Which one of the following animals does not come under the category of four noble animals (Maha-Ajaneya Pasu) carved on the round drum (Anda-Phalaka) of the lion capital at Sarnath?
- A.Deer
- B.Lion
- C.Bull
- D.Horse
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is A, Deer. The round drum below the lions of the Sarnath capital carries an elephant, a bull, a horse and a lion; there is no deer.
The Sarnath pillar was set up by Ashoka in the third century BCE where the Buddha gave his first sermon. Its capital has four lions seated back to back on top. Below them is a circular abacus carved with the four animals in motion, each separated by a wheel with 24 spokes, the dharma chakra. Under the abacus is an inverted lotus bell. The whole capital is carved from one block of polished Chunar sandstone. India adopted it as the State Emblem on 26 January 1950; the emblem shows three lions, the wheel, a bull on one side and a galloping horse on the other, with "Satyameva Jayate" below.
B, C and D are wrong because the lion, the bull and the horse are all among the four animals on the drum.
Exam tip: Sarnath abacus animals: elephant, bull, horse, lion; the emblem shows the bull and the horse.
Practice Questions
View allConsider the following statements about Ajanta Cave paintings :
1. The paintings depict yakshas, gandharvas and apsaras.
2. The artists have used the technique of providing "multiple perspectives".
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
The Ajanta paintings show yakshas, gandharvas and apsaras among their figures, and their painters used multiple perspectives to show crowded scenes.
Read the full explanation →In which one of the following states are the Guntupalle Buddhist Caves located ?
- A.Andhra Pradesh
- B.Karnataka
- C.Tamil Nadu
- D.Kerala
Show answer
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Read the full explanation →With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism.
2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
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Read the full explanation →With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs:
1. Parivrajaka - Renunciant and Wanderer
2. Shramana - Priest with a high status
3. Upasaka - Lay follower of Buddhism
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
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Read the full explanation →Consider the following statements about Ellora:
1. This art-historical site is associated exclusively with Buddhism.
2. The Kailasa temple at Ellora has been built of dressed stone and kiln fired bricks.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
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Read the full explanation →