UPSC Prelims 2023 Analysis

Explanation

• The 44th Chess Olympiad, held in 2022, was indeed the first time that the event was hosted in India. Thus, statement 1 is correct.

• The official mascot of the 44th Chess Olympiad was named 'Champion'. Thus, statement 2 is incorrect. 

• The Vera Menchik Cup is indeed awarded to the winning team in the open section of the Chess Olympiad. Thus, statement 1 is correct.

• The trophy for the winning team in the women's section of the Chess Olympiad is the Nona Gaprindashvili Cup. Thus, statement 4 is incorrect.

Explanation

National Sports Awards are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports.

• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance over the previous four years. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.

• Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games is given for good performance over the previous four years and showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline. Hence, pair 2 is not correctly matched.

• Dronacharya Award is given to coaches for doing outstanding and meritorious work consistently and enabling sportspersons to excel in International events.  Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.

• Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sports and Games is given to honour sportspersons who have contributed to sports through their performance and continue to contribute to the promotion of sports events after their retirement.

• Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar is given to corporate entities (both in the private and public sector), sports control boards, and NGOs including sports bodies at the state and national level who have played a visible role in the area of sports promotion and development. Hence, pair 4 is not correctly matched.

Explanation

• Vattakirutal' as mentioned in Sangam's poems is best explained by a king defeated in a battle who commits ritual suicide by starving himself to death.

• Sangam poems reflect a strong warrior culture in ancient Tamil society. Kings and warriors were expected to display courage and honour.

• Defeat in battle was considered a significant dishonour. Hence, Vattakirutal allowed a defeated king to avoid the humiliation of capture by the enemy.

• This form of suicide through starving was a ritualistic act, demonstrating the king's commitment to his honour and his unwillingness to compromise his dignity.

Explanation

Besnagar (Bhilsa or Vidisha) in Madhya Pradesh, is not particularly well-known for a Shaivite cave shrine. Archaeological excavations revealed remains of Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples, but the site is more famous for the Heliodorus Pillar, an ancient Garuda pillar dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Hence,** statement 1 is incorrectly matched.** Bhaja Caves (near Pune, Maharashtra) are a group of 22 rock-cut caves built during the 2nd century BC and are well known for their Buddhist architecture and sculptures. Sittanavasal (Pudukottai district, Tamil Nadu) is a village known for its Jain cave shrine, considered to be among the oldest Jain monuments in India.

Explanation

• Devichandraguptam is attributed to Vishakhadatta, a Sanskrit playwright. Bilhana was a poet who lived much later. 

• Hammira-Mahakavya was written by Nayachandra Suri, a Jain scholar and poet.

• Milinda-Panha is a dialogue between Buddhist philosopher Nagasena and Indo-Greek King Milinda, focusing on Buddhist concepts like non-self (anatta) and nirvana. Nagasena belonged to the Hinayana tradition, while Nagarjuna, often confused with him, was a Mahayana scholar. For clarity in UPSC, refer to the Milinda-Panha philosopher as Nagasena.

• Nitivakyamrita was written by Somadeva Suri.

            Thus, statements 2 and 4 are correct.

Explanation

• The statement "Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects" reflects a core belief of Jainism.

• Jainism and Anekantavada Jainism emphasises the principle of Anekantavada, which means "many-sidedness" or "multiplicity of viewpoints." This philosophy acknowledges the existence of souls (jivas) in all living beings and even some non-living things.

• By emphasizing on the principle of respect for all life, Jains believe in ahimsa (non-violence) and strive to minimise harm to all living beings, including even microorganisms and plants. Extending this principle to seemingly inanimate objects reflects their reverence for all existence.

• While other religions in India might believe in the interconnectedness of nature, Jainism takes a unique stance by attributing a rudimentary form of soul to a wider range of entities.

Explanation

• Statement 1 is incorrect Stupa is a pre-Buddhist tumuli in which ramaas were buried in a seated position called chaitya. The term stupa comes from the Sanskrit word stupa, which means heap or pile. Originally, stupas were simple mounds of earth or stones that served as commemorative markers for important events or burial sites.

• Statement 2 is correct One of the primary functions of a stupa is to serve as a repository of relics. Relics are objects associated with the Buddha, such as his physical remains, personal belongings, or items used by him. They are considered sacred and hold great spiritual significance in Buddhism.

• Statement 3 is correct Stupas are also associated with votive and commemorative purposes. Stupas are often built as acts of devotion and as offerings to the Buddha or other enlightened beings. Stupas are also constructed to commemorate significant events, individuals, or historical sites. For example, stupas might be built to mark the birthplace, the enlightenment site, or the site of the Buddha's parinirvana (passing away).

Explanation

• Dhanyakataka was an ancient city situated in the region of South India (Andhra Pradesh). 

• It was a significant Buddhist centre, particularly associated with the Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism during ancient times. 

The Mahasanghika sect (considered to be the origin of Mahayana Sect) was one of the early Buddhist schools that emerged in India, and Dhanyakataka played a crucial role in its development and propagation.