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Art & CultureMediumAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · CSE Prelims 2017, GS Paper I

Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples ? 1. Arasavalli 2. Amarakantak 3. Omkareshwar Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3

Correct answer

A. 1 only

Explanation

The correct answer is A, 1 only. Of the three, only Arasavalli is known for a Sun temple. Arasavalli, near Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, has the Suryanarayana Swamy temple, one of the few living Sun temples in India; it is said to date back to the Eastern Ganga kings, and on certain days the morning rays fall directly on the idol. Amarkantak, on the Maikal hills in Madhya Pradesh, is famous as the source of the Narmada and Son rivers and for its Narmada Udgam temple and Kalachuri-era temples, not for Sun worship. Omkareshwar, on an island in the Narmada in Madhya Pradesh, is famous as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva. Option B is wrong because both of its places are linked with the Narmada and Shiva, not the Sun. Option C is wrong because it includes Omkareshwar. Option D is wrong because it includes Amarkantak and Omkareshwar. Exam tip: Sun temples to remember are Konark (Odisha), Modhera (Gujarat), Martand (Kashmir) and Arasavalli (Andhra Pradesh).

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Q1.Art & CultureAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2024, GKMedium

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
Show answer
Correct answer: 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.

Q3.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.

Q4.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.

Q5.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.