UPSC Indian Culture
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11. Consider the following vocal forms of music:
- Thumri
- Tarana
- Melakarta
- Khyal
- Ghazal
Which of the above is/are styles of Hindustani Classical Music?
[A] Only 1, 2 and 4
[B] 1, 3, 4 and 5
[C] 1, 2, 4 and 5
[D] 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1, 2, 4 and 5]
Notes:
Thumri, Tarana, Khyal and Ghazal are all vocal styles associated with Hindustani Classical Music. Melakarta, however, refers to a classification of fundamental ragas in Carnatic music, which is the classical tradition of South India, not Hindustani. Thus, 1, 2, 4 and 5 are correct.
12. Consider the following pairs regarding Indian folk dances and their states of prominence:
- Bardo Cham – Arunachal Pradesh
- Karma Naach – Jharkhand
- Raut Nacha – Chhattisgarh
Which of the above pairs is / are correctly matched?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 3
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
All three pairs are correctly matched. Bardo Cham is performed by the Sherdukpens of Arunachal Pradesh. Karma Naach is a traditional dance of Jharkhand, associated with the Karma festival. Raut Nacha is a folk dance of Chhattisgarh, performed mainly by the Yadava community, who identify as descendants of Krishna.
13. Consider the following statements about Vesara style of temple architecture:
- This style was mainly adopted by the Chalukyas of Badami
- Brihadeeswarar Temple is an excellent example of Vesara temple architecture
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1 Only
[B] 2 Only
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ 1 Only]
Notes:
Vesara style of temple architecture is often regarded as hybrid of Nagara and Dravida temple architecture. This style was a result of series of experiments done of Chalukyas in Karnataka. Second statement is incorrect because Brihadeeswarar Temple is in Dravidian style.
14. Consider the following musical Gharanas:
- Gwalior
- Jaipur
- Indore
Which of the above are known for singing Khyal music?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] 1, 2 and 3
[C] Only 2
[D] 2 and 3 only
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
Gwalior, Jaipur, and Indore are all renowned for their contributions to Khyal music. These gharanas are among the prominent schools, along with Agra, Kirana, and Patiala, noted for their development and performance of Khyal—one of the major genres of Hindustani classical vocal music.
15. Consider the following statements:
- The Sittars or Siddhars were monotheistic and condemned idolatry
- Sittars insisted on absolute surrender to Vishnu
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1 Only
[B] 2 Only
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1 Only]
Notes:
The term “Siddhar” means “one who has achieved a goal” or “one who has realized the truth.” They were said to have attained self-realization and mastery over their physical, mental and spiritual faculties. Siddhars lived in various parts of India and were active between the 7th and the 18th centuries. They belong to both Hindu and Jain traditions. The Siddhars are also known for their contributions to various fields such as medicine, alchemy, and yoga. Some of the Siddhars were devotees of Lord Shiva.
16. Consider the following:
- Vedangas
- Upaveda
- Darshanas
Which of the above are integral parts of Vedic Literature?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] None
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [None]
Notes:
Vedic literature strictly includes the four Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads. Vedangas are auxiliary disciplines connected to Vedic studies; Upavedas are traditional applied sciences, and Darshanas are schools of philosophy. None of them are considered integral parts of Vedic literature itself, though they are related to its wider intellectual tradition.
17. Identify the Indian classical dance form based on the following characteristics:
- The performer dances on a brass plate during the performance
- The recital begins with chanting of verses from the four Vedas
- The dance form displays both Tandava and Lasya elements
Select the correct answer from the options given below:
[A] Kathakali
[B] Bharatnatyam
[C] Manipuri
[D] Kuchipudi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kuchipudi]
Notes:
Kuchipudi is the only Indian classical dance where dancers perform on a brass plate, often balancing pots as well. The performance commonly begins with Vedic invocations. It elegantly blends Tandava (vigorous) and Lasya (graceful) movements, setting it apart from Kathakali, Bharatnatyam, and Manipuri, which do not typically employ these unique features together.
18. Consider the following varieties of mango in India:
- Khirsapati Mango
- Fazli Mango
- Alphonso Mango
Which of the above varieties is/are Geographical Indication (GI) protected?
[A] 3 only
[B] 1, 2 and 3
[C] 1 and 2 only
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
All three mango varieties—Khirsapati (from West Bengal), Fazli (from West Bengal and Malda), and Alphonso (from Maharashtra)—have received Geographical Indication (GI) status in India. GI protection ensures legal recognition and safeguards these varieties, associating their unique qualities and reputation with their regions of origin.
19. Consider the following statements regarding Indian harvest festivals:
- Both Onam and Pongal generally fall in the same months of the Gregorian calendar.
- Both festivals are harvest season festivals.
- Both are related to avatars of Lord Vishnu.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] None of them
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2]
Notes:
Both Onam and Pongal are important regional harvest festivals—Onam in Kerala, Pongal in Tamil Nadu. However, Onam is usually celebrated in August-September and is associated with Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar, while Pongal takes place in January and is dedicated to the Sun god, not Vishnu. Only statement 2 is correct.
20. Consider the following pairs:
- National Unity Day – Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
- Good Governance Day – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- Antyodaya Diwas – Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya
Which of the above is/are correctly matched?
[A] Only 3
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] Only 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 3]
Notes:
- Antyodaya Diwas – Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya
- National Unity Day – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- Good Governance Day – Atal Bihari Vajpayee
These days are celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of given personalities.
