Consider the following statements: 1. The Chakmas and Hajongs are tribes only found in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in India. 2. The Chakmas and Hajongs of Arunachal Pradesh are migrants from the Chittagong Hill Tracts of erstwhile East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Answer: D
The chakmas and hajongs are indigenous tribes that are primarily found in the northeastern region of india, particularly in the states of arunachal pradesh, assam, mizoram, and tripura.
The chakma tribe is one of the largest tribes in the region and has its roots in the chittagong hill tracts of present-day bangladesh. They are predominantly buddhists and have their own language called chakma.
The hajong tribe, on the other hand, is primarily found in assam and arunachal pradesh. They have their own language called hajong and are mainly involved in agriculture
Consider the following statements: 1. The Hoysala temples show strong influences of the Nagara traditions of northern and western India. 2. The Hoysala temple is laid out in the shape of an intricately-designed star. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Answer: C
The Hoysala temples are known for their star-shaped platforms, which are typical of the Dravidian style. However, the superstructures of these temples feature the Nagara-style shikhara, albeit in a more subdued form.
The shikhara is usually shorter and less ornate than those found in the Nagara-style temples of northern India. Additionally, the Hoysala temples feature a lot of intricate and delicate carvings on the outer walls, which is a characteristic feature of both the Nagara and Dravidian styles of temple architecture.
Overall, the Hoysala temples represent a unique blend of Nagara and Dravidian styles, with a distinctive Hoysala touch that sets them apart from other temples in India.
Consider the following statements: 1. It was built in the 13th century by King NarasimhadevaI. 2. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. 3. It is also referred to as the Black Pagoda. The above statements most appropriately are related to which of the following temples in India.?
(A) Konark Sun Temple
(B) Jagannath Temple
(C) Tara Tarini Temple
(D) Lingaraja Temple
Show Answer
Answer: A
The Sun Temple at Konark is a 13th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya.
It was built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 13th century and is located in the town of Konark, in the Indian state of Odisha.
The temple is renowned for its impressive architecture and intricate stone carvings.
The Sun Temple at Konark was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and is considered one of the “Seven Wonders of India.“
It is also commonly referred to as the “Black Pagoda” due to its dark color, which is the result of the temple being built with black granite.
Which of the following dynasties ruled in South India during the Sangam Period? 1. Cheras 2. Pandyas 3. Cholas 4. Pallavas Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(A) 1, 2 and 4
(B) 2, 3 and 4
(C) 1, 2 and 3
(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: C
The Sangam period of South India (3rd century BCE – 3rd century CE) saw the flourishing of Tamil literature, art, and culture.
The dynasties that ruled in South India during this period were the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas.
These three kingdoms were known as the Tamilakam or the Land of the Tamils.
The Sangam literature speaks of the political and cultural life of the people of these kingdoms, and it provides a valuable insight into the history of South India during this period
Which of the following ancient texts mentions about the republics in India? 1. Arthashastra 2. Mahanibbana Sutta 3. Avadaana Shatak 4. Ashtadhyayi Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(A) 1 and 4 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 3 and 4 only
(D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Answer: D
The MahaparinibbanaSutta is a Buddhist text that describes the final days of the Buddha and his passing into Nirvana. While it does not directly provide information about ancient republics, it does offer insight into the social and political conditions of the Buddha’s time, including the role of various groups such as kings, merchants, and brahmins.
The AvadanaShataka is a collection of stories and legends from ancient India, which may contain references to republics and their governance. However, the content of each story varies, and it is not a comprehensive account of ancient republics.
The Ashtadhyayi is a grammar text written by Panini, which provides detailed rules for Sanskrit language. While it does not directly address ancient republics, it may contain references to social and political institutions of its time.
The Arthashastra provides a detailed and nuanced discussion of republics and their strengths and weaknesses, as well as strategies for governing them effectively.
Buddhism was first brought to Sri Lanka during the reignof the following rulers?
(A) Ashoka
(B) Bimbisara
(C) Ajatshatru
(D) Kanishka II
Show Answer
Answer: A
Buddhism was first brought to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BCE.
According to traditional accounts, the Indian Emperor Ashoka sent his son Mahinda to Sri Lanka to spread the teachings of Buddhism.
Mahinda is said to have met with King Devanampiya Tissa, who subsequently embraced Buddhism and helped to establish it as the dominant religion in Sri Lanka.
Consider the following statements regarding Gaudiya Vaishnavism: 1. It is a religious movement inspired by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. 2. The focus of Gaudiya Vaishnavism is the devotional worship of Vitthala, an incarnation of lord Vishnu. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Answer: A
Bengali saint and social reformer who is considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna by his followers.
‘Chaitanya Mahaprabhu emphasized the importance of bhakti, or devotion to God, as the path to liberation, and he taught that the highest form of devotion is to develop an intense, loving relationship with Krishna through the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra.
Consider the following statements regarding Qutub Minar : 1. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2. It is a red sandstone tower built by Muslim conquerors to commemorate their final triumph over the Rajput rulers of Delhi. 3. Its construction was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak and finished by Iltutmish. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
The monument described here is the QutubMinar, located in Delhi, India.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a red sandstone tower built by Muslim conquerors to commemorate their final triumph over the Rajput rulers of Delhi.
Its construction was started by Qutub–ud-din Aibak and finished by Iltutmish.
The Qutub Minar is one of the tallest minarets in the world, standing at a height of 73 meters (240 feet), and is a popular tourist attraction in Delhi.
With reference to the ‘Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple’, consider the following statement: 1. The temple is built in the Chera style of architecture. 2. The Lord Vishnu is found in Anantha Shayana posture in the temple.. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Answer: C
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of the Indian state of Kerala. The temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture, which is also known as the Chera style. This style is characterized by the use of wood and laterite for construction, sloping roofs, and elaborate carvings and sculptures.
The Lord Vishnu is found in Anantha Shayana posture in the temple. The main deity of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped in the Anantha Shayana posture. This means that the idol of Lord Vishnu is depicted reclining on the serpent Anantha, with his right hand placed over a Shiva lingam. This posture symbolizes the state of deep relaxation and meditation, and represents the concept of the universe in a state of cosmic rest.
Consider the following statements: 1. The Lothal is the Indus Valley Civilization site in Gujrat famous for the world’s earliest known dockyard. 2. The Lothal site has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. 3. The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is proposed to be built at Lothal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 3 only
(C) 2 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
The first statement is correct. Lothal is an archaeological site located in Gujarat, India, and is part of the Indus Valley Civilization. It is famous for having the world’s earliest known dockyard, which was used for trade and commerce.
The second statement is incorrect. While Lothal is a significant archaeological site, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, not 2019.
The third statement is correct. The Indian government has proposed the development of a National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, which would showcase India’s maritime history and heritage. However, the project has faced delays and is still under development.
Consider the following statements: 1. Anurag Sagar, Bijak, and Sakhi Granth were written by Sant Kabir Das. 2. Many parts of Sant Kabir Das' work was collected by the Guru Arjan Dev. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Answer: B
Anurag Sagar is attributed to Sant Dharamdas, Bijak is attributed to a disciple of Kabir named Dharam Das, and Sakhi Granth is a collection of stories and teachings attributed to various saints, including Kabir.
While Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru, did collect and compile many of Sant Kabir Das’ works
Consider the following statements: 1. It is also called the dormitory of the Mughals. 2. It is an example of the charbagh with pools joined by channels. 3. It was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The above statements describe which of the following Mughal Architectures most appropriately?
(A) Badshahi Mosque
(B) Humayun’s Tomb
(C) Red Fort
(D) Taj Mahal
Show Answer
Answer: D
The Taj Mahal is sometimes referred to as the “dormitory of the Mughals” due to the fact that it houses the tombs of Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is an example of the charbagh, or four-part garden, with pools joined by channels. The garden is an important aspect of the overall design of the Taj Mahal and is meant to represent paradise.
The Taj Mahal was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It is considered one of the greatest works of Mughal architecture and is admired for its beauty, symmetry, and use of intricate decoration and materials such as white marble, precious stones, and calligraphy.
Consider the following statements regarding Jainsim: 1. Jainism teaches utmost importance to Ahimsa or nonviolence. 2. The teaching of Brahmacharya in Jainism was given by first tirthankara Rishabhnatha. 3. Jainism condemns the varna system. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Yes, Jainism places utmost importance on the principle of Ahimsa or nonviolence.
According to Jain tradition, the first Tirthankara Rishabhadeva (also known as Rishabhnatha) taught the principles of Brahmacharya to his followers.
Brahmacharya is seen as a means of purifying one’s mind and body, and it is considered essential for spiritual progress.
jainism does not specifically condemn the varna system (also known as the caste system), but it does reject the idea that a person’s social status or birth determines their spiritual worth or potential.
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Anangpal II? 1. He was the ruler of present-day Delhi and Haryana in between the 8th-12th centuries. 2. He was defeated by Ghurid forces in the Battle of Tarain. 3. He founded a city named Dhillika Puri. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Consider the following statements about the empire of Vijayanagara: 1. The empire was established by Harihara and Bukka of the Tuluva dynasty. 2. The capital of Vijayanagar is a UNESCO world heritage site. 3. The empire was stretched along the river Krishna. Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) 2 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Vijayanagara Empire:
The empire was established by Harihara and Bukka of the Tuluva dynasty. They founded the empire in 1336 CE after breaking away from the Delhi Sultanate.
The capital of Vijayanagara, which was located in present-day Hampi in Karnataka, India, is a UNESCO world heritage site. It was one of the richest and largest cities in the world during its peak in the 16th century.
The Vijayanagara Empire was stretched along the river Krishna. The empire covered a vast territory in southern India, including parts of present-day Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The river Krishna played an important role in the economy and trade of the empire.