PRELIMS

TEST SERIES 2023

PT MAXIMA
TEST: 24
HISTORY - 8
(SUB-SECTIONAL)
 Art & Culture-2:  Indian Theatre and
Paintings, Pottery and Puppetry
Numismatic  Sports, Recent
 Dance, Drama and Music Developments

8448496262 iasscore.in
 DO NOT OPEN THIS TEST BOOKLET UNTIL YOU ARE ASKED TO DO SO

PTS2023/PPP-01/102022/24

Test No.
GENERAL STUDIES

HISTORY - 8 24
Time Allowed: One Hour Maximum Marks: 100

INSTRUCTIONS

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1. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE EXAMINATION, YOU SHOULD CHECK THAT
THIS TEST BOOKLET DOES NOT HAVE ANY UNPRINTED OR TORN OR MISSING PAGES OR ITEMS,
ETC. IF SO, GET IT REPLACED BY A COMPLETE TEST BOOKLET.
2. Please note that it is the candidate’s responsibility to encode and fill in the Roll Number carefully
without any omission or discrepancy at the appropriate places in the OMR Answer Sheet. Any
omission/discrepancy will render the Answer Sheet liable for rejection.
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3. You have to enter your Roll Number on the test booklet in the Box provided
alongside. DO NOT write anything else on the Test Booklet.
4. This Test Booklet contains 50 items (questions). Each item is printed in English. Each item comprises four
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responses (answers). You will select the response which you want to mark on the Answer Sheet. In case you
feel that there is more than one correct response, mark the response which you consider the best. In any case,
choose ONLY ONE response for each item.
5. You have to mark all your responses ONLY on the separate Answer Sheet provided. See directions in the
Answer Sheet.
6. All items carry equal marks.
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7. Before you proceed to mark in the Answer Sheet in response to various items in the Test Booklet, you have to
fill in some particulars in the Answer Sheet as per instructions sent to you with your Admission Certificate.
8. After you have completed filling in all your responses on the Answer Sheet and the examination has concluded,
you should hand over to the Invigilator only the Answer Sheet. You are permitted to take away with you the
Test Booklet.
9. Sheets for rough work are appended in the Test Booklet at the end.
10. Penalty for wrong answers:
THERE WILL BE PENALTY FOR WRONG ANSWERS MARKED BY A CANDIDATE IN THE OBJECTIVE
TYPE QUESTION PAPERS.
(i) There are four alternatives for the answer to every question. For each question for which a wrong answer
has been given by the candidate, one-third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as
penalty.
(ii) If a candidate gives more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if one of the given
answers happens to be correct and there will be same penalty as above to that question.
(iii) If a question is left blank, i.e., no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that
question.

DO NOT OPEN THIS TEST BOOKLET UNTIL YOU ARE ASKED TO DO SO

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1. With reference to the religious practices in 3. It principally aims at the attainment of
India, the “Gokulika” sect belongs to which freedom from worldly bonds.
religion? 4. Right belief, right knowledge and right
(a) Buddhism conduct are three fold path for salvation.

(b) Jainism Select the correct answer using the code given
below:
(c) Hinduism
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) Ajivikas
(b) 2 and 4 only
2. Match the following: (c) 1 and 3 only
List-I List-II (d) 1, 3 and 4 only

A. Abhigyana 1. Bhavabhuti
Shakuntala 5. Consider the following statements regarding
Vaisheshika School of philosophy:
B. Uttara 2. Bhasa
1. It is considered to be the realistic,
Ramacharitam
scientific, and objective philosophy that

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C. Mudra Rakshasa 3. Kalidasa governs the universe.
D. Pancharatra 4. Vishakhdutta 2. This school was responsible for the
beginning of physics in the Indian
Select the correct answer using the code given
subcontinent.
below:
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A B C D
(a) 1 3 2 4
O (a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(b) 3 1 4 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) 1 4 3 2
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(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) 4 2 3 1
6. Which of the following language does not belong
3. Which of the following statements regarding to the Indo-Aryan Group of Languages?
Virshaiva Movement are correct?
(a) Sanskrit
1. It was initiated by Basavanna and was
assisted by Allamaprabhu and Akkamaha (b) Prakrit
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Devi. (c) Assamese

2. They rejected the caste system and (d) Santhali
various social practices of Hindus.
3. Vishaiva were followers of Lingayats. 7. Consider the following statements regarding
Which of the above statements are correct? the Hindi Language:
1. It evolved from Apabhramsa, which was
(a) 1 and 2 only
evolved from Prakrit.
(b) 1 and 3 only
2. Prithviraj Raso was the first Hindi book.
(c) 2 and 3 only 3. Ramcharitmanas of kalidasa is one of the
(d) 1, 2 and 3 most revered Hindu texts.
Which of the above statements is/are
4. Which of the following statements are correct incorrect?
regarding Principles of Jainism?
(a) 1 and 2 only
1. Brahmacharya is one of the five doctrines
(b) 1 and 3 only
of Jainsim.
(c) 2 and 3 only
2. Similar to Buddhism, it condemns the
Varna system. (d) 1, 2 and 3

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8. Match the following pairs: (c) 2 and 3 only
Festival State (d) 2 only
A. Ambubachi Mela 1. Jammu and
Kashmir 12. Which of the following items are included in
the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural
B. Kharchi Festival 2. Tripura
Heritage in India?
C. Chamliyal Mela 3. Assam
1. Tradition in Vedic chanting
D. Sekrenyi Festival 4. Nagaland 2. Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh
Choose the correct option using the codes 3. Mudiyettu
given below:
4. Nuvroz
A B C D
5. Varmam
(a) 1 2 3 4
6. Kalaripayattu
(b) 3 2 1 4
Choose the correct option using the codes
(c) 3 2 4 1 given below:
(d) 1 2 4 3 (a) 1, 2, 3, 4 only

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(b) 1, 2, 4, 5 only
9. Consider the following statements regarding
the development of Sanskrit language: (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 only
1. Panini’s Asthadhyayi is the oldest book (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 only
related to Sanskrit grammar.
2. Mahavastu is a book of Hinayana O 13. Which of the following statements regarding
Buddhism written in Sanskrit language. the HRIDAY scheme are correct?
Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1. It aims at holistic development of
heritage cities with advancement of the
(a) 1 only entire ecosystem.
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(b) 2 only 2. It is being implemented in cities of
(c) Both 1 and 2 Mathura, Puri and Varanasi among
other cities.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. It is a scheme of the Ministry of Culture.
10. Which of the following is not a basic tenet of Select the correct answer using the code given
Buddhism? below:
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(a) Dukkha (a) 1 and 2 only

(b) Samudaya (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Nirodha (c) 1 and 3 only
(d) Pratikraman (d) 1, 2 and 3

11. Consider the following regarding works of 14. Consider the following statements regarding
scholars: Buddhist Philosophy:
1. Ganitakaumudi is written by 1. Human misery is ultimately due to the
Nagarjuna. delusion of selfhood.
2. Narayan Pandit was the famous 2. In transmigration of soul nothing passes
alchemists of ancient times. over from one life to another but only
3. Bhaskaracharya wrote Siddhanta a new life arises as part of the chain of
Shiromani. events which includes the old.
Which of the above statements is/are correctly Choose the correct option using the codes
matched? given below:
(a) 3 only (a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only

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(c) Both 1 and 2 19. Consider the following statements regarding
Brahmanas and Arayankas:
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
1. Brahmanas are part of the Hindu Sruti
or revealed knowledge literature.
15. Samkhya is the philosophical school of which
of the following? 2. Both Arayankas and Brahamanas are
attached to the Vedas.
(a) Hinduism
3. Brahmanas describe the rituals and
(b) Buddhism sacrifices involved in the Vedas from
(c) Jainsim various perspectives.

(d) Zionism Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
16. Match the following: (b) 2 and 3 only
Festival State (c) 1 and 3 only
A. Hornbill Festival 1. Manipur (d) 1, 2 and 3
B. Chapchar Kut Festival 2. Meghalaya

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C. Wangala Festival 3. Mizoram 20. Consider the following statements in the
context of the school of Sangam literature:
D. Cheiraoba Festival 4. Nagaland
1. Aham emphasizes the abstract of
Select the correct answer using the code given human aspects like love and sexual
below: relationships.
A B C D 2. Agam emphasizes abstract human
relationships.
(a) 4 3 2 1
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3. Puram discusses human experiences like
(b) 4 3 1 2 social life, ethics, valour, and customs.
(c) 3 1 4 2 Which of the above statements are correct?
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(d) 3 4 2 1 (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
17. Guru Padmasambhava is associated with
which of the following? (c) 1 and 3 only
(a) Vajrayana Buddhism (d) 1, 2 and 3
(b) Mahayana Buddhism
21. Consider the following statement regarding
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(c) Theravada Buddhism Sufi Silsilah in India:

(d) None of the above 1. Chishti Silsilah established dargarhs in
far-flung areas like Begal and Multan.
18. Which of the following deities find their 2. Quadariya Silsilah supported the concept
mention in Rig Veda? of Wahadat-al-wajud.
1. Indra 3. Naqshbandi Silsilah was established
2. Agni by Khwaja Bahauddin Naqshbandi in
India.
3. Usha
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
4. Rudra
5. Vak (a) 1 only

Select the correct answer using the code given (b) 1 and 2 only
below: (c) 1, 2 and 3
(a) 1 and 2 only (d) 3 only
(b) 3, 4 and 5 only
22. Consider the following statements regarding
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
the diseases and origin of Medicine in ancient
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 India:

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1. Yajur Veda is the first book that deals 1. It has the same number of months like
with medicine diseases and its cure. Vikram era.
2. Dhanvantari is considered as the God of 2. It begins on 22nd March every year.
medicine. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
3. Takshila and Varanasi emerged as the (a) 1 only
centres for medicinal learning.
(b) 2 only
Which of the above statements is/are
incorrect? (c) Both 1 and 2

(a) 1 and 2 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2

(b) 1 only
26. Which of the following were the main features
(c) 2 and 3 only of the Bhakti Movement?
(d) 3 only 1. Intense love and devotion as the means
of salvation.
23. Consider the following statements: 2. Rejection of rituals and ceremonies.
1. Swadesh Darshan Scheme aims at 3. Need for a true Guru to realize God.

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providing improved visitor amenities at 4. Stressed on the idea of a personal
select monuments. connection with God.
2. Adarsh Smarak Scheme aims at the Select the correct answer using the code given
integrated development of theme-based below:
circuits.
(a) 1 and 2 only
3. Both Swadesh Darshan and Adarsh
Smarak schemes were launched by the
Ministry of Tourism.
Which of the above statements
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is/are
(b)
(c)
(d)
2, 3 and 4 only
1, 3 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
incorrect?
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(a) 1 and 2 only 27. The term ‘Ghumot’ was seen in the news
recently. In this context, consider the following
(b) 2 and 3 only statements:
(c) 3 only 1. It is an indigenous traditional percussion
instrument made from an earthen
(d) 1, 2 and 3
vessel.
2. It is widely played during Ganesh
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24. With reference to the Buddhist Literature Chaturthi Aarties.

‘Tripitakas’, consider the following
statements: 3. It will be notified as a heritage instrument
of Maharashtra.
1. The Sutta Pitaka covers the rules and
regulations, which should be followed by Which of the above statements is/are correct?
the Buddhist monks. (a) 1 only
2. The Abhidhamma Pitaka concentrates (b) 1 and 2 only
on the philosophy and metaphysics.
(c) 2 and 3 only
Which of the above statements is/are
(d) 1, 2 and 3
incorrect?
(a) 1 only 28. Consider the following statements:
(b) 2 only 1. Sangeet Natak Academy is the apex body
(c) Both 1 and 2 for preserving and promoting performing
arts in India.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
2. Sahitya Academy is India’s premier
literary institution that promotes
25. With reference to the Saka Calendar, consider literature in the Schedule VIII languages
the following statements: only.

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Which of the above statements is/are correct? Which among the following festival is described
in the above passage?
(a) 1 only
(a) Mahapushkaram
(b) 2 only
(b) Bathukamma
(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) Losar
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Bonalu
29. Consider the following statements with
reference to Vinaya Pitaka: 32. Consider the following statements regarding
Literature during Gupta period:
1. It is the collection of the Buddha’s sermons
on matters of doctrine and ethics. 1. The Sanskrit was made the court
language and all the documents and
2. It was recited by Upali, a Buddha inscriptions were written in Sanskrit.
disciple.
2. Allahabad Pillar Inscription provides a
3. It was compiled at the first Buddhist unique description of the Gupta Empire
council at Rajgriha. and its neighbours.

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Which of the above statements is/are correct? 3. The great ‘Panchtantra’, a storehouse of
(a) 1 and 2 only wonderful stories, was written during
this period.
(b) 2 only
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
(c) 1 and 3 only correct?
(d) 2 and 3 only (a) 1 and 3 only
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30. Consider the following statements regarding
various missions run by the Ministry of (c) 1 only
Culture: (d) 1, 2 and 3
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1. National Mission on Manuscripts aims to
establish a digital National Manuscripts 33. Consider the following statements regarding
Library at Indira Gandhi National Centre Literature during Medieval India:
for Arts (IGNCA). 1. The introduction of Persian language in
2. National Mission on Monuments and India is attributed to the arrival of Turks
Antiquities aims to create a National during the tenth century.
Register on Built Heritage and Sites. 2. Tuti Nama (Book of the Parrot) was
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3. Archaeological Survey of India is the written at the time of Alauddin Khalji.

nodal agency to implement the National Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
Mission on Libraries. correct?
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(c) 2 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3
34. Consider the following pairs:
31. “It is a colorful and vibrant festival celebrated Personality – Literary Work
by women with flowers that grow exclusively
1. Peary Chand – Alaler Gharer
in each region. Different, unique seasonal
Mitra Dulal
flowers are arranged in concentric layers in
the shape of a temple gopuram thus forming a 2. Michael – Meghnadbadh
beautiful flower stack. The festival celebrates Madhusudan
the inherent relationship between earth, Kabya Dutt
water, and human beings”. 3. Dinbandhu Mitra – Nil Darpan

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Which of the pairs given above are matched 37. Match the following:
correctly?
Column A Column B
(a) 1 and 2 only (Fabrics) (States)
(b) 2 and 3 only 1. Muga Silk A. Hyderabad

(c) 1 and 3 only 2. Phulkari B. Assam

3. Ikat C. Maharashtra
(d) 1, 2 and 3
4. Paithani D. Karnataka
35. Match the following: 5. Ilkal E. Punjab
Kalidasa’s Work Theme Select the correct answer using the codes given
below:
A. Malavikagnimitram 1. Garland of
Seasons (a) 1-D, 2-E, 3-B, 4-A, 5-C
B. Meghaduta 2. Romantic (b) 1-B, 2-D-3-C, 4-E, 5-A
relationships (c) 1-B, 2-E, 3-A, 4-C, 5-D
between a King

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and a humble (d) 1-D, 2-E, 3-C, 4-A, 5-B
maid
38. Consider the following in context of the
C. Ritusamhara 3. Story of
UNESCO ‘Creative Cities Network (UCCN)?
Sakuntala told
in the epic 1. It is created to promote cooperation with
and among cities that have identified

D. Abhigyan
Shakuntalam
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Mahabharata
4. Lament of an
exiled yaksha
creativity as a strategic factor for
sustainable urban development.
2. Currently, there are no Indian cities have
Select the correct answer using the codes given
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joined this network.
below:
Which of the statements given above is/are
(a) B-1, A-2, C-3, D-4 correct?
(b) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3 (a) 1 only
(c) D-4, A-3, B-2, C-1 (b) 2 only
(d) C-3, D-1, A-4, B-2 (c) Both 1 and 2
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(d) Neither 1 nor 2

36. Consider the following pairs:
1. Sankirtana – Ritual singing, drumming 39. Consider the following statements regarding
and dancing of Uttar Pradesh Sangam Literature:
2. Mudiyettu – Ritual theatre and dance 1. The work of two Sangams has partially
drama of Karnataka or fully lost but only the third Sangam
3. Ramman – Religious festival and ritual survives today.
theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas 2. The lost work of Tolkappiyam belongs to
Which of the above Intangible Cultural first Sangam Madurai.
Heritage(s) of India is/are matched Which of the statement(s) given above is/are
incorrectly? correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (a) 1 only
(b) 2 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) 3 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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40. Consider the following pairs: Which of the above pairs are correctly
Literature – Writer matched?
written during (a) 1 and 2 only
freedom movement
(b) 2 and 3 only
1. Sarasvatichdra – Govardhanram
Tripathi (c) 1 and 3 only
2. History of – R.C. Dutt (d) 3 only
Civilisation in
Ancient India
43. Regarding the development of Philosophy
3. Nibandhamala – Vishnushastri
in Medieval India, which of the following
Chiplunkar
statements is incorrect?
Which of the above pair(s) is/are correctly
matched? (a) According to Vishistadvaita, the ultimate
reality is Brahman (God) and matter and
(a) 2 only soul are his qualities.
(b) 1 and 3 only (b) According to Sivadvaita of
(c) 1 and 2 only Madhavacharya, the ultimate Brahman

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(d) 1, 2 and 3 is Shiva, endowed with Shakti.
(c) According Suddhadvaita of
41. Which of the following statement is correct Vallabhacharya, Brahman (God) was Sri
regarding Jain Literature? Krishna who manifested himself as souls
1. Agam or Canonical Literature is the and matter.
sacred books of the Jain religion written (d) According to Dvaitadvaita of Nimbaraka,
in the Ardhamagadhi Prakrit language.
O this world and soul are different from
2. Non-agam literature consists of God (Brahman).
commentary and explanation of Agam
literature, and independent works,
44. Which of the following is/are necessary
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compiled by ascetics and scholars.
conditions required to declare a language as
3. Digambar Jains have accepted the
‘classical’?
recorded Agam Sutras as an authentic
version of Lord Mahavir’s teachings, 1. The literary tradition is to be original
while Swetambar Jains have not. and not borrowed from another speech
Which of the above statement/s is/are correct? community.

(a) 2 only 2. High antiquity of its early texts/recorded

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history over a period of 1500-2000 years.

(b) 1 and 2 only
Select the correct option from the codes given
(c) 2 and 3 only below:
(d) 3 only
(a) 1 only

42. Consider the following pairs: (b) 2 only

Forts – Feature (c) Both 1 and 2

1. Amber Fort – Mirja Raja Jai (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Singh began
construction in
45. Which of the following pairs regarding
1592
literature of the medieval period is/are
2. Mehrangarh – Second longest wall correctly matched?
Fort in the world
after the Great Books : Writers
Wall of China. 1. Jaina-Rajatarangini : Srivara
3. Raigad Fort – Capital of the Pandita
Marathas under
2. Second Rajatarangini : Udayaraja
Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj 3. Rajavinoda : Jonaraja

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 .
Select the correct answer using the codes given 1. It has been established by the UNESCO
below: that lists documentary heritage of the
world.
(a) 1 only
2. The vision of the Programme is that the
(b) 1 and 2 only world’s documentary heritage belongs
(c) 2 and 3 only to all and it should be permanently
accessible to all without hindrance.
(d) 1, 2, and 3
3. Rigveda was the first such documentary
heritage, submitted by India and
46. Which of the following pairs is/are correctly
recommended for inclusion in the Memory
matched?
of the World Register.
Harvest festivals : States
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1. Pola : Karnataka
(a) 2 only
2. Hareli : Chattisgarh
(b) 1 and 3 only
3. Wangala : Mizoram
(c) 1 and 2 only
Select the correct answer using the codes given
(d) 1, 2, and 3

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below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
49. Kanjur and Tanjur, which include the Buddhist
(b) 2 and 3 only texts and their commentaries, are written in
(c) 3 only which of the following languages?

(d) 1, 2 and 3 (a) Tibetan

Kanphata Yogis is/are incorrect?

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47. Which of the following statements regarding
(b)
(c)
(d)
Korean
Sinhalese
Mangolian
1. They are followers of Gorakhnath, who is
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said to have lived in the 12th century or
even earlier. 50. Consider the following statements:
2. The ideology of the Kanphata Yogis 1. Vyakarana in Buddhist Sanskrit signifies
incorporates elements of Shaivite, a particular type of composition about
Buddhist esoteric systems, as well as prophesy or prediction of the future
from Hatha Yoga. Buddhas.
Select the correct answer using the codes given 2. Maitreyayvarakarana, a very short
text written on palm leaf in the mixed
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below:
character of Kutila and Ranjana script,
(a) 1 only belongs to the Haryanka dynasty period.
(b) 2 only Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (a) 1 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
48. Consider the following statements regarding
the ‘Memory of the World Register’: (d) Neither 1 nor 2

™™™™™

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 Space for Rough Work

.
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O
SC
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Test No.

IAS Prelims - 2023

24
PTS2023/PPP-01/102022/24

GENERAL STUDIES

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HISTORY - 8
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Answer Key
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Q. 1 (a) Q. 11 (a) Q. 21 (c) Q. 31 (b) Q. 41 (b)

Q. 2 (b) Q. 12 (a) Q. 22 (b) Q. 32 (d) Q. 42 (d)

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Q. 3 (d) Q. 13 (a) Q. 23 (d) Q. 33 (a) Q. 43 (b)

Q. 4 (d) Q. 14 (c) Q. 24 (a) Q. 34 (d) Q. 44 (c)

Q. 5 (c) Q. 15 (a) Q. 25 (a) Q. 35 (b) Q. 45 (a)

Q. 6 (d) Q. 16 (a) Q. 26 (d) Q. 36 (a) Q. 46 (d)

Q. 7 (a) Q. 17 (a) Q. 27 (b) Q. 37 (c) Q. 47 (d)

Q. 8 (b) Q. 18 (d) Q. 28 (a) Q. 38 (a) Q. 48 (c)

Q. 9 (c) Q. 19 (a) Q. 29 (d) Q. 39 (a) Q. 49 (a)

Q. 10 (d) Q. 20 (d) Q. 30 (a) Q. 40 (d) Q. 50 (a)

1
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1. Correct Option: (a)

.
Bhavabhuti

Explanation:  Uttara Ramacharitam (the later life of

Rama). It was written in 700 AD.
 Option (a) is correct
 Bhasa
Sammitiyas
 Swapnavasavadatta (Vasavadatta in the
 After passing of Buddha, The original dream), Pancharatra, Urubhanga (story of
Sangha is believed to have split into the two Duryodhana during and after his fight with
early schools in between 383 BC and 250 Bhima).
BC: Topic: Indian Literature
 Sthavira nikaya Sub-Topic: Literary Works
 Mahasamghika
 These schools were divided into sub-sects. 3. Correct Option: (d)
 The sub sects of Sthavira nikaya Explanation:
included: Mahisasaka, Sarvastivada,
 All statement are correct
Sankrantika, Sautrantika,
Dharmaguptaka, Vatsiputriya, Virshaiva Movement/ Lingayats

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Dharmottariya, Bhadrayaniya,
Sannagarika and Sammitiya.  The Virshaivas is a Shaivite sect in Hinduism
that emerged in the 12th Century AD in
 The sub sects of Mahasamghika Karnataka during the reign of Kalachuri
included: Gokulika, Prajnaptivada, dynasty.
Bahusrutiya, Ekavyaharikas, Caitika.
 They opposed the elaborate rituals
Topic: Buddhist Sect prescribed by Hindu priests.
Sub-Topic: Sammitiyas
O  They also rejected the caste system and
various social practices of Hindus.
2. Correct Option: (b)
 It was initiated by Basavanna and
Explanation: was assisted by Allamaprabhu and
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Akkamaha Devi.
 Option (b) is correct:
 They wanted a more egalitarian society and
List-I List-II greater individual freedom.
A. Abhigyana 3. Kalidasa
 The followers are called Virshaiva
Shakuntala
(heroes of Shiva) or the Lingayats
B. Uttara 1. Bhavabhuti (wearers of Shivalinga).
Ramacharitam
Topic: Indian Religious Movements
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C. Mudra Rakshasa 4. Vishakhdutta

Sub-Topic: Virshaiva Movement/ Lingayats
D. Pancharatra 2. Bhasa
Works of Kalidasa 4. Correct Option: (d)
 Malavikagnimitra (The love story of Explanation:
Malavika a maiden of Queen and Agnimitra
the son of Pushyamitra Shunga).  Statement 2 is incorrect: It did not
condemn the varna system as Buddhism
 Vikramorvasiya (Love story of Vikram and did.
Urvasi).
Doctrines of Jainism
 Abhigyana Shakuntala (the recognition
of Shakuntala).  Jainism taught five doctrines: (i) do not
commit violence, (ii) do not tell a lie, (iii) do
Sudraka not steal, (iv) do not hoard, and (v) observe
 Mricchakatika (The Little Clay Cart) Love continence (brahmacharya).
affair of young brahmin Charudatta with a  Jainism recognized the existence of the
wealthy courtesan. gods but placed them lower than the
Jina, and did not condemn the varna
Vishakhdutta
system as Buddhism did.
 Mudra Rakshasa (is a political drama
 According to Mahavira, a person is born in
and narrates ascent of King Chandragupta
a high or in lower varna as a consequence
Maurya to power in India).
of his sins committed or virtues acquired by
 Devi Chandraguptam. him in his previous birth.

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 Mahavira looks for human values even in a
chandala. In his opinion, by leading a pure
and meritorious life, members of the lower
castes can achieve liberation.
 Jainism principally aims at the
attainment of freedom from worldly
bonds. No ritual is necessary for such
liberation.
 They believe that through three-
jewel (fold) path of: right belief
(samyakdarshana), right knowledge
(samyakjnana) and right conduct
(samyakcharita), one can get rid of the
bad karma and also pull themselves
out of the cycle of rebirth and achieve
salvation.
 Jainism prohibited the practice of war and
even agriculture for its followers because
both involve the killing of living beings.
Eventually, the Jainas principally confined
themselves to trade and mercantile
activities.
Topic: Jainism
Sub-Topic: Doctrines of Jainism
5. Correct Option: (c)
Explanation:
O 
 Both statements are correct
SC
Vaisheshika School
 The Vaisheshika School believes in
the physicality of the Universe and is
considered to be the realistic, scientific,
and objective philosophy that governs
the universe.
The Kanada who also wrote the basic text
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 language)
governing the Vaisheshika philosophy is
often considered the founder of this school.
 They argue that everything in the universe
was created by the five main elements: fire,
air, water, earth, and ether (sky). These
material elements are also called Dravya.
 They also argue that reality has many
categories, for example, action, attribute,
genus, inherence, substance, and distinct
quality.
 As this school has a very scientific approach,
they also developed the atomic theory, i.e.
all material objects are made of atoms.
 They explain the phenomenon of this
universe by arguing that the atoms and
molecules combined to make matter, which
is the basis for everything that can be
physically touched or seen.
 This school was also responsible for
the beginning of physics in the Indian
subcontinent. They are considered to be
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the propounders of the mechanical process
of the formation of this Universe.
Topic: Indian School of philosophy
Sub-Topic: Vaisheshika School
6. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 Option (d) is correct
Classification of Indian Languages
 Languages in India are classified into the
following major sub-groups:
 Indo-Aryan Group of Languages
 It is a branch of the larger Indo-European
family which came to India with the
advent of the Aryans. It is the largest
RE
language group of India and around 74%
of the Indians speak those languages
which belong to this group.
 Sanskrit, Prakrit, Hindi, Assamese,
Bengali, Punjabi, etc. belong to this
group
Dravidian Group of Languages
 This group comprises mainly of the
languages spoken in the southern part
of India. Around 25% of the Indian
population is covered under this group.
 Among these 21 languages of the
Dravidian Group, the four major
languages of the Dravidian group are:
 Telugu (numerically the largest of all
Dravidian languages)
 Tamil (the oldest and purest form of
 Kannada
 Malayalam (smallest and the youngest
of the Dravidian group)
 Sino-Tibetan Group of Languages
 Languages under this group belong to
Mongoloid family and stretch to all over
the Himalayas, North Bihar, and North
Bengal, Assam and up to the North-
Eastern frontiers of the nation.
 These languages are considered to the
older than the Indo-Aryan languages
and are referred to in the oldest Sanskrit
literature as Kiratas.
 Sikkimese, Bhutia, Ladhaki, Kinnauri,
Ahom, etc. are the languages in this
group.
Austric Group of Languages
 Languages under this group belong to
the Austro-Asiatic sub-family which are
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represented by the languages of Munda
or Kol group and spoken in Central,
Eastern, and North-Eastern India.
 The existence of these languages have
been much before the advent of the
Aryans and was referred to in ancient
Sanskrit literature as Nisadas.
 Santhali is the most important language
in this group. With the exceptions of
Khasi and Santhali, all Austro-Asiatic
languages on Indian Territory are
endangered.
Topic: Indian Languages
Sub-Topic: Classification of Indian
Languages
7. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Statement 3 is incorrect: Ramcharitmanas
is written by Tuslidas and not Kalidasa.
Hindi and its Dialects
 Hindi as we know it today, evolved
between the 7th and 14th centuries
O a week-long royal Puja which falls in month
from Apabhramsa, which was evolved
from Prakrit.
 The language got its biggest boost with the
SC
Bhakti movement, which shunned the use
of Sanskrit as it was the language of the
Brahmins and common people did not use
it.
 Hence, they started writing in the language
of the people and the twelfth century
onwards we see a sharp rise in regional
languages like Bengali, Hindi, Marathi,
GS
Gujarati, etc.
 For a long time, Hindi literature was in the
shadow of its Sanskrit antecedents, but
Prithviraj Raso was the first Hindi book
and it documents the life and challenges
faced by Prithviraj Chauhan.
 The bulk of the work is poetry by Bhakti
writers like Kabir who is famous for his
dohas (couplets) that are used by the
common people of India even today.
 Tulsidas produced couplets in Braj and
was peppered by Persian. He became
immortal by writing Ramcharitmanas,
one of the most revered Hindu texts.
 Lord Krishna’s life also became the subject
of various medieval poets like Surdas who
wrote Sur Sagar about Krishna’s infancy
and adolescent affairs with the gopis.
 Rahim, Bhushan, and Raskhan also
wrote about the devotion to Lord Krishna.
Mirabai is also famous as the woman who
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renounced the world for Lord Krishna and
wrote Bhakti poetry for him. Bihari’s Satsai
is also famous in this regard.
Topic: Indian Languages
Sub-Topic: Hindi and its Dialects
8. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
 Option (b) is correct:
Festival State
A. Ambubachi Mela 3. Assam
B. Kharchi Festival 2. Tripura
C. Chamliyal Mela 1. Jammu and
Kashmir
D. Sekrenyi Festival 4. Nagaland
RE
Kharchi Festival
 It is one of the most popular festivals
in Tripura and is celebrated at Puran
Agartala in temple premises of 14 gods.
The word Kharchi is derived from the word
‘Khya’ which means earth thus Kharchi
Puja is basically done to worship earth. It’s
of July on 8th day of new moon and attracts
thousands of people.
Ambubachi Mela
 The Ambubachi Mela is celebrated in the
capital city of Guwahati, in the northeastern
state of Assam in India. The Ambubachi
Mela is the most important festival of
the Kamakhya Temple of Guwahati. The
Ambubachi is a ritual of asceses observed
with “Tantrik means”. It is believed that
the presiding goddess of the temple, Devi
Kamakhya, the Mother Shakti, goes
through her annual cycle of menstruation
during this time stretch.
Chamliyal Mela
 It is celebrated at Chamliyal border shrine
along the International Border (IB). The
fair takes place at the shrine of Baba Dalip
Singh Manhas, a saint popularly known
as Baba Chamliyal, in Samba district in
Jammu and Kashmir.
Sekrenyi Festival
 The festival of Sekrenyi is celebrated in the
month of February by the Angami tribe of
Nagaland. According to the Angami tribe,
it falls on the 25 th of the ‘Kezei’ month
or February. It is celebrated for over 10
days and is also called ‘Phousanyi’ by the
Angamis.
Topic: Indian Festivals
Sub-Topic: Regional Festivals
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9. Correct Option: (c)
Explanation:
 Both statements are correct
Indo-Aryan Group of Languages
 Sanskrit evolved out of old Indo-Aryan group
languages. This group had its development
around 1500 B.C.
 The development of Sanskrit grammar
began with Panini in 400 B.C. with his
book Asthadhyayi being the oldest
book in Sanskrit grammar.
 Some of the Buddhist literature belonging
to Mahayana and the Hinayana school are
even written in the Sanskrit language. The
book Mahavastu of the Hinayana school
is a treasure of stories. Lalitavistara,
the most sacred Mahayana text, and
Ashvagosha’s Buddhacharita were also
written in Sanskrit.
 The chaste form of Sanskrit developed
between 300 BC to 200 BC. It was a refined
version of Vedic Sanskrit. The first evidence
O Pandit produced works of mathematics
of the use of Sanskrit can be found in the
inscriptions of Rudradamana at Junagarh
in the present Southern Gujarat region.
 In the field of Sanskrit literature, the
Gupta period is known as the period of
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unique creation. This is because of the fact
that there has been a variety of literary
works developed during this reign. Another
important aspect of it is related to ornate
style in literary works. Many of the places
developed during Gupta period is also
written in Sanskrit.
GS
Topic: Indian Languages
Sub-Topic: Indo-Aryan Group of
Languages
10. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 Option (d) is correct
Buddhism
 The basic tenets of Buddhism are explained
through the four major Noble truths. They
are:
 The truth of suffering (Dukkha)
 The truth of the origin of suffering
(Samudāya)
 The truth of the cessation of suffering
(Nirodha)
 The truth of the path to the cessation of
suffering (Magga)
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 It means Life is full of suffering (dukkha).
All aspects of life contained the seeds of
sorrow. Sorrow was caused by desires. This
keeps us caught in samsara, the endless
cycle of repeated rebirth, dukkha and dying
again.
 If one could get rid of desires and needs,
then one could be free and at peace. This
can be attained through following the ‘Noble
Eightfold Path’
Topic: Buddhism
Sub-Topic: Buddhism
11. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: Ganitakaumudi
is written by Narayan Pandit.
RE
 Statement 2 is incorrect: Nagarjuna was
the famous alchemists of ancient times.
Narayan Pandit
 In the Medieval period, Narayan
which include Ganitakaumudi and
Bijaganitavatamsa.
Nagarjuna
 One of the famous alchemists of ancient
times was Nagarjuna. He was an expert
in transforming the base metals into gold.
Born in Gujarat in 931 AD, Nagarjuna was
blessed with this power of changing base
metals into gold and extraction of “Elixir of
life’’ as per the beliefs of the people.
Bhaskaracharya
 Bhaskaracharya was one of the leading
mathematicians in the 12th century AD. He
wrote the book Siddhanta Shiromani
Topic: Literary Work
Sub-Topic: Indian Scholars
12. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Option (a) is correct
Supplementary notes:
Intangible Cultural Heritage
 UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the
Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage proposes five broad domains in
which intangible cultural heritage are
manifested:
 Oral traditions and expressions,
including language as a vehicle of the
intangible cultural heritage
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 Performing arts
 Social practices, rituals, and festive
events
 Knowledge and practices concerning
nature and the universe
 Traditional craftsmanship
 A total of 13 Intangible cultural heritage (ICH)
elements from India have been inscribed
to date on UNESCO’s Representative
List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
of Humanity with Kumbh Mela being the
latest addition in 2017.
 These include:
 Koodiyattam (Sanskrit theatre)
kerala
 Ramlila
 Tradition in Vedic chanting
 Ramman - A religious festival and ritual
theatre of the Garhwal region
 Mudiyettu - A traditional ritual theatre
of kerala
 Kalbelia of Rajasthan
 Chhau - a tribal martial art dance
O delivery of heritage cities.
performed mainly in the States of
Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh
SC

 Sankirtana of Manipur
 Traditional Brass and Copper craft of
Utensil making among the Thatheras of
Jandiala Guru in Punjab.
 Nuvroz
 Yoga
GS
 Kumbh Mela
Topic: Indian Culture
Sub-Topic: Intangible Cultural Heritage
13. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Statement 3 is incorrect: HRIDAY is a
scheme of Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs.
HRIDAY Scheme
 The Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs, Government of India, launched
the National Heritage City Development
and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY)
scheme in 2015, with a focus on holistic
development of heritage cities
focusing not just on maintenance of
monuments but on advancement of the
entire ecosystem including its citizens,
tourists, and local businesses.
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 The scheme aims to preserve and revitalize
the soul of the heritage city to reflect the
city’s unique character by encouraging
aesthetically appealing, accessible,
informative & secured environments.
 The Scheme is being implemented in 12
identified Cities namely, Ajmer, Amaravati,
Amritsar, Badami, Dwarka, Gaya,
Kanchipuram, Mathura, Puri, Varanasi,
Velankanni and Warangal in mission
mode.
 HRIDAY is a central sector scheme, where
100% of funding will be provided by the
Government of India.
of  The Scheme supports the development of
core heritage civic infrastructure projects
which shall include revitalization of urban
infrastructure for areas around heritage
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assets identified/ approved by the Ministry
of Culture, Government of India and State
Governments.
 It also seeks beautification in an inclusive
and integrated manner with a focus on
cleanliness, livelihoods, skills, safety,
security, accessibility and faster service
Topic: Indian Culture and Heritage
Sub-Topic: HRIDAY Scheme
14. Correct Option: (c)
Explanation:
 Both statements are correct
Buddhism
 According to Buddha, human misery
is ultimately due to the delusion of
selfhood.
 The ignorance primarily concerns the
fundamental nature of the universe, which
has three salient characteristics:
 Full of sorrow (dukkha)
 Transient (anicca)
 Soulless (anatta)
 Buddhists would not claim that there is no
happiness in the world, but that in some
form or other sorrow is inevitable in every
aspect of life.
 There is no abiding entity anywhere in
this transient universe. Every being or
object, however stable and homogenous it
may appear, is, in reality, transient and
composite.
 The universe is soulless.
 In transmigration nothing passes over
from one life to another—only a new
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 .
life arises as part of the chain of events arts which include paintings, wood carvings,
which includes the old. and sculptures throughout the festival.
Topic: Buddhism  Chapchar Kut Festival: It is a spring
Sub-Topic: Buddhism Philosophy festival, this is the most important festival
and the only one regularly observed during
the first week of March in Mizoram. On
15. Correct Option: (a) this day people of all ages, young and old,
men and women dressed in their colorful
Explanation: costumes and distinctive head gears and
 Option (a) is correct jewelry, assemble and perform various
folk dances, singing traditional songs
Six School of Hindu Philosophy accompanied by beating of drums, gongs,
 There are six sub-schools that were called and cymbals. Some dances are strictly
the Shada Darshana. martial danced by strong virile warriors
with their weapons and trophies. One dance
 These were known as Samkhya, Yoga, perennially popular is the Cheraw or the
Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, and “bamboo dance” so-called as long bamboo
Vedanta. staves are used for this dance.
Samkhya, literally ‘count’, seems to have

RE
  Wangala Festival: The Wangala is the
originated first. most significant festival of the Garo clans
 According to the early Samkhya philosophy, of Meghalaya which is performed after the
the presence of divine agency is not essential harvesting is over, generally in the month of
to the creation of the world. October to November. It is a “Thanksgiving”
ceremony to Misi Saljong, also known as
 The world owes its creation and evolution
Pattigipa Ra’rongipa (The Great Giver) for
more to Nature or prakriti than to God.
having blessed the human beings with a

O
This was a rational and scientific view.
Around the fourth century AD, in addition
to prakriti, purusha or spirit was introduced

rich harvest of the season.
Sangai Festival: Every year the State of
Manipur celebrates the “Manipur Sangai
as an element in the Samkhya system, and
Festival” from 21st -30th November. The
SC
the creation of the world was attributed to
‘Festival’ is named after the State animal,
both.
Sangai, the brow-antlered deer found only
Topic: School of Philosophy in Manipur. It started in the year 2010 and
Sub-Topic: School of Hindu Philosophy has grown over the years into a big platform
for Manipur to showcase its rich tradition
and culture to the world. The festival is
16. Correct Option: (a) labeled as the grandest festival of the State
today and helps promote Manipur as a
GS

Explanation: world-class tourism destination.

 Option (a) is correct:  Cheiraoba Festival: This festival is
Festival State celebrated all across the State of Manipur,
as it is the New Year according to the
A. Hornbill Festival 4. Nagaland
Manipuri tribes. It is celebrated in the
B. Chapchar Kut Festival 3. Mizoram month of April (it means the first day of the
C. Wangala Festival 2. Meghalaya month Sajibu. The festival is also related
to the domestic deity called Sanamahi
D. Cheiraoba Festival 1. Manipur
worshipped by the Manipuri people.
Important Festivals in North-East India Topic: Indian Regional Festivals
 Hornbill Festival: To encourage inter- Sub-Topic: Important Festivals in North-
tribal interaction and to promote the cultural East India
heritage of Nagaland, the Government of
Nagaland organizes the Hornbill Festival
every year in the first week of December. 17. Correct Option: (a)
It is also called ‘Festival of Festivals’. The
Explanation:
festival is named after the Indian hornbill,
the large and colorful forest bird which is  Option (a) is correct
displayed in the folklore of most of the
Guru Padmasambhava
state’s tribes. Visitors can enjoy the colorful
performances, crafts, sports, local food fairs,  Guru Padmasambhava is an important
games, and ceremonies, besides traditional figure in Buddhism who was

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instrumental in establishing Vajrayana
Buddhism in Tibet around the 8th
century CE.
 He was a missionary monk who went from
Nalanda to convert Tibetans to Buddhism
in the 8th century.
 The Vajrayana tradition continues to
survive and flourish because of his efforts.
This is one reason why he is also known as
the ‘Second Buddha’.
 His yogic style and royal robes remind to
embrace all the delights of life as long as
we live in human form. At the same time,
his monastic robes remind to not get too
caught up in sensual and carnal pleasures,
otherwise, one can end up being hedonistic
or materialistic, seeking satisfaction only
from the outside world and believing with
almost religious certainty that all fun comes
from outside.
 Recently, the Orissa government built
a massive 9-feet-high stone statue of
Padmasambhava in the Gajapati district.
Topic: Indian Buddhist
Sub-Topic: Guru Padmasambhava
O of Vedic rituals. They also consist of
18. . Correct Option: (d)
SC
Explanation:
 All statements are correct
Rig Veda
 The Rig Veda is the oldest existing Veda
amongst the other four. It consists of 1028
individual Sanskrit hymns.
GS
 It is said to be one of the first extensive
compositions in any Indo-European
language that has survived for our perusal.
Historians argue that it was compiled
around 1200-900 BC.
 The focus of this Veda is on worldly
prosperity and natural beauty. The text is
organised in 10 books, known as Mandalas,
of varying age and length.
 Furthermore, each mandala comprises
of several Suktas or hymns, which are
usually for sacrificial purposes. Most of the
hymns concentrate on the themes of life,
death, creation, sacrifice and seeking godly
pleasure or soma.
 The entire Rig Vedic hymns are
dedicated to several deities, in
particular to their chief deity, Indra.
The other prominent Gods mentioned
in the Rig Veda are Agni (God of fire),
Varuna (God of water), Rudra (God
of wind/storm), Aditya (a form of Sun
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God), Vayu (God of air) and the Ashwini
twins.
 There are several hymns dedicated to
female Goddesses too; like Usha (Goddess
of Dawn), Prithvi (Goddess of the earth)
and Vak (the Goddess of speech).
Topic: Indian Rig Vedic Culture
Sub-Topic: Rig Veda
19. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Statement 3 is incorrect: Arayankas
describes the rituals and sacrifices involved
in the Vedas from various perspectives.
Brahmanas
RE
 The Brahmanas are part of the Hindu
Sruti (revealed knowledge) literature.
Each Veda has a Brahmana attached to
it, which is essentially a collection of texts
with commentaries on the particular Veda.
 They are usually a mixture of legends,
facts, philosophy and detailed explanations
instructions as to how to properly conduct
rituals and enunciate the science of sacrifice.
They also explain the symbolic significance
of the sacred words used in the rituals.
 Although historians disagree on the dating
of the Brahmanas, it is usually pegged to be
composed and compiled between 900-700
BC. As mentioned above, each Veda has its
accompanying Brahmana.
Arayankas
 The Arayankas are also texts attached
to the Vedas and they describe the
rituals and sacrifices involved in the
Vedas from various perspectives.
 They are said to be compilations of ritualistic
information on the birth and death cycles as
well as the complexity of the soul.
 It is argued that holy and learned men,
called Munis, who preferred to dwell within
the limits of the forests, taught them.
Topic: Indian Rig Vedic Culture
Sub-Topic: Brahmanas & Arayankas
20. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 All statements are correct
Sangam Literature
 ‘Sangam’ means fraternity and this literature
was very popular amongst the masses.
8

This literature is a collection of works that
contains approximately 2381 poems that
have been attributed to 473 poets and there
is a corpus of literature written by 102 poets
that remains anonymous.
 The poets included men and women from
different classes of society. The literary
tradition was so popular that the period
between 300 BC and 300 AD, during which
most of these were composed and compiled,
is often called the Sangam period.
 There are two major schools of Sangam
literature:
 aham/agam which is the ‘inner field’
and concentrates on the abstract
discussion of human aspects like
love, sexual relations, etc.
The second school is the ‘Puram’

or the ‘outer field’ which discusses
human experiences like social life,
ethics, valour, customs, etc.
 This literature bears the name ‘Sangam’
because the kingdom of Pandya organised
assemblies where poets, bards, and writers
would flock from various parts of South

India.
O
These assemblies were called ‘Sangamas’
and the literature produced in the duration
of these assemblies was called Sangam
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literature.
 There were three Sangams organized over
a period of 600-700 years. However, the
conclusive historical account of the first two
Sangams is not available.
 The first and second Sangams are considered
legends and myths by many scholars.
GS
Topic: Indian Literature
Sub-Topic: Sangam Literature
21. Correct Option: (c)
Explanation:
 All statements are correct
Chishti Silsilah
 The Chishti order was founded in India
by Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti (1143-1223
AD). It began in Chist, a small town near
Heart in Afghanistan in 930 AD. Khwaja
Muinuddin Chishti established his khanqah
in Ajmer to work for the poorest sections of
the society.
 After his demise, every year an annual
congregation (Urs) is held at Ajmer. It is the
most widespread among the Sufi orders.
 They usually stayed away from
State powers. However, they were
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intrinsically linked and established
khanqahs and dargahs in far-flung
areas like Bengal and Multan.
Suhrawardi Silsilah
 This Silsilah was founded by Sheikh
Shihabuddin Suhrawardi in Baghdad
but it was established in India by Sheikh
Bahauddin Zakariya (1182-1262) was given
the title of ‘Sheikh-ul-Islam’ by Iltutmish.
 They accepted royal patronage and
amassed a lot of property. They believed
that a Sufi should own the three attributes
of property, knowledge, and hal (mystical
enlightenment).
Qadariya Silsilah
 Its founder was Abdul Qadir Gilani (Pir
Dastagir). Shah Namatullah introduced
RE
the silsilah in India. It became popular in
Punjab (esp. Sindh)
 The pirs of this order supported the
concept of Wahadat al wajud.
 Miyan Mir was one of the famous pirs of this
silsilah and enrolled prince Dara Shikoh.
His influence can be seen in the writing
of Dara. Urdu poets Hasrat Mohani and
Muhammad Iqbal belonged to this order.
Naqshbandi Silsilah
 The Naqshbandi order was established
by Khwaja Bahauddin Naqshbandi in
India. The most popular saint of the silsila
was Sheikh Ahmed Sarhindi.
 He gave himself the title of ‘Mujeddid
Ali Saffani’ or the reformer of the new
millennium. It became popular during the
reign of Akbar.
 It was radical in nature and had Aurangzeb
as one of its followers.
Topic: Religion and Culture
Sub-Topic: Sufism
22. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: Atharva Veda
was the first book where we find a mention
about medicine.
Medicine
 During the Vedic times, Ashwini Kumars
were the practitioners of medicine and were
given divine status. Dhanvantari was the
God of medicine.
 Atharva Veda was the first book where
we find a mention of the diseases, its
cure, and medicines. According to it, the
PTS2023/PPP-01/102022/24

diseases were caused by the demons and
spirits entering into the human body and
can be cured by magical charms and spells.
Atharva Veda mentioned cure for many of
the diseases which include diarrhea, sores,
cough, leprosy, fever, and seizure.
 However, the era of practical and more
rational cure to diseases emerged around
600 BC. Takshila and Varanasi emerged
as the centres for medicinal learning.
Topic: Ancient Medicinal philosophy
Sub-Topic: Dhanvantari
23. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: Swadesh
Darshan Scheme aims at the integrated
development of theme-based circuits.
 Statement 2 is incorrect: Adarsh Smarak
Scheme aims at providing improved visitor
amenities at select monuments.
 Statement 3 is incorrect: Swadesh
Darshan is a scheme of Ministry of Tourism
while Adarsh Smarak is a scheme of
O 
Ministry of Culture.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme
SC
 Ministry of Tourism in 2015 launched
the Swadesh Darshan Scheme for
developing critical tourism infrastructure in
the country in a sustainable and inclusive
manner to make India into a world-class
tourist destination.
 The focus under the scheme is to develop
public facilities like last-mile connectivity,
GS
Tourist reception Centers, Wayside
Amenities, Solid Waste Management,
Illumination, Landscaping, parking, etc.
where Private Sector is not willing to
invest.
 This scheme is envisioned to synergize with
other Government of India schemes like
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India, Make
in India, etc. with the idea of positioning
the tourism sector as a major engine for job
creation, driving force for economic growth,
building synergy with various sectors to
enable tourism to realize its potential.
 Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, 15
thematic circuits have been identified
for development namely: North-East India
Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan
Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit,
Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit,
Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual
Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Sufi Circuit,
Tirthankar Circuit and Heritage Circuit.
PTS2023/PPP-01/102022/24
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.
Adarsh Smarak Yojana
 It is a scheme of Ministry of Culture
launched in 2014 for providing
improved visitor amenities, especially
for the physically challenged.
 The Archaeological Survey of India has
identified 25 monuments for the Adarsh
Smarak Scheme for upgradation of tourist-
related amenities.
 The salient features of the scheme are as
under:
 To make monument visitor friendly
 To upgrade/provide washrooms, drinking
water, signage and cafeteria, and Wi-Fi
facility
 To provide Interpretation and audio-
RE
video centres
 To streamline wastewater and garbage
disposal and rainwater harvesting
system
 To make the monument accessible to
differently-abled
To implement Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Topic: Ancient Cultural Pillgrimage
Sub-Topic: Swadesh Darshan Scheme
24. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: The Sutta
Pitaka contains dialogues and speeches of
the Buddha that deal with morality and
righteous dharma.
Buddhist Literature
 Buddhist literature can be divided into
Canonical and Non-canonical works. The
Canonical literature consists of ‘Triptikas’
or baskets (of knowledge). The three
Tripitakas are:
 Vinaya Pitaka, which covers the rules
and regulations, which should be
followed by the Buddhist monks.
 The Sutta Pitaka contains dialogues
and speeches of the Buddha that
deal with morality and righteous
dharma.
 The Abhidhamma Pitaka concentrates on
the philosophy and metaphysics. It also
contains discussions on various topics
like ethics, the theory of knowledge and
psychology.
Topic: Indian Literature
Sub-Topic: Buddhist Literature
10
25. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Statement 2 is incorrect: It begins on
22nd March every year except in Gregorian
leap years when it starts on 21st March.
Saka Samvat
 This calendar form was initiated by King
Shalivahan in 78 AD. It was also known
as the Saka era as it is to this tribe that
Shalivahan belonged. Historians do have
confusion about whether Shalivahan was
Saka himself or conquered Sakas.
 The Saka Calendar is both solar and
lunar with lunar months and solar
years and has the same number of
months as the Vikram era has.
 However, the months commence in different
periods here. Its year zero begins near the
vernal equinox of the year 78.
 Saka Calendar begins on 22nd March
every year except in Gregorian leap
years when it starts on 21st March.
O 
 Saka calendar has a year with a fixed
number of days in each month. However,
the names of months in both calendars are
the same.
Saka calendar starts with Chaitra
SC

followed by Vaisakha, Jyeshtha, Ashadha,
Shravana, Bhadrapada, Ashwina, Kartika,
Margshisha, Pausha, Magha, and Phalguna.
The number of days in a Saka year is 365.
Topic: Ancient Calender
Sub-Topic: Saka Samvat
GS
26. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 All statements are correct
Main Features of the Bhakti Movement
 Intense love and devotion as the means
of salvation
 Unity of God (Universalism) and repeating
the one true name again and again
 Rejection of rituals and ceremonies
 No caste discrimination and keeping an
open mind on religious and gender issues.
They allowed both men and women to
seek salvation. They even took their meals
together from the common kitchen.
 Using local and regional languages to spread
their messages
 They stressed on the idea of a personal
God
11
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.
 Need of a true Guru (teacher) to realize
God
 They propagated equality and spirit of
brotherhood like the Sufis
 They despised priests who they thought
were middlemen and instead focused on
establishing a personal connection with
God.
Topic: Religious Movements
Sub-Topic: Features of the Bhakti
Movement
27. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
 Statement 3 is incorrect: It will be notified
as a heritage instrument of Goa.
RE
 Ghumot to be Goa’s Heritage Instrument
 Ghumot, Goa’s indigenous traditional
percussion instrument made from an
earthen vessel, will be notified as a
heritage instrument of Goa.
The instrument was banned due to the use
of the skin of the endangered monitor lizard
for the drum membrane.
 In recent years, ghumot makers have
started using goatskin instead.
 The ban is applicable to the use of any
animal listed in the Wildlife (Protection)
Act, 1972, and that the goat is not one of
them.
 Ghumot is widely played during
Ganesh Chaturthi Aarties.
 A smaller form of ghumot is generally
used as the main accompaniment to the
‘Burrakatha’ a folk, storytelling tradition of
Andhra Pradesh.
Topic: Indian Heritage
Sub-Topic: Ghumot
28. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Statement 2 is incorrect: Sahitya
Academy is India’s premier literary
institution that promotes literature in
English and Rajasthani besides the Schedule
VIII languages.
Sahitya Academy
 Sahitya Academy, India’s National Academy
of Letters, was established in 1954 by the
Government of India.
 It was registered as a society on 7 January
1956, under the Societies Registration Act,
1860.
PTS2023/PPP-01/102022/24

 As India’s premier literary institution, the
academy preserves and promotes literature
contained in 24 Indian languages recognized
by it through awards, fellowships, grants,
publications, literary programmes, etc.
 Besides the 22 languages enumerated
in the Constitution of India, the Sahitya
Akademi has recognized English and
Rajasthani as languages in which its
programme may be implemented.
 The academy also undertakes literary
exchange programmes with various
countries across the globe to promote Indian
literature beyond the shores of India.
Sangeet Natak Academy
 The Sangeet Natak Akademi - India’s
national academy for music, dance, and
drama - is the first National Academy of the
arts set-up by the Government of India in
1952.
 The Academy’s charter of functions was
expanded along the original lines in 1961
when the Sangeet Natak Akademi was
reconstituted by the Government as a
Registration Act of 1860.
O
society and registered under the Societies
 Since its inception the Akademi has
been functioning as the apex body of
SC
the performing arts in the country,
preserving and promoting the vast
intangible heritage of India’s diverse
culture expressed in the forms of music,
dance and drama.
 It also looks after several institutions, which
focus primarily on either dance or music or
drama. For example, they administer the
GS
National School of Drama that was set up
in 1959 for focused work on dramatics in
India.
Topic: Indian Art & Heritage
Sub-Topic: Sahitya Academy
29. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 Statement 1 is incorrect: Vinaya Pitaka is
the collection of rules of the monastic order.
Sutta Pitaka is the great collection of the
Buddha’s sermons on matters of doctrine
and ethics.
Buddhist council
 The first Buddhist council was held
soon after the mahaparinirvana of
the Buddha, around 400 BC under
the patronage of king Ajatshatru with
the monk Mahakasyapa presiding, at
Rajgriha.
PTS2023/PPP-01/102022/24
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.
 The idea was to preserve Buddha’s teachings
and rules for disciples.
 Vinaya Pitaka is the collection of rules
of the monastic order.
 Upali, one of the chief disciples of
Buddha recited Vinayaka Pitaka.
 Sutta Pitaka is the great collection of the
Buddha’s sermons on matters of doctrines
and ethics.
 Sutta Pitaka was recited by Ananda, a great
disciple of Buddha.
Topic: Indian Buddhist council
Sub-Topic: Vinaya Pitaka
30. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
RE
 Statement 3 is incorrect: Raja Rammohan
Roy Library Foundation is the nodal agency
to implement the National Mission on
Libraries.
National Mission on Manuscripts (NMM)
 The National Mission for Manuscripts
(NMM) was launched by the Ministry of
Culture in the year 2003 with the objectives
to survey, document, and conserve/
preserve, digitize and publish the Indian
Manuscripts.
 The final objective of the Mission
is to establish a digital National
Manuscripts Library at Indira Gandhi
National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) at
which scholars and researchers can view the
digital copies of the Indian Manuscripts.
 National Mission for Manuscripts is first
such national-level comprehensive initiative
in the world which caters to the need of
conserving manuscripts and disseminating
knowledge contained therein.
National Mission on Monuments and
Antiquities (NMMA)
 It was launched in 2007 by the Ministry
of Culture and Archaeological Survey of
India (ASI) is the nodal agency for NMMA
to implement the various activities all over
the country.
 The mission expects to create a National
Register on Built Heritage & Sites and
a National Register on Antiquities.
National Mission on Libraries
 Public libraries have a major role to play in
realizing this goal. In order to revamp the
Public Library System & Services, and to
provide digital content-based services to the
citizens at large, the Ministry of Culture has
12

launched the scheme of National Mission on
Libraries (NML).
 Raja Rammohan Roy Library
Foundation has been declared as the
nodal agency for the National Mission
on Libraries for administrative,
logistics, planning and budgeting
purposes.
 The Scheme has the following four
components:
 Creation of National Virtual Library
(NVLI)
 Setting up of NML Model Libraries
 Quantitative & Qualitative Survey
 Capacity Building for library
professionals
Topic: Indian Literary
Sub-Topic: National Mission on Manuscripts
(NMM)
31. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
 Option (b) is correct
Bathukamma Festival
O 
Bathukamma is a colorful and vibrant
SC
 of Arjuna with Shiva and gives some very
festival of Telangana and celebrated
by women, with flowers that grow
exclusively in each region. This festival is
a symbol of Telangana’s cultural identity.
 Bathukamma that means ‘Mother Goddess
come Alive’ is celebrated towards the end
of monsoon and heralds the abundance
GS
that nature has to offer. The festival begins
on the day of Mahalaya Amavasya and is
celebrated with much fanfare for nine days.
The final day of Bathukamma, known as
Pedha or Saddula Bathukamma falls two
days before Dussehra.
 Bathukamma is a beautiful flower
stack, arranged with different unique
seasonal flowers most of them with
medicinal values, in seven concentric
layers in the shape of temple gopuram.
 Bathukamma celebrates the inherent
relationship between earth, water, and
human beings.
Topic: Indian Regional Festivals
Sub-Topic: Bathukamma Festival
32. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 All statements are correct
13
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.
Literature of Gupta Period
 India witnessed a great advancement in
the field of literature under the Gupta
monarchs.
 They themselves were highly cultured and
consequently they did all that could be done
for patronising literature and art.
 Sanskrit once again became popular.
The Guptas made Sanskrit as their
court language and wrote all their
documents and inscriptions in the
same language.
 Kalidasa was the greatest Sanskrit poet and
dramatist that India has ever produced.
 Visakhadutta, the renowned author of
Mudra Rakshasa, was another great poet
and dramatist of the Gupta period.
RE
 Harisena, the renowned author of the
Allahabad Pillar Inscription, is another
great poet of this period, who flourished
during the reign Samudragupta.
 Amaresimha, the author of the famous
‘Amarkosa’ also belonged to the Gupta
period.
Bhavavi, the author of ‘Kriatarjuniya’ is
also aid to flourish during the Gupta period.
In this great epic he describes the conflict
beautiful descriptions of nature.
 Sudraka was another great author of
the Gupta period. In his great work
‘Mrichhkatikam’ he describes vividely the
love affair of a rich Brahman Chrudatta
with a young woman of noble birth.
It was during the Gupta period that

the great ‘Panchtantra’ a storehouse of
wonderful stories, was written.
Allahabad pillar inscription
 It was originally installed by Asoka at
Kausambi.
 It was later on shifted to Allahabad Fort.
 It contains three inscriptions belonging
to the time of Asoka, Samudragupta and
Jahangir.
 The inscription was written by Harisena,
son of Dhruvabhuti and a resident of
Khadyatapataka.
 The inscription delineates a vivid description
of the exploits of the king in different
directions.
 It provides a unique description of the
Gupta Empire and its neighbours.
 It is an authentic source on the geopolitical
landscape of India of the 4th century CE.
PTS2023/PPP-01/102022/24

Topic: Indian Literature
Sub-Topic: Literature of Gupta Period
33. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Statement 2 is incorrect: Tuti Nama
(Book of the Parrot) was written at the time
of Muhammad Tughlaq.
Literature during Medieval India
 Although the greatest amount of literature
and scientific works produced by the
Muslims was in Arabic which was the
language of the Prophet.
 It was used as the language of literature and
science from Spain to Baghdad, the Turks
who came to India were deeply influenced
by the Persian language which had become
the literary and administrative language
of Central Asia from the tenth century
onwards.
 In India, the use of Arabic remained largely
confined to a narrow circle of Islamic
scholars and philosophers, most of the
O
original literature on the subject being
written in Arabic.
 With the arrival of the Turks in India
during the tenth century, a new
SC
language, Persian, was introduced in
the country.
 There was a resurgence of the Persian
language in Iran and Central Asia from
the tenth century onwards and some of
the greatest poets of the Persian language,
such as Firdausi and Sadi, lived and
composed their works between the tenth
GS
and fourteenth centuries.
 Zia Nakhshabi was the first to translate into
Persian Sanskrit stories which were related
by a parrot to a woman whose husband
had gone on a journey. This book Tuti
Nama (Book of the Parrot), written
in the time of Muhammad Tughlaq,
proved very popular and was translated
from Persian into Turkish and into many
European languages as well.
Topic: Indian Literature
Sub-Topic: Tuti Nama
34. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 All pairs are correctly matched
Literature in Modern India
 The development of modern Indian
literature has been marked by certain
characteristics, some of which it shares
PTS2023/PPP-01/102022/24
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.
with modern literatures over the world.
There has always been in all countries and
ages a conflict between the orthodox and
the unorthodox, but in India, because the
new impulse was identified with an alien
culture and foreign domination, the clash of
loyalties has been sharper.
 The new era of modern Indian literatures
may be said to begin in 1800, when
Fort William College was established in
Kolkata and The Baptist Mission Press in
Serampore, near Kolkata. The college was
founded by the East India Company to
provide instruction to British civil servants
in the laws, customs, religions, languages,
and literatures of India in order to cope with
the increasing demands of fast-growing
administrative machinery.
 The establishment of Hindu College in 1817
RE
and the replacing of Persian by English as
the language of the law and the increasing
use of Bengali were other landmarks
which encouraged the introduction of
modern education and the development
of the language of the people. It was, Raja
Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833) who laid the
real foundation of modern Bengali prose.
The form which he gave to Bengali prose
revealed its rich potentiality in the hands
of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar (1820-1891)
and Akshay Kumar Datta (1820-1886), both
of whom were primarily social reformers
and educationists.
 Novels, both historical and social, the two
forms in which Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
excelled, had been written before him in
Bengali by Bhudev Mukherji and Peary
Chand Mitra. Mitra’s ‘Alaler Gharer Dulal’
was the first specimen of original fiction of
social realism with free use of the colloquial
idiom, and anticipated, however crudely,
the later development of the novel.
 Michael Madhusudan Dutt (1824-1873) was
the pioneer who, turning his back on the
native tradition, made the first conscious
and successful experiment to naturalize the
European forms into Bengali poetry by his
epic in blank verse, ‘Meghnadbadh Kabya’,
based on a Ramayana episode.
 Dinabandhu Mitra (1829-74), a born
dramatist whose very first play, ‘Nil Darpan’
(published in 1860), exposing the atrocities
of the British indigo planters, created a
sensation, both literary and political.
Topic: Indian Literature
Sub-Topic: Famous Personalities
35. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
 Option (b) is correct
14

Works of Kalidasa
 Malavikagnimitram
 The first play composed by the great poet
Kalidasa is Malavikagnimitram.
 The plot is a comedy that involves
romantic relationships between a King
and a humble maid. It is the tale of King
Agnimitra’s love for Malavika, who is an
unheard of maid in the royal palace.
 It is said that this lady was proficient in
dance and music.
 Meghaduta
 Meghaduta, (Cloud Messenger) is a lyric
love poem in some 115 verses composed
by Kalidasa about the 5th century CE.
 The verse is unique to Sanskrit literature
in that the poet attempts to go beyond
the strophic unity of the short lyric,
normally the form preferred for love
poems, by stringing the stanzas into a
narrative.
 This innovation did not take hold,
though the poem inspired imitationsO
along precisely the same story line.
 The Meghaduta is the lament of an exiled
yaksha (a benevolent nature spirit) who
is pining for his beloved on a lonely
SC
mountain peak.
 When, at the beginning of a monsoon,
a cloud perches on the peak, he asks it
to deliver a message to his love in the
Himalayan city of Alaka.
 Ritusamhara
 India has always believed in the
GS
harmonious relation between man and
forces of nature and the importance of
each season has been beautifully brought
into light by the great poet Kalidasa in
Ritu Samhaara, a poem written by him.
 It can be called the “Medley of Seasons”
or “Garland of Seasons”.
 The Ritusamharam has been divided
into six main chapters, each chapter
describing vividly, the different seasons
of India.
 The six seasons that have been described
by Kalidasa are Summer, Spring,
Monsoons, Autumn, Frost and Winters.
 Abhigyan Shakuntalam
 Kalidasa has made an extensive use of
symbols and motifs in the play, Abhigyan
Shakuntalam.
 The narrative of Shakuntalam opens in
the forest where Shakuntala dwells in
the hermitage of sage Kanva.
15
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.
 King Dushyanta arrives in the forest
while on a hunting trip.
 The Sign of Shakuntala, and many other
variants, is a Sanskrit play by the ancient
Indian poet Kalidasa, dramatizing
the story of Sakuntala told in the epic
Mahabharata and regarded as best of
Kalidasa’s works.
Topic: Indian Literature
Sub-Topic: Works of Kalidasa
36. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Sankirtana
– Ritual singing, drumming and dancing of
Manipur
RE
 Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Mudiyettu
– Ritual theatre and dance drama of
Kerala
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of
India
 Sankirtana
 It encompasses an array of arts performed
to mark religious occasions and various
stages in the life of the Vaishnava people
of the Manipur plains.
 Sankirtana practices centre on the
temple, where performers narrate the
lives and deeds of Krishna through song
and dance.
 In a typical performance, two drummers
and about ten singer-dancers perform in
a hall or domestic courtyard encircled by
seated devotees.
 Sankirtana has two main social functions:
it brings people together on festive
occasions throughout the year, acting
as a cohesive force within Manipur’s
Vaishnava community; and it establishes
and reinforces relationships between the
individual and the community through
life-cycle ceremonies.
 It is thus regarded as the visible
manifestation of God. The Sankirtana of
Manipur is a vibrant practice promoting
an organic relationship with people:
the whole society is involved in its
safeguarding, with the specific knowledge
and skills traditionally transmitted from
mentor to disciple.
 Sankirtana works in harmony with
the natural world, whose presence is
acknowledged through its many rituals.
PTS2023/PPP-01/102022/24
 .
 Mudiyettu Examples of Textiles and Fabrics of
 It is a ritual dance drama from Kerala
India
based on the mythological tale of a battle  KALAMKARI — Andhra Pradesh
between the goddess Kali and the demon
 BANARASI SILK — Varanasi, Uttar
Darika.
Pradesh
 It is a community ritual in which the
 CHIKANKARI EMBOIDERY — Lucknow,
entire village participates.
Uttar Pradesh
 After the summer crops have been
 SAMBALPURI FABRIC — Sambalpur,
harvested, the villagers reach the temple
Odisha
in the early morning on an appointed
day.  IKAT FABRIC — Pochampalli,
Hyderabad
 Mudiyettu performers purify themselves
through fasting and prayer, then draw  CHANDERI — Madhya Pradesh
a huge image of goddess Kali, called as
 PAITHANI BROCADE — Aurangabad,
kalam, on the temple floor with coloured
Maharashtra
powders, wherein the spirit of the
goddess is invoked.  PATOLA FABRIC — Patan, Gujarat

RE
 This prepares the ground for the lively  PASHMINA — Kashmir
enactment to follow, in which the divine  PHULKARI — Punjab
sage Narada importunes Shiva to contain
the demon Darika, who is immune to  BANDHNI — Gujarat (& Rajasthan)
defeat by mortals.  KANJIVARAM — Kanchipuram, Tamil
 Mudiyettu serves as an important Nadu
cultural site for transmission of
O  MYSORE SILK — Mysuru, Karnataka
traditional values, ethics, moral codes
and aesthetic norms of the community  KINNAURI SHAWLS — Kullu, Himachal
to the next generation, thereby ensuring Pradesh
SC
its continuity and relevance in present  JAMDANI — West Bengal
times.
 MUGA SILK — Assam
 Ramman
 KASAVU — Kerala
 Every year in late April, the twin
villages of Saloor-Dungra in the state  MADRAS CHECKS (plaid) — Chennai,
of Uttarakhand (northern India) are Tamil Nadu
marked by Ramman.  KOTA DORIA — Kaithoon village,
GS

Rajasthan
 It is a religious festival in honour of the
tutelary god, Bhumiyal Devta, a local  AJRAKH — Kutch Gujarat & Barmer
divinity whose temple houses most of Rajasthan
the festivities.
 NARAYAN PETH SARI — Sholapur,
 This event is made up of highly complex Maharashtra
rituals: the recitation of a version of the
 KANTHA — West Bengal
epic of Rama and various legends, and
the performance of songs and masked  KUNBI FABRIC — GOA
dances.
 BAGRU PRINT — Rajasthan
 The festival is organized by villagers,
 ILKAL SARI — Karnataka
and each caste and occupational group
has a distinct role.  MANGALGIRI FABRIC — Vijaywada &
Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
Topic: UNESCO Intangible Cultural
Heritage of India  SANGNERI PRINT — Rajasthan
Sub-Topic: Indian Dance & Drama  BOMKAI SARI — Ganjam, Odisha
 BHAGALPURI SILK — Bhagalpur, Bihar
37. Correct Option: (c)  LEPCHA — Sikkim
Explanation: Topic: India Crafts
 Option (c) is correct Sub-Topic: Regional Fabrice

PTS2023/PPP-01/102022/24 16

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38. Correct Option: (a) 39. Correct Option: (a)

Explanation:
 Statement 2 is incorrect: Till date 5
Indian cities have joined the network,
namely, Varanasi (music), Chennai (music),
Mumbai (film), Jaipur (Crafts and folk art),
and Hyderabad (Gastronomy).
UNESCO’s Network of Creative Cities
 United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
has included Mumbai and Hyderabad in
its network of ‘Creative Cities’ among the
66 cities selected on the occasion of World
Cities Day 2019 (31st October).
 With the addition of 66 new cities, the
UNESCO Creative Cities Network counts a
.
Explanation:
 Statement 2 is incorrect: Except,
Tolkappiyam, part of 2nd Sangam, all the
work of first two Sangams have been lost
and only 3rd Sangam survives today.
 Sangam Literature – Three Sangams
 The Tamil legends talk about three
Sangams i.e. Madurai, Kapadapuram
and Thenmadurai
 All the works of the first two Sangams
except Tolkappiyam (2nd Sangam work)
are lost. Only the works of the third
Sangam survives.
Sangam Literature – Tolkappiyam
Composed by Tolkappiyar

RE
total of 246 cities.
 Mumbai has been designated as a Creative
City of Films and Hyderabad as a Creative
City of Gastronomy.
 Earlier, Indian cities like Chennai and
Varanasi have been included in UNESCO
Cities of Music while Jaipur has been

 Oldest extant Tamil work till date
 Dated between 4th and 5th century CE
 Offers information on social life, human
psychology, political and economic conditions
during the Sangam Age


Arts.
By joining the UNESCO Creative Cities
O
included in the City of Crafts and Folk


Also discusses Tamil grammar
The work is divided into three sections, each
section further divided into nine chapters

Network (UCCN), the cities pledge to share  Contains a total of 1612 sutras which are
SC
extensive in their range
best practices and develop partnerships
involving public and private sectors as well  Sanskrit influence on this work is peripheral
as civil society to strengthen the creation, and very little
production, and distribution of cultural
Third Tamil Sangam
activities.
 The compositions of the third Sangam are
 It was created in 2004.
classified into eight anthologies known
Currently (2019), 246 cities make up this as Ettuttokoi/Ettuthokai and ten idylls
GS


network which aims towards a common known as Pattuppattu.
objective of placing creativity and cultural  Ettuttokoi/Ettuthokai consists of Natrinai,
industries at the heart of their development Kuruntogai, Ainkurunuru (composed by
plans at the local level and cooperating Gudalur Mar), Pathitrupathu, Paripadal,
actively at the international level. Kalittogai, Ahanuru (compiled by
 The UNESCO Creative Cities aims Rudrasarman) and Purananuru
to achieve Sustainable Development  Pattuppattu consists of Thiru
Goals through innovative thinking and Murugatrupadai (composed by Nakkirar),
action. Sirupanarruppadai, Perumbanarruppadai,
 Also, cities are championing sustainable Pattinappalai, Maduraikkanji,
Porunararrupadai, Kurinchippattu,
development actions that directly
Nedunalvadai, Malaipadukadam and
benefit communities at the urban
Mullaippattu
level.
 The third Sangam saw the
 Sustainable Development Goal 11 aims for
Patinenkilkanakku. They mainly deal with
Sustainable Cities and Communities.
moral values. The most important among
 The network covers seven creative fields: them is the Thirukkural, also simply
crafts and folk arts, media arts, film, design, called the Kural. Other important works
gastronomy, literature and music. are Palamoli (by Munrurai Araiyar) and
Acharakkovai (contains a description of the
Topic: India Dance & Drama daily life of an orthodox Hindu, shows the
Sub-Topic: UNESCO Creative Cities influence of the Sanskrit Shastras).

17
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Topic: India Literature
Sub-Topic: Sangam Literature
40. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 All pairs are correctly matched
Literature during Freedom Movement
 Literature played a significant role in the
struggle for India’s freedom. Beginning with
the 19th century, when nationalist ideas
began to emerge and literature in different
Indian languages entered its modem phase,
more and more writers began to employ
literature for patriotic purpose.
 Besides inspiring people to make all kinds
of sacrifices for the cause of the country’s
liberation, literature also brought out the
weaknesses of the nationalist movement
and its leaders.
 Despite his westernisation, R. C. Dutt
remained a Hindu who admired and
respected his traditions and culture. It
is this aspect of his personality that led
him - the author of The Economic
O 
History of India - to write the History
of Civilisation in Ancient India and
translate the Rig Veda, Ramayana and
SC
the Mahabharata. This he was prompted
to do by what he termed his ‘literary
patriotism’.
 Govardhanram Tripathi, one of the
makers of modern Gujarati literature, who
wrote the four parts of his famous
novel, Sarasvatichandra, over a period
of no less than fourteen years (1887-1901).
GS
Designed as an epic in prose, and written
professedly to inspire and educate the
reading classes of Gujarat about the destiny
of their country, Sarasvatichandra deals
with the multi-faceted problems of India
in bondage and lays down possible lines of
action for patriotically inclined Indians. It
laments the loss of India’s independence.
 Commenting on British rule, Vishnushastri
Krishnashastri Chiplunkar in his
Nibandhamala about the way English
educated Indians had been affected by it:
‘Crushed by English poetry, our freedom
has been destroyed.’ In this comment poetry’
stands for English education and all those
intellectual influences by means of which
the faith was instilled among Indians that
British rule was for their result of divine
dispensation.
Topic: India Literature
Sub-Topic: Literature during Freedom
Movement
PTS2023/PPP-01/102022/24
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41. Correct Option: (b)
.
Explanation:
 Statement 3 is incorrect: Swetambar
Jains have accepted the recorded Agam
Sutras as an authentic version of Lord
Mahavir’s teachings, while Digambar Jains
have not.
Jain literature is classified into two major
categories:
 Agam or Canonical Literature (Agam
Sutras): Agam literature consists of many
texts, which are the sacred books of the Jain
religion. They are written in the Ardha-
magadhi Prakrit language.
 Non-Agam Literature: Non-agam
literature consists of commentary and
explanation of Agam literature, and
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independent works, compiled by ascetics
and scholars. They are written in many
languages such as Prakrit, Sanskrit,
Apabhramsa, Old Marathi, Rajasthani,
Gujarati, Hindi, Kannad, Tamil, German,
and English.
Lord Mahavir’s preaching were orally and
methodically compiled by his immediate
disciples, known as the Gandharas, and
elder monks known as Srut-kevalis, into
many texts (scriptures).
 These scriptures are known as Jain Agam or
Agam Sutras., the sacred books of the Jain
religion. Hence, the Jain religion does not
have one sacred book, like the Bible or the
Koran, but it has many books compiled by
Gandharas and Srut-kevalis during the 150
years after Lord Mahavir’s nirvan (death).
The Agam Sutras teach great reverence for

all forms of life, strict codes of vegetarianism,
asceticism, compassion, nonviolence, and
opposition to war.
 In olden times, Jain ascetics believe that
the religious books and scriptures are
possessions and attachments. Therefore the
scriptures were not documented in any form
but were memorized by ascetics and passed
on by oral tradition to future generations of
ascetics.
 The memorized sutras were divided into
two major groups:
 Ang Agams (or Ang Pravista Agams):
Ang Agam sutras contain direct
preaching of Lord Mahavir. They consist
of 12 texts that were originally compiled
by immediate disciples of Lord Mahavir
known as Ganadhars. Collectively these
Sutras are known as Dwädashängi. They
were compiled immediately after Lord
Mahavir’s nirvana (death). The twelfth
text is called Drstiwad, which includes
18

14 Purvas. The foremost of these Angas
is Ächäräng Sutra. Other well-known
Angas are Sutrakrutäng, Samaväyäng,
Sthänäng and Vyäkhyä Prajnapti or
Bhagawati Sutra.
 Angbahya Agams (outside of Ang
Agams): Angbayha Agam sutras provide
further explanation of Ang Agam sutras.
They were originally compiled by Shrut
Kevali monks, who possessed total
knowledge of the soul by studying 12
Ang Agams. They consist of 14 texts
according to the Digambar sect, 34 texts
according to the Swetambar Murtipujak
sect, and 21 texts according to the
Sthanakvasi and Terapanthi sects. They
were compiled within 160 years after
Lord Mahavir’s nirvana. They are sub-
classified into Upängs, Mul Sutras,
Chheda Sutras, Chulika, and Prakirna
Sutras. Dashä Vaikälika, Uttarädhyayan
and Ävashyaka are the most well-known
Sutras belonging to this category.
 The Agam literature is composed in
Ardhamägadhi, Präkrit language, which
was the language understood in the area
O mirrors. The splendour of the palace is
where Lord Mahävir went about during His
life. Also, during the course of time many
learned Ächäryas (elder monks) compiled
many commentaries on the Agam literature
and independent works on various subjects
SC
of Jain philosophy and religion.
 About one thousand years after Lord
Mahavir’s nirvana the memorized Agam
Sutras and their commentaries were
recorded on leafy papers (Tadpatris).
 Swetambar Jains have accepted
the recorded Agam Sutras (11 Ang
GS
Agams and all Angbayha Sutras) as an
authentic version of Lord Mahavir’s
teachings, while Digambar Jains have
not. They concluded that after the famine,
the entire Jain canonical literature (Ang and
Angbayha Agam Sutras) became extinct.
 In the absence of authentic Agam sutras,
Digambars follow Shatkhand Agam and
Kasay Pahud as their main texts and four
Anuyogs (which includes about 20 texts)
written by great ascetics from 100 to 900
AD as their basis to follow and practice the
Jain religion.
Topic: India Literature
Sub-Topic: Jain Literature
42. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Raja Man
Singh I began construction of Amber Fort
in 1592.
19
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.
 Pair 2 is incorrectly matched:
Kumbhalgarh Fort has the second longest
wall of 36kms in the world after the Great
Wall of China.
Forts in India
 Amber Fort, Jaipur
 A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was
the bastion of the Kachwahas of Amber,
until the capital was moved to the plains,
to what is today Jaipur. The palace,
located in craggy hills, is a beautiful
melange of Hindu and Mughal styles.
 Raja Man Singh I began construction
in 1592 and the palace, which was built
as a strong, safe haven against attacking
enemies, was completed by Mirja Raja
Jai Singh. The contrast between the
RE
harsh exterior and the inviting interior
couldn’t be more surprising.
 Made entirely of red sandstone and
white marble, visitors are left spellbound
by the magnificence of the palace that
utilises carvings, precious stones and
enhanced by the breath-taking vista of
the Maota Lake in front.
Mehrangarh Fort
 The fort was founded by Rao Jodha in
1459 AD. Within it, the fort contains the
Maharaja’s palace, several temples and
an extensive garden.
 Narrating the true spirit of Rathores,
Mehrangarh is one of the best preserved
forts in India. Within the fort, there
are magnificent palaces like Sheesh
Mahal and Phool Mahal which will
leave you awestruck.
 There are six different galleries in
the Mehrangarh Museum: Elephant’s
howdahs, Palanquins, Daulat Khana,
Armory, Paintings and the Turban
Gallery. National Geological Monument,
Nagnecha Mataji Temple, Chamunda
Temple and Rao Jodha Desert Rock
Park are the tourist attractions in
Mehrangarh Fort.
Raigad Fort
 Raigad was the capital of the
Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj. It is a hill fort situated in the
Mahad, Raigad district. The fort rises
820 metres (2,700 ft) above the sea
level and has approximately 1737 steps
leading to it.
 “Shiv Raajabhishek” the Coronation
ceremony of Shivaji Maharaj was
the most significant event at Raigad
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which also was witness to the death of
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Topic: India Monuments
Sub-Topic: Forts in India
43. Correct Option: (b)
Explanation:
 Option (b) is correct: Sivadvaita is the
philosophy of Srikanthacharya.
Philosophy in Medieval India
 The major religious movements were
brought about by the mystics. They
contributed to the religious ideas and
beliefs. Bhakti saints like Vallabhacharya,
Ramanuja, Nimbaraka brought about new
philosophical thinking which had its origin
in Shankaracharya’s advaita (non-dualism)
philosophy.
 Vishistadvaita of Ramanujacharya:
Vishistadvaita means modified monism. The
ultimate reality according to this philosophy
his qualities.
O
is Brahman (God) and matter and soul are
 Sivadvaita of Srikanthacharya:
According to this philosophy the ultimate
SC
Brahman is Shiva, endowed with Shakti.
Shiva exists in this world as well as beyond
it.
 Dvaita of Madhavacharya: The literal
meaning of dvaita is dualism which stands
in opposition to non-dualism and monism
of Shankaracharya. He believed that the
GS
world is not an illusion (maya) but a reality
full of differences.
 Dvaitadvaita of Nimbaraka: Dvaitadvaita
means dualistic monism. According to this
philosophy God transformed himself into
world and soul. This world and soul are
different from God (Brahman). They could
survive with the support of God only. They
are separate but dependent.
 Suddhadvaita of Vallabhacharya:
Vallabhacharya wrote commentaries on
Vedanta Sutra and Bhagavad Gita. For
him. Brahman (God) was Sri Krishna who
manifested himself as souls and matter. God
and soul are not distinct, but one. The stress
was on pure non-dualism. His philosophy
came to be known as Pushtimarga (the
path of grace) and the school was called
Rudrasampradaya.
Topic: India Philosophy
Sub-Topic: Philosophy in Medieval India
PTS2023/PPP-01/102022/24
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44. Correct Option: (c)
.
Explanation:
 Both statements are correct
Classical Language
 According to information provided by the
Ministry of Culture in the Rajya Sabha,
the guidelines for declaring a language as
‘Classical’ are:
 High antiquity of its early texts/recorded
history over a period of 1500-2000
years;
 A body of ancient literature/texts, which
is considered a valuable heritage by
generations of speakers;
 The literary tradition be original and
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not borrowed from another speech
community;
 The classical language and literature
being distinct from modern, there may
also be a discontinuity between the
classical language and its later forms or
its offshoots.”
Topic: India Language
Sub-Topic: Classical Language
45. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Second
Rajatarangini was written by Jonaraja.
 Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Rajavinoda
was written by Udayaraja.
Sanskrit literature of the medieval
period
 Among the historical poems of the period was
the Rajavinoda that was a biography of
Sultan Mahmud Begarha of Gujarat
written by his court poet, Udayaraja.
 Another important work was Kalhan’s
Rajtarangini, which presented a history of
the kings of Kashmir. It was written in the
12th century A.D.
 The second Rajtaranginni was written
by Jonaraja who wrote the history of the
kings of Kashmir from Jayasimha to Sultan
Zainul Abidin and the third was written by
Srivara Pandita who wrote the history of
the region till 1486.
 Srivara Pandita titled his work
Jaina-Rajatarangini or, Tritiya
Rajatarangini.
Topic: India Literature
Sub-Topic: Sanskrit literature
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46. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 All pairs are correctly matched
Harvest festivals of India
 Good harvest festivals are celebrated
throughout the country like the festival
of Rongali Bihu in Assam, Nabanna in
Bengal, Baisakhi in Punjab, Onam in
Kerala and Pongal in Tamil Nadu. In some
festivals bulls are honoured since they
are indispensable to farming like the Pola
festival of South India.
 Pola is a festival of the state of
Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya
Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka
which celebrated by the farmers by the
worship of the bull. During the Sravana
month the Pola festival is celebrated on
a new moon day which is also called the
Pithori Amavasya day. It is an occasion of
one day which is dedicated to the bulls of
the village.
 Wangala is the major harvest festivalO
celebrated every year in the Northeastern
part of the country. This harvest festivals
of India marks the onset of winter. Many
parts of states like Assam, Mizoram and
Meghalaya are known for celebrating this
SC
day with great excitement.
 Hareli is celebrated largely in districts of
Chattisgarh during the monsoon (Sawan)
months of the year i.e. from July to August.
During this harvest festival in India,
the members of the tribes pray to cows,
motherland, farming equipment and crops
GS
and celebrate the upcoming season with lots
of social and cultural events and gatherings.
Cher Chera is also a popular festival
celebrated in Chattisgarh with dances and
folk songs in tribal regions of the state.
 Also called Nabanna in West Bengal,
Nuakhai is celebrated in August, primarily
as a thanksgiving for prosperity and to
honour the hard work that farmers put in to
keep the country full and happy.
Topic: India Regional festivals
Sub-Topic: Harvest festivals of India
47. Correct Option: (d)
Explanation:
 Both statements are correct
Kanphata Yogi
 Kanphata Yogi, also called Gorakhnathi
and Nathapanthi, member of an order of
21
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.
religious ascetics in India that venerates
the Hindu deity Shiva.
 Kanphata Yogis are distinguished by the
large earrings they wear in the hollows of
their ears (kanphata, “ear split”). They are
sometimes referred to as Tantric (esoteric)
sannyasis (ascetics), because of their
emphasis on the acquiring of supernatural
powers in contrast to more-common practices
of devotion (bhakti) and meditation.
 They are followers of Gorakhnath, who is
said to have lived in the 12th century or even
earlier. The ideology of the Kanphata Yogis
incorporates elements of mysticism, magic,
and alchemy absorbed from both Shaivite
(devotees of Shiva) and Buddhist esoteric
systems, as well as from Hatha Yoga.
 The “ear-splitting” process of diksha, for
RE
which the Kanphata is named, is only carried
out on young males between the ages of five
and fifteen. It marks the beginning of the
boy’s dedication to the practices of the sect.
Topic: India Yogi
Sub-Topic: Kanphata Yogi
48. Correct Option: (c)
Explanation:
 Statement 3 is incorrect: The I.A.S.
Tamil Medical Manuscript Collection was
the first Indian documentary heritage,
recommended for inclusion in the Memory
of the World Register.
International Memory of the World
Register by UNESCO
 UNESCO established the Memory of
the World Programme in 1992. Impetus
came originally from a growing awareness
of the parlous state of preservation of, and
access to, documentary heritage in various
parts of the world. War and social upheaval,
as well as severe lack of resources, have
worsened problems which have existed for
centuries. Significant collections worldwide
have suffered a variety of fates. Looting
and dispersal, illegal trading, destruction,
inadequate housing and funding have all
played a part. Much as vanished forever;
much is endangered. Happily, missing
documentary heritage is sometimes
rediscovered.
 The vision of the Memory of the World
Programme is that the world’s documentary
heritage belongs to all, should be fully
preserved and protected for all and, with
due recognition of cultural mores and
practicalities, should be permanently
accessible to all without hindrance.
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The I.A.S. Tamil Medical Manuscript
Collection
 Documentary heritage submitted by India
and recommended for inclusion in the
Memory of the World Register in 1997.
 Mostly Tamil Medical Manuscripts
preserved at the Institute of Asian Studies
reflect the ancient system of medicine,
practised by yogis. This system explains the
methods of obtaining medicines from herbs,
herbal roots, leaves, flowers, barks, fruits
etc. The proportions of the ingredients as
well as the specific processes are explained
in detail.
Rigveda
 Documentary heritage submitted by India
and recommended for inclusion in the
Memory of the World Register in 2007.
Topic: India Veda Heritage
Sub-Topic: Rigveda
49. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Option (a) is correct
O 
Tibetan and Mongolian Buddhist Canon
 The Sanskrit texts were translated into
SC
Tibetan and were edited in the 14th century
in 333 volumes. The Tibetan literature is in
two parts:
 Kanjur (Translation of the Word of the
Buddha) includes the Vinaya, Sutra and
Abhidharma and also the Tantric texts.
 Tanjur (Translation of Commentaries)
GS
consists of commentaries on the main
texts, hymns and also writings on
medicine, grammar and so on.
 The first edition was published in Beijing
in 1410 C.E.. Only a small portion of
the Tibetan Canon has been translated
into English. The Tibetan Tripitaka was
translated into Mongolian in the 18 century
C.E.
™™™™™
PTS2023/PPP-01/102022/24
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.
Topic: India Buddhist Heritage
Sub-Topic: Tibetan and Mongolian Buddhist
Canon
50. Correct Option: (a)
Explanation:
 Statement 2 is incorrect: It belongs to
the Pala period.
Maitreyayvarakarana
 Maitreyayvarakarana is a very short
text, written on palm leaf in the mixed
character of Kutila and Ranjana script, a
manuscript of the Pala period (at the
time of Gopaladeva, 57th regna; year,
approx. 10th century A.D.) is in the
possession of the Asiatic Society, Kolkata.
RE
 It is believed, Maitreya, the future
prophet will eventually appear on earth
as enlightened Buddha and teach the pure
dharma. The text was written in a period
when Buddhist literature faced a transition
from the Sthaviravada to Mahayana
school.
Vyakarana in Buddhist sanskrit signifies
a particular type of composition about
the prophesy or prediction of the future
Buddhas, as found in Navanga division of
Buddhavacana.
 As per Mahayanic conception
Vyakarana signifies a special type of
Avadana-Literature relating to future
Buddhahood of a being or deity or a chief
disciple in a particular world. As a text is
a source of ecclesiastic and iconographic
inspiration to people popular throughout
the Buddhist world.
 This documentary heritage had been
submitted by India and recommended
for inclusion in the Memory of the World
Register in 2017.
Topic: India Buddhist Heritage Site
Sub-Topic: Maitreyayvarakarana
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