11. Who amongst the following is a renowned Indian classical dancer?
[A] Palghat Mani Iyer
[B] Sonal Mansingh
[C] Madhumati
[D] Siddheshwari Devi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sonal Mansingh]
Notes:
Sonal Mansingh (born 30 April 1944) is an Indian classical dancer and Guru Bharatanatyam and Odissi dancing style. She has been nominated by the President of India to become a Member of parliament, Rajya Sabha.
12. Which of the following was advocated by Ramanujacharya?
[A] Dvaita
[B] Advaita
[C] Bhakti cult
[D] Vaishnavism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bhakti cult]
Notes:
Sri Ramanujacharya is one of the greatest philosopher lighted the path of equality, bhakti & world peace. Ramanujacharya’s school of thought is called Monoism, which in Hindu religion translates into Vishishtadvaita Vedanta. Upnishadas formed the basis of his philosophy. They are also known as Vedantas, forming the concluding parts of the Vedas.
13. Which of the following is not a feature of Gandhara School of Art?
[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.
14. Which one of the following monuments has a dome which is said to be one of the largest in the world?
[A] Tomb of Sher Shah, Sasaram
[B] Jama Masjid, Delhi
[C] Tomb of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, Delhi
[D] Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur]
Notes:
Gol Gumbaz is the mausoleum of king Mohammed Adil Shah, Sultan of Bijapur. Construction of the tomb, located in Vijayapura, Karnataka was started in 1626 and completed in 1656. The name is based on Gola gummata derived from Gol Gumbad meaning “circular dome”. It follows the style of Deccan architecture.
15. Which of the following classical dance forms is correctly matched with its well-known exponent?
- Kalamandalam Kshemavathy – Mohiniyattam
- Kottakkal Sivaraman – Bharatanatyam
- Shrimati Lakshmi Viswanathan – Kathak
- Shrimati Ningombam Madhabi Devi – Manipuri
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 4
[B] Only 1 & 3
[C] Only 2, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 4]
Notes:
Kalamandalam Kshemavathy is indeed a renowned Mohiniyattam dancer from Kerala, while Shrimati Ningombam Madhabi Devi is a prominent figure in the Manipuri dance form. Kottakkal Sivaraman was famous for his portrayals in Kathakali, not Bharatanatyam. Shrimati Lakshmi Viswanathan is a noted Bharatanatyam exponent, not Kathak. Thus, pairs 2 and 3 are incorrectly matched, leaving only pairs 1 and 4 correctly matched.
16. A documentary film named ‘SHIKHAR SE PUKAR’ has been released in India. The documentary addresses which serious issue?
[A] Climate Change
[B] Water Conservation
[C] Female Foeticide
[D] Refugee Crisis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Water Conservation]
Notes:
Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat released a short documentary film on Water Conservation named ‘SHIKHAR SE PUKAR’ in New Delhi.The film ‘Jalshakti Abhiyan’ and is based on the Journey of an IAS Officer Ravindra Kumar, who climbed Everest this year to attract the attention of people from the top of the Everest on the serious issue of Water Conservation and stopping Water Pollution. The significance of Himalaya as the primary source of water needs of India by means of the river. It picturizes the difficulties and challenges of climbing the highest peak in the world.
17. Which among the following is the national animal of India?
[A] Lion
[B] Tiger
[C] Elephant
[D] Bull
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tiger]
Notes:
Panthera tigris or the tiger holds the position of the national animal of India as it symbolizes strength and agility.
18. Which of the following UNESCO World Heritage Sites are rock-cut architecture?
[A] Elephanta Caves
[B] Ajanta Caves
[C] Ellora Caves
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
Elephanta Caves, Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves, all are located in Maharashtra and have rock-cut architecture and sculptures.
19. What are major sub-traditions of Jainism called?
[A] Digambaras
[B] Svetambaras
[C] Both of the above
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Both of the above]
Notes:
Jainism can be divided into two major ancient sub-traditions, Digambaras and Svetambaras. They have different views on ascetic practices, gender and the texts but both sects have mendicants supported by laypersons (sravakas).
20. By which of the following is Hinduism defined?
[A] Six darsanas (philosophies)
[B] Two schools
[C] Four major modern currents
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
Hinduism is defined by six darsanas (philosophies) , namely, Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa and Vedanta, two schools, Vedanta and Yoga and four major modern currents, namely Vaishnavism (Vishnu), Shaivism (Shiva), Shaktism (Devi) and Smartism (five deities treated as same).
