11. Consider the following pairs:
- Mrichchakatikam — Shudraka
- Buddhacharita — Vasuvandhu
- Mudrarakshasha — Vishakhadatta
- Harshacharita — Banabhatta
Select the correctly matched pairs using the codes given below: (UPSC Prelims 1998)
[A] 1, 2, 3 and 4
[B] 1, 3 and 4
[C] 1 and 4
[D] 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1, 3 and 4]
Notes:
Explanation: Buddhacharita is an epic poem in the Sanskrit mahakavya style on the life of Gautama Buddha by Aśvaghoṣa, composed in the early second century CE. Of the poem’s 28 cantos, the first 14 are extant in Sanskrit complete.
12. Who was the first recipient of the Gyanpith award?
[A] Sri Shankar Kurup
[B] Dr. Radhakrishnan
[C] S. Mukharji
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sri Shankar Kurup]
Notes:
Sri Shankar Kurup was the first recipient of the Gyanpith award in 1965 for his extraordinary achievements in Malayalam poetry.
13. Who was the first woman to receive Bharat Ratna for music?
[A] K.S. Chithra
[B] Asha Bhosle
[C] Lata Mangeshkar
[D] M.S. Subbalakshmi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [M.S. Subbalakshmi]
Notes:
M.S. Subbalakshmi, a Carnatic singer from Madurai, was the first woman to receive Bharat Ratna for music 1998. She also received Padma Vibhushan in 1975.
14. Which of the following forms the core belief of Jain dharma?
[A] ahimsa (non-violence)
[B] anekantavada (many-sidedness)
[C] aparigraha (non-attachment)
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
Jainism is premised on the philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence), anekantavada (many-sidedness), asteya (not stealing), brahmacharya (sexual continence), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness ) which, in turn, lead a Jain to adopt a predominantly vegetarian lifestyle.
15. The root of “Yoga” is found in hymn of which of the following Vedas?
[A] Rig Veda
[B] Atharveda
[C] Yajurveda
[D] Samveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: 0 [No Answer was given]
Notes:
The root of “Yoga” is mentioned in hymn 5.81.1 of the Rig Veda, symbolizing a dedication to rising Sun-god in the morning (Savitri), interpreted as yoke .
16. Which of the following folk dances is associated with Rajasthan?
[A] Veedhi
[B] Jhora
[C] Rauf
[D] Suisini
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Suisini]
Notes:
There are many dance forms originated in Rajasthan. With its simple steps and rhythmic beats, and the grandeur Ghoomar stands the most famous traditional dance form of this state. Ginad, Chakri, Gangore, Terahtaal, Khayal, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, etc are some of other the folk dances of Rajasthan.
17. Bhavai and Kalbelia as traditional dance forms, owe their genesis to which Indian state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Punjab
[D] Assam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rajasthan]
Notes:
Considered by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage, Kalbeliya is performed by the women of the namesake tribe. The dance movements are mostly serpentine, hence it is also referred as ‘Snake Charmer dance’ or ‘Sapera dance’. Bhavai is Rajasthan’s ritualistic dance, which is usually performed by women belonging to Kalbelia, Jat, Meena, Bhil or Kumhar tribal communities of the state.
18. Theyyam is the popular dance of which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Gujarat
[C] Manipur
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kerala]
Notes:
Theyyam is one of the most offbeat and colourful festivals in Kerala. It is usually held in from October to May every year. The performers of Theyyam belong to the lower caste community, and have an important positionin Theyyam.
19. Who amongst the following established an institution named ‘Kalashram’ for imparting training in dance and associated disciplines?
[A] Lachhu Maharaj
[B] Pandit Birju Maharaj
[C] Shambhu Maharaj
[D] Sitara Devi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pandit Birju Maharaj]
Notes:
Kalashram in New Delhi is the institution of Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj. It focusses on imparting training mainly in the field of Kathak, along with various other associated disciplines i.e. vocal & instrumental music, Yoga, Painting, Sanskrit, Dramatics, Stagecraft etc.
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.
