Daily Quiz: UPSC Prelims Marathon – March 26, 2018

Statement 1 is incorrect. In Vedic society, monogamy was generally practiced while polygamy was prevalent among the royal and noble families. There was no child marriage and the practice of sati was absent.

Statement 2 is incorrect. In the later Vedic period, a large number of new officials were involved in the administration in addition to the existing purohita, senani and gramani. They include the treasury officer, tax collector and royal messenger. At the lower levels, the administration was carried on by the village assemblies. The importance of the Samiti and the Sabha had diminished during the later Vedic period.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The rulers of Vijaynagara Empire combined the features of chola, Hoysala, Pandyas, Chalukyas architecural styles. Under them, the architectural style started to be influenced by the Indo-Islamic style of Bijapur, which in turn was reflected in the temples built during the period of 1335-1565 AD.

Statement 2 is correct. The sculptures on the pillars were carved with distinctive features. The horse was the most common animal found in these pillars.

Vatsyayana in his book mentioned about 6 main principles/limbs or shadanga of paintings they are:

Rupabheda (Variety of form), Sadrisyan (portrayal of likeliness of the subject), Bhava (creation of luster and gleam with the colours), Varnikabhanga (mixing of colours to resemble the effects of modelling) pramanam (proportion of the object or subject) and Lavanyayoganam (immersion of emotions).

The caves of Bhimbetka were discovered by an archaeologist from Vikram University, Ujjain, Dr. Vishnu Wakankar. He strayed too far from the beaten path and found himself amidst this prehistoric treasure trove. In due course of time, the archaeological excavations yielded remains, serially from the lower palaeolithic Age to the early medieval Ages.

The Stupa at Sanchi does not have mural paintings. The works on the walls or a solid structure are referred to as Murals. The evidence of such paintings can be found at several locations in India. Some of locations are Ajanta, Armamalai cave, Ravan Chhaya rock Shelter, Bagh caves, sittanavasal caves and Kailasanatha temple in Ellora.

The Stupa at Sanchi is one of the most important Buddhist monuments reflecting gem of Buddhist art and architecture. This consists of a central chamber where the relics of Lord Buddha are placed. Four ornamental gateways facing four directions and a balustrade surrounding the Stupa were later added in the first century BCE. A typical example of a Stupa and an excellent illustration of the development of Buddhist art and sculpture starting from the third century BC through the twelfth century AD. Enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989, it is counted among the best conserved ancient Stupas of central India.

Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Carnatic Sangeet has developed in the south Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. These states are known for their strong presentation of Dravidian culture. Purandardas (1480-1564) is considered to be the father of Carnatic music. It has only one particular prescribed style of singing.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Tabla is associated with Hindustani music. The principal instruments played with Carnatic music are Veena, Mrindagum and Mandolin.

Amir Khusro is credited with fashioning the Tabla as a split version of the traditional Indian drum, the pakhawaj.

The string puppets of Karnataka are called Gombeyatta.

They are styled and designed like the characters of Yakshagana, the traditional theatre form of the region. The puppets have rounded figures with legs, and joints at shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. The Gombeyatta puppet figures are highly stylized.