Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in Current Affairs.

This section includes 7 InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your Current Affairs knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

1.

Which is the famous pillar of Kaliya Dungar caves? Mention its characteristics.

Answer»

Lion pillar is a famous pillar of Kaliya Dungar. This pillar has been carved from a single rock. It is eleven feet tall. There is a statue of a lion with two bodies and one mouth.

2.

On which novels (upanayas) is the film ‘Singhasan’ based?

Answer»

Marathi film ‘Singhasan’ is based on Arun Sadhu’s two novels— ‘Singhasan’ and ‘Mumbai Dinank’.

3.

Where are Khapra-Kodiya caves of Kachchh situated? How many caves are there?

Answer»

Khapra-Kediya caves are situated on the top of mountain near old Paat Gadh in kachchh of Lakhtar taluka.

4.

Which are the incomparable specimens of the art of painting?

Answer»

The paintings of Ajanta and Ellora caves are incomparable specimens of the art of paintings.

5.

How many pillars are there in the Khapra and Kodiya caves?

Answer»

There are 20 pillars in the Khapra and Kodia caves.

6.

Briefly describe the wooden art.

Answer»

Man first used wood for fire. With time, he started using wood in several other activities. He used wood in making weapons, construction of buildings and also other construction work. Later, wood was used for different purposes like for making idols, toys for children, pillars, windows and doors, small huts on top of the terrace, thrones, chairs and grills. Owing of the wide use of Wood, its beautification through the way of carving began. Wooden swings and toys of Idar and Sankheda in Gujarat are quite well- known.

7.

Give a brief idea about inlay work.

Answer»

The art of studding metal pieces or stones in gold, glass, or other material is known as inlay work. This work is a very ancient art of India. Indian kings, emperors, rulers and royal families used to wear ornaments such as necklace, bracelet, crown, ring, nose ring, damni (tiko), etc. studded with precious gems like diamonds, pearls, rubies, etc. Bikaner area of Rajasthan is quite popular for inlay ornaments.

8.

Who was Acharya Narender Dev?

Answer»

Acharya Narender Dev was born in 1889. He was a freedom fighter. He founded socialist party. He was sent to jail several times during the freedom movement for the demand of swaraj. He was inspired by communist ideology and played active role in peasants’ movement. He was a scholar of Buddhism. After independence, he led the SocialistParty and later the Praja Socialist Party. He died in 1956.

9.

S.A. Dange was the prominent leader of which party?

Answer»

Communist Party of India.

10.

List the most famous Mosque and Islamic structures of Gujarat.

Answer»

Sultan Ahmad Shah-I built Jama Masjid near Teen Darwaja in Ahmedabad. This mosque was built in 1424 AD. It has 260 pillars and 15 domes. Other famous Islamic structures of Gujarat are Sidi Saiyad Jali, Sarkhej Roza, Shaking Towers, Mosque of Queen Sipri (also known as Mosque of Nageena) and Jama Masjid of Champaner.

11.

What are chariot temples? Enlist famous chariot temples of the south.

Answer»

People of Pallava dynasty of south India were quite skillful in carving a single rock into the shape chariot temple. These chariots are named after the names of Pandavas. Among them, chariot temple of Dharmaraja is the biggest whereas the chariot temple of Dhrupadi is the smallest. Kailashnath temple of Kanchi and temple of Vaikuntha Perumal are the best examples of architectural art. Moreover, mandapas and chariot temple of Mahabalipuram are world-famous.

12.

Give a brief idea about Brihadeswara temple.

Answer»

The great Brihadeswara temple was the first temple constructed by Rajraja of Chola dynasty in Tanjavar. The temple is about 200 metres high. It is an extraordinary temple of ancient India. It has thirteen-storeyed Gopuram.

13.

State and explain the various parts of a South Indian Temple.

Answer»
  1. Gopuram: The entrance of the South Indian Temple is known as Gopuram. It consists of two lower storeys in convex shape and the other two storeys aloft to make a pyramidal structure. Such a design makes the Gopuram strong.
  2. Mandap: A huge hall in front of the main gate where devotees get together and enter into Garbh Griha one by one is called Mandap.
  3. Garbha Griha: It means small and dark rectangular room in which idol is kept. It is the innermost part of the temple. In Gujarat, it is known as ‘Gabharo’.
  4. Viman: The semi-circular or sloppy part that makes a dome of the temple is called Viman. It looks like a pyramid and is made, up of many storeys.
  5. Pinnacle (Shikhar): The pointed exterior part of Garbh Gruha at the top is known as pinnacle. It is plated with gold or brass. 
14.

Give a brief idea about the temple architecture of ancient India.

Answer»

Indian temples are known for having a pedestal, pinnacle (shikhar) and a pradakshina path encircling the ‘Garbha Gribha’ (innermost part of the temple). One can also see ladder attached to the pinnacle. Some temples are also flat i.e. without pedestal with pradakshina oath encircling the ’Garbha Griha’.

Famous ancient temples having beautiful architecture are as follows: The Bhoomara Shiva near Jabalpur. Temples of Larkhan in Bijapur district. Copper statue of Lord Buddha in Nalanda (Sultangunj). Jain temples at Mathura. Temples constructed in Kanchi which was the capital city of Pallavas. Brihadeswar temple of Thanjavur. The Sun temple of Konark in Odisha is also quite famous. It is a chariot temple. The metallic and stone idols placed in these temples had excellent work and specific characteristic features. Meenakshi temple is a very huge and famous temple located in Madurai. Chandela rulers built a beautiful temple at Khajuraho. The style of pinnacle of this temple is different from others.

15.

What is full form of IFFCO?

Answer»

Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited.

16.

Write the full name of CPI.

Answer»

The Communist Party of India.

17.

Write the full form of EVM.

Answer»

Electronic Voting Machine.

18.

Name the political party founded by Acharya Narender Dev.

Answer»

Congress Socialist Party.

19.

What do you know about Sanskrit and Gujarati dramas.

Answer»

Sanskrit dramas: In Sanskrit . literature, we have various well renowned dramatists. Bhas (the poet of poets) has written Sankrit dramas namely ‘Karnabhar’, ‘Urubhanga’ and ‘Dutvakyam’ which are based on Mahabharata. Poet Kalidas has gifted us plays like ‘Abhigyan Shakuntalam, Vikramorvashiyam and Malvikagnimitram. Over and above these many other dramstists also enriched the dramatic art in Sanskrit.

Gujarati dramas: Jayshankar Sundari is the most prominent name in Gujarati dramas. Amrut Nayak, Bapulal Nayak, Dina Pathak, Jashwant Thakar, Upendra Trivedi, Pravin, Joshi, Deepak Gheewala, etc. are also quite popular personalities in this field. It should be well noted that regional dramas have also contributed significantly in this art.

20.

Differentiate between one party dominance and one party system.

Answer»

One party dominance refers to the representation on behalf of popular consensus along with free and fair elections i.e., Congress in India. Whereas, one party system refers representation based on malpractices, fraud, etc. to ensure winning of a particular party.

21.

Which world-famous diamonds were found from India?

Answer»

The world-famous diamonds like ‘Kohinoor’ and ‘Great Mughal’ were found from India.

22.

Why has there been a wide use of diamonds and gems in India?

Answer»

India is surrounded by coastline from three sides and it has 7516.6 km. long coastline. So, there has been wide use of diamonds and gems in India.

23.

Give a brief idea about the jari work of India.

Answer»

The art of weaving and doing embroidery on the clothes with golden and silver threads is called jari work. This work is seen in India since ancient time. People used to decorate their clothes with jari work. Surat was a leading centre for jari work. Knitting and embroidery done through jari work is extremely beautiful and gives the garment a unique identity. Artisans of Surat were expert in making beautiful dresses like saree, panetar, gharchola, etc. bordered with jari.

24.

Which of the following is a work of Kalidas?(a) Unrubhanga(b) Kamabhakar(c) Meghdoot(d) Dutvakyam

Answer»

Correct option is (c) Meghdoot

25.

Why was democracy chosen in India?

Answer»

During independence of India, the situations were very critical. Even then, the leaders of India chose democracy because they began to build the dream of a democratic nation from the time of their freedom struggle. They also knew that democracy could be a way to bring peace to the nation.

26.

Explain the structure of a mosque.

Answer»

A mosque is made up of the following six parts:

  1. Galiyara: The entry and exist of the mosque is called Galiyara.
  2. Kibla: The hall where namaz is performed, called Kibla. It will always face the direction of Kaba of Mecca.
  3. Livan: The room in a mosque with pillars is called livan. .
  4. Maksura: End of the mosque wall is Maksura. It is seperated by a railing.
  5. Mahab: The interior part of mosque wall which is of human height and indicates correct direction of’Mecca is known as Mahrab. In India, Mahrab is generally kept in west.
  6. Sahan: The campus of mosque where the followers of Islam get together for prayer is known as Sahan. 
27.

How many caves are there in the group of Bhavapyara caves?

Answer»

There are three layers in the group of Bavapyara caves. There are total 16 caves. Four in the first line, seven in the second line and five in the third line.

28.

What was the unique feature of Lothal?

Answer»

A huge dockyard was constructed to facilitate ships at the time of high tides at the lower eastern part of Lothal. This is the unique feature of Lothal.

29.

What was the change that occurred with time in the voting system?

Answer»

Initially each voter was given a blank ballot paper to drop into the box, they wanted to vote for whereas now Electronic Voting Machines are there, the voter had to press the button according to the choice of the voter, containing the name of the candidate and symbol of political party.

30.

When is the tribal dance of Gujarat seen?

Answer»

The tribal dance of Gujarat is seen at the time of festivals, marriages, fairs and to please the God and Goddesses.

31.

Describe the location of Lothal.

Answer»

Lothal is situated in Dholka taluka of Ahmedabad district, 18 km away from the Gulf of Khambhat.

32.

Explain the development of cave architecture in ancient India.

Answer»

Cave architecture is considered as a man-made place of beauty. Caves of Ajanta and Ellora at Aurangabad, Elephanta caves near Mumbai, Udayagiri and Bagh near Gwalior, Bhuvnesh at Odisha, Khandiri and Nilgiri are the famous specimens of cave architecture of Gupta period. The caves found at Khambalida (Gondal), Dhank (Rajkot), the cave groups (three Caves) at Junagadh, Talaja, Sa,na (Una district) are well known examples of cave architecture of the period found in Gujarat.

33.

Write a short note on ‘Bhavai’.

Answer»

Bhavai is a popular folk drama form of western India, especially in Gujarat. This art was started 700 years ago by Asait Thakar. This art promoted during Solanki era. It was mainly performed without using curtains, with light humour and with the music being played on a trumpet. Characters disguised in the form of Ramdev, Jhanda, Jhulan, Kajoda, etc. are the main features of Bhavai.

Bhavai is an affordable means of educating while entertaining people on various areas. It mainly focuses on the social evils. The characters like Rangla-Rangli are used to promote the ” programme like girls” education, save the girl-child, etc. Performers of Bhavai play trumpet and pray to the Goddess by reciting hymns.

34.

Give a brief idea about the metal work of ancient India.

Answer»

Metal work refers to an art form of India. The evidence of metal work during the ancient time have been found in several parts of India. The artisans of Lothal made different weapons like sickles, drills (curved saws) and needles, etc. With copper and bronze, they also used to make utensils, idols and pots. In the ancient India, arms and ammunition for wars were made up of metal. Gold and silver were used for making ornaments. Copper brass and bronze were used to make utensils and idols. Iron was used to make several instruments and weapons.

35.

Which of the following statements is not correct for Akik work?(a) Akik is a kind of precious stone, chiefly chalcedonic mixed with silica blue or white stone.(b) Silica gets ready by weather and water processes.(c) Akik stones are found at Surat, Khambhat, Ahmedabad and Ranpur regions of Gujarat.(d) Akik stones are sent out Surat to mould into various beautiful ornaments.

Answer»

(d) Akik stones are sent out Surat to mould into various beautiful ornaments.

36.

Write a note on the medieval architecture of India.

Answer»

Several mosques, minarets, royal palaces, bridges, inns, tombs, etc. were constructed in medieval age. Some of them are discussed below:

  1. Architecture of Qutub-ud-din Aibak: Qutub-ud-din Aibak was a Turkish rulers. He built Qutub Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. He also built a mosque called Adhai-din-ka Jhopra in Ajmer.
  2. Architecture of Bengal region: The famous Adina mosque at Pandua region of Bengal, Tomb of Jalal-ud- Muhammad Shah and Tanti Para mosque were constructed in the Bengal region. This region developed its own unique style of architecture.
  3. Architecture of Jaunpur region: Sultans of Turkey built the Atala mosque. There is a beautiful artistic grill around the dome of the mosque. The walls and ceiling of this mosque are decorated with many Indian designs including the design of lotus.
  4. Architecture of Malwa region: Many tombs were built in the Malwa region. The domes and carvings on balcony of these structures are quite impressive and attractive. The tomb of Hoshang Shah is made of marble in India style.
  5. Other provinces: The rulers of Kashmir and Bahamani built several buildings at Bidar and Gulbarge and ‘Madrasa’ of Mahmud Gava. Vithala Swami and Hazar Rama Temple of Hampi, Gopurams and artistic pillars are well-known art of Vijayanagar empire. 
37.

Give information about the caves of Gujarat.

Answer»

(1) Caves of Junagadh: 

There are three groups of caves in Junagadh. Each group is discussed below:

(a) Group of Bava Pyara Caves: They are in the three lines intersecting each other at right angles. There are total sixteen caves. Out of them four are in first line, seven in second and five in third line. It is believed that these caves were carved during first to second century i.e. in the beginning of AD.
(b) Caves of Khapra and Kediya: They are double storeyed. On observing their remains, one can say that they might have been carved during the end of second century and the beginning of fourth century.
(c) Caves of Kund: These caves had floors. Which might have been carved in the third century. Ruin of twenty pillars can be seen row.

(2) Khambhalida Caves: These caves were discovered in 1959 AD. They are situated at Khambhalida near Gondal, 70 km from Rajkot. Three of them are remarkable. The cave at the middle consists of Chaitya Gruha with stupa. We can find figures of Boddhi sattvas and statues of devotees standing and supported by these on both sides of entrance gate. The caves are believed to be of second or third century.

(3) Talaja Cave: There is a mountain called the Talaja Mountain near the mouth of Shetrunji River in Bhavnagar district. Shri Talaji Teerth (Taldhwajgiri Teerth) is a famous pilgrim of Talaja. There are 30 beautiful caves carved from the stones. The caves also consist of a huge gate. Mandap (Sabhakhand) and Chaitya Gruha are the best examples of sculpture and protection point of view. These caves are belived to be of third century AD.

(4) Sana Cave: This group of caves is situated on the top of Sana hill in Vankiya village, Una taluka in Gir- Somnath district. These 62 caves are spread on Sana hill like beehives.

Dhank Cave: Dhank giri is situated in Dhank village of Upleta taluka at Rajkot district. It is believed that these caves might have been built in the beginning of fourth century.

(5) Zinzurizar: In the west of Dhank, about 7 km from Siddhsar, is the valley of Zinzurizar. There are many Buddhist caves in this valley. It is considered that they have been built in the second century.

(6) Khapra-Kodiya Caves at Kachchh: There are two caves on the top of mountain near old Paatgadh, in Lakhpat taluka of Kachchh. These caves were discovered by K.K. Shastri in 1967 AD.

(7) Caves at Kaliya Dungar: There are three caves in Kaliya Dungar at Jhagadiya taluka in Bharuch district. These are the best old architectural specimens of Buddhist religion. Architecture of these caves is marvelous. The caves contain an 11 feet high pillar in the form of a statue of a lion. The lion statue has two bodies and one mouth. The pillar has been cut from a single rock.

38.

Who is considered as the founder of ‘Natya Vidhya mandir’ and ‘natmandal’ in Gujarat?(a) Asait Thakar(b) Amrut Nayak(c) Jaswant Thakar(d) Jayshankar Sundari

Answer»

(d) Jayshankar Sundari

39.

One pair of the following is not correct:(a) Length of sea coast of India-7516.6 km.(b) Great Mughal and Kohinoor – Diamond(c) Precious stone – Sapphire and Jupiter(d) Enamel work – Carnelian and chalcedonic

Answer»

(d) Enamel work – Carnelian and chalcedonic

40.

How many groups of caves are there in Junagadh? Which are they?

Answer»

There are three groups of caves in Junagadh:

  1. Group of Bhavapyara caves
  2. Group of Uparkot caves
  3. Group of Khapra and Kodiya caves. 
41.

Which of the following statements is not correct for art of music?(a) Indian music is unique from the viewpoint of tunes, rhythm and harmony.(b) Singing and instrumental both are included in music.(c) Richas of Rigveda are sung with tune and rhythm.(d) Our music can be divided into two parts i.e. classical music and folk music.

Answer»

(a) Indian music is unique from the viewpoint of tunes, rhythm and harmony.

42.

Name the writers of ’Sangeet Ratnakar’ and ‘Sangeet Parijat’.

Answer»

Sangeet Ratnakar: Pandit Sarangdev of Daulatabad (Devgiri) wrote Sangeet Ratnakar. He was quite familiar with the music of south and north India.

Sangeet Parijat: Pandit Ahobale wrote Sangeet Parijat in 1665. It is based on Northern Hindustani music. It is considered a very important book on music.

43.

By which other name do script writers recognize Bhavai as?

Answer»

Script writers recognize ‘Bhavai’ as emotion oriented drama.

44.

Which caves are located in Gujarat?

Answer»

Khambalida (Near Gondal), Dhank(near Rajkot), three caves at Junagadh, Talaja, Sana are located in Gujarat.

45.

Whose contribution is most important in building temples in South India? Name the capital also.

Answer»

The contribution of Pallava kings is most important in building temple in South India. Kanchi (Kanchipuram) was the capital of Pallava kings.

46.

Which statues are unique specimens of sculpture?

Answer»

The copper status of Lord Buddha in Nalanda (Sultangunj) and the statues of Jan temples of Mathura are unique specimens of sculpture.

47.

During whose rule were the chariot temples built? Mention its specialities.

Answer»

Chariot temples were built during the rule of Pallava Kings in South India. These temples were carved out from a single rock and they have chariot shape.

48.

What is sculpture?

Answer»

The art of shaping figures or design with facial expression in round or in relief professionally performed by a sculpture with the help of chisel and hammer is known as sculpture.

49.

In which language are stone inscriptions engraved?(a) Hindi(b) Brahmi(c) Urdu(d) Odia

Answer»

Correct option is  (b) Brahmi

50.

What was built in Lothal to facilitate the ships?(a) Hail(b) Pillar(c) Dockyard(d) Grill

Answer»

Correct option is  (c) Dockyard