1. Two schools, viz. Mathura School of Art and Gandhara School of Art flourished in which among the following era?
[A] Shakas
[B] Kushans
[C] Satavahanas
[D] Guptas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kushans]
Notes:
Mathura and Gandhara schools of art flourished during the Kushana era. The Mathura school of art developed in the first century AD during the reign of Kushan emperor Kanishka. The Gandhara school of art also developed in the first century AD during the reign of Kanishka. The Gandhara school of art is known for the first sculptural representations of the Buddha in human form. The school was influenced by Greek methodologies. The Gandhara school of art developed in what is now northwestern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan between the 1st century BCE and the 7th century CE. The Mathura school of art achieved its pinnacle during the Gupta period (6th or 7th century). The period of Kushana King Kanishka, Huviska and Vasudeva is considered to be the golden age for the Mathura school of art
2. Who among the following had written the Novel “Pather Panchali”, which was base of the film of same name by Satyajit Ray?
[A] Bankimchandra Chatterjee
[B] Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay
[C] Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
[D] Shambhunath Pandit
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay]
Notes:
Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay (1894-1950) is best known for his autobiographical novel, Pather Panchali (The Song of the Road), which was later adapted (along with Aparajito, the sequel) into the Apu Trilogy films, directed by Satyajit Ray. Pather Panchali is considered Bibhutibhushan masterpiece and is included in the CBSE syllabus for students choosing to study Bengali.
3. At which of the following places a Farm Radio was established as a Joint venture between All India Radio and UNESCO in 1956 for the purpose of broadcasting programmes related to agriculture?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Nagpur
[C] Hyderabad
[D] Pune
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Pune]
Notes:
The correct answer is Pune. In 1956, a Farm Radio was established in Pune as a joint venture between All India Radio and UNESCO. This initiative aimed to disseminate agricultural knowledge and practices to farmers, enhancing rural development. Pune was chosen due to its proximity to agricultural research institutions, making it an ideal location for such educational broadcasts.
4. Which among the following material was used in Mathura School of Art?
[A] Granite
[B] White marble
[C] Slate
[D] Red Sandstone
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Red Sandstone]
Notes:
Red Sandstone is the material used in Mathura School of Art. The Gandhara School of art is made of grey sandstone.
5. Which among the following Sikh Guru declared that Guru Granth Sahib will be the holy scripture of Sikkhism and will be the permanent Guru of Sikhs?
[A] Guru Govind Singh
[B] Guru Arjun Dev
[C] Guru Teg Bahadur
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Guru Govind Singh]
Notes:
Guru Govind singh declared that Guru Granth Sahib will be the holy scripture of Sikkhism and will be the permanent Guru of Sikhs.
6. Which among the following dance forms of India was known as Bhagavata Mela Natakam originally?
[A] Odissi
[B] Sattariya
[C] Kuchipudi
[D] Bharatnatyam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kuchipudi]
Notes:
Kuchipudi tradition originated as a type of Bhagavata Mela Natakam, a dramatic sadhana dedicated to the worship of Vishnu.
7. Which of the following schools of philosophy was originally known as Lokayata and Brahaspatya?
[A] Charvaka
[B] Ajivika
[C] Samkhya
[D] Vaisheshika
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Charvaka]
Notes:
Charvaka system was originally called Lokayat or Brahaspatya. This school may be called one of the oldest school of Indian materialism. It rejects Vedas, rejects ritualism of Vedas and does not believe in god or any other super natural power. Ajita Kesakambali is thought to be the first Caravaka while Brihaspati is called its founder. Most of its literature is now lost and it is also not a living tradition as of now. It was called Lokayata because it was prevalent (ayatah) among the people (lokesu), and meant the world-outlook of the people.
8. Who among the following professed Suddhadvaita philosophy?
[A] Swami Krishnananda
[B] Ramanada
[C] Sri Vallabhacharya
[D] Guru Jambheshwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sri Vallabhacharya]
Notes:
Suddhadvaita means pure nondualism. Sri Vallabhacharya was the professor of this philosophy. He completely identified the individual soul with Brahman and did not pledge the distinction between the two. Please note that Vallabhacharya was also known as Mahaprabhuji and he founded the Pushti sect Hindus. These followers are called Pushtimargi which means in English – Path of grace.
9. Which of the following sites of India is inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage list?
[A] Lotus temple
[B] Ancient Buddha site
[C] Meenakshi Temple
[D] Ellora caves
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ellora caves]
Notes:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites are important places of cultural or natural heritage as described in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972. Total number of UNESCO World Heritage Site in India is 37 (1 mixed, 7 Natural and 29 Cultural).
10. The largest Nandi in India is found at which of the following temples?
[A] Chaumundeshwari Temple, Mysore
[B] Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur
[C] Ekambaranatha Temple, Kanchipuram
[D] Lepakshi Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Lepakshi Temple, Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The Lepakshi temple, also known as Veerbhadra temple is located in the tiny hamlet of Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh. It is a paragon of excellent architecture and art. It is famous as it has largest Nandi.
