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Subject: Art and Culture

  • Consider the following pairs

    Consider the following pairs :
    Site of Ashoka’s major rock edicts Location in the State of
    1. Dhauli — Odisha
    2. Erragudi — Andhra Pradesh
    3. Jaugada — Madhya Pradesh
    4. Kalsi — Karnataka
    How many pairs given above are correctly matched ?

  • Consider the following pairs

    Consider the following pairs:
    Site : Well Known for
    1. Besnagar : Shaivite cave shrine
    2. Bhaja : Buddhist cave shrine
    3. Sittanavasal : Jain cave shrine
    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

  • Consider the following statements

    Consider the following statements:
    1. There are no parables in Upanishads.
    2. Upanishads were composed earlier than the Puranas.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • Rakhigarhi Skeletons Undergo DNA Analysis & Facial Reconstruction

    Why in News?

    The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has sent nearly 5,000-year-old skeletons excavated from Rakhigarhi, Haryana, for DNA analysis and facial reconstruction to gain insights into the people of the Harappan Civilization.

    Key Highlights

    • Five skeletons recovered:
      • 3 females and 2 males (preliminary assessment).
      • Estimated age: 30-40 years.
    • Scientific Institutions Involved:
      • Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), Kolkata: Anthropological study and facial reconstruction.
      • Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow: Ancient DNA analysis.
    • Objectives of the Study:
      • Determine ancestry and genetic profile.
      • Identify cause of death and possible diseases.
      • Reconstruct facial features and physical appearance.
      • Estimate height, lifestyle, and social status.
      • Reconstruct the palaeo-environment of the Harappan period.
    • Three additional disturbed burials with fragmentary remains were also discovered at Mound No. 7, the site’s ancient cemetery.

    About Rakhigarhi

    • Located in Hisar district, Haryana.
    • Largest known site of the Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilization.
    • Flourished during 2600-1900 BCE (Mature Harappan Phase).
    • Known for Planned urban settlement, Drainage system, Granaries, Cemetery remains, and Craft production

    Ancient DNA (aDNA)

    • DNA extracted from ancient bones, teeth, or other biological remains.
    • Used to study Human migration, Evolution, Population genetics, Ancient diseases

    [2021] Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?

    [A] Dholavira

    [B] Kalibangan

    [C] Rakhigarhi

    [D] Ropar

  • Mohenjo-daro’s “Dancing Girl”: History, Identity and the Debate on Modesty

    Why in News?

    The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) restored the original image of the iconic Mohenjo-daro bronze figurine in a Class 9 textbook after an earlier version had shaded its bare torso, reviving debates over cultural representation and historical interpretation.

    About the Figurine

    • A bronze statuette discovered at Mohenjo-daro (1926), dating to the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2500 BCE).
    • About 10.5 cm tall, created using the lost-wax casting technique.
    • Depicts a young female figure adorned with numerous bangles and ornaments.

    Why is its Identity Contested?

    • Archaeologist John Marshall identified it as a “nautch girl” (dancing girl) based on posture and appearance.
    • However, scholars argue there is no archaeological evidence that she was a professional dancer.
    • Historian Upinder Singh notes that the figure “may not have been dancing at all.”
    • Archaeologist Gregory L. Possehl also questioned the dancer interpretation.

    Partition and Ownership Debate

    • After Partition, around 12,000 Harappan artefacts in Delhi became subjects of dispute between India and Pakistan.
    • Both countries agreed to a 50:50 division of artefacts from Mohenjo-daro and Chanhu-daro.
    • Pakistan chose the “Priest King” figurine over the Dancing Girl, reportedly due to concerns over the latter’s nudity.
    • The Dancing Girl remains in India and is viewed by many scholars as part of the shared heritage of South Asia.

    Significance

    • Demonstrates the advanced metallurgical skills of the Indus Valley Civilization.
    • Highlights how colonial interpretations and contemporary moral values shape our understanding of the past.
    • Reflects debates on heritage ownership, gender, modesty, and cultural identity.

    Value Addition

    • Lost-Wax Casting Technique: A metal casting process in which a wax model is covered with clay; molten metal replaces the melted wax to create the final sculpture.
    • The Dancing Girl is one of the most iconic artistic representations of the Indus Valley Civilization.

    [2025] The famous female figurine known as ‘Dancing Girl’, found at Mohenjo-daro, is made of

    [A] carnelian

    [B] clay

    [C] bronze

    [D] gold

  • First World Yogasana Championship 2026

    Why in the news?

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first-ever World Yogasana Championship in Ahmedabad through a video message.

    Key Highlights

    • Event: First World Yogasana Championship 2026.
    • Venue: Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
    • Significance: Marks a new phase in the global recognition of Yogasana as a competitive sport.
    • Prime Minister’s remarks:
      • Expressed confidence that Yogasana may eventually be included in:
        • Olympics
        • Other multi-sport international events.
    • Timing:
      • Championship organized ahead of:
        • International Day of Yoga celebrated annually on 21 June.
    • Theme of International Yoga Day 2026: “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”.
    • Global support for Yoga:
      • Around 190 countries supported India’s proposal at the United Nations for International Yoga Day.
    • “Yoga 365” campaign:
      • Initiative of the Ministry of Ayush to encourage daily yoga practice.
    • Opportunities highlighted:
      • Careers for:
        • Athletes
        • Trainers
        • Sports scientists
        • Researchers
        • Event managers

    About International Day of Yoga

    • Declared by the United Nations
    • First celebrated on 21 June 2015.
    • Origin: Proposal introduced by India in the UN General Assembly in 2014.
    • Objective: Promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through yoga.

    [2025] Consider the following statements in respect of the first Kho Kho World Cup:
    I. The event was held in Delhi, India.
    II. Indian men beat Nepal with a score of 78-40 in the final to become the World Champion in men category.
    III. Indian women beat Nepal with a score of 54-36 in the final to become the World Champion in women category.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] I only

    [B] II and III only

    [C] I and III only

    [D] I, II and III

  • Sacred Relics of Buddha’s Chief Disciples Enshrined in Mongolia

    Why in the news?

    The sacred relics of Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Mahamoggallana, the two chief disciples of Lord Buddha, were ceremonially enshrined at Gandantegchenling Monastery during Buddha Purnima (Vesak Day) 2026.

    Key Highlights

    • The relics were brought from India to Mongolia for a 10 day exposition from 31 May to 10 June 2026.
    • The exposition was inaugurated in the presence of:
      • Lakshman Prasad Acharya
      • Atul Malhari Gotsurve
      • Buddhist leaders and representatives of the International Buddhist Confederation.
    • The relics are preserved at the stupas of Sanchi Stupa.

    About the Relics

    Arhat Sariputra

    • One of the foremost disciples of Gautama Buddha.
    • Known for wisdom and deep understanding of Buddhist philosophy.

    Arhat Mahamoggallana

    • Another chief disciple of Buddha.
    • Famous for spiritual powers and meditative attainments.

    India-Mongolia Relations

    • India and Mongolia share strong Buddhist civilisational ties.
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier described the two nations as “spiritual neighbours.”
    • The event coincides with:
      • 70 years of diplomatic relations
      • 10 years of Strategic Partnership

    [2023] With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements::
    1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
    2.Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
    3.Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All three

    [D] None

  • ‘Mrichchhakatika,’ an ancient Indian book written by Shudraka, deals with

    ‘Mrichchhakatika,’ an ancient Indian book written by Shudraka, deals with:

  • Assertion (A): Marathas emerged as the strongest native power in India after the decline of the Mughal empire.

    Assertion (A): Marathas emerged as the strongest native power in India after the decline of the Mughal empire.
    Reason (R): Marathas were the first to have a clear concept of a united Indian nation.

  • Assertion (A): Saluva Narasimha put an end to the old dynasty and assumed the royal title.

    Assertion (A): Saluva Narasimha put an end to the old dynasty and assumed the royal title.
    Reason (R): He wanted to save the kingdom from further degeneration and disintegration.