UGC NTA NET/JRF Exam, INDIAN CULTURE, AUGUST-2024

The text Namling-anushashanam was composed by Amar Singh. He was a renowned scholar and lexicographer of ancient India. His contribution to Sanskrit literature, particularly in lexicography, was significant. His works provided detailed explanations and linguistic insights that were highly valued in later scholarly traditions.

In the Mauryan administration, the financial year started in the month of Ashadha. This system was based on the agricultural cycle, as Ashadha marked the beginning of the monsoon season, which was crucial for agriculture. The revenue collection and financial planning were aligned with the agricultural output, making Ashadha a logical choice for the beginning of the financial year.

The Charak Samhita is one of the most comprehensive texts on Ayurveda and is divided into eight volumes, known as ashtanga ayurveda. These include various aspects of medicine such as Chikitsa (treatment), Viman (dosha analysis), and Nidan (diagnosis). However, the text does not include a dedicated section on Dysentery Pechish, as it mainly focuses on broader categories of diseases and their treatment rather than specific ailments.

The Yaksha sculpture found at Parkham (Patkham) is made of pink sandstone. This sculpture, dating back to the Mauryan period, represents the early artistic traditions of India. The use of pink sandstone was common in the construction of Mauryan-era sculptures and monuments, as seen in the pillars and edicts of Ashoka.

The quote, "The key of my selfrealisation was the question - who am I? Whether I am a body, mind, senses?" is attributed to the great spiritual teacher Ramana Maharshi. He was a prominent 20th-century Indian sage known for his teachings on self-inquiry (Atma Vichara). His philosophy emphasized the realization of the self beyond the physical body and the mind, focusing on the fundamental question, "Who am I?"

The chronological order of Ashoka's measures for propagating Dhamma begins with his journey to Bodh Gaya, which was a significant spiritual step. He then appointed Dhamma Mahamatras to spread Buddhist teachings. This was followed by his pilgrimage to Nigliva, then Lumbini, where he paid homage to the birthplace of Buddha. Finally, he inscribed Dhamma Lipis (edict inscriptions) to formally communicate his principles of Dhamma to the public.

Ashokan pillar inscriptions have been found at Topra, Meerut, Prayag, and Louriya Areraj. These pillars contain inscriptions that reflect Ashoka's policies of Dhamma, nonviolence, and moral governance. The pillars were erected at various strategic locations to spread the message of Buddhism and ethical living among the people.

The famous ports during the reign of the Pandya rulers in the Sangam Age were Korkai and Shaliyur. Korkai was an important center of the pearl trade and maritime activities, whereas Shaliyur was known for its trade connections with distant lands. These ports played a crucial role in the economic prosperity of the Pandya kingdom by facilitating trade with Rome, Greece, and Southeast Asia.

The correct chronological order of the construction of the listed architectures is as follows: Jamali Masjid (built during the early Mughal period), followed by Tomb of Humayun (commissioned by his widow Bega Begum in the mid-16th century), then Tomb of Adham Khan (built after his execution by Akbar), next Buland Darwaza (constructed by Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat), and finally Moti Masjid (built by Shah Jahan as a private mosque in the Red Fort complex).

The chronological order of commentators of Manusmriti is Bharuchi, followed by Meghatithi, then Govindraj, and lastly Kulluk Bhatt. These scholars provided extensive commentaries on Manusmriti, offering interpretations and clarifications on the ancient Hindu legal and ethical code. Their works have influenced the understanding of Hindu law over centuries.