GK Express of 09/02/2026

🚆 GK Express 2.0

Discipline • Clarity • Competitive Preparation

TODAY’S FOCUS → INDIAN HISTORY, HERITAGE AND CULTURE

🧠 Thought of the Day

“Culture is the widening of the mind and of the spirit.”

— Jawaharlal Nehru

📰 Current Affairs

1. Private Bill on Compulsory Census for every 10 Years: Recently, a Private Member’s Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha to amend the Census Act, 1948, to mandate a nationwide Census every ten years.
   Private Member’s Bills (PMBs) are legislative proposals introduced by Members of Parliament (MPs) who are not Ministers (i.e., not part of the government)
2. 'Rat Hole Mining':
   
   
   A major disaster has unfolded in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills, where at least 18 workers died following an explosion in an illegally operating rat-hole coal mine.

📘 Concept of the Day

Subject: Ancient Indian Architecture

Topic: Structure of a Buddhist Stupa

A Stupa represents the burial mound of the Buddha. It serves as a marker for a sacred space, a symbolic representation of the Buddha’s burial mound. Key components include:

1. Anda: The hemispherical dome representing the universe.

2. Harmika: A square railing on top of the dome, symbolizing the abode of the gods.

3. Chhatra: A central pillar supporting a triple umbrella form.

4. Torana: Ceremonial gateways located at the four cardinal directions.

🤔 Think About This (Mains Focus)

Tap a question to reveal the answer

1. The Bhakti Movement was a social reformation as much as a religious movement. Elucidate.

Answer: The Bhakti Movement (8th-17th Century) went beyond devotion.

1. Social Equality: Saints like Kabir and Ravidas rejected the caste system and preached equality.
2. Women Empowerment: Figures like Mirabai and Andal broke patriarchal norms to express devotion.
3. Regional Languages: It shifted literature from Sanskrit to vernacular languages (Hindi, Marathi, Tamil), democratizing knowledge.

2. "The Gupta Period is often called the 'Golden Age' of Ancient India." Justify.

Answer: The Gupta era (4th-6th Century CE) saw excellence in multiple fields:

1. Science: Aryabhatta (Zero, Earth's rotation) and Varahamihira.
2. Literature: Kalidasa (Shakuntalam), Sudraka.
3. Art: Ajanta Paintings and the dashavatara Temple (Deogarh).
4. Polity: Political unity and strong administration under rulers like Samudragupta.

📝 Let’s Write an Exam (PYQs)

Q.1 (UPSC 2018) The well-known painting "Bani Thani" belongs to the:

A. Bundi School

B. Jaipur School

C. Kangra School

D. Kishangarh School

Correct Answer: D (Kishangarh School)

Bani Thani is a miniature painting painted by Nihal Chand from the Marwar school of Kishangarh. It depicts a woman who is elegant and graceful, often referred to as the 'Indian Monalisa'.

Q.2 (UPSC 2019) Building 'Kalyana Mandapas' was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of:

A. Chalukya

B. Chandela

C. Rashtrakuta

D. Vijayanagara

Correct Answer: D (Vijayanagara)

The Vijayanagara style (e.g., Vittala Temple, Hampi) is famous for its massive prakaras, musical pillars, and specifically the Kalyana Mandapa (Marriage halls for deities) with erratic, carved pillars.

✍️ Answer These Questions

1. In which state is the famous 'Sun Temple' of Konark located?

2. Since Independence, how many Private Bills were passed in Indian Parliament' and can you name any prominent one?

GK Express @ Juniors Hostel
Curated with discipline by Nikhil Dasari