Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Tabo Monastery situated in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India is a historically and culturally significant Buddhist monastery. It was founded in 996 CE and is one of the oldest continuously functioning Buddhist monasteries in India and is renowned for its exquisite murals, sculptures, and architecture reflecting a blend of Tibetan and Indian artistic influences.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Lhotsava Lhakhang is located in Nako village which is part of Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Alchi Temple Complex located in the village of Alchi in Ladakh, India and was built in the 12th century is another important Buddhist site. It is particularly famous for its unique and well-preserved wall paintings which showcase a fusion of Indian and Kashmiri artistic styles.

Explanation

Sattriya is a classical dance form from Assam which was developed in the 15th-16th century by Srimanta Sankardev as part of the Vaishnavite movement. The dance follows a codified sequence, beginning with Ramdani (pure dance), followed by Gayan Bayan (percussive music and dance), and includes Krishna Nritya and Gopi Nritya, depicting Krishna’s tales. It is accompanied by Borgeet (devotional songs) composed by Sankardev and Madhavdev and often features Ankia Naat (one-act plays).

Statement 1 is correct: Sattriya was traditionally performed in sattras (Vaishnavite monasteries) and combined dance, music, and drama. Sattriya dance tradition is governed by strictly laid down principles in respect of hasta mudras, footwork, aharyas, music etc.

Statement 2 is correct: The Sattriya dance form was introduced in the 15th century A.D by the great Vaishnava saint and reformer of Assam, Mahapurusha Sankaradeva as a powerful medium for the propagation of the Vaishnava faith.

Statement 3 is incorrect: It is based on the songs composed by Sankaradeva and Madhvadeva not Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai.

Explanation

India’s rich cultural heritage boasts a variety of folk dance forms, each reflecting regional traditions. Garba from Gujarat is performed during Navratri with rhythmic clapping and circular movements. Mohiniattam, though a classical dance from Kerala, often incorporated folk elements. Yakshagana from Karnataka combines dance, music, and theatrical storytelling. Other notable folk dances include Bhangra from Punjab, Kathakali from Kerala, Lavani from Maharashtra, and Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh. These dances, often performed during festivals, celebrate local folklore, deities, and seasonal transitions, blending music, drama, and vibrant costumes.

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Garba is a famous dance form of Gujarat, performed to honor the Hindu Deity, Goddess Durga. It is a sacred practice in Gujarat to perform this joyful folk dance on practically all important occasions.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Mohiniattam is a classical dance form from Kerala, characterized by its graceful, soft, and feminine style. It is classified under the Lasya category, which emphasizes elegance and gentle movements. Although Mohiniattam has evolved over time, its foundations are rooted in the ancient Sanskrit text Natya Shastra, which outlines the principles of classical Indian dance.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Yakshagana is a musical dance theater form of Karnataka. The dance form includes players dressed in costumes with vivid colors and shapes, singing, drumming, and dancing, as well as players who interpret words with gestures.

Explanation

Tenth Schedule added by 52nd Amendment Act deals with the provisions as to disqualification on grounds of defection. On the basis of a petition by any other member, a legislator may be removed from office on the grounds of defection by the Presiding officer of a legislature. The Chairman or Speaker of that House is tasked with making the final determination regarding disqualification due to defection.

Explanation

Kalaripayattu is an ancient martial art form which originated in Kerala, a state in the southern part of India. Its name derives from the Malayalam words "Kalari," meaning training ground or battlefield and "Payattu," meaning practice or fight. This martial art is renowned for its comprehensive training regimen which includes strikes, kicks, grappling, weaponry, healing methods, and meditation. Practitioners begin their training with an oil massage to enhance body agility and suppleness. The art also emphasizes knowledge of "Marmas" or vital points by integrating traditional healing practices into its system.

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: Monsoon Climate is characterized by Seasonal reversal of winds, where the wind direction changes with the seasons. It is found primarily in India, South-east Africa, Northern Australia, the Guinea Coast of West Africa and the Pacific Coast of Columbia. Summer monsoon (from June to September): Winds blow from the southwest, bringing moisture from the Indian Ocean, leading to heavy rainfall. Winter monsoon (from October to February): Winds blow from the northeast, bringing dry, cool air from the landmass.

Explanation

The designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were used for village officers in medieval India. Mahattara was used to denote the village headman. They played a crucial role in local governance, overseeing agricultural activities, resolving disputes, and ensuring the welfare of the villagers. Pattakila is generally identified with the modern term ’Patel’ and was believed to be the king’s representative in the village. Their responsibilities included collecting taxes, maintaining law and order, and implementing the directives of the central administration at the village level.

Explanation

Every monsoon the Gond and Korku tribes of Betul and Harda districts of Madhya Pradesh celebrate a month-long festival known as Hari Jiroti. This festival is dedicated to promoting greenery and environmental conservation. During Hari Jiroti community members engage in the plantation of saplings, especially those of fruit-bearing trees such as mango, guava, and jamun. This practice not only enhances the local ecosystem but also ensures a sustainable source of food and income for future generations.

Explanation

The Indian national calendar based on the Saka calendar was officially adopted on 22nd March 1957. This calendar is utilized alongside the Gregorian calendar for official purposes such as the Gazette of India, news broadcasts by All India Radio, and government communications. The Saka calendar commences with the month of Chaitra. In a common year (365 days): 1st Chaitra corresponds to 22nd March in the Gregorian calendar. In a leap year (366 days): 1st Chaitra corresponds to 21st March.

Explanation

The Bhakti movement was a devotional reform movement in medieval India, emphasizing love and devotion to a personal god over ritualistic practices. It spread across regions, with prominent saints like Kabir, who challenged religious orthodoxy; Ramanuja, who advocated for Vishnu worship; and Meerabai, a passionate devotee of Krishna.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Bijak is a collection of Kabir’s teachings(not Saint Dadu Dayal), a 15th-century mystic poet and saint who challenged ritualistic practices in Hinduism and Islam. His writings influenced the Bhakti movement and are included in the Guru Granth Sahib. He was a disciple of Ramananda.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Vallabhacharya’s philosophy came to be known as Pushti Marga. He founded the philosophy of Shuddhadvaita which believed in the absolute union. He was the first to advocate for Krishna Bhakti using the Maha Bhagavata Purana as a foundation.