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Exam Year: 2024

  • ,

    The transition from the Rig Vedic (1500-1000 BCE) to the Later Vedic period (1000-600 BCE) witnessed fundamental changes in society and economy as the Vedic Aryans shifted from the Indus-Sapta Sindhu region to the Gangetic plains.

    Changes in Society

    Changes in Economy

    The transition from the Rig Vedic to the Later Vedic period marked India’s evolution from a pastoral-tribal society to a settled agricultural civilisation, laying the foundations for the rise of Mahajanapadas and the Second Urbanisation.

    Art Specific

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

  • ,

    The Pallavas of Kanchi (275-897 CE) laid the foundations of Dravidian temple architecture and nurtured Sanskrit and Tamil literary traditions.

    Contribution of the Pallavas to Art in South India

    Evolution of Dravidian Temple Architecture

    Pallavas pioneered the transition from rock-cut to structural temples. Eg- Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram.

    Established key architectural elements like vimana, mandapa, and gopura.

    Rock-Cut Architecture – Development of monolithic rathas and cave temples. Eg- Pancha Rathas and Varaha Cave Temple at Mahabalipuram.

    Sculptural Excellence – Figures depicted with grace, movement, and naturalism.. Eg- Descent of the Ganga (Arjuna’s Penance).

    Structural Stone Temples – Introduction of stone-built temples in South India. Eg- Kailasanatha Temple, Kanchipuram built by Rajasimha.

    Standardisation of Shaiva and Vaishnava iconography. Eg- Somaskanda panels in Pallava temples.

    Paintings in caves. Eg- Sittavansal Paintings

    Early Foundation of Carnatic Music Tradition. Supported by Mahendravarman

    Contribution of the Pallavas to Literature

    Patronage to Sanskrit Literature- Eg- Mahendravarman I, author of Mattavilasa Prahasana.

    Growth of Tamil Bhakti Literature- Eg- Nayanars and Alvars composing hymns in Tamil.

    Development of Epigraphy and Inscriptions – Use of Grantha and early Tamil scripts in Pallava inscriptions at Kanchi and Mahabalipuram.

    Kanchipuram emerged as a major centre of learning. Visited by Xuanzang, who praised its scholarship.

    The great poet Bharavi is believed to have been a court poet under the Pallavas; his Mahakavya ‘Kiratarjuniya’ remains a cornerstone of Sanskrit literature.

    Mahendravarman I wrote the social satire ‘Mattavilasa Prahasana’, which provides a humorous look at religious life in Kanchi.

    The Pallavas of Kanchi made a foundational contribution to South Indian civilisation, shaping the cultural trajectory later perfected under the Cholas and Pandyas.

    The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram are recognised as world heritage sites by UNESCO.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

  • ,

    In the words of James Fergusson, “the Chola artists (9th-13th century CE) conceived like giants and finished like jewellers.” The Chola’s represent the zenith of Dravidian cultural expression in Indian history.

    Chola Art Achievements

    Mastery in Bronze Sculpture – Cholas perfected the lost-wax (cire perdue) technique. Eg- Iconic Nataraja (Cosmic Dancer) image symbolising rhythm of the universe.

    Dynamic Expression – Sculptures exhibit grace, movement, and spiritual symbolism. Eg- Tribhanga posture in Chola bronzes.

    Standardisation of Iconography – Cholas codified Shaiva and Vaishnava forms. Eg- Precise iconographic norms for Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, and saints.

    Dance and Music- formalization of Bharatanatyam and the singing of Thevaram (Shaivite hymns) in a specialized musical framework.

    Literature- Often called the “Golden Age of Tamil Literature,” this era produced Kamban’s Ramavataram (Kamba Ramayanam) and the epic Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar, which documented the lives of the 63 Nayanars.

    Paintings- The inner sanctum of the Thanjavur temple contains exquisite frescoes that depict mythological scenes and the life of Rajaraja I.

    Coinage and Jewelry- Chola gold and copper coins featured the “Seated Tiger” emblem, representing their dominance.

    Chola Architecture Achievements

    Zenith of Dravidian Temple Architecture – Eg- Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur by Rajaraja Chola I.

    The Concept of the ‘Vimana’- Unlike North Indian temples where the gateway (Gopuram) is tallest, the Cholas emphasized the Vimana (the tower over the sanctum). The Thanjavur Vimana stands at 216 feet, capped by an 80-ton monolithic Sikhara.

    Sculptural Ornamentation – Extensive carvings of dwarapalas, deities, and mythological figures.

    Temples functioned as centres of education, economy, art, and administration.

    Chola style became a model for later dynasties. Eg- Influence on Pandyas, Vijayanagara, and Nayaka architecture.

    Civil Engineering Works – Eg- Kallanai (Grand Anicut) for water management.

    The Great Living Chola Temples are inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, highlighting their artistic excellence.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

  • ,

    Consider the following activities:
    1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft
    2. Monitoring of precipitation
    3. Tracking the migration of animals
    In how many of the above activities can the radars be used?

    (a)

    Only one

    (b)

    Only two*

    (c)

    All three

    (d)

    None

    Correct Answer:

    (b)

  • ,

    Consider the following information:
    Region Name of the mountain range Type of mountain
    1. Central Asia Vosges Fold mountain
    2. Europe Alps Block mountain
    3. North America Appalachians Fold mountain
    4. South America Andes Fold mountain
    In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?

    (a)

    Only one

    (b)

    Only two*

    (c)

    Only three

    (d)

    All four

    Correct Answer:

    (b)

  • ,

    Consider the following countries:
    1. Italy
    2. Japan
    3. Nigeria
    4. South Korea
    5. South Africa
    Which of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population or declining population?

    (a)

    1,2 and 4*

    (b)

    1,3 and 5

    (c)

    2 and 4 only

    (d)

    3 and 5 only

    Correct Answer:

    (a)

  • ,

    Consider the following countries:
    1. Finland
    2. Germany
    3. Norway
    4. Russia
    How many of the above countries have a border with the North Sea?

    (a)

    Only one

    (b)

    Only two*

    (c)

    Only three

    (d)

    All four

    Correct Answer:

    (b)

  • ,

    Consider the following statements:
    1. India is a member of the International Grains Council.
    2. The country needs to be a member of the International Grains Council for exporting or importing rice and wheat.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a)

    1 only

    (b)

    2 only

    (c)

    Both 1 and 2

    (d)

    Neither 1 nor 2

    Correct Answer:

    (a)

  • ,

    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe.
    Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    (a)

    Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I*

    (b)

    Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

    (c)

    Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

    (d)

    Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

    Correct Answer:

    (a)

  • ,

    Consider the following statements:

    Statement-I:
    The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the “vermin” category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

    Statement-II:
    The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    (a)

    Both statement I and Statement II are correct and statement II explains statement I

    (b)

    Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

    (c)

    Staement- I is correct , but Statement II is incorrect*

    (d)

    Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

    Correct Answer: