Question Discussion & Solution

The correct answer is a-1, b-3, c-2.

Key Points

• ​Basically, there are 3 kinds of temple architecture:
  1. Vesara Style
  2. Nagara Style
  3. Dravida Style
• Nagara Style:
  • ​The Nagara style is associated with the land between the Himalayas and Vindhyas and developed regionally in the Northern parts of India.
  • The structure comprises two buildings, the main taller shrine and an adjoining mandapa which is short.
  • The foremost difference between these two buildings is the shape of the shikhara.
  • In the main shrine, a bell-shaped structure is added.
  • Originally in Nagara style, there were no pillars.
  • Example: Dashavatara Vishnu Temple, Deogarh, UP, Khajuraho Temples (MP), Konark Sun Temple.
  • 
• ​Dravida Style:
  • Dravida style advanced in the South, throughout the Chola Empire, between 9th–12th Century AD.
  • It is seen in the region between the Krishna and Kaveri rivers.
  • In Dravida, style temple is situated within an ambulatory hall.
  • There are multiple stories called Vimana, built above the Garbhagriha.
  • Mandapa is a pillared hall.
  • Gopuram is the high gate in this courtyard.
  • Example: Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram, Brihadiswara Temple, Tanjore.
  • 
• Vesara Style: 
  • ​Vesara style is at times related to the region between the Krishna River and Vindhyas that emerged during the early medieval period.
  • Many temples in Central India and Deccan have used the Vesara style with regional modifications.
  • It is a fusion style of both Nagara and Dravida styles of temple architecture.
  • In this style structures are finely finished, figures are much decorated and well-polished.
  • Example: The Hoysalas temples at Belur.
  • 

The correct answer is James Prinsep.

• James Princep was a European scholar who deciphered the edicts of the Ashoka.

Key Points

• James Prinsep -
  • He was an English scholar, orientalist, and antiquarian.
  • He was the founding editor of the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal.
  • He is best remembered for his understanding of the Kharosthi and Brahmi scripts of ancient India.

Additional Information

•  V Gordon Childe -
  • He was an Australian archaeologist specializing in the study of European prehistory.
  • He became the first exponent of Marxist archeology in the Western world.​
• Alexander Cunningham -
  • He became famous as a famous scholar of Indian archaeology, historical geography, and history.
  • He is considered the father of the Archaeological Survey of India.

(a) - 3, (b) - 4, (c) - 2, (d) - 1correctly matched.

Key Points

• There are six orthodox schools of Indian Philosophy called shatdarshanas and it includes Nyaya, Sankhya, Yoga, Vaisheshika, Purva Mimamsa, and Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta Philosophy).
• Vaisheshika school deals with metaphysics. It was founded by the sage Kanada. According to the Vaisheshika school of philosophy, the universe is reducible to a finite number of atoms, Brahman being the fundamental force causing consciousness in these atoms.

Important Points

The other five schools of Indian Philosophy are as follows:

• Sankhya is the oldest philosophy. It was put forward by Kapila. Samkhya emphasizes the attainment of knowledge of the self by means of concentration and meditation.
• Yoga presents a method of physical and mental discipline. The founder of Yoga is Pathanjali.  It is believed that practicing Ashtanga Yoga is the way to relieve oneself from past sins in order to make way for liberation.
• Nyaya school follows a scientific and rational approach. Sage Gautama is the founder of this school. Nyaya Philosophy states that nothing is acceptable unless it is in accordance with reason and experience (scientific approach).
• Purva Mimamsa school believes in the complete authority of Vedas. It is based on sage Jaimini’s Mimamsa Sutras.
• Vedanta school is a monotheistic school of philosophy that believes that the world is unreal and the only reality is Brahman. It is based on Upanishads (the end portions of Vedas).

The correct answer is Kerala.

• Ottamthullal is an art form performed only in Kerala.
• The meaning of Ottamthullal is 'poor man's Kathakali'.
• Kunchan Nambiar created this dance form, as an alternative to the Chakyar koothu.
• To protest against the prevalent socio-political structure and prejudices of the society, Kunchan Nambiar used it as a medium.
• Now it is a famous folk art presented in the temples of Kerala.
• Some other dance forms of Kerala:
  • Theyyam
  • Thiruvathirakali
  • Chakyar Koothu
  • Koodiyattam
  • Kathakali(Classical)
  • Mohiniattam(Classical).

The correct answer is the festival of harvesting.

• Makar Sankranthi is an important festival celebrated in most parts of India under different names. It is a festival of harvesting.

Key Points

• Makar Sankranti:
  • It is celebrated in January every year and marks the end of the Winter season and the beginning of a new harvest season.
  • The festival is dedicated to Lord Sun.
  • On this day, the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn or Makar which marks the end of winter months and the beginning of longer days.
• In different parts of the country, Makar Sankranti is celebrated by different names:
  • Lohri: Celebrated in Haryana and Punjab one day before Makar Sankranti.
  • Khichdi: Celebrated in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Pongal: Tamil Nadu
  • Kite Festival: Gujarat.
• Holi is called the festival of colours
• Diwali is called the festival of lights.