Are you preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination? Test your knowledge of static History and Culture topics with this essential daily quiz. This edition covers significant themes like ancient temples, historical relics, national events, and governing authorities, all crucial for the Prelims.
Question 1: The Temple of Resilience
Consider the following statements about a prominent temple:
- It is regarded as the first among the 12 jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva.
- Congress leader K M Munshi advocated for its reconstruction soon after India's Independence.
- In 1783, Maratha queen Ahalyabai built a shrine near the ruins of the old temple.
Which temple do these statements describe?
Options: (a) Rameshwaram Temple, (b) Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, (c) Somnath Temple, (d) Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Answer and Detailed Explanation:
The correct answer is (c) Somnath Temple.
Located in Veraval, Gujarat, the Somnath Temple holds immense religious and historical significance. It is widely believed to be the foremost of Shiva's 12 jyotirlingas. Its history is marked by repeated destruction and reconstruction, symbolizing resilience.
The temple was first attacked in 1024 CE by Mahmud of Ghazni. Historical and archaeological records, including a 1950 report by archaeologist B K Thapar, note that it was rebuilt by Hindu rulers only to face desecration again in 1297 CE by Alaf Khan, a general of the Delhi Khilji dynasty. The cycle continued through the 14th and 15th centuries, with another demolition ordered by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1699.
In 1783, Maratha queen Ahalyabai Holkar constructed a new shrine close to the ancient ruins. The movement for a full-scale reconstruction gained momentum post-Independence, spearheaded by K M Munshi, leading to the temple's restoration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently referenced this narrative of resurgence, linking it to contemporary global events.
Question 2: The Sacred Piprahwa Gems
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated an exhibition titled 'The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One' in New Delhi. What is this exhibition primarily dedicated to?
Options: (a) Sanchi Stupas, (b) Piprahwa Gems, (c) Sarnath Relics, (d) Tirumala Relics.
Answer and Detailed Explanation:
The correct answer is (b) Piprahwa Gems.
This exhibition, inaugurated on January 3, 2026, showcases the sacred Piprahwa Buddhist relics. The collection includes 349 precious gemstones and relics believed to be associated with Lord Buddha.
These antiquities were originally discovered in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé, an English estate manager, at a stupa in Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh. Under the 1878 Indian Treasure Trove Act, the British Crown claimed most of the find, which later went to the Indian Museum in Kolkata. However, a portion remained with the Peppé family for generations.
These heirlooms were put up for auction in 2013 and later listed by Sotheby's Hong Kong in 2025 with an estimated value exceeding $100 million. Their return to India last year was a significant repatriation event. The exhibition also features sacred bones and ash, once gifted by Viceroy Elgin to Siamese King Rama V, believed to be of Buddha himself.
Question 3: The Annexation of Awadh
Which British Governor-General referred to Awadh as 'A cherry that will drop into our mouth one day'?
Options: (a) Lord Cornwallis, (b) Lord William Bentinck, (c) Lord Curzon, (d) Lord Dalhousie.
Answer and Detailed Explanation:
The correct answer is (d) Lord Dalhousie.
In 1851, Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India, made this infamous statement about the prosperous kingdom of Awadh. It foreshadowed the British East India Company's annexation of the region in 1856 under the Doctrine of Lapse, citing alleged misgovernance. This move was strategically and economically motivated, aiming to consolidate British control and access Awadh's substantial revenue.
Question 4: Significance of Parakram Diwas
Why is Parakram Diwas celebrated in India?
Options: (a) To commemorate the Quit India Movement launch, (b) To mark Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary, (c) To celebrate India's 1971 war victory, (d) To honour the Indian National Army's establishment.
Answer and Detailed Explanation:
The correct answer is (b) To mark the birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose.
Since 2021, the Indian government has observed January 23 as Parakram Diwas or the Day of Valour. This day commemorates the birth anniversary of the iconic freedom fighter, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The initiative aims to inspire citizens, particularly the youth, to embody Netaji's courage and indomitable spirit in the face of adversity and to foster patriotic fervour.
Question 5: Role of the National Monuments Authority
Regarding the National Monuments Authority (NMA), consider these statements:
- It was established under the Ministry of Culture per the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Amendment Act, 2010.
- The Union Minister for Culture serves as its Chairman.
Which statement(s) is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only, (b) 2 only, (c) Both 1 and 2, (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Answer and Detailed Explanation:
The correct answer is (a) 1 only.
Statement 1 is accurate. The National Monuments Authority (NMA) was indeed set up under the Ministry of Culture as per the provisions of The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Amendment and Validation Act, 2010. Its key functions include protecting centrally protected monuments by managing the prohibited and regulated areas around them and granting permissions for construction activities in these zones.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The NMA is headed by a Chairperson, not the Union Culture Minister. The authority comprises a Chairperson, up to five Whole Time and five Part Time Members, a Member Secretary, and the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as an ex-officio member. Currently, Prof. Kishor K. Basa holds the position of Chairman.
Boost Your UPSC Preparation
Consistently attempting such subject-wise quizzes is an excellent strategy for revising static syllabus portions for the UPSC Prelims. For more comprehensive preparation, aspirants can access previous quizzes on International Relations, Polity, Economy, Science & Technology, and Environment. Subscribing to dedicated UPSC newsletters and following relevant channels can provide regular updates and curated news essential for the examination.
