QUIZ – 2020: INSIGHTS STATIC , 30 June 2021 – Art and Culture – INSIGHTSIAS

Solution: d)

The pillars of Ashoka are a series of monolithic columns dispersed throughout the Indian subcontinent.

These pillars constitute important monuments of the architecture of India, most of them exhibiting the characteristic Mauryan polish.

The shafts are always plain and smooth, circular in cross-section, slightly tapering upwards and always chiselled out of a single piece of stone.

Solution: b)

Kathopanishad is the conversation between Nachiketa and Yama. Nachiketa was a seeker, and Yama was a Guru (knower of secrets). The Katha Upanishad is one of the mukhya Upanishads, embedded in the last short eight sections of the Kaṭha school of the Krishna Yajurveda.

Solution: b)

What is Nagara style of temple architecture?

The Nagara style of temple architecture is found in northern India.

• In the Nagara style, the temple is generally constructed on an upraised platform called jagati. Mandapas are present in front of the Garbhagriha. These are adorned with the Shikhara, the tallest one being above the Garbhagriha.
• Nagara style doesn’t usually have elaborate boundary walls or gateways.
• Generally, there is no water tank in the temple premises and the pradakshina patha is covered. The garbhagriha is always located directly under the tallest tower.

Solution: c)

Dhrupad is the most ancient style of Hindustani classical music that has survived until today in its original form.

• The nature of Dhrupad music is spiritual. It does not seek to entertain, but to induce feelings of peace and spirituality in the listener.
• It is primarily a form of worship, in which offerings are made to the divine through sound or Nada.
• Dhrupad was initially sung only in the temples, the singer facing the Lord. From this early chanting, Dhrupad evolved into a sophisticated classical form of music.

Characteristics:

• It lays emphasis on maintaining purity of the Raga.
• The language of Dhrupad changed from Sanskrit to Brij Bhasha sometime between the 12th and the 16th century.

In medieval India, Dhrupad had mainly thrived under the patronage of Mughal and Rajput kings. Later it declined with the shift of interest in Khayal.

Solution: c)

Sudraka: Mricchakatika (The Little Clay Cart) Love affair of young brahmin Charudatta with a wealthy courtesan.

Vishakhdutta: Mudra Rakshasa (is a political drama and narrates ascent of king Chandragupta

Maurya to power in India)

Kalidasa: Vikramorvasiya (Love story of Vikram and Urvasi)

Bhasa: Swapnavasavadatta (Vasavadatta in dream), Pancharatra, Urubhanga (story of Duryodhana during and after his fight with Bhima.