11. 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.
12. Polo originated in which of the following Indian states?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Meghalaya
[C] Manipur
[D] West Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Manipur]
Notes:
Manipur believes it is the place from where polo originated. The first polo club was established in the town of Silchar in Assam, India, in 1833. The origins of the game in Manipur are traced to early precursors of Sagol Kangjei.
13. Which of the following paths was stressed upon by Ramanuj Acharya? (UPSC Prelims 1982)
[A] Bhakti
[B] Moksha
[C] Dharma
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bhakti]
Notes:
Ramanuja was an Indian theologian, philosopher and one of the most important exponents of the Sri Vaishnavism tradition within Hinduism. His philosophical foundations for devotionalism were influential to the Bhakti movement.
14. Which of the following is not a feature of Gandhara School of Art? (UPSC Prelims 1989)
[A] It was patronized by Sakas and Kushanas
[B] It has Indian and Greek influence
[C] It resulted in the origination of Hinayanism
[D] It portrayed human figures exactly
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [It resulted in the origination of Hinayanism]
Notes:
1. In this school of art the life size statues of Gautama Buddha were carved. Until then, the Buddhist existence was shown in the form of symbols like lotus, umbrella etc.
2. While carving the statues utmost care was given to the symmetry of the body including the muscles and moustaches which were shown in a natural setting.
3. In the specimens of the craftsmanship of this art-the folds and turns of the clothes were exhibited with minute care and skill.
4. In this art the ornaments that were carved on the statues received much attention which added to the physical beauty of the statue.
5. Polishing the statues is an important feature of this art.
6. The specimens were mostly prepared in stone, terracotta and clay.
7. The technique used in making the statues was Greek but, the idea, inspiration and personality all were Indian.
15. Which of the following UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site are associated with Buddhism?
[A] Nalanda Mahavihara
[B] Sanchi Stupa
[C] Mahabodhi Temple Complex
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara in Bihar, Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh and Mahabodhi Temple Complex of Bodhgaya in Bihar, are all UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites and associated with Buddhism.
16. Where is the UNESCO World Heritage site Group of Monuments at Pattadakal located?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Telengana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
UNESCO World Heritage site Group of Monuments at Pattadakal is located in Karnataka.
17. How many nastika philosophies did exist in ancient times, rejecting the authority of the Vedas?
[A] Five
[B] Three
[C] Six
[D] Four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Four ]
Notes:
Nastika philosophies in ancient and medieval India rejected the authority of Vedas, and these philosophies were also known as heterodox or non-orthodox Indian philosophies. There were four major nastika Indian philosophies prevalent in ancient and medieval India which included Buddhism, Jainism, Charvaka, Ajivika.
18. How many major denominations of Hinduism do exist?
[A] Four
[B] Six
[C] Three
[D] Five
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Four]
Notes:
Hinduism is widely practiced and professed faith in India, Nepal and Mauritius. Vaishnavism Shaivism, Shaktism and Smartism are the four largest denominations of Hinduism.
19.
As per Advaita Vedanta darshan Vidya is obtained through how many stages of practice?
[A] Four stages of practice
[B] Three stages of practice
[C] Six stages of practice
[D] Five stages of practice
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Three stages of practice]
Notes:
As per Advaita Vedanta darshan Vidya is obtained through three stages of practice –
Shravana – listening and hearing the teaching given by a Guru
Manana – contemplating on the teaching
Nididhyasana – meditating on the teaching
20. Which of the following school of Hindu philosophy asserts that Moksha is gained through right knowledge?
[A] Yoga
[B] Samkhya
[C] Mimansa
[D] Nyaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Nyaya]
Notes:
Moksha (liberation), Nyaya darshan states, is gained through right knowledge. This premise led Nyaya to concern itself with epistemology, that is the reliable means to gain correct knowledge and to remove wrong notions. Nyaya school Hindu philosophy accepts four out of six Pramanas as reliable means of gaining knowledge – Pratyaksha (perception), Anumana (inference), Upamana (comparison and analogy) and Sabda (word, testimony of past or present reliable experts).
