Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Subcutaneous fat is a layer of fat located just beneath the skin. It primarily acts as an insulator which reduces heat loss from the body by trapping heat and maintaining body temperature. This insulation is particularly beneficial in cold environments, helping to conserve energy and prevent hypothermia.

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: The major chemical compound that constitutes kidney stones is Calcium Oxalate. These stones are common and can cause severe pain during urination. Calcium oxalate is formed when calcium in the urine binds with oxalate, a compound found in certain foods (e.g., spinach, nuts) or produced as a by-product of metabolism. High concentrations of calcium and oxalate in urine, combined with low fluid intake, promote the crystallization of calcium oxalate. Options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect: Urea is not a major component of kidney stones because it is a waste product of protein metabolism that is typically excreted in the urine. Other types of kidney stones can contain calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, or struvite, but calcium oxalate stones are the most common. Factors such as dehydration, high oxalate intake, and certain medical conditions can increase the risk of kidney stone formation.

Explanation

Brahmavadini refers to women who sought spiritual knowledge and philosophical understanding of Brahman, the ultimate reality. These women ascetics were known for their intellectual pursuits, poetic abilities, and compositions of Vedic hymns. Among the prominent women Vedic scholars, we find references to Maitreyi, Viswambhara, Apala, and Lopamudra, to name a few.

Explanation

During the Gupta Period (4th to 6th century CE), Sanskrit was typically reserved for higher-class characters such as kings, scholars, and Brahmins, while Prakrit was used for women and lower-class characters to enhance authenticity and social realism. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

The Prakrit languages included regional variations. A notable Prakrit used during this period was Sauraseni Prakrit (Option d), which was prominent in the western regions of India like Gujarat and Rajasthan. This further underscores the linguistic diversity within ancient Indian society. Pali was not typically used in Sanskrit plays of the Gupta Period. Although Pali is closely related to Prakrit, it was primarily the language of Buddhist scriptures and teachings and was used by Buddhist scholars and monks to promote Buddhist doctrine. Thus, Pali did not hold the same role as Prakrit in dramatic literature of the time.

Explanation

Yavanapriya is a term in ancient Sanskrit texts referring to pepper, a commodity highly prized in early Indo-Mediterranean trade. The term "Yavanapriya" is made up of two Sanskrit words, "Yavana" referring to Greeks and "priya" meaning loved. Ancient Sanskrit texts used this term to denote the commodity loved by the Greeks from India. This lucrative trade in spices, particularly pepper, was crucial for India’s ancient economy and helped establish India as a prominent player in global commerce. v v v

Explanation

The Nataraja bronze sculptures, of the Chola period (9th-13th century CE), are celebrated masterpieces of Indian art, symbolizing the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva. These icons, crafted using the lost-wax (cire perdue) casting technique, exemplify the technical and artistic sophistication of the era. An outstanding example is the Nataraja statue from Chidambaram, where Shiva is depicted in dynamic motion. Spiritual symbolism in these sculptures underscore the Chola dynasty’s devotion to Shaivism. The iconic Chola Bronze sculptures of Nataraja, the cosmic dance form of Shiva, depict the deity with four hands. Each hand represents different symbolic gestures (mudras): one holds a drum, another a flame, the third makes the ‘abhaya mudra’ (a sign of fearlessness), and the fourth points to the raised foot, symbolizing liberation.

Explanation

Mimamsa system of philosophy is one of the 6 schools of orthodox Indian philosophy. It was started by Jaimini. In the Mimamsa system of philosophy, liberation (moksha) is primarily achieved through the performance of proper rituals (karma), which align with the Vedic prescriptions. Mimamsa emphasizes that correct action, particularly ritualistic duties (such as yajnas), leads to purification of the self and ultimately liberation. By doing so, an individual can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and achieve the highest good, which is initially seen as heavenly bliss and later as freedom from bodily bondage. While Jnana (knowledge) and Yoga are central to other philosophies like Vedanta and Sankhya, Mimamsa focuses on Karma as the means to attain liberation.

Explanation

Anuvrata is a concept in Jainism that refers to the small vows or lesser vows prescribed for lay followers (householders) as opposed to the Mahavratas (great vows) followed by monks and nuns. The Anuvratas are a set of ethical guidelines that help laypeople lead a morally upright life while still engaging in worldly activities. They include:

Ahimsa (non-violence) Satya (truthfulness) Asteya (non-stealing) Brahmacharya (chastity) Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) These vows are less strict than the Mahavratas and are tailored to the practical realities of household life. v v v