DAY – 72 : Insta 75 Days Revision Plan-2026 : ANCIENT & MEDIEVAL INDIA Full Syllabus

Answer: (b)

Explanation

Statement I is correct. The Kuttampalam (Koothambalam) of Kerala is a dedicated temple theatre structure associated with ritual Sanskrit performances such as Kutiyattam. Although situated within the temple complex, it exists as a separate and functionally specialized performance pavilion. Its internal spatial organization, stage proportions, audience arrangement, and performance divisions are substantially derived from principles laid down in the Natya Shastra. While Kerala regional architectural traditions also influenced its construction techniques, the statement does not become incorrect merely because local adaptations were incorporated.

Statement II is correct. The Kuttampalam employs sophisticated indigenous timber engineering, including sloping wooden rafters, interlocking beams, carved wooden ceilings, and ventilated wall structures. These features enhance acoustic resonance and distribute sound effectively throughout the hall without dependence on iron pillars or metallic reinforcements.

However, Statement II does not explain Statement I. The first statement concerns the structural layout and dramaturgical design principles of the theatre, whereas the second statement concerns its acoustic and construction engineering. Therefore, the second statement is not the reason for the first.

Answer:    (d)

Explanation:

• Pair 1 is correctly matched: The Sulvasutras (part of the Kalpasutras in Vedic literature) are the oldest extant texts on Indian mathematics. They deal primarily with the complex geometric principles and measurements required to accurately construct sacrificial fire altars (Yajna Vedis).
• Pair 2 is correctly matched: Milinda Panha (The Questions of King Milinda) is a famous non-canonical Buddhist text written in Pali. It records a deep philosophical dialogue between the Indo-Greek King Menander I (Milinda) and the Buddhist sage Nagasena, leading to the king’s conversion to Buddhism.
• Pair 3 is correctly matched: Written by Tolkappiyar, the Tolkaappiyam is the earliest surviving work of Sangam literature. It is a monumental and comprehensive treatise that outlines the rules of Tamil grammar, sentence structure, and poetics, while also providing rich insights into the socio-economic life of the period.
• Pair 4 is correctly matched: Mattavilasa Prahasana (The Farce of Drunken Sport) is a short Sanskrit play written by the prominent Pallava King Mahendravarman I in the early 7th century. It is a sharp, satirical comedy that mocks the corruption and eccentricities of contemporary ascetic sects like the Kapalikas, Pasupatas, and even Buddhists in Kanchipuram.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement I is correct. The Guntupalli Caves contain a rare circular chaitya chamber excavated into rock, within which stands a structural stone stupa. The site is an important example of early Buddhist rock-cut experimentation and preserves features imitating timber architecture.
• Statement II is correct. The Junagadh Buddhist Caves, particularly the Khapra Kodiya and Baba Pyare cave groups, include monastic residential excavations with multiple levels and sophisticated rock-cut cistern systems for rainwater harvesting. Their excavation pattern and internal arrangement justify describing them as multistoried subterranean monastic quarters.
• Statement III is incorrect. The Pitalkhora Caves were an active Buddhist monastic and chaitya complex from the early historic period. Although the basalt rock suffered from fissures, seepage, and weathering, the caves were extensively used and repaired through architectural and engineering interventions rather than abandoned.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• Pair I is correct. Baluchari Saree sarees are distinguished by elaborate woven narrative motifs depicting scenes from epics, mythology, court life, and social themes, especially on the pallu and borders. They are traditionally woven in silk.
• Pair II is correct. Kasavu Saree is a traditional Kerala handloom textile characterized by off-white or cream cotton fabric with distinctive zari borders. Historically, the zari used was made with real gold or gold-coated threads, giving the border a polished metallic appearance.
• Pair III is incorrect. Pochampally Ikat is famous for its double ikat tradition in many classic forms, where both warp and weft threads are resist-tied and dyed before weaving. Therefore, describing it exclusively as a “single-ikat technique where only the warp threads are tied and dyed” is incorrect.
• Pair IV is correct. Ilkal Saree sarees are known for the distinctive joining of the body and pallu through the traditional Tope Teni technique. They commonly feature a cotton body with a contrasting red or maroon silk pallu.

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

• Statement I is correct. Kamakhya Temple represents a distinctive regional temple architectural tradition commonly referred to as the Nilachal style. The present structure, substantially rebuilt under the Koch rulers, combines indigenous Assamese forms with elements derived from Nagara and Bengal architectural traditions.
• Statement II is also correct. A defining feature of the Nilachal style is the dome-like superstructure placed above a polygonal or cruciform ratha-type base. The structure departs from the conventional curvilinear shikhara of classical North Indian Nagara temples and instead employs a hemispherical or beehive-like dome profile integrated with a multi-faceted lower plan.
• Statement II explains Statement I because the described hemispherical dome over the cruciform ratha base constitutes the essential architectural characteristic of the Nilachal style associated with the Kamakhya Temple.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Statement I is correct. A Minbar is the raised pulpit located inside a mosque, generally positioned near the mihrab. It is used by the imam or preacher for delivering the khutbah (Friday sermon). Traditionally, it consists of a stepped or tiered structure.
• Statement II is correct. A Maqsura refers to an enclosed or screened space near the mihrab within a mosque, historically intended to provide protection and privacy to the ruler or sovereign during prayer, especially in politically unstable periods.
• Statement III is correct. A Pishtaq is a monumental projecting portal or archway that emphasizes the main entrance of a building. It became a prominent feature in Persian and Indo-Islamic architecture, especially in mosques, madrasas, and tombs.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• Statement I is correct. The Yazh was an ancient harp-like stringed instrument prominently mentioned in Sangam literature and later Tamil texts. It belonged to the bow-harp family and existed in several varieties such as Periyazh and Siriyazh.
• Statement II is incorrect. The Ektara was widely associated with folk traditions, Bhakti saints, wandering minstrels, Bauls, and Sufi singers. It was not confined to royal classical courts; rather, it became an important devotional and itinerant musical instrument across many regions of India.
• Statement III is correct. The Kinnari Veena was an early veena-type string instrument featuring gourds as resonators. Historical descriptions and iconographic evidence indicate the use of frets attached with wax-like substances, including beeswax mixtures, on the fingerboard.

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

• Pair I is correctly matched. The Amalaka is the large ribbed circular stone element placed at the summit of the Shikhara in Nagara-style temples. It usually supports the Kalasha above it.
• Pair II is correctly matched. The Antarala is the vestibule or intermediate chamber connecting the Mandapa (hall) with the Garbhagriha (sanctum).
• Pair III is correctly matched. The Griva refers to the “neck” portion of the temple superstructure situated between the main tower and the crowning element such as the Shikhara top or dome-like member.
• Pair IV is correctly matched. The Jagati is the raised platform or plinth on which the temple complex is constructed, often providing a circumambulatory path around the shrine.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Statement I is incorrect. The Dholavira water-management system was not merely a functional hydraulic arrangement devoid of architectural planning. The reservoirs, channels, and stepped tanks were carefully integrated into the urban layout and displayed sophisticated spatial planning. Archaeological studies indicate that the reservoirs were monumental in scale and formed an important component of civic architecture, reflecting both utility and urban aesthetic organization.
• Statement II is correct. The Harappan hydraulic systems at Dholavira and other settlements were specifically designed to collect and conserve seasonal rainwater and storm-water runoff in an arid environment. The civilization developed advanced reservoirs, bunds, and drainage mechanisms to ensure long-term urban sustainability during periods of limited rainfall and drought-like conditions.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Statement I is correct. Fasil refers to the fortified outer or curtain wall surrounding a fortification or citadel. In Indo-Islamic military architecture, it denoted the defensive enclosure walls forming a major protective barrier around the core complex.
• Statement II is correct. Kangura refers to the battlemented parapet or crenellations constructed along the upper portions of fort walls. These defensive projections and openings enabled archers and defenders to fire while remaining partially protected.
• Statement III is correct. Burj denotes a bastion or projecting tower built into fort walls, generally semicircular or polygonal in form. Such structures were strategically designed to mount artillery, strengthen defense, and provide flanking or crossfire coverage along adjoining walls.

Correct Answer: (c)

Explanation:

The passage highlights that public policy treats water as an isolated resource for supply augmentation rather than an integral part of the natural ecosystem. By emphasizing the irony of viewing water as divorced from its sources, the author implies that wetlands must be looked at comprehensively as ecological systems rather than mere supply channels.

This directly supports option (c). Option (a) and (d) introduce outside concepts not mentioned, while option (b) contradicts the critique of focusing solely on engineering supply.

Correct Answer: (a)

Explanation: To find out if any 5-digit number formed by these digits is prime, we can check its divisibility.

The sum of the digits for any arrangement of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 is 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 = 15. Since the sum of the digits is 15, which is divisible by 3, every single number formed by these digits will be a multiple of 3.

A number greater than 3 that is a multiple of 3 cannot be a prime number. Therefore, zero prime numbers can be formed.

Correct Answer: (c)

Explanation:

Assume that each of these equal expressions equates to a constant value, let’s say k.

This gives the values: p = k + 2016, q = k – 2017, r = k + 2018, and s = k – 2019. To determine which is the largest, we look at what is being added or subtracted from k.

Since 2018 is the largest value added to k, r must be the largest natural number.

Correct Answer: (c)

Explanation:

The sequence follows alternating alphabetical patterns:

• a b a b a
• b c b c b
• c d c d c
• d e d e d

Therefore, the missing letters are:

• first blank = a
• second blank = c
• third blank = c
• fourth blank = e

Hence, the correct answer is option (c).

Correct Answer: (d)

Explanation:

Let us analyze the natural numbers strictly between 10 and 20, which are 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19.

Using Statement S1 alone: The prime numbers in this range are 11, 13, 17, and 19. Because there are multiple possibilities, S1 alone cannot pinpoint a unique value for n.

Using Statement S2 alone: The numbers that leave a remainder of 1 when divided by 4 are 13 (since 4 x 3 + 1 = 13) and 17 (since 4 x 4 + 1 = 17). Because there are two possibilities, S2 alone cannot pinpoint a unique value for n.

Combining S1 and S2 together: We look for numbers that are both prime and leave a remainder of 1 when divided by 4. Comparing the two filtered lists, both 13 and 17 satisfy both conditions simultaneously. Because we still have two valid values instead of a single, unique natural number, the question cannot be answered uniquely even with both statements.

Therefore, S1 and S2 together are not sufficient to answer the Question.