UPSC Prelims 2014 Analysis

Explanation

Sattriya originated in Sattra, a monastery, as a part of neo-Vaishnavite movement started by Srimanta Sankardev in the 15th Century. He propagated the 'ek sharan Naama dharma' (chanting the name of one God devotedly).

Statement one is correct Sattriya is indeed a combination of music, dance, and drama. It incorporates storytelling through movement and expressions.

Statement two is also correct Sattriya has a rich history and is a living tradition practiced for centuries by Vaishnavites of Assam.

Statement three is incorrect While devotional in nature, Sattriya dance is based on compositions by Sankardeva and other Assamese saints, not Tulsidas, Kabir, and Mirabai who belonged to different Bhakti traditions. Sattriya uses its own distinct Ragas and Talas.

Explanation

In a leap year, Chaitra has 31 days and Chaitra 1 coincides with March 21. In a normal year Chairta 1 coincides with March 22.

The Saka era calendar, also known as the Shaka calendar or the Indian national calendar, is a solar calendar used alongside the Gregorian calendar in India. It is based on the Saka era, believed to have begun in 78 CE.

Explanation

Mimamsa and Vedanta These are both orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy within the six systems. Nyaya and Vaisheshika These are also part of the six orthodox systems, known for their focus on logic and epistemology. Sankhya and Yoga These are considered two of the six orthodox systems, with Sankhya focusing on dualism and Yoga on achieving liberation through practices like meditation.

Lokayata This was a materialistic philosophy that is not considered part of the six orthodox systems of Hindu philosophy. It emphasized materialism and scepticism towards spiritual concepts. Kapalika While the exact nature and origin of Kapalika are debated, it's generally not considered among the six orthodox systems. It's associated with tantric practices and rituals that deviate from the mainstream Hindu philosophy.

Therefore, Lokayata and Kapalika are not part of the six established systems of Indian philosophy.

Explanation

The Ibadat Khana or House of Worship was a prayer or meeting room built by Akbar at his palace in Fatehpur Sikri.

Originally, he intended the place to be only for Sunni Muslims to gather and discuss various issues. However, when petty differences between other religious sects and followers got out of control, he decided to open the room to people of all faiths.

Locals and visitors to the city were often invited to participate in debates and discussions in this room. Religious leaders and philosophers from his empire and those who were passing through were encouraged to come to the discussions on Thursday evenings.

Explanation

'Satyameva Jayate' (Truth alone triumphs ) is a mantra from the ancient Indian scripture Mundaka Upanishad.

Following the independence of India, it was adopted as the national motto of India on 26 January 1950. It is inscribed in the script at the base of the national emblem. The emblem and the words 'Satyameva Jayate' are inscribed on one side of all Indian currency.

The emblem is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka which was erected around 250 BCE at Sarnath, near Varanasi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is inscribed on all currency notes and national documents.

Explanation

Kalaripayattu is an ancient Indian martial art that originated in Kerala, a state on the southwestern coast of India. It's considered one of the oldest and most scientific martial arts in the world, with a rich history and tradition.

Explanation

Location The Changpa community is not found primarily in Uttarakhand. They are mainly concentrated in the Changtang region, a high-altitude plateau that stretches across parts of Ladakh (India) and the Tibet Autonomous Region (China). Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Pashmina Goats The Changpa are traditionally semi-nomadic pastoralists. They are well-known for rearing Changthangi goats, a special breed known for their fine wool, also called Pashmina. This wool is prized for its warmth, softness, and luxury.

Scheduled Tribe Status The Changpa community is indeed recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in India. This classification provides them with certain social and legal protections under the Indian Constitution.

Hence, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Explanation

Kancheepuram and Chanderi are famous for traditional sarees .

Explanation

Garba is a vibrant folk dance form particularly associated with Gujarat, especially during the Navratri festival. Hence, statement 1 is incorrectly matched.

Mohiniattam is a classical dance form traditionally from Kerala, known for its graceful movements and storytelling elements.

Yakshagana is a colourful folk theatre form combining dance, music, and storytelling, particularly prevalent in Karnataka.

Explanation

Bijak: This is a collection of the teachings of Kabir, a 15th-century Indian mystic poet and philosopher. It is not associated with Saint Dadu Dayal. PushtiMarg Philosophy: This philosophy was propounded by Vallabhacharya, not Madhvacharya. Madhvacharya is known for his Dvaita philosophy, which emphasizes the duality of existence. Therefore, both statements are incorrect.

Explanation

The Manganiyars are professional Muslim folk musicians belonging to Jaisalmer, Barmer, parts of Jalore, Bikaner and Jodhpur districts in Western Rajasthan. Like other hereditary caste musicians, they cultivate a close relationship with their patrons.

For generations, they provide musical service to their patrons to receive cattle, camels, goats or cash as a gift. On the other side, they function as record keepers and keep the different family histories alive through their songs, based on pure oral tradition.

Explanation

A Hindu temple is a Panchayatana one when the main shrine is surrounded by four subsidiary shrines. Generally, the Hindu temple is built along a west-east axis. So, the four subsidiary shrines are at the

• north-east,
• south-east,
• south-west,
• north-west.

Explanation

Tabo Monastery is located in the Tabo village of Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, northern India.

Nako is a village in the Himalayas of northern India, located near the Indo-China border in the Trans-Himalayan region of Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh. Nako Lake is a prominent feature here where it borders the village. Nako Monastery, dated to 1025, is located in the village as well as several other Buddhist chortens.

Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa is a Buddhist monastery, known more as a monastic complex (chos-'khor) of temples in Alchi village in the Leh District, of the Indian state under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council of Jammu and Kashmir.

Explanation

The Ajanta Caves, located in Maharashtra, are famous for their Buddhist rock-cut sculptures and paintings, including the grand image of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana in Cave 26. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.

The huge image of Varaha Avatar of Vishnu is sculpted on the rock at Udayagiri Caves, near Vidisha in Madhya Prades, not at Mount Abu. Hence, pair 2 is not correctly matched.

Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, is famous for its rock-cut sculptures, including the iconic "Arjuna's Penance" or "Descent of Ganga" carved on two massive boulders. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.

Explanation

The Government of India has awarded the distinction of classical language to Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Sanskrit, Tamil, and Telugu. Classical language status is given to languages that have a rich heritage and independent nature. Hence Gujrati is not a classical language.

"In addition to these classical languages Pali, Persian, and Prakrit; and their works of literature too must be preserved for their richness and for the pleasure and enrichment of posterity," according to India's National Education Policy-2020.