Question Discussion & Solution

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 author of a commentary on Panini's San grammar.

Key Points

• Patanjali
  • He was an ancient sage of India.
  • He has authored several Sanskrit works.
  • The greatest of these are the Yoga Sutras, a classical yoga text.
  • He has also authored a commentary on Panini’s Sanskrit grammar. Hence, Option 4 is correct.
  • Patanjali was a great compiler who used all the concepts and practices related to spirituality/spiritual practice available to him and presented the Yogasutra.

Additional Information

• • Thus he was the founder of ‘Systematic Yoga’.
  • He was also called the founder and father of modern Yoga.
  • The author of the Mahabhasaya, an ancient treatise on Sanskrit grammar and linguistics, is based on the Ashtdhayi of Panini.
  • This Patañjali's life is dated to mid 2nd century BCE by both Western and Indian scholars.
  • This text was titled as a bhasya or commentary on Kātyāyana-Pāṇini's work by Patanjali but is so revered in the Indian traditions that it is widely known simply as Maha-Bhasaya or Great commentary.

The correct answer is A-(iii), B-(ii), C-(i), D-(iv).

Key Points

• Allahabad Pillar Inscriptions
  • ​This inscription is also known as Prayagaprasasti.​
  • Samudragupta (AD 335–80) was Chandragupta’s son and successor.
  • This inscription also suggests that the decimal system was known in India at the beginning of the fifth century
  • The inscription is engraved at Allahabad on the same pillar that carries the inscriptions of Ashoka.
• Junagarh Inscription​
  • Rudra Daman I was Saka ruller.
  • His achievements are highlighted in the Junagarh inscription.
  • This was the first inscription in Sanskrit.
• Hatigumbha Inscription
  • ​Hatigumpa inscription of Kharavela, of Kalinga ruler, gives details about Chetis of Kalinga.
  • Kharavela followed Jainism.
  • The Cheti Dynasty was founded by Maha Meghavahana.
• Ashokan Inscription
  • ​These inscriptions are written in Kharoshti and Brahmi scripts.
  • These were deciphered by James Princep.
  • Ashoka left his record engraved on stones.

The correct answer is Kalinga Mahotsav, Odisha.

• Kalinga Mahotsav, Odisha is the festival of Martial Dance is celebrated to mark the major victory of peace over war.

Key Points

• Kalinga Mahotsav
  • The festival is celebrated in the month of January and February.
  • It brings together the folk, classical and martial art forms on one stage. Hence, the art form is called Martial Dance.
  • The Kalinga festival was started by a famous Bhubaneswar based Italian Odissi dancer Ileana Citaristi.
  • After the bloodiest war of Kalinga, King Ashoka frantically looked for peace and hence this cultural festival in Odisha is held each year to depict the significance of peace over war.

Additional Information

• Durga Puja:
  • The festival; is celebrated with huge pomp and enthusiasm in Kolkata.
  • It is celebrated between the months of September and October, to mark the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasur.
  • In other parts of India, Durga Pooja is celebrated as Navratri.
  • Dussehra marks the culmination of Durga Pooja.
• Chandan Yatra:
  • The festival is celebrated in Puri, Odisha.
  • It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath.
  • The festival is also known as Sandalwood paste festival.
  • It is celebrated in April-May on Akshaya Tritiya.

The correct answer is (BAPS) Shree Swaminarayan Temple.

Key Points

• The (BAPS) Shree Swaminarayan Temple is the first Hindu temple to be built in Abu Dhabi.
• The announcement for the construction of the first Hindu temple was announced by the UAE government in 2015 during PM Modi's two-day visit.
• The foundation stone of the BAPS temple was laid by PM Modi 2018 in Abu Dhabi.
• The temple is built on 35acres of land on Abu Muraikhah.
• For the construction of the temple, fly ash is used as reinforcement of the concrete and no iron or steel reinforcement is used.