SET- 1 INDIAN CULTURE

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Horace Wright
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2 2 SET- 1 INDIAN CULTURE

3 3 Q. 1. There are a lot of descriptions in Indian History about a thing called as Ayaka Khambas. What are they? a. The poles erected during the Sultanate period for meting out punishments. b. Big ropes attached to the poles during the Mahajanapada times for Measurements. c. A stick fighting technique popular among the Post Mauryan soldiers. d. A worship Column popular with the architecture of Stupas. ANS: A worship Column popular with the architecture of Stupas. Q. 2. Which of the following statements regarding Indus Valley Civilization is Correct? 1. The rooms inside the houses probably had flat roofs of timber supported on wooden beams and rafters. 2. Wood seems to have been used for Doors and window openings. 3. The most outstanding monuments of the architecture of the proto-historic phase are the Great bath at Mohenjo Daro. Select the answers from the codes. a. 1 and 2 b. 2 and 3 c. 3 only ANS: All of the above

4 Q. 3. Which of the following are the famous Cave structures of India? 4 1. Hathiagor 2. Damarica 3. Puhar 4. Nenavali Select the answers from the codes. a. 1, 2 and 4 b. 1 and 3 c. 1 and 4 ANS: 1 AND 4 Hathiagor Buddhist Caves are in Rajasthan. The caves are located on hill called Hathiagor-ki- Pahadi. The group has five caves. A stupa is located closer to the caves. Nenavali Caves are at Raigad, MH. This is group of 37 Buddhist caves carved in first century B.C. Puhar and Damarica (Tamizhagam) are ports in the olden times. Q. 4. Consider the following statements regarding Gupta Temples. 1. They were known for the most complicated and ornate temples of Northern India. 2. Square temple with a low and Squat Sikhara is a popular style of Gupta Architecture. 3. Dasavatara Temple and Parvati temple of Nachna Kuthara are famous temples.

5 5 a. 1 and 3 b. 2 and 3 c. 3 only ANS: 2 and 3 Gupta temples were Simple and unpretentious structures. Q. 5. Consider the following statements. 1. Matanga s book Brihaddesi mentions about the Ragas of music and the different factors that makes them. 2. Bhairava Raga is traditionally an Evening Raga. 3. Hindola and kaushika Raga are perfect for Night. a. 1 only b. 2 and 3 c. 1 and 3 d. 3 only ANS: 1 and 3 The north Indian school of music took 6 ragas as primary ragas and arranged them on the order of family relationship. They believed in the Time theory of Ragas. The 6 primary ragas are Bhairava, Kaushika, Hindola, Dipak, Sriraga and Magh. Bhairava is sung at the Dawn. Megh in the morning. Dipak and Sriraga in the afternoon. Hindol and Kaushika at the night. Ragas are also associated with Moods/Bhavas. Bhairava with fear, Kaushika with joy, Hindola, Dipak, Sriraga with love and Megh with peace and calm.

6 6 Q. 6. Consider the following statements about of a School of Philosophy. 1. This School of Philosophy is also called as Brihaspatya as Brihaspati is supposed to have laid the foundations of this school. 2. The school denied the existence of Brahman and Jivatma. 3. It emphasized material pursuits and Sensory enjoyment as an objective of human life. The following descriptions refer to which School of Indian Philosophy? a. Loakayata School b. Neo-Vedanta c. Syadvada School d. Gaudiya Vaishnavism ANS: Lokayata School It is nothing but the famous Charvaka school. The school is also known as Charvaka school. Charvaka was the main propounder of the school. The terms Lokāyata and Cārvāka have historically been used to denote the philosophical school of Indian Materialism. Literally, "Lokāyata" means philosophy of the people. The term was first used by the ancient Buddhists until around 500 B.C.E. to refer to both a common tribal philosophical view and a sort of thisworldly philosophy or nature lore. According to them Physical world as perceived by the human senses is the only world and nothing beyond it exists. "Indian Materialism" refers to the school of thought within Indian philosophy that rejects supernaturalism. It is regarded as the most radical of the Indian philosophical systems. Indian Materialism has also been named Cārvāka after one of the two founders of the school. Cārvāka and Ajita Kesakambalin are said to have established Indian Materialism as a formal philosophical system.

7 7 Q. 7. Ashokan Pillars are the most celebrated example of Mauryan Art. Rashtrapati Bhavan houses the magnificent third century B.C. sandstone capital of the Ashokan Pillar known as the Rampurva Bull. Consider the following statements. 1. It is purely indigenous and does not contain the mixture of Indian and Persian elements. 2. The Rampurva Bull sculpture is said to have a Velvet touch. 3. It is noted for its delicately sculpted model demonstrating superior representation of soft flesh, Inverted lotus, the Rosette, Palmette and the Acanthus ornaments. a. 1 and 3 b. 1 and 2 c. 2 and 3 ANS: 2 and 3 The Rampurva Bull is mounted on a pedestal between the central pillars at the Forecourt entrance of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Rampurva Bull The Rampurva Bull is noted for its delicately sculpted model demonstrating superior representation of soft flesh, sensitive nostrils, alert ears and strong legs. It is a mixture of Indian and Persian elements. Whereas the motifs on the base, atop the inverted lotus, the rosette, palmette and the acanthus ornaments are not Indian features, the bull capital is a masterpiece of Indian craftsmanship. The Rampurva Bull sculpture is said to have a velvet touch.

8 Q. 8. The Dagar family/gharana has done a lot to revive and popularise this famous style of Singing in India. What is it? 8 a. Thumri b. Khayal c. Dhrupad d. Tappa ANS: Dhrupad Dagar family has popularised Dagar since the last 18 generations. Dhrupad is the most ancient style of Hindustani classical music. The nature of Dhrupad music is spiritual. Seeking not to entertain, but to induce feelings of peace and contemplation in the listener. The word Dhrupad is derived from DHRUVA the steadfast evening star that moves through our galaxy and PADA meaning poetry. It is a form of devotional music that traces its origin to the ancient text of Sama Veda. The Sama Veda was chanted with the help of melody and rhythm called Samgana. Gradually this developed into other vocal style called Chhanda and Prabandha with introduction of verse and meter. The fusion of these two elements led to the emergence of Dhrupad. The earliest mention in Persian texts of Dhrupad is in Ain-i-Akbari of Abu Fazl (1593). Dhrupad is ancient, and another genre of music called Khyal evolved from it. Dhrupad as we know it today is performed by a solo singer or a small number of singers in unison to the beat of the Pakhavaj or Mridang rather than the Tabla. primary instrument used for dhrupad has been the Rudra Veena, but the Surbahar and the Sursringar have also long been used. In 15th century Raja Man singh of Tomar dynasty of Gwalior invented Dhrupad style. Q. 9. The word Gompas refers to what? a. Armoury of the Later Vedic Army. b. A type of instrument popular during the Buddhist period. c. Religious residences of Buddhist monks d. A decorative device of the Buddhist architecture.

9 9 ANS: Religious residences of Buddhist monks The Sanskrit name of Gompa is "Vihara" which typically form monasteries, nunneries and university that are meant for learning, lineage and sadhana located in the regions of Ladakh in India, Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. The art and architecture of each and every Gompas differ from region to region, however, there are common features of all the Gompas that include the Central Prayer Hall with the statue of Lord Buddha, and benches provided to the monks or nuns to concentrate in the prayer and meditation. Most of the Gompas are providing the necessary accommodation facility to the monks, nuns and others. These Gompas are not only famous for their places of worships for Buddhist people but also famous for their architectural marvel and beautiful paintings and locations that attracted the tourists from all over the world. Q. 10. Consider the following statements. 1. Sreenivasa Nayaka, who later became Purandaradas under the tuteleage of Vyasaraya, a guru of the Vijayanagara Emperors postulated Maya Malavagaula, the first Raga taught in the Carnatic Music. 2. Nyamat Khan, the musician of Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah who later became Sadarang was a great exponent in Dhrupad. a. 1 only b. 2 only c. Both 1 and 2 d. Neither 1 nor 2 ANS: 1 ONLY Nyamat Khan, the musician of Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah who later became Sadarang was a great exponent in Khayal

10 10 Q. 11. Consider the following statements regarding Gombeyatta. 1. The string puppets of Manipur are called as Gombeyatta. 2. The Gombeyatta puppet figures are highly stylized and have joints at the legs, shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. 3. The music that accompanies is dramatic and beautifully blends folk and classical elements. a. 1 only b. 2 only c. 2 and 3 ANS: 2 and 3 The string puppets of Karnataka are called Gombeyatta. They are styled and designed like the characters of Yakshagana, the traditional theatre form of the region. The Gombeyatta puppet figures are highly stylized and have joints at the legs, shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. These puppets are manipulated by five to seven strings tied to a prop. Some of the more complicated movements of the puppet are manipulated by two to three puppeteers at a time. Episodes enacted in Gombeyatta are usually based on Prasangas of the Yakshagana plays. The music that accompanies is dramatic and beautifully blends folk and classical elements. Q. 12. Consider the following statements regarding Indus Valley Civilization. 1. The Citadels were built on the higher grounds and had walls fortifying it from all sides. 2. These people did not possess the sophisticated use of Brick Mortar construction. 3. The weights and measures were made of cubical pieces of stone called as Cherts.

11 11 Which of the following statements are Incorrect? a. 1 and 3 b. 2 only c. 3 only ANS: 2 ONLY These people possessed the sophisticated use of Brick Mortar construction Q.13. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian philosophy system called as Bheda-Abheda. 1. It propounds that Brahman(Supreme) and Jivatma (Living being-soul) are distinct and different and yet not different from each other. 2. Bhaskara and Nimbakara were the important teachers of this school. a. 1 only b. 2 only c. Both 1 and 2 d. Neither 1 nor 2 ANS: Both 1 and 2 The word Bheda-Abheda means Difference and no difference.

12 Q. 14. Consider the following statements regarding Buddhist Architecture Buddhist tradition mentions the erection of a number of Stupas immediately after the death of the Buddha. 2. Eight of them should be over his corporeal relics and the ninth over the vessel in which such relics were originally deposited. 3. Relic Worship occupied a prominent place in the rituals of Early Buddhism. a. 1 only b. 1 and 2 c. 2 only ANS: All of the above Q. 15. Which of the following sites housed the famous Buddhist Stupas of India. 1. Bhattiprolu 2. Ghantasala 3. Jaggayyapeta 4. Chaukhandi Select the answers from the codes. a. 1 and 3 b. 1, 2 and 3 c. 3 and 4 ANS: All of the above

13 13 Bhattiprolu & Ghantasala are in Andhra Pradesh. Chaukhandi Stupa was originally built as a terraced temple signifying the meeting of Lord Buddha and his first disciples on their journey from Bodhgaya to Sarnath. Later in the 16th century, an octagonal tower was built over the terrace structure to commemorate the visit of Humayun. Jaggayyapeta has found Buddhist stupa of 200 BC. Many sculptures and scriptures of Neolithic, Megalithic and medieval periods are also found around the town. A standing Buddha found here is exceptional, not merely because it was found undamaged, but also because it differs both in age and style from the rest of finds. It has an inscription on its lotus base in characters of the sixth century. The gist of the inscription being that the image was made under instructions from Jayaprabha Acharya, a disciple of Nagarjuna Acharya. It is concluded that it belongs to a much later age than the rest of the sculptures which are akin to those of the first phase of the Amaravati stupa. Q. 16. Consider the following list. 1. Chengu 2. Ghera 3. Pung 4. Sri Khole 5. Tumbaknari The above list of items are popularly used in India. These are all varieties of what type? a. Baskets to hold Buddhist books in the monasteries b. Different type of Drums c. Well constructions of different regions d. Painting styles ANS: Drums Chengu (Odisha) Ghera (Rajasthan) Pung (Manipur) Sri Khole (West bengal) Tumbaknari (Kashmir)

14 Q. 17. Consider the following statements regarding Indus Seals Most of the Seals are Circular. 2. Square, Triangular, Rectangular shapes were also used. 3. The scripts depicted on the seals were written from Right to left. a. 1 and 2 b. 2 and 3 c. 2 only ANS: 2 AND 3 Most of the Indus Seals were square shaped. Steatite was the most popular material used to make the seals. Most seals have pictographic script. Though Indus scripts had Boustrophedon, not all of them were like this. Many of them were written in Right to left. Q. 18. Consider the following statements 1. Gaudapada was an early guru in the Dvaitadvaita vada 2. Gaudapada is traditionally said to have been the grand-guru of the great teacher, Adi Shankara. Which of the following statements are Incorrect? a. 1 only b. 2 only c. Both 1 and 2 d. Neither 1 nor 2

15 15 ANS: 1 only Gaudapada (7th century) was an early guru in the Advaita Vedanta. Gaudapada is traditionally said to have been the grand-guru of the great teacher, Adi Shankara. Gaudapada is believed to be the founder of Shri Gaudapadacharya Math. He is the author of the Mandukya Karika (Gaudapada Karika). Adi Shankara who called him a Paramaguru (highest teacher). The first three chapters of Gaudapada's text have been influential in the Advaita Vedanta tradition. Parts of the first chapter that include the Mandukya Upanishad have been considered a valid scriptural source by the Dvaita and Vishistadvaita schools of Vedanta. Q. 19. Which of the following Women were great exponents of Literature? 1. Ghosha 2. Lopamudra 3. Maitreyi 4. Apala 5. Romasha Brahmavadini Select the answers from the codes. a. 1, 2, 3 and 4 b. 2, 3 and 4 c. 2, 3, 4 and 5 ANS: All of the above The contribution of women writers in different languages during that period deserves special attention. Women writers like Ghosha, Lopamudra, Gargi, Maitreyi, Apala, Romasha Brahmavadini, etc., right from the days of the Vedas (6000 B.C B.C.), focused on the image of women in mainstream Sanskrit literature.

16 Q. 20. Consider the following statements about Indian Sculpture and Iconography Sculptural finds from Indus Valley like Ring-Stones have been considered by many scholars as Cult object. 2. Making of Images were very popular among the Lower orders of the people including the Pre-Aryan Settlers. 3. Buddha was not represented in human form in the early stages. a. 1 and 3 b. 2 and 3 c. 3 only ANS: All of the above Q. 21. Consider the following statements about Pata Kunitha, a folk dance form. 1. Pata Kunitha is a popular folk-dance form in Karnataka. 2. Its original significance is primarily religious. 3. The dancers are extremely skilled in maneuvering the long bamboo poles. a. 1 only b. 1 and 3 c. 3 only ANS: All of the above

17 17 Pata Kunitha in Karnataka is a popular folk-dance form extremely popular among the inhabitants of Mysore region. Its original significance is primarily religious. It is mainly performed by men. It employs the use of the pata, which are primarily long bamboo poles decorated with colorful ribbons. The dancers are extremely skilled in maneuvering the long bamboo poles. The dancers manipulate the poles with great dexterity and to the accompaniment of a largely rhythmic music. It is widely performed in the rural religious gatherings in the villages of the state. Q. 22. This Buddhist symbol depicts the First Sermon of Buddha at Sarnath or Dharmachakra- Pravartana. They also represent the Eight fold path of Buddhism. Which symbol is it? a. Lotus b. Triratna c. Wheel d. Empty Throne ANS: Wheel

Art of India Ch. 4.2

Art of India Ch. 4.2 Indus Valley Civilization 2500 BC-1500 BC The earliest Indian culture Ended 1500 BC Located in Modern Pakistan Used to stamp seals on official documents. Some of the earliest evidence