Daily Quiz #39 UPSC Prelims Marathon – December 16, 2019

Explanation: It is located in Anantnag, Kashmir and was built in 8th century AD under the aegis of Karkota Dynasty ruler Lalitaditya Muktapida. It is considered to be a synthesis of various schools of architecture. There are Gandhara, Chinese and Gupta influences on the monuments. The complex is in a shape of courtyard, surrounded by columns. The main temple has a pyramidal top and carvings of gods like Vishnu, river goddess Ganga and Yamuna, and Sun God.

Explanation: Located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, these mural paintings were executed on Veerabhadra temple walls at Lepakshi in 16th Century. Made during the Vijaynagara period, they follow a religious theme, based on Ramayana, Mahabharata and incarnations of Vishnu. The paintings show a complete absence of primary colours, especially blue. They depict a decline in painting in terms of quality. The forms, figures and details of their costumes are outlined with black colour.

Explanation: Patola sarees are exquisite sarees from Patan, Gujarat, traditionally woven for royalty only. The fineness of the fabric and complex weaving technique used made these sarees very expensive which is why only the richest merchants and noblewomen were able to afford them. To this date, the true Patola saree takes anything between 6 months to 2 years to weave, depending on the design and pattern. This ancient craft is still practiced by the Salvi family in Patan, who are the sole producers of the authentic Patola sari.

Explanation: Lord Reading 1921-1926
(i) Chauri Chaura incident (February 5, 1922) and the subsequent withdrawal of Non-Cooperation Movement
(ii) Moplah rebellion in Kerala (1921).
(iii) Repeal of the Press Act of 1910 and the Rowlatt Act of 1919.
(iv) Criminal Law Amendment Act and abolition of cotton excise.

Explanation: This policy was reflected in Warren Hastings’ wars against the Marathas and Mysore, and aimed at creating buffer zones to defend the Company’s frontiers. The main threat was from the Marathas and Afghan invaders (the Company undertook to organise Awadh’s defence to safeguard Bengal’s security). Wellesley’s policy of subsidiary alliance was an extension of ring fence—which sought to reduce states to a position of dependence on British Government in India. Major Powers such as Hyderabad, Awadh and the Marathas accepted subsidiary alliance. Thus, British supremacy was established.