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

The correct chronological order according to birth is Namdev (1270 CE), Ramananda (1366 CE), Guru Nanak Dev (1469 CE), Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486 CE), and Mukund Ram. Namdev was a prominent saint of the Bhakti movement in Maharashtra. Ramananda, a Hindu Vaishnava saint, is credited with spreading the Bhakti movement in North India. Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, was born in 1469. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a devotee of Krishna and founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, was born in 1486. Mukund Ram's exact date of birth is less known, but he is believed to have been active later than the others.

Nalanda University was a renowned Buddhist learning center. According to records, Mahavir Swami resided in Nalanda for 14 years, which highlights its significance as a center of religious and philosophical debates. During the period of the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang, there were around 510 Acharyas and Pracharyas engaged in teaching at Nalanda. The library of Nalanda was called 'Dharmagaja,' which contained vast collections of texts and manuscripts. However, the minimum age of admission to Nalanda University was not recorded as eight years, making statement (b) incorrect.

Rajtarangini, written by Kalhan, is an important historical text on the history of Kashmir. Kalhan's father was named Champak. The text also mentions intercaste marriages, indicating a social structure that allowed such unions. Additionally, women in Rajtarangini were not aware of the Parda system, which suggests a relatively liberal outlook on women's mobility and rights during the period. However, Chandrapida was considered a just and noble ruler, not cruel, making statement (c) incorrect.

The main characteristics of temple construction during the Gupta period included an open garbhgriha (sanctum sanctorum) and the placement of Ganga and Yamuna idols as Dwarpala (gatekeepers). Gupta temples were known for their simple yet elegant architectural style not a shape of pyramid, is incorrect statement. However, the Gopuram, a towering entrance structure, was a feature of later South Indian temples, not of the Gupta period, making statement (d) incorrect.

Mohenjodaro, one of the prominent cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, is known as the "Mound of the Dead." It had an advanced drainage system and a large water tank, often referred to as the Great Bath, which was in the middle of an open campus. The city also had a class of priests who were believed to have performed religious duties. Sir John Marshall described the Great Bath as a remarkable construction of its time. However, there is no conclusive evidence of colorful bangles being specifically associated with Mohenjodaro, making statement (d) incorrect.

In the text 'Leelavati' by poet Palit, Nagarjuna is associated with Pottis and Kumaril. Nagarjuna was a great Buddhist philosopher and scholar known for his contributions to Madhyamaka philosophy. However, his association with Charak and Shushrut (both renowned figures in Ayurveda) is not well-documented, making statements (c) and (d) incorrect.

Hitopadesh, written by Narayan, is a collection of fables that convey moral teachings. The key parts of Hitopadesh include Mitralabh (gaining friends), Vigraha (war and conflict), and Sandhi (peace and reconciliation). However, Samas is not a part of Hitopadesh, making statement (d) incorrect.

All the listed texts-Lalitvistar, Suvarnaprabhas, Gandavyuha, Samadhiraj, and Sadharmapundarik-are part of Mahayana Buddhist literature. These texts discuss various aspects of Mahayana philosophy, including the Bodhisattva ideal and the concept of universal salvation.

Shri Chaitanya was a prominent saint from Bengal (II). Shaikh Abdul Kuddas 'Gangohi' was associated with Uttar Pradesh (III). Meerabai, the Bhakti saint and devotee of Krishna, belonged to Rajasthan (IV). Shaikh Ahmed Sarhindi, a Sufi scholar, was associated with Haryana (I).

Hemchandra was the court poet of Jay Singh (III). Padmagupta was patronized by Munj (IV). Gunadhya was associated with Hala (I). Bhavbhuti was under the patronage of Yashoverma (II).