UGC NTA NET/JRF EXAM, June 2025 HISTORY

Total Questions: 100

91. Read the following passage and answer the questions:

Brown states that this temple, standing high on this base, has a porch on its western side, accessible by stairs, and it is here that the designer reached his greatest heights. The traditional combination of mandapa and vimana has not been explicitly abandoned, but the manner in which all the precise and sharp outward-facing architectural elements, such as cornices, stuccoes, niches, and porticoes, have been arranged in an orderly and artistic manner, is a sign of skill. Next rises a three-tiered upright colonnade, prominently displaying its gabled front and adorned with a sculpted cupola, reaching a total height of 95 feet. This is not a complete description, however.

Around the broad platform at the base of the vimana are five subsidiary ranges carved from rock, each a gentle reproduction on a reduced scale of the main theme they represent as a boundary. The interior has a colonnade leading to the chambers. The hall is a wellproportioned room measuring 70 feet by 62 feet, with 16 square cells in groups of four in each quadrant, an arrangement that produces the effect of a diagonal central gallery with great dignity. The remaining portion of the plan, consisting of two 51-foot-high flagpoles, located on either side of Nandi, presents a marvel of artistic work, marking an important stage in the development of the Dakshina Pillar style. Finally, the architectural decoration of the entire temple presents its elements with grace and crowns the monument with majesty. The meticulous depiction of Ravana's stubbornness to move Mount Vailas is particularly noteworthy.

Which of the following statements is true about the temple? 

Correct Answer: (c) The temple is a complete monolith.
Solution:

The Ellora Caves are known for the magnificent Vailashnath Temple. This Shiva temple was carved out of a rocky hill in the 8th century under the patronage of the Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna I. The temple is made of a single monolithic rock. Monolithic structure means a temple built by cutting a single large stone or hill.

92. Which of the following temples is being referred to in the paragraph?

Correct Answer: (a) Vailashnath Temple at Ellora
Solution:

Referring to the Vailashnath Temple at Ellora, Brown says that the temple stands high on the base level and has a porch accessed by stairs on the western side. This makes it clear that this temple is of great height. The four-story shikhara of the vimana is 95 feet high. It has a circumambulatory path on three sides. This temple signifies perfection.

93. Which of the following statements are true regarding this temple?

Correct Answer: (c) The monuments at the site where the temple is located are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Solution:

The Kailash Temple caves at Ellora were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1983. The Kailash Temple at Ellora is built on the Ellora Hill in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. It includes monuments of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religions.

94. Which of the following statements is true?

Correct Answer: (a) In addition to the temple mentioned here, Buddhist and Jain structures were also located at this historical site.
Solution:

In addition to the Kailash Temple (Shaivite temple), temples of Buddhism (12 Buddhist caves) and Jainism (5 Jain cave temples) are built on Ellora Hill. These caves are located close to each other, conveying a message of religious harmony. The Buddhist caves (1- 12) contain chaityas (prayer halls) and viharas (monasteries), while the Hindu caves (13-29) are carved out of a single rock. The Jain caves (30-40) belong to the Digambara Jain tradition.

95. Who among the following built the temple described here?

Correct Answer: (a) Krishna I
Solution:

The Kailash Temple at Ellora, built on the Ellora hills, was commissioned by the Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna I. This temple represents a fine example of ancient Indian architecture and sculpture. The entire temple is constructed of monolithic stone. It skillfully depicts scenes such as Krishna holding Govardhan, Lord Vishnu, various forms of Shiva, Durga slaying Mahishasura, Ravana lifting Mount Kailash, etc.

96. Read the following paragraph and answer the questions:

It seems certain to me that the Hindu solution to the problem of religious conflict is likely to be accepted in the future. To achieve this, a sense of freedom to determine one's own purpose and path is crucial. Determination that is not self-determined is of no value. Different religions are gradually learning to embrace each other in friendship in every part of the world. My presence here this evening is a sign of this. Parliaments of Religions and conferences of liberal thinkers from all faiths promote mutual understanding and harmony. The study of comparative religion is developing an unbiased attitude towards other religions. It is incumbent upon us to reflect the fundamental unity of all religions while emphasizing each religion in accordance with the wisdom of the people, the spirit of the age, and the needs of the times. We are learning to think clearly about the interrelationship of religions.

Who said, "I feel proud to belong to a nation that has given shelter to the oppressed of all religions and refugees from all nations on earth?"

Correct Answer: (c) Swami Vivekananda
Solution:

Swami Vivekananda said, "I am proud to be a follower of a religion that has taught the world tolerance and universal acceptance. Different religions in every part of the world are gradually learning to hold each other's hands in friendship." Swamiji said, "I feel proud to belong to a nation that has given shelter to the oppressed of all religions and refugees from all nations on earth."

97. Why is the author of the paragraph optimistic about the "Hindu solution" to religious conflict?

Correct Answer: (c) The spirit of democracy exists in Hinduism.
Solution:

The author is optimistic about the "Hindu solution" to religious conflict. He states that the Hindu solution to the problem of religious conflict is likely to be accepted in the future. He states that the spirit of democracy exists in Hinduism, this seems certain to me.

98. Which of the following is not a book written by Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan?

Correct Answer: (d) Thought-Forms
Solution:

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a great educationist. He also held the post of Vice President of India. The books written by Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan include "The Hindu View of Life," "The Principal Upanishads," and "Living with a Purpose." ThoughtForms was written by Annie Besant.

99. Who is the author of the book "Ancient Wisdom"?

Correct Answer: (a) Annie Besant
Solution:

The author of the book "Ancient Wisdom" is Annie Besant. She was a social reformer and Theosophist. She founded the Theosophical Society in India. Other books she wrote include "The Seven Principles of Man" and "Annie Besant: An Autobiography." In 1917, she became the first woman president of the Indian National Congress. She also edited the newspapers "Commonwealth" and "New India."

100. This article is attributed to the following thinkers:

Correct Answer: (b) Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Solution:

The author of this article is attributed to Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a renowned educationist, philosopher, and devout Hindu thinker, a promoter of Indian culture. It was made clear by him that in Indian culture, respect for all religions has been taught and the feeling of equality for all religions is also the special identity of Hindu culture.