General Awareness: India: UPSC Previous Year Questions (General Knowledge)

Explanation

Option (a) is correct Raga Todi is a morning raga, usually sung in the late morning (around 9 AM to noon). It is known for its deep, meditative, and serious mood. Options (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect Raga Darbari is a late-night raga, often associated with serenity and pathos. Raga Bhopali is an early evening raga, known for its light and uplifting nature. Raga Bhimpalasi is a late afternoon raga, conveying a romantic and devotional mood.

Explanation

"My Music My Life" is an autobiography of sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, detailing his musical journey. "Adha Gaon" is a famous novel by Rahi Masoom Raza depicting the socio-political changes in rural India. "Radha" is a poetic work composed by Ramakanta Rath exploring the philosophical aspects of Radha-Krishna’s love. "The Pilferer" is a Marathi novel written by Laxman Gaikwad, it is based on the struggles of a nomadic tribe in India.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Chakiarkoothu is a traditional Sanskrit theatre art form of Kerala, performed exclusively by the Chakiar caste.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Traditionally, it was restricted to upper-caste Hindus, while others were not allowed.

Statement 3 is correct: Mizhavu, a large copper drum, is the primary percussion instrument used in the performance.

Statement 4 is correct: The performance is staged in a Koothambalam, a sacred temple theatre.

Explanation

Pair (a) is correctly matched: Jim Lake or Laker holds the record for most wickets in a Test match. He took 19 wickets in a Test match against Australia in 1956. Still the record. He played from England team. Pair (b) is correctly matched: Brian Lara Holds the record for the highest individual score in a Test innings (400), achieved against England in 2004. Still not broken. Pair (c) is correctly matched: Sanath Jayasuriya & Roshan Mahanama - Recorded the highest partnership in a Test innings (576 runs) for Sri Lanka against India in 1997. Still the record. Pair (d) is incorrectly matched: Sunil Gavaskar held the highest aggregate of runs in Test cricket before being surpassed by Allan Border (Australia) in 1993. So, Allan Border (Australia) held the Highest aggregate of runs in Test Cricket at the time when the question was asked.

Explanation

Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar (4) - An influential Hindustani classical musician who composed the tune for Vande Mataram and founded Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. Venkatamahi (1) - A 17th-century Carnatic musicologist who introduced the Melakarta Raga classification system, which forms the foundation of Carnatic music theory. Shyama Shastri (2)- One of the Carnatic music Trinity, known for his devotional compositions in Telugu, Sanskrit, and Tamil, emphasizing intricate rhythmic patterns. Amir Khusrau (3)- A 13th-century Sufi musician and poet who pioneered the Khayal and Qawwali styles, blending Persian and Indian musical traditions.

Explanation

Shashi Tharoor (4)- Show Business is a satirical novel that delves into the world of Bollywood, media, and Indian politics through the life of a film star-turned-politician. Amitav Ghosh (2)- The Circle of Reason is his debut novel, blending history, science, and adventure, following the journey of an Indian boy falsely accused of terrorism. Anita Desai (1)- Clear Light of Day is a poignant novel about family bonds, childhood memories, and changing relationships set in Old Delhi. Vikram Chandra (3)- Love and Longing in Bombay is a collection of five interconnected stories exploring love, loss, and identity in Mumbai’s diverse landscape.

Explanation

Saraswati Mahal Library (3) - Located in Thanjavur, it is one of the oldest libraries in India, known for its rare palm-leaf manuscripts and ancient texts. Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (2) - Located in Dharamshala, it preserves Tibetan literature, Buddhist scriptures, and historical documents. Raza Library (4) - Situated in Rampur, it houses a vast collection of Indo-Islamic manuscripts, rare books, and miniature paintings. Khuda Baksh Oriental Public Library (1) - Located in Patna, it is renowned for its extensive collection of Arabic, Persian, and Urdu manuscripts.

Explanation

Transchart is the chartering wing of the Ministry of Surface Transport, Government of India. It handles the hiring of foreign and Indian flag vessels for transporting cargo for public sector undertakings (PSUs) and government departments. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth movement of bulk cargo like crude oil, fertilizers, and food grains.

Explanation

The Konkan Railway runs through Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, but not Kerala. Statements (a), (c), and (d) are correct:

Its total length is approximately 760 km, stretching from Roha in Maharashtra to Mangalore in Karnataka. It is a significant railway project as it cuts across the Western Ghats, making it a vital link between the coastal and interior regions. The Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) was established and raised funds through public issues to finance its construction.

Explanation

Chakrata (Uttarakhand, formerly Uttar Pradesh) - A hill station known for its serene landscapes and adventure activities. Haflong (Assam) - The only hill station in Assam, famous for its beautiful valleys and tribal culture. Kalimpong (West Bengal) - A scenic hill station in the eastern Himalayas, known for its Buddhist monasteries and flower nurseries. Kufri (Himachal Pradesh) - A popular winter destination near Shimla, known for skiing and snow activities.