clearias-team-100

Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:

1. Shantiniketan
2. Rani ki Vav
3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya

How many of the above properties were included in 2023?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Correct Answer: (b) Only two

Explanation:
In 2023, both Shantiniketan and Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Rani ki Vav and the Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya were included in previous years.
Possible Sources: UNESCO World Heritage List announcements and records.

Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk, who travelled to China at the end of the fourth century AD, was the author of a commentary on:

(a) Prajnaparamita Sutra
(b) Visuddhimagga
(c) Sarvastivada Vinaya
(d) Lalitavistara

Answer: (c) Sarvastivada Vinaya
Explanation:
Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk who traveled to China in the late 4th century AD, authored a commentary on the Sarvastivada
Vinaya.

Which one of the following is a work attributed to playwright Bhasa?

(a) Kavyalankara
(b) Natyashastra
(c) Madhyama-vyayoga
(d) Mahabhashya

Correct Answer: (c) Madhyama-vyayoga

Explanation:
Madhyama-vyayoga is one of the plays attributed to the ancient Indian playwright Bhasa.
Possible Sources: Literature on classical Sanskrit drama and works of Bhasa.

(d) Mahabhashya

Correct Answer: (c) Madhyama-vyayoga

Explanation:
Madhyama-vyayoga is one of the plays attributed to the ancient Indian playwright Bhasa.
Possible Sources: Literature on classical Sanskrit drama and works of Bhasa.

With reference to the Government of India Act, 1935, consider the following statements:

1. It provided for the establishment of an All India Federation based on the union of the British Indian Provinces and Princely States.
2. Defence and Foreign Affairs were kept under the control of the federal legislature.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (a) 1 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct. The Government of India Act, 1935, provided for the establishment of an All India Federation, which was to include both British Indian provinces and princely states.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Defence and Foreign Affairs were kept under the control of the British government, not the federal legislature.
Possible Sources: Historical references on the Government of India Act, 1935

Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over?

(a) C.C. Rajagopalachari
(b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(c) T.T. Krishnamachari
(d) Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha

Correct Answer: (d) Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha

Explanation:
Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over as the permanent President.
Possible Sources: Historical records of the Constituent Assembly of India.

Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO?

(a) Chhau dance
(b) Durga Puja
(c) Garba dance
(d) Kumbh Mela

Correct Answer: (c) Garba dance

Explanation:
In 2023, the Garba dance form is the 15th cultural item from India to make it to the UNESCO list. Kolkata’s Durga Puja was added in 2021.
Possible Sources: UNESCO official website and announcements on cultural heritage listings.