31. Islam was interpreted in a variety of ways by its followers. Consider the following statements:
- Shia Muslims accepted the authority of the early leaders (Khalifas) of the community, and the succeeding Khalifas.
- Sunni Muslims believed that the Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law, Ali, was the legitimate leader of the Muslim community.
Choose the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [None of the above ]
Notes:
Many rulers were patrons of Islam and the ulama-learned theologians and jurists. And like Hinduism, Islam was interpreted in a variety of ways by its followers. There were the Shia Muslims who believed that the Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law, Ali, was the legitimate leader of the Muslim community, and the Sunni Muslims who accepted the authority of the early leaders (Khalifas) of the community, and the succeeding Khalifas. There were other important differences between the various schools of law (Hanafi and Shafi’i mainly in India), and in theology and mystic traditions.
32. Consider the following statements regarding the philosophy of Shankaracharya:
- His philosophy teaches the oneness of the individual soul and the Supreme God, which is regarded as the Ultimate Reality.
- He considered the world to be maya (illusion) and advocated renunciation of the world.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] None of the above
[D] Both 1 and 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
Shankaracharya, born in the eighth century, is known for Advaita Vedanta, which asserts the non-duality and oneness of the individual soul (Atman) and the Supreme God (Brahman) as the Ultimate Reality. He regarded the observable world as maya or illusion, and advocated renunciation and the path of knowledge to realize Brahman and attain moksha (salvation).
33. Consider the following statements regarding Sufi assembly:
- The Sufi masters held their assemblies in their hospices.
- Sufi assembly discussed all types of matter be it political or spiritual.
Which of the above is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1]
Notes:
The Sufi masters held their assemblies in their khanqahs or hospices. Devotees of all descriptions including members of the royalty and nobility, and ordinary people flocked to these khanqahs. They discussed spiritual matters, sought the blessings of the saints in solving their worldly problems, or simply attended the music and dance sessions.
34. With reference to Indian literature of the early medieval and medieval periods, consider the following statements about ‘Apabhramsa’:
- It was a genre of dramas prevalent during this period.
- It referred to a group of languages that preceded the rise of modern Indian languages.
- Apabhramsa literature was produced by scholars patronized in the royal courts during early medieval times.
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
[A] Only 2 and 3
[B] Only 1
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 2 and 3]
Notes:
Apabhramsa referred to a group of vernacular languages that were precursors to modern North Indian languages, not a drama genre. Apabhramsa literature flourished in early medieval royal courts, with notable poets like Svayambhu. Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are correct; statement 1 is incorrect.
35. Consider the following statements regarding Guru Nanak:
- He strongly denounced idol-worship.
- He advocated a middle path, combining spiritual life with household duties.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Both 1 and 2
[B] Only 1
[C] Only 2
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:
Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, denounced idol-worship and other ritualistic practices, emphasizing devotion to one God. He also promoted a balanced path, advocating that spiritual pursuits could coexist with the responsibilities of household and family, rather than renouncing worldly life altogether.
36. Consider the following statements regarding Jamdani weaving:
- In 2013, UNESCO included Jamdani weaving in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- Jamdani received the Geographical Indications (GI) tag in West Bengal in 2016.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 2
[B] Both 1 and 2
[C] Only 1
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1]
Notes:
Jamdani weaving was inscribed by UNESCO in 2013 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. However, the GI tag for Jamdani was granted in Bangladesh in 2016, not in West Bengal, India. The tradition has historical roots in the Dhaka muslin industry and was enriched by Persian influences during Muhammad bin Tughlaq’s reign.
37. Consider the following statements regarding the Adivasis in India:
- Scheduled Tribes is the term officially used by the Indian Government for Adivasis in various documents.
- Adivasis practise a range of tribal religions that are distinct from Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity.
- Adivasis are especially numerous in states such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] All of the above
[C] Only 1 and 3
[D] Only 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [All of the above]
Notes:
All three statements are correct. Scheduled Tribes is the official classification for Adivasis in India. Adivasis practise numerous indigenous religions, which are distinct from major religions like Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity. They are predominantly found in states such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, as well as in several other states across India.
38. Consider the following statements on Sign Language:
- United Nations considers sign language as a natural language which has evolved without premeditation.
- Recently, Indian sign language has been declared as 23rd official language of India.
- Sign languages don’t have its own grammar.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1 & 3
[D] 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 ]
Notes:
The United Nations recognizes sign language as a distinct natural language, evolved through use. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities acknowledges sign language as equal to spoken language, requiring member states to promote its learning. In India, Indian Sign Language (ISL) lacks formal constitutional recognition and is not an official language, though efforts exist to designate it as the 23rd official language. ISL has its own grammar and is not related to Hindi or English, lacking temporal inflection.
39. Which of the following is / are similarities between National Film Archive of India and National Archive of India?
- Both come under same union ministry
- Both have origins in British era
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Both 1 & 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Neither 1 nor 2 ]
Notes:
The National Film Archive of India (NFAI) was established in 1964 under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and serves as the nodal organization for the National Film Heritage Mission. The National Archive of India (NAI), an attached office of the Ministry of Culture, was founded in 1891 as the Imperial Record Department.
40. Which of the following places are located in Tamil Nadu?
- Thirumalai Nayak Palace
- Fort Dansborg
- Fort at Panchalankurichi
- Brihadisvara Temple
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 4
[B] Only 1 & 4
[C] Only 2, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4]
Notes:
All four places are located in Tamil Nadu. Thirumalai Nayak Palace is in Madurai. Fort Dansborg is in Tranquebar. The Fort at Panchalankurichi is associated with Veerapandiya Kattabomman. Brihadisvara Temple is at Gangaikondacholapuram. These sites represent significant historical and architectural heritage of Tamil Nadu.
