This is the Day-53 questions of the CAF Revision plan for prelims. The questions are based on the syllabus as provided in the schedule. Aspirants are requested to go through the detailed CAF strategy to understand the need of the UPSC prelims and to prepare well for the same. Attempt the questions honestly. The link to key answers and explanations of this test is at the end of the questions. The maximum time to attempt the 15 questions is 20 minutes.
Q.1) With respect to art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?
(a) Rock-cut caves at Udaygiri
(b) Port-city of Lothal
(c) Stupa at Sanchi
(d) Bimbetka cave paintings
Q.2) With reference to Samkhya school of philosophy, consider the following statements:
1. It does not recognize the existence of God.
2. It believes in liberation of soul through self-knowledge.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q.3) Which of the following statements regarding Jainism is not correct?
(a) It condemned the varna system.
(b) It adopted Prakrit language to preach Jaina doctrines.
(c) It believed in austere way of life.
(d) It did not receive much state patronage as compared to Buddhism.
Q.4) With reference to the medieval history of India, Khuts and Muqaddams refer to
(a) Police officers
(b) Army Chiefs
(c) Council of ministers
(d) Landlords
Q.5) In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favorite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?
(a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck.
(b) Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters.
(c) Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story.
(d) A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism.
Q.6) Consider the following Bhakti Saints:
- Dadu Dayal
- Guru Nanak
- Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2
Q.7) Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?
(a) The extinction of the flame of desire
(b) The complete annihilation of self
(c) A state of bliss and rest
(d) A mental stage beyond all comprehension
Q.8) Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?
- The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.
- Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.
- Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) only 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q.9) A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their
(a) martial arts in North-East India
(b) musical tradition in North-West India
(c) classical vocal music in South India
(d) pietra dura tradition in Central India
Q.10) Which one of the following is believed to be a compilation of the psalms sung by the women?
(a) Sumangalavilasini
(b) Therigatha
(c) Stridharmapaddhati
(d) Ritusamhara
Q.11) Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty?
(a) Swapnavasavadatta
(b) Malavikagnirnitra
(c) Meghadoota
(d) Ratnavali
Q.12) With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?
(a) Avalokiteshvara
(b) Lokesvara
(c) Maitreya
(d) Padmapani
Q.13) ‘Sahodara stone inscriptions’ recently in news related to which of the following language?
(a) Santhali
(b) Maithili
(c) Kannada
(d) Tamil
Q.14) ‘Bagru block printing’ traditional technique of printing with natural colour is found in the state of
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Gujarat
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Madhya Pradesh
Q.15) ‘STARS’ Scheme often in news is launched by
(a) Ministry of Human Resource Development
(b) Ministry of Commerce
(c) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(d) Prime Minister’s Office