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Question 261

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• General Knowledge

In which one of the following states are the Guntupalle Buddhist Caves located?

  1. AOption (a)

     Andhra Pradesh

  2. BOption (b)

    Karnataka

  3. COption (c)

    Tamil Nadu

  4. DOption (d)

    Kerala

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

 Andhra Pradesh

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Andhra Pradesh.

Key Points

  • The Guntupalle Buddhist Caves are located in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
  • These caves are an important archaeological site dating back to the 2nd to 3rd century BCE.
  • The site consists of a rock-cut monastery, chaitya halls (prayer halls), and stupas, showcasing the flourishing Buddhist culture in the region.
  • It is known for its architectural ingenuity, including monolithic stupas, viharas (monasteries), and sculptural remains.
  • The Guntupalle site is one of the earliest Buddhist centers in the Deccan region, reflecting the cultural and spiritual importance of Buddhism in ancient India.

Additional Information

  • Karnataka:
  • Karnataka is home to several important Buddhist sites, including the Banavasi and the Kanaganahalli stupa, but it does not include the Guntupalle caves.
  • Kanaganahalli, located near Sannati, is renowned for its Buddhist relics and intricate carvings related to Emperor Ashoka.
  • Tamil Nadu:
  • Tamil Nadu has historical Buddhist sites like Nagapattinam and Kanchipuram, but the Guntupalle caves are not located here.
  • Nagapattinam is known for its ancient Buddhist monastery, which dates back to the 2nd century CE.
  • Kerala:
  • Kerala has a lesser association with Buddhist relics compared to Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
  • However, there are some ancient Buddhist influences in Kerala, such as Buddhist stupas found in Alappuzha, but the Guntupalle caves are not located here.
  • Main Theme: Buddhist Caves in India
  • Buddhist caves are significant for understanding the spread of Buddhism and its cultural influence in India.
  • They often feature chaityas (prayer halls), viharas (monasteries), and stupas, showcasing ancient architectural styles and inscriptions.
  • Other notable Buddhist cave sites in India include Ajanta and Ellora (Maharashtra), Karla (Maharashtra), and Udayagiri and Khandagiri (Odisha).

Question 262

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• General Knowledge

Consider the following statements about Ajanta Cave paintings:

  1. The paintings depict yakshas, gandharvas and apsaras.

2.The artists have used the technique of providing "multiple perspectives".

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. AOption (a)

    1 only

  2. BOption (b)

    2 only

  3. COption (c)

    Both 1 and 2

  4. DOption (d)

    Neither 1 nor 2

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Both 1 and 2

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2.

Key Points

  • The Ajanta Cave paintings are among the most renowned examples of ancient Indian art, dating back to the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE.
  • The paintings depict various figures from Indian mythology, including yakshas (nature spirits), gandharvas (celestial musicians), and apsaras (heavenly dancers), illustrating the cultural richness of the time.
  • The artists employed the technique of "multiple perspectives" to create depth and dimension, a sophisticated feature of early Indian art.
  • The Ajanta paintings primarily illustrate Jataka tales, which narrate the previous lives of Lord Buddha, integrating religious and mythological themes.
  • These paintings were created using tempera on a prepared surface, showcasing the technical expertise of the artists.

Additional Information

  • Yakshas, Gandharvas, and Apsaras:
  • Yakshas are nature spirits often associated with wealth and prosperity in Indian mythology.
  • Gandharvas are celestial beings known for their musical talents and connection to the heavens.
  • Apsaras are heavenly dancers and courtesans, frequently depicted in Indian art and literature as symbols of beauty and grace.
  • Technique of Multiple Perspectives:
  • The Ajanta artists used a unique approach to depict depth and three-dimensionality in their paintings.
  • This technique involved overlapping figures, varying proportions, and detailed backgrounds to create a sense of realism.
  • Such advanced artistic methods highlight the skill and innovation of ancient Indian painters.
  • Jataka Tales and Buddhist Influence:
  • The Ajanta caves primarily serve as a repository of Buddhist art and culture, with many paintings illustrating stories from the Jataka tales.
  • These tales narrate the previous incarnations of the Buddha and emphasize moral and ethical values.
  • The caves were used by monks as prayer halls (chaityas) and monasteries (viharas), reflecting their religious significance.
  • Preservation and Cultural Importance:
  • The Ajanta Caves were rediscovered in 1819 by a British officer and have since been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • They serve as a testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of ancient India and continue to inspire modern art and architecture.

Question 263

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• General Knowledge

"Neel Darpan", a play that depicted the atrocities on the indigo planters, was translated into English by:

  1. AOption (a)

    Dinabandhu Mitra

  2. BOption (b)

    Michael Madhusudan Dutta

  3. COption (c)

    James Long

  4. DOption (d)

    James C. Scott

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Michael Madhusudan Dutta

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Michael Madhusudan Dutta.

Key Points

  • "Neel Darpan" was originally written in Bengali by Dinabandhu Mitra in 1860-1861.
  • The play highlighted the exploitation and atrocities faced by indigo farmers under British planters during the colonial period in India.
  • The English translation of "Neel Darpan" was done by Michael Madhusudan Dutta.
  • James Long, an Irish missionary, published the English translation in 1861.
  • For publishing the play, James Long was tried for sedition, fined, and imprisoned briefly, reflecting the colonial government's discomfort with his advocacy for the oppressed farmers.

Additional Information

  • Dinabandhu Mitra
  • Dinabandhu Mitra (1830–1873) was a prominent Bengali dramatist and social reformer.
  • He authored "Neel Darpan" to bring attention to the suffering of indigo farmers, making it a seminal work in Indian literature and the socio-political landscape.
  • The play is a stark depiction of the exploitation of Indian peasants by British indigo planters in the 19th century.
  • Michael Madhusudan Dutta
  • Michael Madhusudan Dutta (1824–1873) was a renowned Bengali poet and playwright who translated "Neel Darpan" into English.
  • He is also known for introducing blank verse to Bengali literature and his epic poem "Meghnad Badh Kavya."
  • James C. Scott
  • James C. Scott is a contemporary political scientist and anthropologist, best known for his work on peasant studies and resistance.
  • His works, such as "Weapons of the Weak" and "The Art of Not Being Governed," focus on societal resistance against domination.
  • He has no direct connection to "Neel Darpan" or the indigo revolt in colonial India.
  • Main Theme: Indigo Revolt
  • The Indigo Revolt (1859-1860) was a peasant movement in Bengal against the oppressive practices of British indigo planters.
  • Indigo cultivation was forced upon Indian farmers under exploitative terms, leading to widespread suffering and protests.
  • "Neel Darpan" is a literary reflection of the movement, portraying the harsh realities faced by the indigo farmers.

Question 264

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• General Knowledge

With reference to the Revolt of 1857, consider the following statements:

  1. Shah Mal mobilised the people of Baraut region of Uttar Pradesh and captured the bungalow of an Englishman and converted it into a "hall of justice".

  2. Gonoo was a Kol leader of the Singhbhum region of Chotanagpur.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. AOption (a)

    1 only

  2. BOption (b)

    2 only

  3. COption (c)

    Both 1 and 2

  4. DOption (d)

    Neither 1 nor 2

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Both 1 and 2

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2 are correct.

Statement 1: Shah Mal

  • Shah Mal was a local peasant leader during the Revolt of 1857.
  • He mobilised the peasants of Baraut region (present-day Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh).
  • His movement was directed mainly against British authority and local zamindars who supported them.
  • Shah Mal captured the bungalow of an English official.
  • He converted this bungalow into a “Hall of Justice”, symbolising the end of British rule in the area.
  • From here, he settled disputes and administered local justice, reflecting popular support and self-rule.

Hence, Statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2: Gonoo (Ganoo)

  • Gonoo was a Kol tribal leader from the Singhbhum region of Chotanagpur (present-day Jharkhand).
  • The Kol tribe had a history of resistance against British exploitation and zamindari oppression.
  • During the Revolt of 1857, Gonoo led tribal uprisings against British authority.
  • His leadership shows that the 1857 revolt was not limited to soldiers or princes, but also involved tribal communities.

Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Question 265

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• General Knowledge

Which of the following books portrays three images of the Mother Goddess: "Mother as she was", "Mother as she is" and "Mother as she will be"?

  1. AOption (a)

    Durgeshnandini

  2. BOption (b)

    Kapalkundala

  3. COption (c)

    Anandamath

  4. DOption (d)

    Devi Chaudhurani

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

Anandamath

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 3) Anandamath.

Explanation:

The book "Anandamath" (1882) by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay portrays the three images of the Mother Goddess as an allegory for the Motherland (India):

  1. "Mother as she was": Represented by the goddess Jagaddhatri – symbolizing the glorious and prosperous past.
  2. "Mother as she is": Represented by the goddess Kali – symbolizing the current state of famine, darkness, and destitution under foreign rule.
  3. "Mother as she will be": Represented by the goddess Durga – symbolizing the future, powerful and triumphant with ten arms holding weapons, ready to destroy evil.

This imagery was used to inspire nationalism and is famously the novel that contains the national song of India, "Vande Mataram."

Question 266

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• General Knowledge

With reference to the women achievers in modern India, consider the statements: following

  1. Pandita Ramabai published a book "A Comparison Between Women and Men" where she protested against the colonial view that men enjoyed all the rights, opportunities and benefits of change.

  2. Tarabai Shinde worked in the field of medicine to reduce child mortality in rural India.

  3. Sarojini Naidu led a delegation to London to demand for female franchise.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. AOption (a)

    1

  2. BOption (b)

    2

  3. COption (c)

    3

  4. DOption (d)

    None

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

1

Why this answer is correct

  1. Statement 1 is Incorrect: The book "A Comparison Between Women and Men" (originally published in Marathi as Stri Purush Tulana in 1882) was written by Tarabai Shinde, not Pandita Ramabai. It is considered one of the first modern feminist texts in India, critiquing the double standards of patriarchy. Pandita Ramabai is known for works like The High Caste Hindu Woman.
  2. Statement 2 is Incorrect: Tarabai Shinde was a feminist writer and activist, known for her literary critique of social norms. She was not a medical practitioner working to reduce child mortality. This description might be confusing her with other figures like Dr. Rukhmabai or Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy.
  3. Statement 3 is Correct: Sarojini Naidu played a pivotal role in the women's suffrage movement in India. In 1917, she led an all-India women's deputation to meet Edwin Montagu (Secretary of State for India) to demand voting rights for women. Later, in 1919, she went to London as part of a delegation to present the case for women's franchise before the Joint Select Committee of the British Parliament.

Conclusion:

Only one statement (Statement 3) is correct.

Therefore, the correct option is 1) 1.

Question 267

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• General Knowledge

The Sanikatta Salt Works, known for Sal Satyagraha, is located in:

  1. AOption (a)

    Gujarat

  2. BOption (b)

    Tamil Nadu

  3. COption (c)

    Kerala

  4. DOption (d)

    Karnataka

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Karnataka

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 4) Karnataka.

Explanation:

  • Sanikatta is a village located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka.
  • It is home to one of the oldest salt manufacturing centers in the state.
  • During the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930, Sanikatta became a major center for the Salt Satyagraha in Karnataka (similar to Dandi in Gujarat), where activists broke the British salt laws by manufacturing salt.

Question 268

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• General Knowledge

The Kalaram temple, known for temple entry movements in the early twentieth century, is located in which state of India?

  1. AOption (a)

    Maharashtra

  2. BOption (b)

    Kerala

  3. COption (c)

    Tamil Nadu

  4. DOption (d)

    Gujarat

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Maharashtra

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 1) Maharashtra.

Explanation:

  • Location: The Kalaram Temple is an old Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama, located in the Panchavati area of Nashik city in the state of Maharashtra.
  • Historical Significance: It is famous for the Kalaram Temple Entry Satyagraha launched by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on March 2, 1930. This movement demanded the right for Dalits (who were then treated as untouchables) to enter the temple, marking a significant milestone in the Dalit liberation struggle in India.

Question 269

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• General Knowledge

Matangini Hazra and Lakshman Naik sacrificed their lives in:

  1. AOption (a)

    Bardoli Satyagraha

  2. BOption (b)

    Non-Cooperation Movement

  3. COption (c)

    Civil Disobedience Movement

  4. DOption (d)

    Quit India Movement

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Quit India Movement

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 4) Quit India Movement.

Explanation:

  • Matangini Hazra (1870–1942): Known affectionately as Gandhiburi (Old Lady Gandhi), she was an Indian revolutionary from West Bengal. She was shot dead by the British Indian police in front of the Tamluk Police Station on September 29, 1942, while leading a procession as part of the Quit India Movement. She died chanting "Vande Mataram".
  • Lakshman Naik (1899–1943): He was a tribal civil rights activist and freedom fighter from Koraput, Odisha. He played a key role in mobilizing the tribal population for the Quit India Movement. He was falsely accused of murder by the British administration during a protest and was executed (hanged) on March 29, 1943.

Question 270

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• General Knowledge

With reference to the history of India, the word "kopeki" is associated with:

  1. AOption (a)

    Clothes

  2. BOption (b)

    Coins

  3. COption (c)

    Land measurement

  4. DOption (d)

    A type of sport in South India

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Coins

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer to the question is: 2) Coins

Key Points

The word "Kopeki" appears in the historical accounts of the Persian traveler Abdur Razzaq, who visited the Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century (during the reign of Deva Raya II).

In his work, Matla-us-Sa'dain, Abdur Razzaq describes the sophisticated monetary system of the empire. He identifies three primary types of gold coins:

  1. Varaha: The highest value gold coin (also called the Pagoda).
  2. Kopeki (or Pertab): He describes the "Kopeki" as being equal to half a Varaha. In local terms, this coin was known as the Pratapa.
  3. Fanam: A smaller coin, equivalent to one-tenth of a Pratapa.

Historical Note: While "Kopek" is traditionally a Russian currency, Abdur Razzaq likely used the term (or a phonetically similar Persian word) as a familiar reference for his readers to describe the middle-tier gold coin (Pratapa) he encountered in South India.