1. Which of the following were recommended by the Sarkaria Commission (1983)?
- Setting up a permanent inter-state council.
- Residuary power should remain with the Parliament.
- Centre should have powers to deploy its armed forces only with the consent of states.
- Governors should be allowed to complete their term of five years.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 3
[B] Only 2, 3 & 4
[C] Only 1, 2 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1, 2 & 4]
Notes:
The Sarkaria Commission recommended: setting up a permanent inter-state council (1), residuary power to remain with Parliament (2), and that Governors should be allowed to complete a five-year term (4). It recommended the Centre can deploy armed forces even without states' consent but states should be consulted, so statement 3 is incorrect.
2. Term Khondalite, which was seen in news recently is a:
[A] A type of metamorphic rock
[B] A type of temple structure used in ancient times
[C] A type of polymer obtained by the polymerization of formaldehyde
[D] An asteroid found beyond the asteroid belt
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A type of metamorphic rock]
Notes:- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) stumbled upon a 1,300-year-old stupa in a mining site in Odisha’s Jajpur district. The site is being used for supplying Khondalite stones to the 12th Century Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.
- Khondalite(named after the Khond tribe of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh) is a foliated metamorphic rock.
- It is also called Bezwada Gneiss and Kailasa Gneiss.
3. Terms Anda, harmika, yasti, chhatri pertain to which of the following?
[A] Important pillars of Jainism philosphy
[B] Parts of Buddhist stupas
[C] Terms used for nagara style temple architecture
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Parts of Buddhist stupas]
Notes:The terms Anda, harmika, yasti, and chhatri are features of Buddhist stupas. A stupa is a burial mound that symbolizes the Buddha’s burial mound. The terms are defined as follows:
- Anda:A hemispherical mound that symbolizes the mound of dirt used to cover Buddha’s remains
- Harmika:A square railing that represents the Abode of the Gods
- Yasti:A mast that arises from the harmika
- Chhatri:An umbrella-like structure that shelters relics and is supported by a large central pillar
Stupas originated as simple semi-circular mounds of earth. They gradually evolved into more complex forms that combine round and square shapes.
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