Prelims 2017 : Q3

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism.

2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form.

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

Answer : B

Prelims 2017 : Q19

The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at

(a) Ajanta

(b) Badami

(c) Bagh

(d) Ellora

Answer : A

Prelims 2017 : Q20

Consider the following pairs: Traditions Communities

1. Chaliha Sahib Festival -Sindhis

2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra -Gonds

3. Wari-Warkari - Santhals

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

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) None of the above

Answer : A

Prelims 2017 : Q25

Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples?

1. Arasavalli

2. Amarakantak

3. Omkareshwar

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer : A

Prelims 2017 : Q87

With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements:

1. It is a song and dance performance.

2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.

3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 only

Answer : B

Prelims 2016 : Q35

Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty?

(a) Swapnavasavadatta

(b) Malavikagnimitra

(c) Meghadoota

(d) Ratnavali

Answer : B

Prelims 2016 : Q75

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism.

2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.

3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentinent beings on their path to it.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer : B

Prelims 2016 : Q90

What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram?

1. Both were built in the same period.

2. Both belong to the same religious denomination.

3. Both have rock-cut monuments.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) None of the statements given above is correct

Answer : B

Prelims 2015 : Q39

Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?

1. Avanti

2. Gandhara

3. Kosala

4. Magadha

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4

(d) 3 and 4 only

Answer : D

Prelims 2015 : Q54

With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?

(a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar

(b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli

(c) Rock-cut Monuments Mahabalipuram

(d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri

Answer : B

Prelims 2015 : Q96

Kalamkari painting refers to

(a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India

(b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in NorthEast India

(c) a block-painted woollen cloth in Western Himalayan region of Inndia

(d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India

Answer : A

Prelims 2014 : Q1

In Medival India, the designations 'Mahattara' and 'Pattakila' were used for

(a) military officers

(b) village officers

(c) specialists in Vedic rituals

(d) chiefs of craft guilds

Answer : B

Prelims 2014 : Q5

Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha ?

1. Avanti

2. Gandhara

3. Kosala

4. Magadha

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2 and 4

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4

Answer : D

Prelims 2014 : Q6

Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant samplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes ?

(a) Bhutia and Lepcha

(b) Gond and Korku

(c) Irula and Toda

(d) Sahariya and Agariya

Answer : B

Prelims 2014 : Q23

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 ?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer : B

Prelims 2014 : Q24

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 ?

(a) 22nd March (or 21st March)

(b) 15th May (or 16th May)

(c) 21st March (or 30th March)

(d) 21st April (or 20th April)

Answer : A

Prelims 2014 : Q25

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 ?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer : C

Prelims 2014 : Q27

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

(a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India.

(b) It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area.

(c) It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar.

(d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India.

Answer : D

Prelims 2014 : Q28

Consider the following pairs :

1. Garba : Gujarat

2. Mohiniattam : Odisha

3. Yakshagana : Karnataka

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

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer : C

Prelims 2014 : Q29

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 Lhakhang : Zanskar Valley

3. Alchi Temple Complex : Ladakh

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

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer : C

Prelims 2014 : Q30

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 ?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer : D

Prelims 2014 : Q31

A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their

(a) martial arts in North-East India

(b) musical tradition in North-West India.

(c) Classical vocal music in South India.

(d) Pictra dura tradition in Central India.

Answer : B

Prelims 2014 : Q33

Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

(a) the mosque for the use of Royal Family

(b) Akbar's private prayer chamber.

(c) the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions.

(d) the room in which the nobles belonging in different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs.

Answer : C

Prelims 2014 : Q68

Consider the following languages :

1. Gujarati

2. Kannada

3. Telugu

Which of the above has/have been declared as 'Classical Language/Languages' by the Government ?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer : C

Prelims 2014 : Q84

With reference to the cultural history of India, the term 'Panchayatan' refers to

(a) an assembly of village elders

(b) a religious sect

(c) a style of temple construction

(d) an administrative functionary

Answer : C

Prelims 2014 : Q87

Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy ?

(a) Mimamsa and Vedanta

(b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika

(c) Lokayata and Kapalika

(d) Sankhya and Yoga

Answer : C

Prelims 2014 : Q94

The national motto of India, 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from

(a) Katha Upanishad

(b) Chandogra Upanishad

(c) Aitareya Upanishad

(d) Mundaka Upanishad

Answer : D

Prelims 2013 : Q2

Consider the following Bhakti Saints:

1. Dadu Dayal

2. Guru Nanak

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 2

Answer : B

Prelims 2013 : Q7

Consider the following historical places:

1. Ajanta Caves

2. Lepakshi Temple

3.Sanchi Stupa

Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) None

Answer : B

Prelims 2013 : Q8

With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school:

1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul.

2. Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.

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

Answer : B

Prelims 2013 : Q29

In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called 'Tribhanga' has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?

(a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck

(b) Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters

(c) Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story

(d) A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism

Answer : A

Prelims 2013 : Q54

With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements:

1. The cases at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.

2. The Barabar rock-cut cases were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.

3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer : C

Prelims 2013 : Q86

Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?

(a) Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks

(b) Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks

(c) Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it

(d) There is no material difference between the two

Answer : B

Prelims 2013 : Q87

Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?

(a) The extinction of the flame of desire

(b) The complete annihilation of self

(c) A state of bliss and rest

(d) A mental stage beyond all comprehension

Answer : A

Prelims 2013 : Q97

Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?

1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.

2. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.

3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer : D

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