Hindu Deities and Epics

In Ramayana symbolism, Sita represents Jivatma (individual soul), while Raam represents Paramatma (supreme soul). Ravana symbolizes ego Ahalya, and Lakshman represent other aspects. The question tests allegorical character representations in the epic.

Lord Ganesha is traditionally depicted holding a 'Pasha' (noose) and 'Ankusha' (goad), symbolizing his power to capture obstacles and propel mankind forward. Swords and bows are associated with other deities like Durga or Rama.

The earliest human statues worshipped in India were images of the Buddha. This practice began during the Kushan period (1st-2nd century AD) under the influence of Greco-Buddhist art from Gandhara. Prior to this, Hinduism was aniconic - worship focused on abstract symbols rather than human forms. Statues of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva came later, around the Gupta period (4th-6th century AD). Buddha images represent the first anthropomorphic worship in India.

Peepal tree was worshipped in the Indus civilization.

Pashupati Mahadeva was the chief male deity to be worshiped in the Indus civilization.

The Gayatri Mantra is addressed to Savitri, the solar deity representing the awakening aspect of the sun. The mantra invokes Savitri for enlightenment and wisdom. While Mitra and Pushan are also solar deities, the Gayatri Mantra specifically invokes Savitri as the sun that stimulates and inspires.

The Chola period is renowned for its bronze sculptures, with the Nataraja idol being considered the finest example. These Nataraja bronzes depict Shiva as the cosmic dancer and are masterpieces of Indian art. The Chola artists perfected the lost-wax casting technique (cire perdue) to create these intricate bronze statues. The Nataraja from Chola period is now recognized worldwide as an icon of Indian art.

The Konark Sun Temple (misspelled as 'Kornark') in Odisha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and is designed as a colossal chariot with 12 pairs of elaborately carved wheels.

Correct option is (4).

In Hindu traditional genealogy, Yaduvanshi is indeed a branch of the Chandravanshi (Lunar Dynasty). Lord Krishna, being of the Yadu lineage, is the most prominent figure associated with this clan. Both statements are historically and mythologically accurate according to ancient Indian texts and Puranic tradition.

This is the correct answer as both statements are correct.

Indra is the most extensively praised deity in the Rigveda, with about 250 hymns dedicated to him - more than any other Vedic god. He is celebrated primarily for his heroic feat of slaying Vritra (the serpent of drought) and releasing the waters, making him the champion who brings rain and fertility to the land.

The salient feature of the Rigvedic religion was worship of nature. Worship of different forces of nature formed a part of the Rigvedic religious belief. They believed that some divine power works behind these objects of nature such as fire, water, wind, etc.

An important characteristic of Vedic mythology is the predominance of the male element. Thus, Vedic civilisation presents a contrast to the prehistoric culture of Indus Valley, where the mother goddess is coequal with her male partner.