Question Discussion & Solution

• Giddha is not an Indian classical dance form.
• It is a folk dance that is performed exclusively by women in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan.
• Indian classical dance forms include those styles which have mythological roots and whose theory and practice can be found in the Natya Shastra (Sanskrit text).
• Classical Dances of India- Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Sattriya, Manipuri are the recognized Indian classical dance forms.

The correct answer is Kanada.

Key Points

• The Sanskrit philosopher Kanada Kashyapa (2nd–3rd century) expounded its theories and is credited with founding the school. 
• Vaisheshika, one of the six systems (darshans) of Indian philosophy, significant for its naturalism.
• The Vaisheshika school attempts to identify, inventory, and classify the entities and their relations that present themselves to human perceptions.

Important Points

• The Purva-Mimamsa of Jaimini (400 BCE), the greatest philosopher of the Mimamsa school, posits various deities to account for the significance of Vedic rituals but ignores, without denying, the question of the existence of God. 
• Patanjali also called Gonardiya, or Gonikaputra, (flourished 2nd century BCE or 5th century CE), Authors of two great Hindu classics-
  • The first, Yoga-sutras, a categorization of Yogic thought arranged in four volumes with the titles Psychic Power, “Practice of Yoga,” “Samadhi” (state of profound contemplation of the Absolute), and “Kaivalya” (separateness).
  • the second, the Mahabhashya (“Great Commentary”).
• Gautama was one of the famous seven rishis termed Saptarshi. He was the progenitor of the Gautama gotra. He was the son of Rahugana.

The correct answer is All of the above.

Key Points

• Papier Mache is a peculiar craft practiced in Madhya Pradesh since very ancient times.
  • In Madhya Pradesh, the main center for papier mache is Ujjain, but it is also practiced in Gwalior, Bhopal, and Ratlam. 
• Stone carving is one of the oldest forms of art and crafts of Madhya Pradesh.  
  • Every region of this state has got a unique and distinct style.
  • Lattice (Jaal) work is the specialty of Gwalior whereas, Tikamgarh and Jabalpur specialize in decorative pieces of work like animals and human statues. 
• Bamboo and cane artwork is a significant part of the rural life of Madhya Pradesh, is hugely used to manufacture utility articles.
  • The tribal communities of Baiga, Gond, and Korku are involved in this craft as well.
  • The skilled craftsmen of the areas like Balaghat, Bastar, Chhattisgarh, Mandla, Shahdol, and Seoni were involved in this artwork.
• Carpet weaving is practiced in Gwalior since the Mughal era.
  • Mandla and Shahdol district is also known for this craft later.
  • Apart from being masters of carpet weaving, the craftspeople of these areas excel in dyeing. 

The correct answer is Dholavira.

Key Points

• In July 2021, the Indus valley site Dholavira was inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List.
  • Now Gujarat has three world heritage sites, Champaner near Pavagadh, Rani ki Vav in Patan and the historic city of Ahmedabad.
  • Dholavira is now the 40^th treasure in India to be recognized as a World Heritage site.
  • According to a press release by the Ministry of Culture, India submitted the nomination for Dholavira to the World Heritage Centre in January 2020. The site was on the UNESCO’s tentative list since 2014.
  • UNESCO has already given India a new world heritage site in the form of the Rudreswara/ Ramappa Temple in Telangana in the ongoing 44th session of the World Heritage Committee.
  • Ramappa Temple dates back to the 13^th century.
  • This session of the World Heritage Committee is being chaired from Fuzhou in China.

Additional Information

• Gujarat Chief Minister: Vijay Rupani.
• Gujarat Governor: Acharya Devvrat.

The correct answer is Ajanta.

Some important paintings at Ajanta are:

• Scenes from the Jataka stories of the life of the Gautama Buddha, the Buddha’s former lives as a bodhisattva, etc.
• Paintings of various Bodhisattvas in tribhanga pose in Cave 1:
  • Vajrapani (protector and guide, a symbol of Buddha’s power),
  • Manjusri (manifestation of Buddha’s wisdom) and
  • Padmapani (Avalokitesvara) (symbol of Buddha’s compassion).
• The Dying Princess in Cave.no 16.