Q220. Makaravilakku at the sacred shrine of Lord Ayyappa is observed in which state?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Telangana
(B) Kerala
(C) Andhra Pradesh
(D) Karnataka
Answer: (B) Kerala
Explanation: Makaravilakku is associated with the Sabarimala shrine of Ayyappa in Kerala around Makar Sankranti. The pilgrimage season culminates in ritual worship and a symbolic light viewed by devotees from surrounding hill areas.
Q219. Which Ashokan inscription sites are correctly paired with their states:
Dhauli–Odisha;
Erragudi–Andhra Pradesh;
Jaugada–Madhya Pradesh;
Kalsi–Karnataka?
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2022]
(A) Dhauli and Erragudi only
(B) Dhauli, Erragudi and Jaugada
(C) Erragudi and Kalsi only
(D) All four pairs
Answer: (A) Dhauli and Erragudi only
Explanation: Dhauli is in Odisha, while Erragudi is in Andhra Pradesh. Jaugada is actually in Odisha, and Kalsi lies in Uttarakhand. Their rock edicts demonstrate the territorial spread of Ashokan epigraphy and Mauryan governance.
Q218. Nizamuddin Panipati translated the Sanskrit Yogavasistha into Persian during which Mughal emperor’s reign?
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2022]
(A) Akbar
(B) Humayun
(C) Shah Jahan
(D) Aurangzeb
Answer: (A) Akbar
Explanation: The Persian translation of Yogavasistha was undertaken in Akbar’s reign as part of a wider Mughal intellectual engagement with Sanskrit philosophical literature. The project illustrates translation and interreligious scholarship at the imperial court.
Q217. Which texts belong to Jain religious literature: Nettipakarana, Parishishtaparvan, Avadanashataka and Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana?
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2022]
(A) 1, 2 and 3 only
(B) 2 and 4 only
(C) 1, 3 and 4 only
(D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (B) 2 and 4 only
Explanation: Parishishtaparvan and Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana are Jain works associated with historical and religious narratives. Nettipakarana belongs to Buddhist exegetical literature, while Avadanashataka is a Buddhist collection of narrative traditions.
Q216. How many pairs are correct:
–Aryadeva–Jain philosopher;
–Dignaga–Buddhist scholar;
–Nathamuni–Vaishnava scholar?
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2022]
(A) None
(B) Only one
(C) Only two
(D) All three
Answer: (C) Only two
Explanation: Dignaga made significant contributions to Buddhist logic and epistemology, while Nathamuni is associated with the Sri Vaishnava tradition. Aryadeva, however, was a Buddhist Madhyamaka thinker, so the label of Jain philosopher is incorrect.
Q215. Which statement about ancient South Indian Sangam literature is correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2022]
(A) Its poems contain no material-cultural references
(B) The system of varna was known to Sangam poets
(C) Warrior ethics are entirely absent
(D) It dismisses all magical beliefs as irrational
Answer: (B) The system of varna was known to Sangam poets
Explanation: Sangam poetry illuminates political authority, trade, warfare, social ranks and everyday material life. Its authors knew of varna concepts, although Tamil society had its own patterns of organisation distinct from northern normative texts.
Q214. Which artist is linked with the modified slide-guitar instrument Mohan Veena?
[WBCS Mains GK – 2022]
(A) Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt
(B) Doraiswamy Iyengar
(C) Ayyagari Syamasundaram
(D) Zia Mohiuddin Dagar
Answer: (A) Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt
Explanation: Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt popularised a modified slide guitar known as the Mohan Veena. His Hindustani instrumental performances brought the instrument to international attention, including through cross-cultural collaborations.
Q213. Who founded the Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri?
[WBCS Mains GK – 2022]
(A) Shah Jahan
(B) Aurangzeb
(C) Akbar
(D) Jahangir
Answer: (C) Akbar
Explanation: Emperor Akbar established the Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri to host discussions among scholars of different religious traditions. His interest in comparative religious ideas formed part of wider changes in his imperial court culture.
Q212. Which among Kathak, Odissi, Bhangra and Manipuri is not recognised as an Indian classical dance?
[WBCS Mains GK – 2022]
(A) Kathak
(B) Odissi
(C) Bhangra
(D) Manipuri
Answer: (C) Bhangra
Explanation: Bhangra is a lively folk dance of Punjab closely associated with agricultural celebration. Kathak, Odissi and Manipuri are among the Indian classical dance systems recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Q211. Which of these temples belongs to the Vaishnavite tradition?
[UPSC CDS II – 2021]
(A) Srirangam
(B) Chidambaram
(C) Gangaikonda Cholapuram
(D) Thanjavur Brihadisvara
Answer: (A) Srirangam
Explanation: The Ranganathaswamy Temple of Srirangam is dedicated to Vishnu as Ranganatha and is an important Sri Vaishnava pilgrimage site. The temples at Chidambaram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Thanjavur are prominently associated with Shiva.
