Daily Quiz: UPSC Prelims Marathon – January 1st, 2018

Lodhi Sultans carries the tradition of mixture of Tughlaq and Turkish Style of Architecture. In their buildings arches and beams both are used and also the balconies, caves and mandaps in the Rajasthani and Gujarati styles. Lodhi Sultans used a new style as well, e.g., construction of tombs on a raised platform so that they can appear to be lofty and huge.

The Tomb of Sikander Lodhi was constructed within the Lodhi Gardens. Some tombs of this period were octagonal. Some of these characteristics were adopted later on by the Mughals also. In this period the outer layer of the domes were decorated with coloured covering.

The tomb of Sikander Lodhi is the best building of this period built in 1517 A.D. by Ibrahim Lodhi. The tomb is situated in a big surrounding wall and its dome is surrounded by an umbrella with eight pillars.

Chhatris are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions used as an element in Indian architecture. The word Chhatri means “canopy” or “umbrella.”

The tomb of Sikandar Lodi was the first example with a double dome, lifting its height in order to get a more attractive outward appearance.A double dome is built of two layers. There is one layer inside which provides ceiling to the interior of the building. The other layer is the outer one which crowns the buildings. The devices of double dome enable the ceiling inside to be placed lower and In better relation to the Interior space it covers. This is done without disturbing the proportions and the effect of elevation of the exterior. The method of making double dome was

All the above statement is correct

The third volume of Akbar nama is named Ā’īn-i-Akbarī, and details the administrative system of the Empire as well as containing the famous “Account of the Hindu Sciences”. It also deals with Akbar’s household, army, the revenues and the geography of the empire. It also produces rich details about the traditions and culture of the people living in India. It is famous for its rich statistical details about things as diverse as crop yields, prices, wages and revenues

Ekambareswarar Temple is one of the famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Kanchipuram in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.

It is one of the five major Shiva temples or Pancha Bootha Sthalams (each representing a natural element) representing the element – Earth. The other four temples in this category are Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara (water), Chidambaram Natarajar (ether), Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire) and Kalahasti Nathar (wind).

The Lad Khan Temple, dedicated to Shiva, is one of the oldest Hindu temples and is located in Aihole in the state of Karnataka, India. It was built in the 5th century by the kings of the Chalukya dynasty.

Gangaikondacholapuram Temple at Thanjavur (Tanjore) is dedicated to Lord Shiva. … Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is an architectural work of genius. … Gangaikonda Cholapuram is regarded as the reproduction of Brihadisvara Temple that was built by Rajaraja Chola, father of Rajendra Chola

Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A

The slow growth of missionary education before 1813 was due to the hostile attitude of the Company.

Generally, the Company was favourable to the missionary work before 1763.

But when the Company became sovereign political power it abandoned the policy of proselytization and began to maintain strict religious neutrality.

The Company also supported the Orientalist policy in education between 1781 and 1791.

The missionaries did not like this policy of the Company and convinced Wilberforce to move a Resolution in the House of Commons in favour of missionary education in India. But the Court of Directors opposed to this policy of missionaries.

The people who agitated in favour of the missionary education was Charles Grant, the father of modern education in India

Description of the caste system of the  Tamils is found in the “Tolkappiyam”. Tolkappiyar speaks of the four castes of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras, though he employs appellations in terms of the Tamil language prevalent in the Tamil country. Thus he  equates Brahmins with Antanar, Kshatriyas with Arasar, the Vaishyas without  any modification and the Sudras with Vellalas. The implied identification of the Sudras with the Vellalas is inexplicable because, then, as ever afterwards, the VeIIaIas constituted only one section of the so-called Sudras.

The art of puppetry is practiced by a community of agricultural laborers of Rajasthan. Known as the Bhats, these people have been associated with Rajasthani string puppetry to carry forward their traditional occupation. Though they belong, originally, to the Nagaur area in the Marwar region, they travel all through the countryside to exhibit their skills. Also known by the name of the “kathputliwalas”, they usually perform the puppet shows during the late evenings.

The plays are usually narrated by the female members of the troupe. The narration is accompanied with appropriate songs and beats on the drums that are in perfect harmony with the movements of the puppets. The shows, usually lasting one hour, are enjoyed by people belonging to all the age groups

Ambubachi Mela is held in Guwahati, Assam. The festival is celebrated during the month of June in the Kamakhya Temple. Thousands of devotees from all over India and abroad throng the temple; thus this mela can rightly be called the ‘Mahakumbh of the East’. It is believed that during this time of each year Goddess Kamakhya goes through her annual menstrual cycle. The temple remains closed for three days and is considered unclean, however the devotees throng the temple’s premises to seek Goddess’ blessing even though the doors are closed. It is also during this time of the year when the Tantrik Cult is seen performing various unusual rites. After three days the temple re-opens and the devotees are allowed to offer prayer to the deity.