11. Consider the following statements regarding the Arya Samaj:
- It discarded all later than Vedic outgrowths.
- It upheld monotheism.
- It confined its educational efforts to Sanskrit studies only.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 2 and 3
[B] Only 1 and 3
[C] 1, 2 and 3
[D] Only 1 and 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Only 1 and 2]
Notes:
The Arya Samaj discarded all religious practices that were not present in the Vedas and upheld monotheism, condemning polytheism and idol worship. Initially, it focused mainly on Sanskritic studies, but later expanded to include Western education as well. Thus, only statements 1 and 2 are correct; statement 3 is incorrect.
12. Consider the following statements regarding Buddhism:
- Buddhism denied moksha and believed in nirvana to get rid of birth and death.
- The Third Buddhist Council was held in Patliputra under the patronage of Ashoka.
- Sutta Pitaka (one of the Tripitakas) consists of rules and regulations for those who joined the monastic order and Sangha.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] 1 Only
[B] 1 and 2 Only
[C] 1 and 3 Only
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1 and 2 Only]
Notes:
The correct answer is 1 and 2 only. The third statement is incorrect because the Sutta Pitaka contains the teachings and sermons of Buddha and his closest disciples, not rules for monastic conduct. It is the Vinaya Pitaka that lays down the rules and regulations for those who join the monastic order and Sangha.
13. Consider the following dynasties:
- Pandyas
- Pallavas
- Cholas
- Cheras
Which of the above dynasties are majorly associated with the formation of Sangam literature?
[A] 1, 2 and 3 Only
[B] 2, 3 and 4 Only
[C] 1, 3 and 4 Only
[D] 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1, 3 and 4 Only]
Notes:
The major dynasties associated with Sangam literature are the Pandyas, Cholas, and Cheras. The Pallavas were not a part of the classic three Tamil kingdoms most referenced in Sangam texts. Thus, statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct, while statement 2 is not.
14. Consider the following motifs found on Harappan pottery:
- Human figurines
- Figures of animals, birds, snakes, and fish
- Geometrical patterns
- Pictures of carts and boats
Which of the above were present on Harappan pottery?
[A] 2, 3 and 4 only
[B] 1, 3 and 4 only
[C] 1, 2 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1, 2 and 3 only]
Notes:
Harappan pottery is characterized by human figurines, representations of animals, birds, snakes, fish, and various geometrical patterns. However, there is no credible evidence of pictures of carts and boats on Harappan pottery. Hence, only statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct.
15. Consider the following pairs:
- Vagbhata – Father of Siddha Medicine
- Sushruta – Father of Ayurveda
- Charaka – Wrote about Astang hridya
Which of the above is/are correct?
[A] 1 & 3 Only
[B] 2 Only
[C] 1, 2 & 3
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ None ]
Notes:
- Vagbhata – Father of Siddha Medicine: This is incorrect. Vagbhata was an ancient Indian physician and author of Ashtānga Hṛdayam and Ashtānga Sangraha. He is considered one of the founding fathers of Ayurveda, not Siddha medicine. Agastyar, also known as Agasthya, is considered the founder of Siddha medicine. Siddha medicine is said to have originated from the Shiva cult
- Sushruta – Father of Ayurveda: This is incorrect. Sushruta was an ancient Indian surgeon and author of the Sushruta Samhita. He pioneered surgery procedures. Dhanvantari is known as Father of Ayurveda.
- Charaka – Wrote about Astang hridya This is incorrect. It was Vagbhata who authored the Ashtānga Hṛdayam and Ashtānga Sangraha. Charaka authored the Charaka Samhita, another seminal treatise on Ayurveda.
16. Consider the following statements regarding the SATYAM programme:
- SATYAM is an initiative under the Ministry of Science & Technology.
- The programme encourages research on the effects of Yoga and Meditation on the physical and mental health of individuals.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Both 1 and 2
[B] Only 1
[C] Only 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
Statement 1 is correct as SATYAM (Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation) is operated by the Ministry of Science & Technology, not the Ministry of AYUSH. Statement 2 is also correct, as the programme specifically encourages research on the health impacts of Yoga and Meditation. Both statements together fully describe the programme.
17. Consider the following pairs of dance forms with states where they are most commonly performed:
- Dollu Kunitha – Karnataka
- Chhau – Odisha
- Gaudiya Nritya – West Bengal
Which of the above is/are correct?
[A] 1 & 2 Only
[B] 3 Only
[C] 2 & 3 Only
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
- Dollu Kunitha – Karnataka is correct. Dollu Kunitha is a popular drum dance performed in the state of Karnataka in India.
- Chhau – Odisha is correct. Chhau dance originated in the eastern state of Odisha in India. It is recognized for its martial and acrobatic movements.
- Gaudiya Nritya – West Bengal is correct. Gaudiya Nritya is a classical dance form of West Bengal, stemming from the Vaishnavism tradition.
18. Consider the following differences between the Mathura School and Gandhara School of Art:
- The Mathura school primarily utilized red sandstone, whereas the Gandhara school predominantly used grey sandstone.
- The Mathura school largely lacked foreign artistic influences, but the Gandhara school incorporated significant Greek influence.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Neither 1 nor 2
[D] Both 1 and 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
Both statements are correct. The Mathura school used red sandstone and developed indigenously with minimal outside influence. The Gandhara school, influenced by Greek and Roman art due to Indo-Greek contact, primarily employed grey schist (a type of grey sandstone) in sculptures, reflecting clear external stylistic influences.
19. Consider the following statements regarding Dhrupad and Khyal styles of Indian music:
- Dhrupad is a style of Hindustani Classical Music, while Khyal is a style of Carnatic Music.
- Both Dhrupad and Khyal styles present the Janya ragas in their purest form.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Neither 1 nor 2
[D] Both 1 and 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Neither 1 nor 2]
Notes:
Both statements are incorrect. Dhrupad and Khyal are both styles of Hindustani classical music, not Carnatic. Additionally, the concept of Janya ragas is specific to Carnatic music; these styles do not focus on the pure presentation of Janya ragas. Dhrupad emphasizes strictness and Khyal is known for its improvisation within Hindustani tradition.
20. Consider the following statements regarding Yoga:
- It has been inscribed in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
- It was a special feature of the Indus Valley Civilization
- International Day of Yoga is celebrated on 21 June
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] 1, 2 and 3
[C] Only 3
[D] Only 1 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [1, 2 and 3]
Notes:
All three statements are correct. Yoga is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Archaeological evidence, such as seals, suggests the practice of Yoga in the Indus Valley Civilization. Further, the International Day of Yoga is globally observed on 21 June to promote awareness and benefits of Yoga.
