Q310. Dhanyakataka, known as a Buddhist centre of the Mahasanghikas, was located in which region?
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2023]
(A) Andhra
(B) Gandhara
(C) Kalinga
(D) Magadha
Answer: (A) Andhra
Explanation: Dhanyakataka is identified with Dharanikota near Amaravati in the Krishna valley of Andhra Pradesh. The area was a thriving Buddhist centre under the Satavahanas and was closely connected to the great Amaravati stupa and regional trade.
Q309. Mopin is an agricultural festival celebrated by the Galo people of which state?
[SSC MTS – 2023]
(A) Sikkim
(B) Karnataka
(C) Odisha
(D) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: (D) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation: The Galo community celebrates Mopin in Arunachal Pradesh to seek healthy crops, prosperity and protection from misfortune. Traditional songs and group dance, including the Popir, are associated with the springtime observance.
Q308. Which feature was NOT part of the Sarnath Lion Capital?
[SSC CHSL – 2023]
(A) A cow representing the south
(B) Four lions
(C) Dharma wheels
(D) A bell-shaped lotus base
Answer: (A) A cow representing the south
Explanation: The capital has four back-to-back lions above an abacus depicting a lion, bull, horse and elephant, with wheel motifs. Its base resembles a bell-shaped lotus. There is no directional cow of the kind described.
Q307. Which temple is called the Black Pagoda?
[SSC MTS – 2023]
(A) Omkareshwar at Puri
(B) Somnath
(C) Konark Sun Temple
(D) Jagannath Temple, Hyderabad
Answer: (C) Konark Sun Temple
Explanation: The Konark Sun Temple of Odisha was called the Black Pagoda by European mariners, who used its imposing dark silhouette as a coastal landmark. The temple is modelled as the monumental stone chariot of Surya.
Q306. Yakshagana is a traditional dance-theatre form of which state?
[SSC MTS – 2023]
(A) Kerala
(B) Karnataka
(C) Haryana
(D) Rajasthan
Answer: (B) Karnataka
Explanation: Yakshagana flourishes along coastal Karnataka and combines elaborate costumes, live musicians, dialogue and dramatic dancing. Performances draw from epic stories and regional legends, with different styles associated with coastal districts.
Q305. Lingaraja Temple is located in which state?
[SSC CHSL – 2023]
(A) Odisha
(B) Karnataka
(C) Maharashtra
(D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: (A) Odisha
Explanation: Lingaraja Temple stands at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and is a celebrated example of Kalinga architecture. Its soaring rekha deul, assembly halls and sculptural ornamentation illustrate the mature eastern Indian Nagara temple tradition.
Q304. Which fort served as the principal capital of the Qutb Shahi rulers?
[SSC CHSL – 2023]
(A) Chiktan Fort
(B) Rajgad Fort
(C) Red Fort
(D) Golconda Fort
Answer: (D) Golconda Fort
Explanation: The Qutb Shahi dynasty ruled the Golconda Sultanate from the sixteenth century. Golconda Fort near Hyderabad functioned as its principal stronghold and capital before the foundation and development of Hyderabad. The complex is celebrated for its acoustics and gates.
Q303. The Ramappa Temple in Telangana is dedicated to which deity?
[SSC MTS – 2023]
(A) Rama
(B) Vishnu
(C) Indra
(D) Shiva
Answer: (D) Shiva
Explanation: The Ramappa or Rudreshwara Temple at Palampet is dedicated to Shiva and dates to the Kakatiya period. It is distinguished by carved sandstone, lightweight floating bricks and a sculptural programme that reflects thirteenth-century Deccan craftsmanship.
Q302. Ilyas Khan, born into a musical family in Lucknow, became famous for playing which instrument?
[SSC MTS – 2023]
(A) Tabla
(B) Sitar
(C) Veena
(D) Mridangam
Answer: (B) Sitar
Explanation: Ustad Ilyas Khan was a noted sitar exponent associated with the Imdadkhani or Etawah musical lineage. The sitar is a plucked long-necked lute central to Hindustani instrumental performance. Its resonance derives from sympathetic strings and the jawari bridge.
Q301. Which instrument was principally played by Pandit Ram Narayan?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Ghatam
(B) Tabla
(C) Bansuri
(D) Sarangi
Answer: (D) Sarangi
Explanation: Pandit Ram Narayan was a pioneering sarangi soloist who helped establish the instrument as an independent Hindustani concert voice. The bowed sarangi has a notably vocal sound and had formerly been associated heavily with accompanying khayal and thumri singing.
