Question Discussion & Solution

The correct answer is Neither I nor II.

Key Points

• Chhau dance is a traditional dance form performed by men from Eastern India that enacts episodes from epics including Ramayana and Mahabharata.
  • The main objective of this dance form is to celebrate martial arts.
  • Chhau dance can be classified into three divisions based on the place it is performed; Mayurbhanj Chau of Odisha, Seraikella Chau of Jharkhand, and Purulia Chau of Bengal.
• Kathak is a North Indian dance that originated in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
  • ​The name Kathak comes from the word "Katha" which means a story.
  • Shambhu Maharaj and Lacchu Maharaj are famous Kathak dancers.

Additional Information

• Eight dance forms have been acknowledged by Sangeet Natak Akademi as classical dance forms of India.
• The classical dance form originated from the Natya Shastra.
• Classical dance has a deep-rooted relationship with the Natya Shastra where the specific features of each of the Classical dance forms have been mentioned.
• There are 8 classical dance forms in India as per the source and scholar

Important Points

• The Cultural Ministry of India has included Chhau into the list of classical dances that make a total of 9 classical dance forms.

The correct answer is These are the main two styles of temple architecture in India.

Key Points

• The main component of the Indian temple architecture are the following:
  • Garbhagriha (womb-house):. It is a cave-like structure housing the chief deity of the temple.
  • Mandapa: It is the entrance of the temple.
  • Shikhara/Vimana: It is a mountain-like structure on top. In north India, it is called Shikhara.
    • Shape: Curve.
    • In south India, it is called Vimana.
    • Shape: Pyramidal tower.
  • Amalaka: Notched stone disk at the top of the temple. Mostly seen in north Indian temples.
  • Pedestal: It is a raised platform of stone on which temples are built.

Important Points

Additional Information

• Vesara Architecture:
  • E.g: Ladkhan temple of Aihole.
  • It has two principal components Vimana & Mandapa joined by Antrala.
  • It is a mixture of both Nagara & Dravidian style of temple architecture.
  • It is also known as Chalukya style or Karnataka style.
  • It follows mostly Dravida style up to the boundaries and then Nagara style features in the superstructure.

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 Assam.

Important Points

• Bihu dance is an Indigenous folk dance of the Indian state of Assam.
• This dance is usually performed by young men and women.
• The dancing style is characterized by brisk steps and rapid hard movements.
• In this folk dance, the traditional costumes of dancers are colourful and centred around the red colour theme.
• The origin of this folk dance is unknown.
• The earliest depiction of Bihu dance is found in the 9th Century Sculptures.
• This dance is mainly found in the Tezpur and Darrang districts of Assam.
• It is mentioned in the inscriptions of the 14th Century, Chutia and Laxminarayan as well.
• Bihu dance is performed outdoors, in fields, groves, etc.
• This folk dance takes its name from the Bohag Bihu festival.
• Bohag Bihu festival is celebrated as New year in Assam.

The correct answer is Tamil Nadu.

In News

• Karuppur Kalamkari Paintings and Kallakurichi Wood Carvings from Tamil Nadu get the GI tags. Hence, option 2 is correct.

Key Points

• Kallakuruchi wood carvings are done using pens, palm stems, date trees, brushes made of bamboo sticks and coconut tree stems.
• This certificate was issued by the Geographical Indications Registry on the basis of an application filed by Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation (Poompuhar).
• These carvings are done for designs and ornaments. These are indigenous to the Madurai region.