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Art & CultureMediumAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2024, GK

The antariya was a garment worn by people during the Mauryan period. It was :

  1. A.an unstitched length of cloth draped around the body.
  2. B.a sewn garment consisting of a sleeved tunic.
  3. C.a head covering used exclusively by women.
  4. D.made of strips sewn together tied at the waist with a cord

Correct answer

A. an unstitched length of cloth draped around the body.

Explanation

The correct answer is A, an unstitched length of cloth draped around the body. The antariya was the lower garment of ancient India, a long piece of cotton or fine fabric wrapped around the hips and legs and tucked in, much like the later dhoti. Sculptures of the Mauryan and Shunga periods, such as the Didarganj Yakshi and the figures at Bharhut and Sanchi, show it worn by both men and women. It was held at the waist by a sash called the kayabandh, and the upper body was covered by a separate draped scarf, the uttariya. The three pieces together formed the basic costume, and the antariya is the ancestor of the dhoti, lungi and sari. Option B is wrong because a sleeved tunic was a stitched garment that became common later with the Kushanas and other Central Asian influences. Option C is wrong because the antariya was a lower garment worn by both sexes, not a head covering. Option D is wrong because it was a single woven length, not strips sewn together. Exam tip: antariya below, uttariya above, kayabandh at the waist.

Practice Questions

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Q2.Art & CultureAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2024, GKMedium

Consider the following statements about the Ancient Hindu metal images in India : 1. The Chola period is well known for the aesthetic and technical finesse of its metal sculpture. 2. The iconography and style of Chola metal images were similar to those of their stone counterparts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2

Chola bronzes are celebrated for their beauty and casting skill, and they follow the same iconographic rules and style as the stone sculpture of the period.

Q3.Art & CultureAsked in: NDA · NDA-I 2022, GATMedium

Early Buddhist sculptors did not show Buddha in human form. Through which of the following symbols was Buddha's presence shown by the early sculptors?

  1. A.Empty Seat and Stupa only
  2. B.Wheel and Tree only
  3. C.Wheel, Tree and Stupa only
  4. D.Empty Seat, Wheel, Tree and Stupa
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Empty Seat, Wheel, Tree and Stupa

In the early sculpture at sites such as Sanchi, Bharhut and Amaravati, the Buddha was not carved as a man; his presence was suggested through symbols, each tied to an event of his life.

Q4.Art & CultureAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IMedium

The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple?

1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.

2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.

3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: A. 1 and 2 only

Somnath is a Jyotirlinga and Al-Biruni described it, but the present temple was consecrated by President Rajendra Prasad, not S. Radhakrishnan.

Q5.Art & CultureAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2022, GS Paper IMedium

The world's second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja ?

  1. A.The best means of salvation was devotion.
  2. B.Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.
  3. C.Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss.
  4. D.Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.
Show answer
Correct answer: A. The best means of salvation was devotion.

Ramanuja taught that loving devotion (bhakti) to Vishnu and complete surrender (prapatti) are the surest path to liberation.