DAY – 35: Insights Self Study Guide for UPSC Prelims + Mains – 2015

The architecture seen in Mandu or Mandavgad in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh predominantly belongs to which of the following traditions of architecture?

Consider the following statements:

1. Brihadeshwara Temple – one of the largest temples in India and one of India’s most prized architectural sites was built during the reign of Chera rulers
2. The paintings in the Brihadeshwara Temple depict Vishnu in various forms

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

The ‘Dancing Girl’ in tribhanga posture from Mohenjo-daro dated back to 2500 BCE is a sculpture made of which of the following materials?

Pietra dura or pietre dure, called parchin kari in South Asia, is a

Lapis Lazuli, a deep blue highly prized stone that was used in Europe and Mughal artifacts, is basically a

With reference to Jataka tales, consider the following statements:

1. These tales are mainly concerned with the previous births of Gautama Buddha
2. These tales are depicted on the famous Sanchi Stupa

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Anda, Harmika and Medhi are the features of which of the following architectural monuments?

The halo around the head of Buddha image is profusely decorated in which of the following traditions of sculptures?

Consider the following statements:

1. The most important sites are Ajanta, Pitalkhora, Ellora, Nashik, Bhaja, Junnar, Karla, Kanheri. Ajanta, Ellora, and Kanheri belonged to the orthodox Buddhist sect Thervadins
2. Ajanta is the only surviving example of painting of the first century BCE and the fifth century CE

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

“The body is slender and well-proportioned but slightly elongated. The outlines are delicate, very rhythmic. Folded legs are expanded in order to create a visual balance in the picture space. Drapery clings to the body and is transparent to create the effect of integrated volume. The face is round, the eyes are half-closed, the lower lip is protruding, and the roundness of the cheeks has reduced as compared to the earlier images from the Kushana Period. The hands are shown in dhammachakrapravartana mudra placed just below the chest.”

The above description refers to Buddha statue belonging to

The famous mural of Padmapani Bodhisattva is found in which of the following places?

Consider the following statements:

1. The style of temple architecture that became popular in northern India is known as nagara
2. Phamsana and Valabhi are the sub-types of nagara style of temple architecture

Which of the above statements is/are correct

In which of the following places it is very likely to find rich heritage of Jain temples?

1. Shravanabelagola
2. Khajuraho
3. Chanderi
4. Gwalior

Choose the correct answer using the codes below:

Consider the following statements:

1. The Jain temples at Mount Abu were constructed by Vimal Shah
2. Shatrunjay hills near Palitana in Kathiawar, Gujarat, is known for ancient Buddhist sites

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

The Nayaka paintings of seventeenth century are mainly seen in which of the following centres?

Consider the following statements:

1. The Aranyaka sections of the Vedic literature envisage a progressive outlook
2. The Upanishads, represent the early stage in the origin and development of the religionsmetaphysical concepts

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:

1. Samkhya system is considered as a technique of logical thinking
2. The Samkhya philosophy tries to establish some relationship between Purusha and Prakriti for explaining the creation of the universe
3. Gautama is said to be the propounder of the Samkhya system

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Kanada wrote the basic text of which of the following philosophies?

The realisation of soul has been the common goal of all philosophical schools of India, except