[DAY 39] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2023 –HISTORY, ART AND CULTURE, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Archaeologists have found seals of different shapes and sizes across the excavation sites. While most of the seals are square, it was found that triangular, rectangular, and circular seals were also being used. Steatite, a soft stone found in the river beds, was the most common material used to make seals, but agate, chert, copper, faience, and terracotta seals were also found. Some instances of gold and ivory seals have also been found. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• The common animal motifs include a unicorn, humped bull, rhinoceros, tiger, elephant, buffalo, bison, goat, marcour. ibex and crocodile. However, no evidence of cows has been found on any seal. Generally, the seals had an animal or human figure on one side and an inscription on the opposite side or inscriptions on both the sides. (Hence statement 3 is incorrect)
• Seals were primarily used for commercial purposes and helped in communication. Discovery of various seals in Mesopotamia and various sites such as Lothal indicate that seals were extensively used for trade.(Hence statement 2 is correct).

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Rakhigarhi in Haryana is considered to be the largest site of the Indus Valley Civilization. Granary, cemetery, drains, terracotta brickshave been found here. It is called the provincial capital of the Harappan Civilization. (Hence option c) is correct)

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The potteries found at the excavation sites can be broadly classified into two kinds-plain pottery and painted pottery. The painted pottery is also known as Black and Red Ware as it used red pigments to paint the background and glossy black paint to draw designs and figures on the red background. Trees, birds, animal figures and geometrical patterns were the recurring themes of the paintings on the Red and Black Pottery.
• Most of the potteries that have been found are very fine wheel-made wares, with very few being handmade. Some examples of polychrome pottery have also been found, though rarely. The potteries were used for three main purposes:
  • Plain pottery was used for household purposes, mainly for storage of grains and water. (Hence pair 1 is correctly matched)
  • Miniature vessels, generally less than half an inch in size, were used for decorative purposes. (Hence pair 2 is incorrectly matched)
  • Some of the potteries were perforated – with a large hole at the bottom and small holes across the sides. They might have been used for straining liquor. (Hence pair 3 is incorrectly matched)

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Both Mathura School and Amaravathi School was developed indigenously and not influenced by external cultures. Gandhara School of art was influenced by Greek architecture.
• (Hence statement 1 is incorrect)
• The sculptures of the Mathura school were made using spotted red sandstone and the sculptures of the Amaravati school were made using white marble. (Hence statement 2 is correct)
• Mathura school patronized by Kushans rulers and Amaravathi school Patronized by Satvahana rulers. (Hence statement 3 is correct)
• Mathura school Developed in and around Mathura, Sonkh and Kankali Tila in Uttar Pradesh and Amaravathi School Developed in the Krishna-Godavari lower valley, in and around Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh.
• Mathura school Influence of all three religions of the time, i.e., Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism and Amaravathi school mainly Buddhist influence.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

Dhyana Mudra

• It indicates meditation and is also called ‘Samadhi or Yogamudra.
• It depicts Buddha with both hands in the lap, back of the right hand resting on the palm of the left hand with fingers extended. In many statues, the thumbs of both hands are shown touching at the tips thus forming a mystic triangle (Hence option d) is correct answer)
• It signifies attainment of spiritual perfection.
• This mudra was used by Buddha during the final meditation under the Bodhi tree.

Solution (c)

Explanation:

Khajuraho School

In the central part of India, the Chandala rulers developed a distinct style of temple making of their own-known as Khajuraho school or Chandela school The features of the temples included the following:

• In these temples, both the interior and exterior walls were lavishly decorated with carvings.
• The sculptures were generally erotic in their themes and drew inspiration from Vatsyayana’s Kama Sutra (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• The temples were made of sandstone.
• The temples had three chambers Garbhagriha, Mandapa and Ardhamandapa.
• Some temples had a vestibular entrance to the Garbhagriha known as Antrala
• The temples were generally north or east facing.(Hence statement 3 is correct)
• The temples were built on a relatively high platform and belong to Hindu as well as Jain religion (Hence statement 2 is incorrect) Examples: Kandariya Mahadev Temple and Lakshmana Temple at Khajuraho.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The ancient port city of Mamallapuram (named after Narasimhavarman I, who was also known as Mamalla) under the Pallava dynasty in Tamil Nadu flourished with several marvelous architectures. This 7th-century Pallava site was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 by the name ‘Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram’ Prominent one was Ratha Temples. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect)
• Pancha Ratha: Also known as Pandava Rathas, they are the earliest rock-cut temples in India, comprising Dharmaraja Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Nakula and Sahadeva Ratha, and Draupadi Ratha dated around the 7th century AD. Dharmaraja Ratha is the largest structure among the five. (Hence statement 2 is correct)

Solution (d)

Explanation:

The features of the Nataraja sculpture (Bronze Nataraja) of the Chola Period are as follows

• The upper right hand holds the drum, which signifies the sound of creation. All creations spring from the great sound of the damaruga.
• The upper left hand holds the eternal fire, which represents destruction. Destruction is the precursor and an inevitable counterpart of creation. (Hence statement 3 is correct)
• The lower right hand is raised in the gesture of abhaya signifying benediction and reassuring the devotee not to be afraid.
• The lower left-hand points towards the upraised foot and indicates the path of salvation.
• The left leg in bhujangatrasita stance represents tirobhavn, that is kicking away the veil of maya or illusion from the devotee’s mind.
• Shiva is dancing on the figure of a small dwarf. The dwarf or demon symbolizes ignorance and the ego of an individual. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• The matted and flowing locks of Shiva represent the flow of River Ganges.
• In ornamentation, one ear of Shiva has a male earring while the other has a female one. This represents the fusion of male and female and is often referred to as Ardhanarishvara
• A snake is twisted around the arm of Shiva. The snake symbolizes the kundalini power, which resides in the human spine in a dormant stage. If aroused, one can attain true consciousness.
• The Nataraja is surrounded by a nimbus of glowing lights which symbolizes the vast unending cycles of time. (Hence statement 2 is correct)

Solution: c)

Explanation:

• In Vijayanagara school they built more than one mandapa in each temple. The central mandap came to be known as the kalyana mandapa (dedicated to divine marriage). The concept of secular buildings inside the temple premises was also introduced during this period. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• The major features of the architecture during Hoysala period was multiple shrines built around a central pillared hall. Unlike the crucified ground plan of the Panchayatana style, the shrines led out in the shape of an intricately designed star. This was known as the stellate plan. (Hence statement 2 is correct)

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The emergence of the Gupta Empire in the 4th century AD is often hailed as the ‘Golden Age of India’. While the earlier Gupta rulers were Buddhists and continued the traditions of Buddhist architecture, temple architecture came to the forefront under the patronage of the Hindu rulers of the later Gupta phase. Temple architecture reached its climax during this period. Similarly, Buddhist and Jain art also reached its peak during the Gupta Age. (Hence statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect)
• The Gupta age saw a decline in the development of stupas. However, Dhamek Stupa at Sarnath near Varanasi is a fine example of a stupa developed during this period. It is marked as a spot where Buddha gave his first sermon. (Hence statement 3 is correct)

Solution (c)

Explanation:

Prambanan Temple

• The largest Hindu temple located in Indonesia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is dedicated to the ‘Trimurti’ gods of the Hindu pantheon, namely Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Preserver) and Shiva (Destroyer). (Hence statements 1 and 2 are correct)
• It has around 240 small temples and shrines in its compound. It was built in the 9th century AD by the Sanjaya kings of the Mataram or Medang Kingdom who were mainly Shiva worshippers. (Hence statement 3 is incorrect)

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Jaunpur School (1394-1479 AD): Patronised by the Sharqi rulers, Jaunpur became a centre of great art and cultural activity. This style of architecture also came to be known as Sharqi style and avoided the use of minars. A unique feature of the buildings here is the use of bold and forceful characters painted on huge screens in the centre and side bays of the prayer hall.
• Example: Atala Mosque, Jaunpur. (Hence option c) is correct answer)

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• One of the highlights of Indo-Islamic architecture was the creation of a new capital city by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri. It has been described as a frozen moment in history as the buildings here represent a unique blend of Hindu and Persian styles.

Some of the important buildings inside the city are as follows:

• Buland Darwaza the imposing 40-m red sandstone structure was built in 1575 AD, to commemorate Akbar’s victory over Gujarat. It is the highest gateway of the world.
• Salim Chishti’s tomb was built in 1581 AD. It has beautiful Jaali work in white marble. It has arabesque patterns with inscriptions of Quranic verses on the walls. It is in the imperial complex which also includes Buland Darwaza and Jama Masjid. It was further decorated by Jahangir in 1606 AD.
• Panch Mahal is a five-storeyed structure made of columns and is inspired by the concept of a Persian badgir (wind-catcher). bed
• Jodha Bai’s Palace or Mariam-uz-Zamani’s Palace has beautiful interiors with Hindu motifs of bell and flowers.
• Ibadat Khana: Akbar used to meet the leaders of different religions here to have a discussion.
• Hiran Minar was built in memory of Akbar’s favourite elephant, named Hiran. It also served as a lighthouse for travelers. It is uniquely designed, and its exterior wall contains tusk like spikes.
• Red fort and Alai darwaza are located in (Hence option d) is correct answer)

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Mewar School of Painting: The kingdom of Mewar resisted Mughal suzerainty for the longest time, eventually agreeing to Mughal power in the reign of Shah Jahan.
• If one looks at the early Mewar painting, it was dominated by the extraordinary painter of the 17th century, Sahibdin. This period of Mewari painting focuses on Sahibdin’s depiction of literary texts – the Ragamala, the Ramayana and the Bhagavata Purana. After Sahibdin’s death, the style of Mewari paintings changed. Most of the paintings depicted life at the court in Mewar. The unique point of this period is the extraordinary ‘tamasha’ paintings that show court ceremonial and city scenes in unprecedented detail. (Hence option b) is correct)

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• Pattachitra, a traditional painting of Odisha, comes from the Sanskrit word patta, which means canvas/cloth, and chitra, which means picture. The paintings show a mix of classical and folk elements, with a bias towards the latter. (Hence pair 1 is correctly matched)
• Kalighat Painting The style of painting originated in the vicinity of the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata in the 19th century. These paintings done on cloth were hand-coloured and depicted Hindu Gods and Goddesses and scenes from the epics. (Hence pair 2 is correctly matched)
• Kalamkari Painting The name kalamkari comes from the kalam or pen used to paint these exquisite paintings. The pen made from bamboo sharpened at one end and wound with cloth to regulate the flow of colours. The base is cotton fabric while the colours used are vegetable dyes.
• The main centres for this art are Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam in the State of Andhra Pradesh. Srikalahasti style paintings are drawn free hand and the inspiration comes from Hindu mythology. The paintings were mainly used to decorate temple interiors. Kalamkari painting existed even during the Vijayanagar Empire. (Hence pair 3 is correctly matched)

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The Mehrauli Iron Pillar is in Delhi in the Qutub Minar complex. It is notable for the rust-resistant composition of the metals used in its construction. (Hence statement 1 is correct)
• This pillar was established by Chandragupta-II of the Gupta dynasty as Vishnupada in honour of Lord Vishnu. This pillar credits Chandragupta with the conquest of the Vanga countries by battling alone against the confederacy of the enemies united against him. (Hence statement 2 is incorrect)
• It also credits him for conquest over the Bahlikas in a fight that ran across seven mouths of the Indus River.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• Major Pillar edict 1: Ashoka’s principle of protection of the people.
• Major Pillar edict 2: Dhamma as a minimum of sins, virtues, compassion, truthfulness and purity
• Major Pillar edict 3: Abolishes sins of harshness, cruelty, and anger.
• Major Pillar edict 4: Duties of Rajukas
• Major Pillar edict 5: List of animals and birds which should not be killed on some days,and another list of animals which should not be killed at all. Livinganimals must not be fed with other living animals.
• Major Pillar edict 6: Dhamma policy of Ashoka
• Major Pillar edict 7: Works carried out by Asoka for Dhamma. In the words of Ashoka, I have set up pillars of morality, appointed Mahamatras (officer of morality) and issued proclamations on morality.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

All of them have got GI tags

• Channapatna Toys (Karnataka): Traditionally made from ivory wood. As a result of its popularity, Channapatna town is also known as Gombegala Ooru (Toy Town).
• Kondapalli Bommalu (Andhra Pradesh): This is made using a soft wood. The wooden piece is heated to remove any moisture, and subsequently, different parts of the toy are carved separately and then glued together. An example is Ambari Hathi.
• Kinnal Toys (Karnataka): This unique wooden craft flourished under the royal patronage of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Solution (b)

Explanation:

• Pichhwai Painting is a traditional Indian art having its origins in Rajasthan (mainly Nathdwara). Pichhwai art features intricate painting portraying mainly Lord Krishna (Sreenath ji) under Vaishnavism. (Hence option b) is correct)
• They are mainly made to hang in Hindu temples of the Pushtimarg Sampradaya and depict the tales of Lord Krishna. Nowadays, Pichhwai paintings have become the main export product of Nathdwara.
• Vallabhacharya (founder of Pushtimarg Sampradaya a subtradition of Vaishnavism), is credited with the introduction of the Pichhwai art form in the 16th century.

Solution: (d)

Explanation:

• Manjusha Paintings – This art form belongs to the Bhagalpur region of Bihar
• Cheriyal Scroll Painting – It is indigenous to Telanagana
• Phad Painting – It is predominantly found in Rajasthan
• Pithora Paintings– The paintings are done by some tribal communities of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Such sand deposits are rare and have been reported only from three places in the tropical regions in south Asia such as Teri Sands in Tamil Nadu, Erra Matti Dibbalu in Visakhapatnam and one more site in Sri Lanka. They do not occur in equatorial regions or temperate regions due to many scientific reasons. Statement 1 is incorrect
• The red sediments are a part of the continuation of the evolution of the earth and represent the late quaternary geologic age. The Quaternary Period is a period on the Geologic Time Scale that’s known mainly for the spread of humanity and climate change. This period runs from about 2.6 million years ago to the Present Day. Statement 2 is incorrect

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Solution (c)

The Paris Club is a group of officials from major creditor countries whose role is to find coordinated and sustainable solutions to the payment difficulties experienced by debtor countries. India is not a member of this club.

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Solution (a)

Explanation:

• FLDG is a lending model between digital lending fintechs and their partner banks and non-banking finance companies. Under these agreements, the fintech promises to compensate the partners up to a pre-decided percentage in case customers fail to repay the loans. Statement 1 is correct
• The bank/NBFC partners lend through fintech but from their own books. FLDG helps expand the customer base of traditional lenders but relies on the fintech’s underwriting capabilities. There is no concept of first default by the customer being repaid. Statement 2 is incorrect

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Solution (b)

Explanation:

• The scheme aims to assist Start-Ups in protecting and commercialize Intellectual Property Rights by providing access to high-quality IP services and resources. The primary objective of the SIPP is to promote awareness and acquire of Intellectual Property Rights among the Start-Ups. Statement 1 is correct
• A Start-up shall be eligible for availing the benefits of this scheme only after it has obtained certification from the Start-up Certification Board. Statement 2 is incorrect
• Any advocate as defined under the Advocates Act,1961 who is well versed with filing trademarks can be appointed as a facilitator under this scheme. For effective implementation of the scheme, facilitators shall be empanelled by the Controller General of Patent, Trademark and Design (CGPDTM). Statement 3 is incorrect

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Solution (d)

Explanation:

• ChatGPT is much more than a chat bot. For example, you can ask it to write a program or even a simple software application. It can also do creative tasks such as writing a story. It can explain scientific concepts and answer any question that needs factual answers. ChatGPT is what is called a Language Model, rather than a chat bot. Statement 1 is correct
• The accuracy of ChatGPT or any language model can be measured using standard techniques. One such technique is “Recall-Oriented Understudy for Gisting Evaluation” or the ROUGE metric which compares ChatGPT’s output of content against a standard expected content and measures the overlap as success percentage. Statement 2 is correct
• The tool has been developed by OpenAI, a research institute founded in 2015. Statement 3 is incorrect

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Solution (c)

We are told that exactly 20 of the 30 integers do not exceed 5…

That means exactly 10 of the 30 integers do exceed 5.

In order to keep the average of the 20 integers as high as possible, we need to keep the

average of the 10 integers above 5 as low as possible. Since we are dealing with integers,

the least value that the 10 integers above 5 can take is 6.

So, the sum of the 10 integers = 10 * 6 = 60

So the sum of the remaining 20 integers = Total sum – 60 = 5 * 50 – 60 = 90

Hence, the average of the remaining 20 is 90/20 = 4.5

Solution (a)

Average temperature for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday = 40° C

Total temperature = 3*40 = 120° C

Average temperature for Thursday, Friday and Saturday = 41° C

Total temperature = 41*3 = 123° C

Temperature on Saturday = 42 ° C

Now,

(Thursday + Friday + Saturday) – (Wednesday + Thursday + Friday) = 123-120;

Saturday – Wednesday = 3

Wednesday = 42-3 = 39° C

Solution (b)

If the overall average weight has to increase after the new people are added, the average

weight of the new entrants has to be higher than 40.

So, n > 40

Consequently, m has to be < 10 (as n + m = 50)

Working with the “differences approach, we know that the total additional weight added by

“m students would be (n – 40) each, above the already existing average of 40.

m(n – 40) is the total extra additional weight added, which is shared amongst 40 + m students.

So, m * (n−40)(m+40) has to be maximum for the overall average to be maximum.

At this point, use the trial and error approach (or else go with the answer options) to arrive

at the answer.

The maximum average occurs when m = 5, and n = 45

And the average is 40 + (45 – 40) * 545 = 40 + 59 = 40.56 kg

Solution (d)

As men and women are equal so, there are 6 women and 6 men

So, total consumption will be 76×6 = 456(by men) and 54×6 = 324(by women)

Total consumption = 780

But after including Neetu the average consumption for 13 people is given to be 70.

So the total consumption will be 70×13 = 910. So, Neetu’s consumption will be = 910 –780 = 130

Solution (b)

Refer to, “Nationalism, when it becomes successful sometimes goes on spreading in an aggressive way and becomes a danger internationally. Whatever line of thought you follow, you arrive at the conclusion that some kind of balance must be found…..”

Hence, option b is the correct answer.