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. In which century, the Rajatarangini of Kalhana was composed?
[A] 10th
[B] 11th
[C] 12th
[D] 13th
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Correct Answer: C [12th]
Notes:
The Rajatarangini ( “The River of Kings”) is a metrical historical chronicle of north-western Indian subcontinent, particularly the kings of Kashmir, written in Sanskrit by Kashmiri Brahman Kalhana in 12th century CE.
3. Famous monument Rumi Darwaja is located in which city?
[A] Bulandshahar
[B] Bhopal
[C] Lucknow
[D] Murshidabad
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Correct Answer: C [Lucknow]
Notes:
The Rumi Darwaza was built under the patronage of Nawab Asaf-Ud-daula in 1784 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It is an example of Awadhi architecture.
4. Mattur Village, whose inhabitants are known to speak Sanskrit Language is located in which among the following states of India?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Tamil Nadu
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Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
Mattur Village, located in Karnataka, is notable for its inhabitants who speak Sanskrit as their primary language. This unique linguistic tradition is a rare phenomenon in India, where most people speak regional languages. Karnataka has a rich cultural heritage, and Mattur is often referred to as a “Sanskrit village,” reflecting its commitment to preserving this ancient language. The village is also known for its educational institutions that promote Sanskrit learning.
5. Which of the following prizes is given by KK Birla Foundation for commendable work in Hindi?
[A] Acharya Tulsi Samman
[B] Vyas Samman
[C] Saraswati Samman
[D] Rajahasha Samman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vyas Samman]
Notes:
KK Birla Foundation awards the Vyas Samman to outstanding Hindi literature published in the last 10 years. The award was established in 1991 and carries a cash prize of Rs 4 lakh. The winner of the 2022 Vyas Samman was Gyan Chaturvedi for his satirical novel Pagalkhana.
The KK Birla Foundation also awards the Saraswati Samman and the Bihari Puraskar. The Saraswati Samman is given to literary works published in the last 10 years by Indian writers in languages included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The Bihari Puraskar recognizes outstanding work in Hindi or Rajasthani published in the last 10 years by a Rajasthani writer.
6. How Kumbh mela is organised in India?
[A] Every 4 years at 3 location
[B] Every 12 years at 4 locations
[C] Every 3 years at 4 locations
[D] Every 4 years at 4 locations
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Every 12 years at 4 locations]
Notes:Kumbha (Kumbha means pot) Mela is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage that takes place at the following four locations of India:
- Prayag (near the city of Allahabad, in the state of Uttar Pradesh) at the confluence of three rivers Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna and Saraswati
- Haridwar (in the state of Uttarakhand) where the river Ganga enters the plains from Himalayas
- Ujjain (in Madhya Pradesh), on the banks of Ksipra river, and
- Nasik (in Maharashtra) on the banks of Godavari river.
The pilgrimage occurs four times every twelve years, once at each of the four locations. Each twelve-year cycle includes the Maha (great) Kumbh Mela at Prayag, attended by millions of people, making it the largest pilgrimage gathering around the world.
7. To which of the following parvas of Mahabharata, Bhagvatgita Belongs?
[A] Vana parva
[B] Bhishma parva
[C] Drone Parva
[D] Shanti parva
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Correct Answer: B [Bhishma parva]
Notes:
Bhagvatgita belongs to Bhishma parva. There are total in 18 parvas in Mahabharata.
8. 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.
9. Who among the following is also venerated as “Second Buddha”?
[A] Padmasambhava
[B] Avalokitesvara
[C] Maitreya
[D] Mahasthamaprapta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Padmasambhava]
Notes:
Padmasambhava is venerated as the “second Buddha” by the Nyingma school, the oldest buddhist school in Tibet known of as “the ancient ones”.
10. Which period is regarded as the Golden age of Telugu literature?
[A] Satavahana rule
[B] Eastern Chalukyan rule
[C] Vijayanagara rule
[D] Kakatiya rule
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vijayanagara rule]
Notes:
The period of Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1565) is regarded as the Golden age of Telugu literature.