UPSC 2017 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Sun temples in India, dedicated to the Sun God Surya, are renowned for their architectural grandeur and symbolic representation of cosmic order. Famous Sun temples in India are Konark Sun Temple (Odisha), Dakshinaarka Temple at Gaya (Bihar), Bhramanya Dev Temple at Unao (Madhya Pradesh), Sun Temple at Modhera (Gujarat).

Option 1 is correct: Arasavalli located in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh is famous for the Suryanarayana Temple is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya). This temple is one of the few ancient Sun temples in India and is believed to have been built in the 7th century CE by the Kalinga king Devendra Varma. The temple is designed in such a way that the sun’s rays fall directly on the feet of the Sun God’s idol twice a year, during the months of March and September.

Option 2 is incorrect: Amarkantak is a pilgrimage town in Madhya Pradesh which marks the origin of the Narmada River. Here Lord Shiva is worshiped as Narmadeswar Amarkantak.

Option 3 is incorrect: Omkareshwar located in Madhya Pradesh is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is famous for the Omkareshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated on an island in the Narmada River and is a major pilgrimage site for Shaivites. Arasavalli Temple

Explanation

The Indus Valley Civilization was highly materialistic, with advanced urban infrastructure, standardized weights, and extensive trade networks. In contrast, the Rig Vedic Civilization had a more pastoral economy, focusing on cattle wealth and ritualistic offerings rather than large-scale material production or urban development.

Statement 1 is correct: The Rigvedic Aryans are described in the Rigveda as using advanced weapons and armor, including coats of mail and helmets. In contrast, the Indus Valley Civilization shows no evidence of such organized military gear, suggesting a less militaristic society.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver, and copper, while the Indus Valley Civilization used copper and bronze, lacking iron. Iron technology emerged after the decline of the Indus Valley, during the later Vedic period.

Statement 3 is correct: The horse seems to have been unknown to the inhabitants of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. Horse remains found at Surkotada, dating to around 2000 BCE, suggest the possibility of horses in the Indus Valley. However, Sándor Bökönyi’s analysis of bone fragments is inconclusive and does not definitively prove that the Indus people knew horses.

Explanation

A Bodhisattva in Buddhism is a being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of birth and death to help others achieve liberation. Bodhisattvas embody compassion and selflessness, exemplified by figures like Avalokiteshvara and Manjushri.

Option (a) is correct: The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is in Ajanta Cave no 1 located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra which dates back to the 5th century AD. The fresco depicts Bodhisattva Padmapani (the compassionate one holding a lotus) with a calm and meditative expression. Other paintings of Bodhisattvas include Vajrapani (protector and guide, a symbol of Buddha’s power) and Manjusri (manifestation of Buddha’s wisdom). In this painting, Bodhisattva is holding a lotus in his hand in a Tribhanga pose. Fig.: Bodhisattva Padmapani in

Explanation

The framers of the Indian Constitution decided to guarantee every adult Indian citizen the right to vote. This right is enshrined in both the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Article 326 of the Constitution ensures that every citizen above the age of 18 has the right to vote. Additionally, Section 62 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, states that the right to vote is available to all individuals who are registered on the electoral roll of a constituency.

Explanation

The Parliamentary System is also referred to as the Cabinet form of Government. It establishes a system of collective responsibility of the executive to the legislative which is directly responsible to the people. Parliamentary system is part of the basic structure of the Constitution. It is through the powers of motions, discussion over budget, etc that the Parliament enforces the responsibility of the executive to itself and to the people ultimately.

Explanation

Sankirtana is a Meitei cultural performance art which includes a wide range of artistic expressions carried out to commemorate special religious occasions and different phases in the lives of the Vaishnava people of the Manipur plains. Sankirtana rituals are centered around temples and domestic spaces, where dancers and singers narrate stories of Lord Krishna’s life and actions through dance and song. In 2013, UNESCO added Manipur’s distinctive cultural legacy to its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Statement 1 is correct: Manipuri Sankirtana is a vibrant combination of song and dance. It is a form of devotional performance that involves singing, drumming, and dancing, often performed in a circular formation. The performers sing hymns and devotional songs, accompanied by rhythmic movements and drumming.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While cymbals (kartal) are an essential part of Manipuri Sankirtana but they are not the only instruments used. The primary instrument in Sankirtana is the Pung, a traditional Manipuri drum. Other instruments such as the harmonium and flute may also be used in some performances.

Statement 3 is correct: Manipuri Sankirtana is deeply connected to the Vaishnavite tradition and its themes often revolve around the life and deeds of Lord Krishna. The lyrics of the songs are usually devotional praising Krishna and recounting episodes from his life such as his childhood exploits (Bal Leela) and his divine love for Radha.

Explanation

Statements (a), (b) and (c) are correct:

The Indian Constitution adopts the federal system of Government, but with more tilt towards a unitary system of government. So, every state government does not have power of its own. Thus it is considered as a quasi-federal system. The features of a federation are Two level of Government, Division of powers, Written Constitution, Supremacy of Constitution, Rigidity of Constitution, Independent judiciary, Bicameralism, etc Statement (d) is incorrect: The term "Union of States" is used instead of "Federation of States" for two key reasons:

First, unlike the American federation, India’s union is not based on an agreement among states, and second, states cannot secede from the union. While the union is indestructible, states can be reorganized or have their borders changed by the central government. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described it as "an indestructible union of destructible states."

Explanation

The Parliamentary system is also known as the Cabinet Government/ Responsible government/ Westminster model of government. It provides for collective responsibility of the executive to the legislature. The features of parliamentary government in India are:

Presence of nominal and real executives Majority party rule Collective responsibility of the executive to the legislature Membership of the ministers in the legislature Leadership of the prime minister or the chief minister Dissolution of the lower House (Lok Sabha or Assembly).

Explanation

The Kakatiya dynasty ruled in South India. The dynasty governed much of the eastern Deccan region, which includes modern-day Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of eastern Karnataka and southern Odisha, from the 12th to the 14th centuries. Their capital was Orugallu, now called Warangal.

Option (b) is correct: Motupalli was the chief port of the Kakatiyas and this port was visited by the Venetian traveller, Marco Polo. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Kakinada emerged as a significant port much later, after the decline of the Kakatiya dynasty. While Machilipatnam was the main port of Golconda Kingdom, In the thirteenth century, the port town of Nelluru was a part of the Kakatiya kingdom. After a while, it passed back and forth between Kakatiya and Pandyas until Pandyas was vanquished by Prataprudra II. But Motupalli was more important than this.

Explanation

The preamble to the Indian Constitution assures to all citizens- liberty of thought, liberty of expression, liberty of belief, liberty of faith and worship. However, economic liberty is not directly mentioned in the Preamble. While economic rights and the goal of economic justice are addressed in the Directive Principles of State Policy, the Preamble does not specifically include economic liberty as one of its stated objectives.