2014

11. Consider the following statements : 1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of

Consider the following statements :

  • 1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal.
  • 2. The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded by Madhvacharya.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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Let’s examine each statement:
1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal. – Bijak is the most important and popular compilation of the works of Saint Kabir, a prominent poet and saint of the Bhakti movement. Dadu Dayal was another saint whose compositions are found in collections like the Dadu Anubhav Vani. Thus, this statement is incorrect.
2. The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded by Madhvacharya. – Pushti Marg (The Path of Grace) was founded by Vallabhacharya, a prominent philosopher and saint of the Vaishnavite tradition. Madhvacharya was the founder of the Dvaita (dualism) school of Vedanta philosophy. Thus, this statement is incorrect.
Since both statements are incorrect, the correct option is D.
– Bijak includes dohās, sabads, and ramainīs attributed to Kabir.
– Pushti Marg emphasizes salvation through the grace of God (Krishna), rather than through strict adherence to rituals or knowledge.
– Madhvacharya’s Dvaita Vedanta posits a clear distinction between God, the soul, and the material world.
Kabir, Dadu Dayal, Vallabhacharya, and Madhvacharya were all significant figures in the diverse philosophical and devotional landscape of medieval India, contributing to various schools of thought and Bhakti traditions.

12. With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, co

With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, consider the following pairs :
Famous shrine Location

  • 1. Tabo monastery and temple complex : Spiti Valley
  • 2. Lhotsava Lhakang temple, Nako : Zanskar Valley
  • 3. Alchi temple complex : Ladakh

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
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Let’s evaluate each pair:
1. Tabo monastery and temple complex: Spiti Valley – Tabo Monastery, also known as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’, is located in the Tabo village of Lahaul and Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh. It is indeed in the Spiti Valley. This pair is correctly matched.
2. Lhotsava Lhakang temple, Nako: Zanskar Valley – Nako village and its famous Lhotsava Lhakang temple are located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, close to the border with Tibet/China. While it is in a high-altitude Himalayan region, it is not in the Zanskar Valley, which is primarily located in the Kargil district of Ladakh. This pair is incorrectly matched.
3. Alchi temple complex: Ladakh – Alchi Monastery is one of the oldest and most famous Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh, known for its beautiful Kashmiri-style paintings. It is located in Ladakh. This pair is correctly matched.
Therefore, pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.
– Tabo Monastery is one of the oldest Buddhist sites in the Himalayas, founded in 996 CE.
– Alchi Monastery is known for its unique artistic style which differs from others in Ladakh.
– Both Spiti and Ladakh are regions with significant Buddhist populations and ancient monasteries.
Spiti Valley is located in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, while Zanskar and Ladakh are regions within the Union Territory of Ladakh. These areas are centers of Tibetan Buddhism and house numerous important monasteries and cultural sites.

13. Consider the following pairs : 1. Garba Gujarat

Consider the following pairs :
1. Garba Gujarat
2. Mohiniattam Odisha
3. Yakshagana Karnataka

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
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Let’s evaluate each pair:
1. Garba: Gujarat – Garba is a popular folk dance from Gujarat, traditionally performed during Navaratri. This pair is correctly matched.
2. Mohiniattam: Odisha – Mohiniattam is a classical dance form that originated in Kerala, not Odisha. Odissi is the classical dance form of Odisha. This pair is incorrectly matched.
3. Yakshagana: Karnataka – Yakshagana is a traditional folk theatre form prevalent in coastal Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The major tradition is associated with Karnataka. This pair is correctly matched.
Therefore, pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.
– Garba is a vibrant circular dance involving rhythmic clapping.
– Mohiniattam is characterized by graceful, flowing movements and is performed by women.
– Yakshagana combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, and stage techniques to present stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
India has a rich diversity of classical and folk dance forms associated with specific states or regions. Classical dances recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi include Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (North India), Kathakali (Kerala), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Odisha), Sattriya (Assam), Manipuri (Manipur), and Mohiniattam (Kerala).

14. With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is

With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’?

It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India
It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area
It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar
It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India
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Kalaripayattu is an ancient Indian martial art form that originated in Kerala, South India. It is considered one of the oldest surviving martial arts in the world and is still practiced in some parts of South India.
– Kalaripayattu involves a range of movements, strikes, weapons training, and traditional healing methods.
– It is deeply rooted in the cultural and traditional practices of Kerala.
– It is considered a living tradition passed down through generations.
Kalaripayattu techniques are believed to have influenced other martial arts forms and traditional dance forms like Kathakali. It includes unarmed combat as well as combat with various weapons like swords, shields, staves, etc.

15. The Ghadr (Ghadar) was a

The Ghadr (Ghadar) was a

revolutionary association of Indians with headquarters at San Francisco
nationalist organization operating from Singapore
militant organization with headquarters at Berlin
communist movement for India's freedom with headquarters at Tashkent
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The Ghadr (Ghadar) Party was a revolutionary organization formed by Indians in the United States and Canada in the early 20th century with the aim of liberating India from British rule. Its headquarters were located in San Francisco, USA.
– The Ghadar Party was primarily composed of Punjabi Sikhs.
– It advocated armed revolution against British rule in India.
– Its newspaper, ‘The Ghadar’, was published in multiple languages and disseminated revolutionary ideas.
The party was founded in 1913 by Lala Hardayal and others. While based primarily in North America, it had members and sympathizers in various parts of the world, including other parts of Asia and Europe, and attempted to coordinate activities with other nationalist groups.

16. With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the

With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs:

Famous work of sculpture Site
1. A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below Ajanta
2. A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on rock Mount Abu
3. “Arjuna’s Penance”/”Descent of Ganga” sculpted on the surface of huge boulders Mamallapuram

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

1 and 2 only
3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
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Pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched. The famous sculpture of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with celestial musicians and sorrowful followers is located in Cave 26 at Ajanta. The large rock relief depicting “Arjuna’s Penance” or the “Descent of Ganga” is a prominent sculpture at Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram). Pair 2 is incorrectly matched; the iconic huge image of Varaha Avatar rescuing Goddess Earth is found at the Udaigiri Caves in Madhya Pradesh, not Mount Abu.
– Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra) are famous for Buddhist rock-cut caves with paintings and sculptures.
– Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu) is known for its Pallava period rock-cut architecture and sculptures, including the famous Descent of Ganga panel.
– Udaigiri Caves (Madhya Pradesh) are known for Gupta period sculptures, including the large Varaha relief. Mount Abu is famous for Jain Dilwara Temples.
These sites represent significant achievements in ancient and medieval Indian art and architecture, showcasing diverse religious themes (Buddhist, Hindu, Jain) and artistic styles across different dynasties and regions. Ajanta and Mamallapuram are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

17. Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds t

Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days?

22nd March (or 21st March)
15th May (or 16th May)
31st March (or 30th March)
21st April (or 20th April)
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The Indian National Calendar, based on the Saka Era, was adopted in 1957. Its civil year starts on Chaitra 1. In a normal year with 365 days, Chaitra 1 of the Saka Calendar falls on the 22nd of March in the Gregorian calendar. In a Gregorian leap year, Chaitra 1 falls on the 21st of March. The option correctly provides both possibilities.
– The Indian National Calendar uses the Saka Era, with the epoch year being 78 CE.
– The calendar was adopted on March 22, 1957 (which was Chaitra 1, 1879 Saka).
– The months follow the tropical zodiac.
– The starting day of the year (Chaitra 1) aligns closely with the vernal equinox.
The Saka Calendar is used alongside the Gregorian calendar in official contexts in India, such as in the Gazette of India, news broadcasts by All India Radio, and calendars issued by the Government of India.

18. With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following st

With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements:

  • 1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama.
  • 2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam.
  • 3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
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Statements 1 and 2 regarding Sattriya dance are correct. Sattriya is recognized as one of the classical dance forms of India, originating in the Sattras (monasteries) of Assam. It is a holistic art form combining music, dance, and elements of drama, part of the Vaishnavite Bhakti movement initiated by Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th century. Statement 3 is incorrect because the devotional songs used in Sattriya are primarily compositions by Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhavadeva, not Tulsidas, Kabir, or Mirabai, who belong to different devotional traditions and regions.
– Sattriya is a major classical dance form of India from Assam.
– It combines dance (Nritta), expressional dance (Nritya), and dramatic elements (Natya).
– It developed within the Vaishnavite monasteries (Sattras) founded by Srimanta Sankardeva.
– The musical compositions (Borgeet) and plays (Ankia Naats) form the basis of its repertoire.
Sattriya was recognized as a classical dance form by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000. It has two main streams: Gayan-Bhayanar Nach (suited for males) and Kewaliyar Nach (suited for females), though both are now performed by all genders.

19. The 1929 Session of Indian National Congress is of significance in the

The 1929 Session of Indian National Congress is of significance in the history of the Freedom Movement because the

attainment of Self-Government was declared as the objective of the Congress
attainment of Poorna Swaraj was adopted as the goal of the Congress
Non-Cooperation Movement was launched
decision to participate in the Round Table Conference in London was taken
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The 1929 Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress, presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, is highly significant because it was there that the Congress adopted ‘Poorna Swaraj’ (complete independence) as its ultimate goal. A resolution was passed declaring that the aim of the Congress was the attainment of Poorna Swaraj.
– The session was held in Lahore in 1929.
– Jawaharlal Nehru was the president of the session.
– The Declaration of Poorna Swaraj was passed.
– January 26, 1930, was designated as the first Poorna Swaraj Day.
Prior to 1929, the demand was often for ‘Swaraj’ or self-government within the British Empire. The Lahore session marked a radical shift in the stance of the Indian National Congress, demanding complete separation from British rule.

20. The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until

The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until

the First World War when Indian troops were needed by the British and the partition was ended
King George V abrogated Curzon's Act at the Royal Durbar in Delhi in 1911
Gandhiji launched his Civil Disobedience Movement
the Partition of India in 1947 when East Bengal became East Pakistan
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The Partition of Bengal, enacted by Lord Curzon in 1905, did not last until the First World War or the Partition of India in 1947. It was annulled in 1911. The annulment was announced by King George V at the Delhi Durbar on December 12, 1911, in response to widespread protests and the Swadeshi movement.
– The Partition of Bengal was implemented in 1905 by Lord Curzon.
– It led to significant political unrest and the launch of the Swadeshi movement.
– The partition was revoked in 1911.
– The decision to annul was announced at the Delhi Durbar.
Upon annulment, Bengal was reunified, but new provincial boundaries were created; Bihar and Orissa were separated from Bengal, and Assam became a separate province. The capital of British India was also shifted from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911.
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