The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Preliminary Examination is a pivotal gateway for aspirants aiming to join the esteemed civil services of India. Among the multifaceted subjects tested in the prelims, Art & Culture stands as a domain rich in heritage, tradition, and linguistic diversity. Within this expansive realm, the segment dedicated to Language and Literatures encapsulates the vibrant tapestry of India’s linguistic landscape, spanning centuries of literary excellence and linguistic evolution. Through meticulous study and analysis of UPSC Prelims Topic Wise Questions in this domain, aspirants unravel the intricate threads of language, delve into the profound depths of literature, and navigate the nuanced intersections of culture and expression.
Q1. The term ‘apabhramsa’ was used in medieval Sanskrit texts to denote (1996)
(a) Outcastes among the Rajputs
(b) Deviations from Vedic rituals
(c) early form of some of the modern Indian languages
(d) non-Sanskrit verse metres
Ans. (c)
The term “Apabhramsa” was utilized in medieval texts to refer to early iterations of several contemporary Indian languages. This term has been employed by grammarians since Patanjali’s time to denote the languages spoken in North India before the emergence of modern ones. Literature in Apabhramsa serves as a significant resource for understanding the history of North India during the 12th to 16th centuries.
Q2. Which one of the following texts of ancient India allows divorce to a wife deserted by her husband? (1996)
(a) Kamasutra
(b) Manavadharmashastra
(c) Sukra Nizitara
(d) Arthashastra
Ans. (d)
According to the Arthashastra, a wife abandoned by her husband had the right to seek a divorce. In ancient India, societal norms often viewed women as inferior, making divorce rare despite being officially prohibited. However, the Arthashastra allowed for this exception, acknowledging the need for justice in such circumstances.
Q3. Nastaliq was
(a) a Persian script used in medieval India
(b) a raga composed by Tanzen
(c) a cess levied by the Mughal rulers
(d) a manual of ende of conduct for the Ulemas
Ans. (a)
The Nastaliq script, favored for languages like Dari and Pashto in Afghanistan, Persian in Iran, and also popular in South Asia, especially among calligraphers working with Urdu and Kashmiri languages in India and Pakistan, has formed a distinct association with Punjabi and Urdu languages.
Q4. Which one of the following scripts of ancient India was written from right to left?
(a) Brahmi
(c) Sharada
(b) Nandinagari
(d) Kharoshti
Ans. (d)
The Khamshti script, originating from ancient India, was written from right to left. Also referred to as the Indo-Bactrian script, Kharoshti was utilized to depict a version of Prakrit language prominent in the Gandhara region of North-Western India. Occasionally, it was known as the Gandhari Script. Inscriptions dating between 200 BC to 200 AD were predominantly composed in Kharoshti, especially in the North-Western territories of ancient India.
Q5. Mahabharata theme is correctly matched?
(a) Sarladasa – Bengali
(b) Kasirama – Oriya
(c) Tikkana – Marathi
(d) Pampa – Oriya
Ans. (d)
The pairings for (d) are accurately matched in terms of different languages and their work on the Mahabharata theme.
Pampa, hailed as the “First poet,” was a Jain poet whose compositions in Kannada delved into philosophical beliefs. His most renowned work, Pampa Bharata or Vikramarjuna Vijaya, crafted in the Champu Style around 939 AD, exemplifies his literary prowess.
However, (a), (b), and (c) do not align correctly. Sarla Duaa, a poet and scholar from the 15th century, excelled in Odiya literature. His notable epics include Mahabharata Vilanka Ramayana and Chandi Purana.
Kasirama, a poet from the 16th century in medieval Bengali literature, is recognized for his Bengali rendition of the Mahabharata titled Kasidasi-Mohabharot.
Tikkana, a prominent 13th-century Telugu poet, constituted the second part of the Trinity of Poets (Kavi Trayam) involved in translating the Mahabharata into Telugu.
Q6. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists. (1997)
List I (Authors) – List II (Texts)
A. Varahamihira – 1. Prabandha Chintamani
B. Visakhadatta – 2. Mrichchhakatika
C. Shudraka – 3. Brihat-Samhita
D. Bilhana – 4. Devi Chandraguptam
5. Vikramankadeva Charita
Codes
ABCD
(a) 1 4 5 2
(b) 3 4 5 2
(c) 5 3 4 1
(d) 1 3 5 2
Ans. (b)
Correct matching:
- A: 3, Varahamihira was an ancient Indian astrologer and polymath. His most notable work was the Brihat-Samhita.
- B: 8, Visakhadatta was an Indian Sanskrit poet and playwright. His notable work was Devi Chandraguptam.
- C: 2, Saudraka was an Indian playwright who wrote “Michchhakatika” (“The Little Clay Cart”).
- D: 5, Bihana was an 11th-century Kashmiri poet. He rewarded his patron by composing an epic in his honor, Varamanikadeva-Chatita.
Q7. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
1. Mrichchhakatika
2. Buddhacharita
3. Mudrarakshasha Vishakhadatta
4 Harshacharita Banabhatta
Select the correct answer Shudraka Vasubandhu using the codes given below. (1998)
(a) 1,2,3 and 4
(b) 1,3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and 3
Ans . (b)
In the realm of Sanskrit literature, certain works stand out for their depth and historical significance. “Mrichchhakatika,” authored by Shudraka, is one such gem. This play, which translates to “The Little Clay Cart,” showcases the narrative prowess of its writer. In its prologue, Shudraka’s wisdom shines through as he establishes his credentials, having conducted the sacred Ashvamedha rituals to assert his eminence.
Another notable work is “Mudrarakshasa,” penned by Vishakhadatta. This play unfolds the political drama surrounding the rise of King Chandragupta Maurya to power in ancient India, offering a vivid portrayal of intrigue and ambition. Vishakhadatta’s mastery of storytelling captivates audiences, making “Mudrarakshasa” a timeless classic.
In the annals of Indian history, the biography of Emperor Harsha, penned by Banabhatta, holds a special place. “Hansacharita,” a testament to Banabhatta’s literary finesse, chronicles the life and times of Harsha, offering invaluable insights into a pivotal era. Banabhatta’s contribution marks the dawn of historical poetry in Sanskrit, setting a high standard for future works in the genre.
However, amidst these illustrious creations, there exists a mismatch. “Buddhacharita,” an epic poem chronicling the life of Gautama Buddha, is erroneously attributed to Asvaghosa of Saketa. In reality, this masterpiece is the creation of Ashvaghosha, a distinguished poet from ancient India, composed during the early second century AD.
Q8. The following persons came to India at one time or another
1. Fa-Hien
2. I-Thing
3. Megasthenese
4. Hieun-Tsang sequence of their visits
The correct chronological
(a) 3,1,2,4
(b) 3,1,2,4
(d) 1,3,4,2
(c) 1,3,2,4
Ans (b)
The correct chronological sequence is as follows:
- Megasthenes – Mauryan period (4th century BC)
- Fa-Hien – Gupta period (5th century AD)
- Hieun-Tsang – Post Gupta period (7th century AD)
- I-Tsing – After Harsha (8th century AD)
Megasthenes, an ancient Greek historian and explorer, visited India during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya, the emperor of the Magadha Kingdom. He arrived between 302 BC and 288 BC.
Fa-Hien, a Chinese Buddhist monk, undertook a journey by foot from China to India to acquire Buddhist texts. His journey began in China in 399 AD, and he arrived in India in 405 AD, staying until 411 AD. Chandragupta II was the emperor during his visit.
Hieun-Tsang, a 7th-century AD Chinese Buddhist monk and scholar, came to India during the reign of King Harshavardhana. He arrived in India in 630 AD and stayed for 15 years.
I-Tsing, another Chinese Buddhist traveler, visited India between 671 AD and 695 AD.
Q9.
Assertion (A) The Aham and Puram poems of the Padinen Kilukanakku group formed a continuation of the Sangam composition. (2000)
Reason (R) They were included under the Post Sangam works as against the Sangam works proper.
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but Ris false
(d) A is false but Ris true
Ans (c)
Both A and Rare true, with R providing the correct explanation for A. The Aham and Puram poems, part of the Padinen Kilukanakku group, serve as a continuation of the Sangam compositions. Originating between 100 AD to 500 AD, these poems mark the post-Sangam period. The Padinen Kilukanakku works, composed between 200 BC to 100 BC, establish the period of composition. Early Classical Tamil literature, also referred to as Sangam Literature, delineates two primary schools of poets: Aham (focused on subjective love poetry) and Puram (emphasizing objective, public themes). These texts represent the earliest extant literary works that continue the tradition of Sangam works.
Q10. Who amongst the following Englishmen, first translated Bhagavad Gita into English?
(a) William Jones
(b) Charles Wilkins
(c) Alexander Cunningham
(d) John Marshall
Ans (b)
Charles Wilkins holds the distinction of being the inaugural English translator of the Bhagavad Gita. In 1765 AD, he undertook this task, with the British East India Company subsequently publishing his translation. Lord Warren Hastings, the inaugural British Governor General of India, provided the introduction to this edition. Later, a prominent French scholar named JP Partand translated the Gita from Wilkins’ English rendition.
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