11. Padam, Javali, Kriti and Keerthanam are varnams of which of the following dance forms?
[A] Kathak
[B] Manipuri
[C] Bharatnatyam
[D] Odishi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bharatnatyam]
Notes:
Bharatnatyam is a major genre of Indian classical dance that originated in the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring regions. Today this dance form is very much popular in South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
12. Which of the following folk / tribal dances is associated with Karnataka?
[A] Yakshagana
[B] Jatra
[C] Veedhi
[D] Jhora
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Yakshagana]
Notes:
Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form, developed in India, that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up, and stage techniques with a unique style and form. It is believed to have evolved from pre-classical music and theater during the period of the Bhakti movement.
13. Who wrote the Novel ‘Pather Dabi’in Bengali?
[A] Saratchandra Chattopadhay
[B] Kazi Nazrul Islam
[C] Bankimchandra
[D] Rabindranath Tagore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Saratchandra Chattopadhay]
Notes:
Saratchandra Chattopadhay wrote the Novel ‘Pather Dabi’in Bengal. It was banned by the British because it was a rebellious book which stirred anger in the hearts of Indian people for the British.
14. Which one of the following scripts of ancient India was written from right to left? (UPSC Prelims 1997)
[A] Brahmi
[B] Nandnagari
[C] Sharada
[D] Kharoshti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kharoshti]
Notes:
The Kharoshi script is an ancient script used by the ancient Gandhara culture of South Asia primarily in modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan to write the Gandhari language (a dialect of Prakrit) and the Sanskrit language.
15. In which state Jallikattu is played in India?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Kerala
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Jallikattu, a popular bull taming sport held during Pongal, is set to take place in Madurai district in Tamil Nadu. The three main venues where the sport will take place in are Palamedu, Alanganallur and Avaniapuram.
16. Which of the following school of philosophies proposes two metaphysical realities?
[A] Nyaya
[B] Samkhya
[C] Vedanta
[D] Yoga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Samkhya]
Notes:
The Samkhya school of Hindu Philosophy postulates two metaphysical realities, namely Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (inert primal matter), adding that the Purusha is the root cause of all existence in the universe while Prakriti is its material cause.
17. As per Dasnami philosophy, how does a swami represent himself?
[A] through a harmony with the infinite vastness of nature
[B] through the attainment of supreme bliss through some divine quality or state
[C] Both of the above
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both of the above]
Notes:
In the Dasnami philosophy, a swami’s name has two meanings. The name represents the attainment of supreme bliss through a divine quality or state, such as love, wisdom, service, or yoga. The name also represents harmony with the infinite vastness of nature, which is expressed in one of the ten names. These names include Giri (mountain), Puri (tract), Bhāratī (land), and Vana (forest).
18. Who is the exponent of a Vaisheshika Darshan?
[A] Patanjali
[B] Kanad
[C] Kapil
[D] Akshapad Gautam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kanad]
Notes:
Vaisheshika is one of the six darshans, or ways of viewing the world, according to Hindu philosophy. The other five darshans of Hindu philosophy are yoga, samkhya, nyaya, mimamsa and vedanta. It was proposed by Maharishi Kanaad and postulates that all objects in the physical universe are reducible to a finite number of atoms.
19. Garadi is a folk dance of which region?
[A] Puducherry
[B] Gujarat
[C] Mizoram
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Puducherry]
Notes:
Garadi is a folk dance performed in Puducherry. It is performed during all festivals of the region. This dance performance is usually performed for five to eight hours at a stretch, for several nights in a row. The origin of Garadi dance is related to Hindu epic Ramayana.
20. The famous Madhubani artist who won the Bihar Ratna in 1984 is whom?
[A] Sita Devi
[B] Shashi Kala Devi
[C] Mahasundari Devi
[D] Ganga Devi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sita Devi]
Notes:
Sita Devi, one of the most prominent early Madhubani artists and among the first to transfer the traditional art form from the walls of the home to paper and canvas. Sita Devi received the Padma Shri in 1981. Sita Devi was also awarded by Bihar Ratna in 1984 and Shilp Guru in 2006. In 1984 Ganga Devi was awarded by Padma Shri . Mahasundari Devi received the Padma Shri in 2011.
