CULTURE

 

With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct?(2012)

  1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period.
  2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music.
  3. Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) None of the above is correct

Solution (b)

 

How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?(2012)

  1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
  2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.

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

Solution (a)

 

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?(2013)

(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

Solution (a)

 

With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements:(2013)

  1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
  2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.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

Solution (c)

 

Consider the following historical places: (2013)

  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

Solution (b)

 

With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school: (2013)

1 .Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transrmigration 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

Solution (b)

 

With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to (2014)

  1. an assembly of village elders
  2. a religious sect
  3. a style of temple construction
  4. an administrative functionary

Solution (c)

 

Consider the following pairs:                                      (2014)

 

Famous shrine Location
1.  Tabo monastery and temple complex Spiti Valley
2.  Lhotsava Lhakhang temple, Nako Zanskar Valley
3.  Alchi temple complex Ladakh

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

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Solution (c)

 

With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs: (2014)

 

Famous work of sculpture Site
1. A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above Ajanta
2. A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Mount Abu
3. “Arjuna’s Penance” /”Descent of Ganga” sculpted on the surface of huge boulders Mamllapuram

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

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 3 only,
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Solution (c)

 

With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements: (2014)

  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. 1 only
  2. 1 and 2 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Solution (d)

 

A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their     (2014)

  1. martial arts in North-East India
  2. musical tradition in North-West India
  3. classical vocal music in South India
  4. pietra dura tradition in Central India

Solution (b)

 

Consider following pairs (2014)

  1. Garba : Gujarat
  2. Mohiniattam : Odisha
  3. Yakshagana : Karnataka

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

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Solution (c)

 

With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’? (2014)

  1. It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India
  2. It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area
  3. It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar
  4. It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India

Solution (d)

 

Consider the following languages:                                                                 (2014)

  1. Gujarati
  2. Kannada
  3. Telugu

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

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 3 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Solution (c)

 

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