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Modern India UPSC Mains Questions for Students
(a) Names of kings who adopted the Theravada tradition
(b) Names of different philosophies of Jainism
(c) Names of official posts in Mauryan administration
(d) Names of different sects of Buddhism
Option d – Names of different sects of Buddhism
With reference to Sikh Gurus in India, consider the following statements:
- Guru Arjan Dev departed from the tradition of non-interference in politics by expressing his support for the rebel prince Khusrau against the Mughal Emperor.
- Guru Hargobind is known for organizing the Sikhs into various ‘Misls’ to provide greater political and military unity among the Sikhs.
- Guru Arjan Dev established a system of collecting ‘Dasvandh’ or 10% of the income of the Sikhs as a form of religious offering.
- Guru Hargobind established the Akal Takht as a political authority of the Sikhs, to be used for addressing secular and military matters of the community.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Option c – 1, 3, and 4 only
With reference to the Buddhist tradition, consider the following statements:
- An ordinary Buddhist nun was known as ‘Aryika’ in Theravada Buddhism and ‘Sadhvi’ in Mahayana Buddhism.
- ‘Pravrajya’ ceremony marked a layperson leaving home to live a life of renunciation.
- An ‘Upasaka’ was a Buddhist follower who was a member of a monastic order and had taken monastic vows.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Option c – 2 only
With reference to women Bhakti saints, consider the following statements:
- Both Karaikkal Ammaiyar and Andal were Nayanar saints who adopted the path of extreme asceticism to attain moksha.
- Both Lal Ded and Habba Khatun were poetesses from the Kashmir region who are known for the composition of mystic poetry known as ‘Vakhs’.
- The women Bhakti saints, instead of writing in the language of the elite, wrote in the language of the masses, as most of them belonged to upper-class families.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Option b – 2 only
With respect to Zoroastrianism, consider the following statements:
- It is a polytheistic religion that believes in the worship of multiple gods who are equally important.
- Their sacred text is called Zend Avesta and is written in the Old Avestan language.
- Dakhma and Nashini are two of the major sects among the Parsis.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Option a – 2 only
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
- During the early medieval period, religious leaders of Nath, Jogi, and Siddha sects won the support of the ruling elites because of their popularity among the masses.
- The Tantric tradition was related to Hinduism but not Buddhism because Buddhism did not believe in magic and spells.
- By the 8th century AD, both Nayanars and Alvars were revered by the Vellala peasants and patronized by the rulers of South India.
- In ancient India, philosophical debates used to take place in the ‘Kutagarshala’, which was a hut with a pointed roof where traveling mendicants halted.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Option b – Only two
Which of the following statements are correct about Paintings?
- Fresco paintings are the paintings done on wet plaster.
- Jahangir brought Abdus Samad and Mir Sayyid Ali from Shah Abbas’s court in Persia.
- Humayun established a formal artistic studio called Tasvir Khana where the artists were hired on salary and they developed their own styles.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 only
Option a – 1 only
Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Indian Performing Arts?
- Instruments are equally important as vocals in Carnatic music.
- There is no freedom to improvise in Hindustani classical music.
- Nritta refers to the basic dance steps, performed rhythmically but devoid of any expression or mood.
- Chhau and Bhoota Kola are traditional martial art forms of India.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3 only
Option b – 3 only
Consider the following statements regarding the Chakyarkoothu form of dance:
- It is performed by the Chakyar caste.
- It cannot be traditionally witnessed by the higher caste Hindus.
- Mizhavu is the accompanying instrument.
- Its theatre form is called Koothambalam.
Which of these statements are correct?
(a) 1, 3, and 4 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, and 4 only
Option a – 1, 3, and 4 only
With reference to Indian Circus, consider the following statements:
- Keeleri Kunhikannan is considered the father of Indian Circus.
- The circus revolution in India started in Bombay, thus it is known as the cradle of Indian circus.
- The Great Indian Circus was the first modern circus of India.
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
Option b – 1 and 3 only
With reference to Indian martial art techniques of Manipur, consider the following statements:
- Thang-ta is an unarmed martial art that uses hand-to-hand combat.
- Sarit Sarak is an armed martial art which is also considered one of the most lethal combat forms.
- The two combat forms Thang-ta and Sarit Sarak are together called Huyen Langlon.
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
Option c – 3 only
Which of the following martial arts techniques is used in Chhau Dance?
(a) Kathi Samu
(b) Malla Yuddha
(c) Malla Khamb
(d) Pari Khanda
Option d – Pari Khanda
(a) Kuttu Varisai
(b) Musti Yudha
(c) Pari Khanda
(d) Malakhamba
Option b – Musti Yudha
He is one of the musical trinity of Carnatic music. He composed songs on Lord Ganesha. He is also known by his signature name of Guruguha. He was:
(a) Tyagaraja
(b) Muthuswami Dikshitar
(c) Syama Sastri
(d) Agastya
Option b – Muthuswami Dikshitar
(a) Dance
(b) Religion
(c) Folk music
(d) Theatre
Option d – Theatre
Which of the following are examples of String Puppetry?
- Kathputli
- Pavakoothu
- Kundhei
- Yampuri
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, and 4 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Option b – 1 and 3 only
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
- The first elaborate description of Jallikattu can be found in Sangam literature.
- A reference to bull-taming was found in the Karumandurai inscription from the 17th century.
- Article 48 of the Indian Constitution makes it the mandate of the state to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Option b – 1 and 2 only
With reference to classical Sanskrit theatre and drama, consider the following statements:
- Rupaka was the word used to describe the drama.
- Natyadharmi plays focused on realistic depictions of daily life, whereas Lokadharmi plays were conventional plays with overt symbolism and theatrical representation larger than life.
- Malavikagnimitra is considered the first example of classical Sanskrit drama.
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
Option a – 1 only
With reference to Indian Puppetry, consider the following statements:
- Puppet decoration in Pavakoothu puppetry is influenced by Kuchipudi dance.
- Putul Nachh is a rod puppet dance of the Bengal region.
- In Ravanchhaya, both human and non-human puppets are used.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Option c – 2 and 3 only
- The ‘Kamaicha’ is a bowed instrument played by the Manganiar community.
- The Bauls are mystic singers from North-Western India who perform devotional songs using an ‘ektara’.
- The Muria tribes of Madhya Pradesh perform ‘Relo’ songs during special events like marriages.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Option b – Only two
With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements:
- Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna.
- Tyagaraja created several new ragas.
- Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries.
- Annamacharya Kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3 only
(d) 2, 3, and 4 only
Option b – 2 and 4 only
With reference to Khayal music, consider the following statements:
- It is a form of classical music developed by Tansen under the patronage of Akbar.
- Bada Khayal is sung in a slow tempo while Chhota Khayal is sung in a fast tempo.
- Gwalior Gharana gives equal emphasis to both melody and rhythm.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Option b – Only two
Which of the following are mask dance forms of India?
- Cham
- Therukoothu
- Padayani
- Mukha Bhaona
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Option d – 1, 2, 3, and 4
Consider the following statements:
- Gandharveda is an Upveda of Rig Veda, which contains hymns.
- The first reference to musical theory can be found in Bharata’s Natyashastra, which was written and compiled before the age of Buddha.
- Aitareya Aranyaka and Jaiminiya Brahmana contain references to music.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 3 only
Option d – 3 only
Which of these personalities is not a part of the ‘Trinity of Carnatic music’?
(a) Purandara Dasa
(b) Tyagaraja
(c) Muthuswami Dikshitar
(d) Syama Sastri
Option a – Purandara Dasa
(a) Musical Instruments
(b) Folk dance
(c) Tribal languages
(d) Folk Music
Option b – Folk dance
With reference to musical instruments, consider the following statements:
- Solid instruments that do not need to be tuned are known as Avanaddha Vadya.
- The Flute and the Shehnai are both Sushira Vadya instruments.
- Ghana Vadya contains an outer membrane that is beaten to produce specific musical tones.
- The Veena and the Sitar belong to the group of stringed instruments known as Tata Vadya.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only
(b) 1, 3, and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Option c – 2 and 4 only
With respect to Manipuri dance, consider the following statements:
- Rabindranath Tagore brought back the dance form into the limelight when he introduced it in Santiniketan.
- Facial expressions are more important than hand gestures.
- Ras Leela is a recurring theme of the Manipuri dance recital.
- Sankirtana is also influenced by Manipuri dance.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 3, and 4 only
Option d – 1, 3, and 4 only
Consider the following statements about the classical dance ‘Odissi’:
- It is performed by trained boys known as ‘gotipuas’.
- The ‘chowk’ is one of the basic postures of this dance, where the body is deflected in three directions.
- It is referred to as ‘mobile sculpture’ because the dancers make geometric patterns with their bodies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 3 only
Option c – 1 and 3 only
With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements:
- It is a song and dance performance.
- Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.
- 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
Option b – 1 and 3 only
What is ‘thaat’ in Indian classical music?
(a) It is a specific time at which each raga is to be performed.
(b) It is a system of classification of the ragas in different groups.
(c) It is a scale to measure the ascending and descending movement of Ragas.
(d) It is a musical instrument that evokes emotional responses in the performer.
Option b – It is a system of classification of the ragas in different groups
Consider the following statements about the classical dance ‘Bharatnatyam’:
- This dancing style originated from the ‘Sadir’ dance performed by devadasis in the temples of South India.
- A short dance and song piece called ‘Daaru’ is used to introduce each main character on stage.
Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Option b – 2 only
With reference to the Dhrupad music, consider the following statements:
- Dhrupad is one of the oldest Hindustani classical music forms and is of temple origin.
- ‘Jor’ and ‘Jhala’ are names of musical instruments used in Dhrupad performance.
- Dhrupad started to decline during the Mughal period because Akbar started patronizing Khayal music instead of Dhrupad.
- Baba Gopal Das, Swami Haridas, and Tansen were associated with Dhrupad Hindustani music.
- Dagari Gharana sings in the Dagar Vani, which puts great emphasis on alap.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 3, and 4 only
(b) 1, 4, and 5 only
(c) 2, 4, and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3 only
Option c – 2, 4, and 5 only
Consider the following pairs:
| Dance Form | Tribe |
|---|---|
| 1. Gangore | Bhil Tribe |
| 2. Bagurumba | Bodo Tribe |
| 3. Rangma | Mizo Tribe |
| 4. Dumhal | Naga Tribe |
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs
Option b – Only two pairs
- Ovi
- Chhakari
- Baul
- Hekaileu
- Khubakeshei
- Khongjom Parva
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3, and 6 only
(b) 1, 2, 4, and 5 only
(c) 4, 5, and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Option c – 4, 5, and 6 only
With respect to the Chau dance form of Eastern India, consider the following statements:
- Unlike Saraikella Chhau and Purulia Chhau, Mayurbhanj Chhau artists don’t wear masks.
- Lasya Rasa dominates over the Tandava Rasa in this dance 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
Option a – 1 only
Arrange the following in the correct chronology of texts written on music:
- Sangeet Ratnakara
- Swaramela Kalanidhi
- Brihaddeshi
- Chaturdandi Prakashika
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1-2-3-4
(b) 2-3-4-1
(c) 3-1-2-4
(d) 4-1-2-3
Option c – 3-1-2-4
With reference to Indian dance forms, consider the following statements:
- While ‘lasya’ portrays fluid movements in a dance act, ‘tandava’ is characterized by sharp and forceful dance movements that represent the sentiment behind the act.
- The Ministry of Culture has recognized eight classical dance forms in India.
- Various mudras in Indian dance forms are a combination of hand gestures and body postures.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Option b – Only two
(a) Odissi
(b) Kuchipudi
(c) Mohiniattam
(d) Bharatnatyam
Option b – Kuchipudi
With reference to Carnatic music, consider the following statements:
- The kriti songs are set to a certain raga and a fixed rhythmic cycle.
- Anu Pallavi are the first thematic lines of the composition, which are necessarily repeated after every stanza.
- Ragamalika is usually the concluding part of the performance.
- Mridangam is a musical instrument used in performing Carnatic music.
- Shri Tyagaraja is considered the grandfather of Carnatic music.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only
(b) 1, 3, and 4 only
(c) 1, 4, and 5 only
(d) 2, 4, and 5 only
Option b – 1, 3, and 4 only
With respect to the dance form Sattriya, consider the following statements:
- Sattriya dance in modern form was introduced by the saint Shankaradeva.
- It was inspired by the Bhakti Movement.
- Khol and flute are among the major accompanying instruments of this dance form.
- Ankia Naat is a type of Sattriya which involves play or musical drama.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Option d – 1, 2, 3, and 4
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