Art & Culture (Temple Architecture and Religious Philosophy) by Ashutosh Nath Jha

Category
GS-I
Test Date
27-02-2024 07:00 AM
Evaluated
Yes

Instruction:

There will be 2 questions carrying the First Question is-10 marks Write your answers in 150 words and the Second Question is-15 marks Write your answers in 250 words.
Any page left blank in the answer-book must be crossed out clearly.
Evaluated Copy will be re-uploaded on the same thread after 2 days of uploading the copy.
Discussion of the question and one to one answer improvement session of evaluated copies will be conducted through Google Meet with concerned faculty. You will be informed via mail or SMS for the discussion.

Question #1. What fundamental differences distinguish the Nyaya and Vaisheshika schools of Indian philosophy, and how do their respective theories contribute to the understanding of reality? 10 marks (150 words)

Question #2. How did the amalgamation of indigenous styles and foreign influences contribute to the evolution of Indian architecture? Provide examples to support your answer. 15 marks (250 words)

(Examiner will pay special attention to the candidate's grasp of his/her material, its relevance to the subject chosen, and to his/ her ability to think constructively and to present his/her ideas concisely, logically and effectively).

Model Answer

The Nyaya and Vaisheshika schools of Indian philosophy share commonalities, yet diverge in their foundational principles. Nyaya emphasizes logic and epistemology, proposing that valid knowledge is obtained through inference, testimony, and perception. In contrast, Vaisheshika delves into metaphysics and atomism, asserting that the ultimate reality (paramanu) consists of indivisible particles.
Nyaya's logical rigor is evident in its syllogistic reasoning, known as anumana, which plays a crucial role in establishing valid knowledge. Vaisheshika, on the other hand, introduces a systematic classification of substances (dravya), with nine categories encompassing everything from atoms to souls.
An example illustrating their differences can be found in their interpretations of causation. Nyaya identifies five causes, including the material cause (upadana) and the efficient cause (nimitta), providing a comprehensive understanding of causality. In contrast, Vaisheshika recognizes only four causes, focusing primarily on the material cause.
while Nyaya focuses on the methodology of acquiring knowledge, Vaisheshika delves into the metaphysical fabric of reality, showcasing the diverse perspectives within the rich tradition of Indian philosophical thought.

The synthesis of indigenous architectural styles with foreign influences has been pivotal in the evolution of Indian architecture, resulting in a diverse and culturally rich landscape. One prominent example is the Indo-Islamic architecture that emerged during the medieval period. The Qutub Minar in Delhi exemplifies this fusion, blending Persian elements like the use of intricate calligraphy with traditional Indian motifs.
In Southern India, the Chola dynasty's temples showcase a unique amalgamation of Dravidian architecture with influences from Southeast Asia. The Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur, with its towering vimana and intricate carvings, exemplifies this synthesis, reflecting both local and foreign aesthetic elements.
The Mughal architecture in Northern India is another testament to this amalgamation. The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, combines Persian, Timurid, and Indian architectural styles. The use of the Persian dome and intricate geometric patterns on the marble facade demonstrates the integration of diverse influences.
Furthermore, the colonial period introduced European architectural elements to India. The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata is a striking example, showcasing a blend of British and Mughal architectural styles. The grand edifice with its white marble and red sandstone construction mirrors this fusion, reflecting the colonial influence on Indian architecture.
the synthesis of indigenous and foreign architectural styles has not only shaped the physical aesthetics but also symbolizes the cultural, religious, and historical amalgamation that defines the diverse architectural heritage of India.

Procedure of Answer Writing:

To participate in the answer writing program, Register yourself for the test. Copies will be evaluated only for the registered students. Registration will be closed after the scheduled date.

Answer Writing, Copy Evaluation, and Marks Improvement Cycle:

Step 1 (Theme, Details & Its Topics):

Every round of Answer writing initiative will be around a theme related to the Subject/Topic.
Please read the theme and its description, and try to cover the topics given within the theme before writing the answer along with the sources.

Step 2 (Answer Writing):

Questions will be uploaded on the portal on the scheduled date at 7:00 AM.
You have to write your answers on an A4 size sheet leaving margins on both sides based on the UPSC pattern.
Mention your name, email id, location, and phone number on the 1st page in the top right corner and the page number on each page.
After writing the answers, Click pictures of each page of your answer sheet, merge them all in a single PDF and upload them in the upload section of the same question.
Kindly submit your written answers before 7:00 PM. Only the first 100 copies will be considered for evaluation. No request for late submission or evaluation will be entertained once the 100 mark is reached.

Note: Answer sheets without the proper guidelines given above will not be accepted for evaluation.

Step 3 (Copy Evaluation): Copies will be evaluated in the next 72 hours of the test date. After evaluation, copies will be uploaded into your account. During the copy evaluation period, doubt clearing and discussion about the theme or topic of the test with respective mentors of the test will be done in the telegram group.

Step 4 (Mentorship): Evaluated copies will be sent to you via mail and also uploaded into your account on the website. After that a mentorship session for the marks improvement with respective faculty will be conducted on the Google Meet, so that students can get a wider perspective of the topics. Here you can discuss your evaluated copies also with the faculty. Top 5 copies of every test will be shared in the telegram group for reference.

Note: Aspirants who have not written the test can also participate in the mentorship session.

For Updates and Mentorship of the session, you will be notified through SMS or Telegram Group.

For Notification And Update About the Program Join Telegram Group at: https://t.me/gsscoreopendailyanswerwriting

Note: You have to write your answers on an A4 size sheet leaving margins on both sides based on UPSC pattern. Mention Your Name on 1st page and Page Number on each page. After writing the answer, Click pictures of each page of your answer sheet, merge them all in a single PDF and upload in the Your Answer Copy section of the same question.

Mains Answer Writing

Art & Culture (Temple Architecture and Religious Philosophy) by Ashutosh Nath Jha

Model Answer

Procedure of Answer Writing:

Answer Writing, Copy Evaluation, and Marks Improvement Cycle:

Copy submission is closed now for this test.

Mains Answer Writing

Art & Culture (Temple Architecture and Religious Philosophy) by Ashutosh Nath Jha

Model Answer

Procedure of Answer Writing:

Answer Writing, Copy Evaluation, and Marks Improvement Cycle:

Copy submission is closed now for this test.

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