Provincial Dynasty of North India and Deccan Province

31. What form of Shiva is most prominent in the Brihadeshvara Temple built

What form of Shiva is most prominent in the Brihadeshvara Temple built by the Chola dynasty?

Subscribe on YouTube
Harihara
Bhairava
Rudra
Tripurantaka
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2016
Download PDFAttempt Online
The most prominent form of Shiva worshipped in the Brihadeshvara Temple is represented by the massive Shiva Lingam. While not explicitly listed as ‘Lingam’ or ‘Shiva’, among the given options representing aspects or manifestations of Shiva, Rudra is closely associated with the powerful and supreme cosmic form represented by the Lingam.
– The Brihadeshvara Temple at Thanjavur, built by Rajaraja I of the Chola dynasty, is dedicated to Shiva.
– The central deity is a colossal Shiva Lingam, known as Peruvudaiyar or Rajarajeshwaram Udaiyar.
– While the Lingam is the primary object of worship, the question asks about the ‘form’ of Shiva. Rudra is an ancient Vedic deity associated with Shiva, representing powerful and sometimes fierce aspects, fitting the grandeur of the temple’s main deity.
– Other options like Harihara (syncretic Vishnu-Shiva), Bhairava (fierce manifestation), and Tripurantaka (destroyer of three cities) represent specific iconographic forms or aspects, whereas Rudra can refer to the fundamental, powerful nature of Shiva as the supreme being worshipped in the main shrine.
The temple complex contains numerous sculptures depicting various forms and narratives of Shiva, including Tripurantaka. However, the principal deity in the sanctum sanctorum is the Lingam, symbolizing the formless universal principle of Shiva. In the context of representing the supreme deity through one of the given names, Rudra is the most appropriate choice among the options provided.

Join Our Telegram Channel

32. Consider the following statements about Rana Kumbha of Mewar : 1. He

Consider the following statements about Rana Kumbha of Mewar :

Subscribe on YouTube
  • 1. He wrote a commentary on Jayadeva’s Gitagovinda.
  • 2. He wrote four dramas in which he is said to have made use of four provincial languages.
  • 3. He erected Kirtistambha in Chitor in commemoration of his victory over Gujarat.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1, 2 and 3
2 and 3 only
1 and 2 only
3 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2024
Download PDFAttempt Online
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are all correct.
Rana Kumbha was not only a great warrior but also a scholar and patron of arts. He wrote extensively on music and is credited with a commentary on Jayadeva’s Gitagovinda (Rasika Priya). He also composed dramatic works and is known to have used provincial languages (dialects) in them. The Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower), also known as Kirtistambha, in Chittorgarh Fort was built by him to commemorate his victory over the Sultan of Malwa, Mahmud Khilji I, in 1448.
Rana Kumbha’s reign (1433-1468 AD) is considered a golden age for Mewar, marked by significant military successes, extensive construction (including numerous forts), and flourishing artistic and literary activity.

Join Our Telegram Channel

33. The titles of ‘Rayagajakesari’ and ‘Dayagajakesari’ were associated wi

The titles of ‘Rayagajakesari’ and ‘Dayagajakesari’ were associated with which one of the following dynasties?

Join Our Telegram Channel
Kakatiya
Vijayanagara
Gajapati
Rashtrakuta
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2023
Download PDFAttempt Online
The titles ‘Rayagajakesari’ (Lord of Kings and Elephants) and ‘Dayagajakesari’ (Compassionate Lord of Elephants) were titles adopted by kings of the Gajapati dynasty of Odisha, particularly during their height of power in the 15th and 16th centuries. These titles reflect the military strength of the Gajapatis, who were known for their large elephant forces (‘Gajapati’ literally means ‘Lord of Elephants’).
– ‘Gajapati’ itself means ‘Lord of Elephants’.
– The dynasty was known for its powerful elephant corps.
– These titles were used by rulers of the Gajapati Kingdom of Odisha.
– The Kakatiya dynasty ruled in the Deccan region (modern Telangana and Andhra Pradesh).
– The Vijayanagara Empire was a prominent South Indian empire based in the Deccan.
– The Rashtrakuta dynasty ruled large parts of South India in the 6th to 10th centuries.
– While other dynasties also maintained elephants, the titles specifically mentioned are strongly associated with the Gajapatis.

Subscribe on YouTube

34. Which one of the following statements about the Elephanta Island is

Which one of the following statements about the Elephanta Island is correct?

Join Our Telegram Channel
It was given its name by the British after a large elephant structure located there.
It contains one large cave.
It is well-known for a spectacular carving of Vishnu described in the Vishnudharmottara Purana.
It is associated with the Pashupata sect.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2018
Download PDFAttempt Online
The caves on Elephanta Island are primarily dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and contain magnificent sculptures depicting various forms and legends of Shiva. The iconography and style of the sculptures strongly suggest an association with the Pashupata sect of Shaivism, which was prominent during the period of their creation (roughly 5th-8th centuries AD).
Elephanta Caves are dedicated to Shiva and associated with the Pashupata sect.
Option A is partially correct in that the island got its name from an elephant structure, but it was given by the Portuguese, not the British. Option B is incorrect as there are multiple caves, although Cave 1 is the largest and most significant. Option C is incorrect as the main deity depicted is Shiva, not Vishnu.

Subscribe on YouTube

35. Which of the following is/are the feature(s) of the Brahmadeya Grants

Which of the following is/are the feature(s) of the Brahmadeya Grants during c 600-1200 AD?

Subscribe on YouTube
  • 1. Their creation meant a renunciation of actual or potential sources of revenue by the State.
  • 2. These grants could vary from a small plot to several villages.
  • 3. Most grants were made in unsettled areas.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Join Our Telegram Channel
1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 2 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2018
Download PDFAttempt Online
All three statements correctly describe features of Brahmadeya grants (land grants to Brahmins) prevalent between c. 600 and 1200 AD. Statement 1 is correct because granting land often meant the state alienated potential revenue from that land. Statement 2 is correct as grants varied in size from small plots to multiple villages. Statement 3 is correct because grants, especially in earlier periods, were often made in undeveloped or forested areas with the aim of bringing them under cultivation and settling new populations, including Brahmins, thereby extending state control and influence.
Brahmadeya grants involved revenue alienation, varied in size, and were often made in unsettled areas to promote agriculture and settlement.
Brahmadeya grants were a significant feature of the early medieval Indian economy and society. They not only supported religious and scholarly activities but also played a role in the expansion of agriculture, the spread of Sanskrit culture and Brahmanical religion, and the decentralization of political power. The grants often came with fiscal and administrative immunities.

36. Consider the following statements: 1. Abhinavagupta wrote a comprehe

Consider the following statements:

Join Our Telegram Channel
  • 1. Abhinavagupta wrote a comprehensive treatise called the Tantraloka which systematically presents the teachings of the Kula and Trika systems
  • 2. The Samaraichchakaha by Hariibhadra Suri written in Gujarat around the eighth century is technically not a tantric work but is saturated with tantric ideas and practices

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

Subscribe on YouTube
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2016
Download PDFAttempt Online
Statement 1 is correct. Abhinavagupta (c. 975-1025 CE) was a prominent philosopher and mystic of Kashmir Shaivism. His monumental work, *Tantraloka*, is considered the most comprehensive and authoritative synthesis of the teachings of the Trika and Kula systems of Kashmir Shaivism, which are indeed forms of Tantra. Statement 2 is incorrect. Hariibhadra Suri (c. 8th century) was a highly respected Jain philosopher and author. His *Samaraichchakaha* is a major narrative work in Prakrit, focusing on Jain doctrines of karma and rebirth through a series of stories. While it deals with philosophical concepts, it is a key text of Jainism and is not generally classified as a tantric work, nor is it considered “saturated with tantric ideas and practices” in the way that term is used in the context of Shaiva or Shakta tantra. Jainism is a distinct philosophical and religious tradition.
Abhinavagupta is central to Kashmir Shaivism and Tantra, while Hariibhadra Suri is a key figure in Jainism, and their works belong to distinct traditions.
Kashmir Shaivism is a non-dualistic tradition that incorporates tantric practices and philosophy. Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that follows a path of non-violence towards all living beings and asceticism.

Page 1Page 2Page 3Page 4Page 5