UPSC Essentials : Daily Subject-wise quiz | History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 19)

QUESTION 1

With reference to the Chola Empire, consider the following statements:

1. The Chola kingdom stretched across present-day Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

2. The empire was at its most expansive under Rajendra.

3. Arulmozhivarman was one of the only Indian monarchs to conquer territory outside the Indian subcontinent.

4. The gigantic Bridheshwara Temple is one of the finest examples of artistic brilliance.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

QUESTION 2

Consider the following:

1. Decentralisation and delegation

2. Ethical leadership and respect for people

3. Innovation and strategic planning

4. Policies toward religious minorities

On how many of the above Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have management principles?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

QUESTION 3

Consider the following statements:

1. It is known to be an art of metal wire inlay in wood.

2. It is famous for its intricately carved symmetrical pattern.

3. The patterns inlaid are usually intricate geometric forms or floral from the Mughal arts.

The above-mentioned statements refer to:

(a) Sambhal Horn craft

(b) Mainpuri Tarkash

(c) Baghpat Home Furnishings

(d) Barabanki Handloom

QUESTION 4

This Cham Dance is performed by some members of the Tibetan Buddhist community wearing vibrant costumes, masks, and headgear. It is believed that each mask signifies the victory of good over evil. It is also known as Tse-Chu, people dress up in traditional ensembles, enjoy local cuisines, and partake in various religious ceremonies.

The above-mentioned lines refer to which festival?

(a) Hemis Festival

(b) Tulip festival

(c) Shikara Festival

(d) Gurez Festival

QUESTION 5

Which of the following state has got geographical indication (GI) tag for Allagadda Stone Carving?

(a) Odisha

(b) Karnataka

(c) Andhra Pradesh

(d) Assam

ANSWERS TO THE MCQs

1. (b)

FYI:

— The Chola kingdom stretched across present-day Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— During the period of the Cholas’ rise and fall (around 9th to 12th century AD), other powerful dynasties of the region would also come and go, such as the Rashtrakutas of the Deccan who defeated the Cholas, and the Chalukyas of the Andhra Pradesh region whom the Cholas frequently battled.

— The dynasty was founded by the king Vijaylaya, described as a “feudatory” of the Pallavas by historian Satish Chandra in the book ‘The History of Medieval Era’.

— The empire was at its most expansive under Arulmozhivarman. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

— Rajendra was one of the only Indian monarchs to conquer territory outside the Indian subcontinent. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

— One of the biggest achievements of the Chola dynasty was its naval power, allowing them to go as far as Malaysia and the Sumatra islands of Indonesia in their conquests.

— The gigantic Bridheshwara Temple is one of the finest examples of artistic brilliance. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

2. (d)

FYI:

— Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a legendary 17th-century Indian warrior king and the founder of the Maratha Empire.

— His legacy is not only defined by his military successes but also by the management principles he implemented throughout his kingdom.

— Shivaji Maharaj was a visionary leader who recognised the importance of ethical practices, decentralisation, and empowering subordinates. His management principles continue to inspire leaders in the modern era.

The significant management principles of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was his commitment to:

— Decentralisation and delegation (Shivaji Maharaj believed in empowering subordinates and giving them the freedom to make decisions on their own. This allowed his army to respond quickly to changing situations and to make the most of emerging opportunities.) Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— Ethical leadership and respect for people (Shivaji Maharaj recognised that his people were the backbone of his kingdom, and they needed to be treated with dignity and respect. He believed that ethical practices were essential for building trust and that leaders should always strive to do what was right, even when it was difficult. He set an example of ethical leadership through his actions.) Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— Policies toward religious minorities (He was a devout Hindu, recognised the importance of religious tolerance, and was fair and just toward people of all faiths. He encouraged his subordinates to do the same and was quick to punish anyone who discriminated against people based on their religion.) Hence, statement 4 is correct.

— Financial management (He believed in transparent financial practices and accountability. His administration kept accurate records of income and expenditure, which helped in efficient allocation of resources.)

— Innovation and strategic planning (Shivaji Maharaj was a visionary leader who recognised the importance of innovation in his military tactics, infrastructure, and administration. He was always on the lookout for new ideas and technologies that could help his kingdom to grow and prosper) Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— Guerrilla warfare tactics (Shivaji Maharaj recognised that the Mughal army was much larger and better equipped than his own, and he needed to find a way to overcome their advantages.)

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

3. (b)

FYI:

— Mainpuri Tarkashi is known to be an art of metal wire inlay in wood. Taar means wire and nakkashi means to inlay.

— Mainpuri Tarkashi is famous for its intricately carved symmetrical pattern. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— Fine wire of brass, copper or silver is used as an inlay in wood. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— The patterns inlayed are usually intricate geometric forms or floral from Mughal arts. The artisans craft the object with much finesse and expert craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— The Mainpuri Tarkashi craft of Uttar Pradesh is today known for its fine inlay work with brass wire, strips and motifs on dark sheesham with fine dots and patterned lines and is used extensively for furniture and boxes.

— Tarkashi, a popular art form from Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh, is primarily brass wire inlay work on wood. A delicate and demanding craft, brass inlay work or tarkashi, is done on hardwoods.

— It is a highly skilled and laborious technique of inlaying brass, copper or silver wires (‘taar’) in wood at Mainpuri.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

(Source: search.ipindia.gov.in)

4. (a)

FYI:

— The Hemis festival is one of the biggest and most important festivals of Ladakh. The annual Buddhist festival is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm on the 10th day of the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar, which falls in June or July as per the Gregorian calendar.

— It is also known as Tse-Chu, people dress up in traditional ensembles, enjoy local cuisines, and partake in various religious ceremonies.

— Chang is a local liquor that is also enjoyed during the celebrations, and exhibitions are organised that display Thangka paintings along with exquisite handicrafts and gemstones.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

5. (c)

FYI:

— Allagadda Stone Carving is one of the important Stone Carving centers of Andhra Pradesh.

— Andhra Pradesh has got geographical indication (GI) tag under Sub-section (1) of Section 13 of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

— Mythological figures and the Stone Carvings of the Gods and Goddesses in the temples in these regions are typical illustrations of the Stonework.

— In Allagadda Stone Carving, the sculptors widely use a Sand Stone called Isuka Rai in the local language and Krishna Shila Stone or Black Stone called Pesara Rai in the local language.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

(Source: search.ipindia.gov.in)

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 19)

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 18)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment, Geography, Science and Technology (Week 18)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 18)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 18)

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