correct: Lepakshi temple is in Andhra Pradesh. It is a good repository of mural paintings of the Vijayanagar kings. A tableau on Lepakshi temple has been selected for the Republic Day parade to be held in New Delhi, representing Andhra Pradesh. The tableau showcases the rich, monolithic rock architecture of the Lepakshi temple.

Option 3 is incorrect: Sanchi is known for sculptures whose designs are similarly painted in Ajanta. Sanchi Stupa is one of the oldest Buddhist monuments in India.

Ans: (a)

Sub-Theme: Indian Classical Dances

Option (a) is correct: The Tri-bent pose, also known as Tribhanga, is a standing position where the body is bent in three parts, creating three curves at the neck, waist, and knee. This results in a gentle “S” shape, with the body oppositely curved at the waist and neck.

• Tribhanga, literally meaning three parts break, where the body bends in one direction at the knees, the other direction at the hips and then the other again at the shoulders and neck.
• This pose goes back at least 2000 years in Indian art and sculpture.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Bhakti Movement

Option (b) is correct: Guru Nanak was preaching during the time when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over. Tyagaraja, on the other hand, lived in the 18th-19th century, much later than the fall of the Lodi dynasty.

• Guru Nanak was born in 1469. Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodhi in the First battle of Panipat in 1526.
• So when Babur was strengthening the Mughal dynasty in India Guru Nanak was preaching Sikhism in India.
• Tyagaraja, a Carnatic music composer was born in 1767.
• Daddu Dayal was a poet-saint of Gujrat born in 1544.

Guru Nanak:

• Guru Nanak was born in Talwandi near
• Sikhs commemorate Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary with Guru Nanak Gurpurab.
• He went on spiritual trips through India, Tibet, and Arabia for nearly 30 years.
• Guru Nanak spent his final years in Kartarpur, Punjab, where he taught his pupils.
• He preached the idea of one God and direct access to God without the aid of priests or
• Guru Nanak condemned the caste system and advocated for equality for all people, regardless of gender or caste.
• He introduced the concept of “Vahiguru,” a formless, timeless, omnipresent, and invisible being.
• The Sikhs’ most sacred book, Guru Granth Sahib, comprises 974 of Guru Nanak’s poetic hymns.

Daddu Dayal:

• He was born into Ahmedabad’s weaving community.
• He preached Nirgunabhakthi
• His instructions were collected into a book called “Dadu Dayaram ki Bani.”

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Indian School of Philosophy Statement 1  is  incorrect: Samkhya philosophy believes in the theory of rebirth.Samkhya is an Orthodox Indian philosophical system. Orthodox Indian philosophical system believes in soul and karma theory. For Karma theory to hold, the soul has to undergo rebirth or transmigration. Therefore, without liberation, no soul can be free from the cycle of rebirth or transmigration.

Statement 2 is correct: Samkhya Philosophy is dualistic and not monistic because it has two entities, Purush (spirit) and Prakriti (nature). Samkhya emphasises the attainment of knowledge of the self by means of concentration and meditation. It believes that after you have ‘died’ in this life you will go through a process of rebirth where depending on your actions in your former life your status will be decided.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Basic Understanding of Buddhism

Option (b) is correct: Chaitya is a place of worship, while Viharas is the dwelling place of the monks.

• Chaitya is a place of worship, while Viharas is the dwelling place of the monks. Chaitya was a rectangular prayer room with a stupa in the middle, where people might offer prayers.
• Viharas were dwelling places used by wandering monks during the rainy season but eventually, they evolved into centres of learning and Buddhist architecture through the donations of wealthy lay buddhist.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Buddhism

Option (a) is correct: Buddhism defines Nirvana as being free from desire, pain, pleasure etc. It is like the extinction of flame

• Buddhism defines Nirvana as being free from desire, pain, pleasure etc. It is like the extinction of flame.
• In Buddhist traditions, nirvana is often described as the extinction of three fires– greed(raga), aversion(dwesha) and ignorance(moksha). When these flames are extinguished, the cycle of rebirth is Skipped.

Ans: d

Sub-Theme: Jainism

Option (d) is correct: Jainism advocates the practice of penance as the surest way of annihilating Karma. According to Jainism, every object, including the smallest particle, has a soul. Karma is considered the bane of the soul and must be ended to achieve liberation.

• As per Jain doctrine, the surest way of annihilating Karma is to practise penance. Every thing has a soul, even the smallest
• Karma is the bane of the soul and must be
• Three Jewels of Jainism are Right Faith, right knowledge and Right Action.
• Five doctrines of Jainism are –

1. Ahimsa: Non-injury to all living beings;
2. Satya: Do not speak a lie;
3. Asteya: Do not steal;
4. Aparigraha: Do not acquire property;
5. Brahmacharya: Observe

Ans: c

Sub-Theme: Ancient Indian Temple Architecture

Option (c) is correct: Three main styles of temple architecture are the Nagara (Northern style), the Dravida (the southern style), and the Vesara style (Mixed style). Temple Architecture:

• Three main styles of temple architecture are the Nagara (Northern style), the Dravida (the southern style), and the Vesara style (Mixed style).
• In Nagara style the entire temple is built on a platform with multiple steps.
• In Dravida style, the temple is enclosed within a compound wall with features like Gopuram and Vimana.
• The Vesara temple architecture is a blend of temple architecture from the Nagara and Dravidian traditions.

NOTE: Reading Glossary from Fine Art NCERT for the art and culture section is very important. Reading that much only was enough to solve this question. The simple and straightforward question can directly be solved by reading Fine Art NCERT. This underlines the importance of NCERTs. Every alternative year, UPSC gives some phrases/names/terminologies and asks about their corresponding meaning, type or sort of explanation. A careful reading of terminologies and their meaning is advisable.

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Hindustani Classical Music

Statement 1 is incorrect: Dhrupad traces its origin to the chanting of Vedic hymns and mantras (Samveda).

Statement 2 is correct: It is a form of devotional music and spiritual music that emphasises the purity of ragas.

Statement 3 is correct: Dhrupad music evolved with Sanskrit language scripts in itself. Dhrupad emphasizes a slow, meditative rendition of the alap using sacred Sanskrit syllables derived from Sanskrit mantras.

Dhrupad:

• The word Dhrupad is derived from Dhruva, the steadfast evening star that travels through the galaxy, and Pada, which means poetry.
• It is an ancient form, probably developing from the Prabandha.
• In the traditional singing style, Prabandh is known as a “Nibadha Geetprakaar” (singing within a definite framework). It means, ‘A song bound by a specific framework of rules’.
• Traditionally, a tanpura and pakhawaj were used to perform the dhrupad style of sining.
• Dhrupad’s lyrics are performed generally in Braj Basha and involve veera and sringar rasas and frequently include a heroic theme or adoration of a particular god.
• It is a type of devotional music that can be traced back to the Samveda, an ancient text.
• The emphasis on preserving the Raga’s purity is one of Dhrupad’s notable characteristics.
• Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior and Emperor Akbar played a significant part in the growth and development of Dhrupad
• Other personalities who contributed to the development of Dhrupad are: Tansen, Baiju bawra, Swami Haridas
• Some of the major gharanas of Dhrupad are– dagarvani gharana, bishnupur gharana, darbhanga gharana, mallik gharana, bettiah

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Indian Classical Dances

Kuchipudi is a classical Indian dance from Andhra Pradesh and Bharatnatyam is a classical dance from Tamil Nadu.

Statement 1 is correct: Dancers speak dialogue in between in Kuchipudi but in Bharatnatyam dancers do not speak dialogues. Statement 2 is incorrect: Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Tarangam-a solo performance of Kuchipudi. Sometimes dancers also balance a pot of water on their heads. But Bharatnatyam dance does not have such a form of movements. Differences between Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi:

Ans: b

Sub-Theme: Buddhism/Jainism

Statement 1 is incorrect. Buddhism professed a middle path, and avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment whereas Jainism advocated extreme penance and asceticism.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct: Buddhism and Jainism rejected the idea of grand rituals along with the authority of Vedas and Priests. They both believe in the concept of reincarnation.

Ans: (b)

Sub-Theme: Buddhism

Option (b) is correct: The “Bhumisparsha mudra” hand gesture shown in Lord Buddha’s image symbolises his calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara.

Bhumisparsha Mudra:

• Bhumisparsha means ‘touching the earth’in Sanskrit.
• It is more commonly known as the ‘earth witness’ mudra.
• This mudra, formed with all five fingers of the right hand extended to touch the ground, symbolises the Buddha’s enlightenment under the bodhi tree, when he summoned the earth goddess, Sthavara, to bear witness to his attainment of enlightenment.
• The right hand, placed upon the right knee in earth-pressing mudra, and complemented by the left hand-which is held flat in the lap in the dhyana mudra of meditation, symbolises the union of method and wisdom, samsara and nirvana, and also the realisations of the conventional and ultimate truths.
• It is in this posture that Shakyamuni overcomes the obstructions of Mara while meditating on Truth.
• The second Dhyani Buddha Akshobhya is depicted in this mudra.
• He is believed to transform the delusion of anger into mirror-like wisdom.

Ans: a

Sub-Theme: Jainism

Option (a) is correct: Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by Universal laws.

• Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by Universal laws. Jainism does not support belief in the creator According to Jain doctrine, the universe and its constituents (soul, matter, space, time and motion) have always existed. All the constituents and actions have always existed.