Static Quiz 27 October 2022 (Art & Culture)  

Sectarian lists the following eight auspicious symbols under Jainsim:
1. Swastika: It signifies peace and wellbeing of the humans.
2. Nandyavartya: It is a large swastika with nine end points.
3. Bhadrasana: A throne which is said to be sancrified by the jaina’s feet.
4. Shrivasta: A mark which manifested on the Jain’s chest and signified his pure soul.
5. Darpana: The mirror which reflects the inner self
6. Minayugala: A couple of fish which signifies the conquest over sexual urges
7. Vardhamanaka: A shallow dish used as lamp which shows the increase in the wealth, due and merit.
8. Kalasha: A pot filled with pure water signifying water.

Arabesque method was used for decoration. Arabesque meant the use of geometrical vegetal ornamentation and was characterised by a continuous stem which split regularly, producing a series of counterpoised, leafy, secondary stems. The secondary stems, in turn, split again or returned to merge with the main stem creating a decorative pattern.

The Islamic rulers introduced the Charbagh style of gardening, in which a square block was divided into four adjacent identical gardens.

The architectures of these times also used the pietra-dura technique for the inlay of precious stones and gems into the stone walls.

Another unique feature was the use of foreshortening technique in the buildings, such that the inscriptions appear to be closer than it really is.

Portugese Influence:

The Portuguese brought with them the Iberian style of architecture. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.

They initially built trading posts and ware houses, which were later remodelled into fortified town along the coastlines. They also introduced the concept of ‘patio houses’ and ‘Baroque style’ developed in late-16th century in Europe to express the strength of the Church. It had elaborate, detailed and theatrical design to create adramatic effect. It involved use of contrasting colours.

French influence:

The French brought the concept of urban city planning with them. The French towns of Pondicherry and Chandernagore (now Chandannagar, West Bengal) were built using the Cartesian grid plans and scientific architectural designs. They built imposing buildings as a show of power. They also introduced the concept of anonymous architecture which involves simple facade without much ornamentation or design, much like modern buildings. Hence statement 2 is correct.

Both the statements are correct.

Zoroastrianism

• This religion has its origin in Persia by the prophet Zarathustra around 6-7 BCE.
• They are a monotheistic religion which believes in one eternal god whose name is Ahura Mazda who is the epitome of just behaviour and goodness. There is a spirit of malice and bad behaviour called Angra Mainyu. These two-keep fighting with each other and this is an eternal struggle and one day good will win over evil and that will be the last day.
• They are commonly known as Parsis and are presently amongst the smallest (and rapidly shrinking) communities in India. They live mostly in Mumbai, Goa and Ahmedabad. Their fire temples called Atash Bahram are rare and only eight known temples exist in the entire country.
• Their sacred text called Zend Avesta is written in Old Avestan.
• They worship fire but also consider air, water and earth to be sacred elements.

Misings are an indigenous community inhabiting parts of the Indian states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. They were also known as Miris in the past and still recognized as Miris in the Constitution of India. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.

Toda people are a Dravidian ethnic group who live in the Nilgiri Mountains of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Before the 18th century and British colonisation, the Toda coexisted locally with other ethnic communities, including the Kota, Badaga and Kurumba, in a loose caste-like society, in which the Toda were the top ranking. During the 20th century, the Toda population has hovered in the range 700 to 900. Hence statement 2 is correct.