Insights Static Quiz -320, 2019–Art and Culture

Solution: b)

Vaishnava poet-saints known as alvars (a Tamil word denoting those drowned in Vishnu-bhakti) preached single-minded devotion (ekatmika bhakti) for Vishnu and their songs were collectively known as prabandhas.

The Shaiva movement in the South flourished at the beginning through the activities of many of the 63 saints known in Tamil as Nayanars (Siva-bhakts). Their appealing emotional songs in Tamil were called Tevaram Stotras, also known as Dravida Veda and ceremonially sung in the local Shiva temples.

Ashtadhyayi – Sanskrit treatise on grammar written in the 6th to 5th century BCE by the Indian grammarian Panini.

Solution: a)

The tradition of constructing pillars is very old and it may be observed that erection of pillars was prevalent in the Achamenian empire as well. But the Mauryan pillars are different from the Achamenian pillars. The Mauryan pillars are rock-cut pillars thus displaying the carver’s skills, whereas the Achamenian pillars are constructed in pieces by a mason.

The Mauryan pillar capital found at Sarnath popularly known as the Lion Capital is the finest example of Mauryan sculptural tradition. This pillar capital symbolising Dhammachakrapravartana (the first sermon by the Buddha) has become a standard symbol of this great historical event in the life of the Buddha.

Solution: b)

Warli Paintings being practiced by indigenous people that occupy mainly the Maharashtra- Gujarat border.

Solution: d)

During the early phase of Buddhism, Buddha is depicted symbolically through footprints, stupas, lotus throne, chakra, etc. This indicates either simple worship, or paying respect, or at times depicts historisisation of life events.

Solution: c)

• The craft of the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru constitutes the traditional technique of manufacturing brass and copper utensils in Punjab.
• This is an oral tradition that is passed on to generations of the ‘Thathera’ community. The metals are heated and moulded into thin plates with curved shapes.
• It is recommended for medicinal purposes in several Ayurveda texts. It was patronized and encouraged by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the 19th century.
• The utensils are of wide variety like those used in household and community kitchens (langar) of Sikh Gurudwaras.