UPSC prelims MCQs CAPF NDA PSC

The correct answer is D. A prehistoric rock-art shelter. Explanation: The clues in the question describe the recently rediscovered prehistoric rock-painting shelter locally known as "Oor Pare", located near Vellarikombai village in the Kotagiri region of the Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu (documented by the Yaakai Heritage Trust in April 2026). Key Exam Facts about the "Oor Pare" Prehistoric Site: Location & Altitude: Situated northwest of Vellarikombai village (near Kotagiri) in the Nilgiris hills at an altitude of approximately 1,100 metres above mean sea level. It is perched on a steep cliff and accessed mainly during summer using traditional forest vine ladders. Pigment & Composition: The rock shelter features a monochrome composition executed entirely in red ochre (a natural iron-oxide mineral pigment/haematite widely used in Indian prehistoric art). Figures & Motifs (~30 Clear Figures): Around 30 identifiable figures (along with several faded forms) have been documented across a rock canvas measuring roughly 6.3 m by 5.4 m. These include: Anthropomorphic and human figures wearing conical headdresses and elongated or ladder-like body structures. Geometric and ritual symbols, including dot-filled rectangular patterns and fine line drawings, pointing to prehistoric ritual practices and shamanic beliefs. Superimposition (Multi-phase painting): Newer drawings overlap older ones, showing that prehistoric communities reused and repainted the shelter across multiple cultural eras. Tribal & Cultural Link: The site is considered sacred by the local Irula and Kurumba (specifically Alu Kurumba) indigenous tribes, who traditionally visit the cliffs during wild honey-harvesting rituals. Other Related Rock-Art Sites in the Nilgiris: Karikkiyur (famous for having over 500 paintings), Iduhatty, Eluthuparai, Tholikkiparai, and Vellarikombai. Why the other options are incorrect: A. A Neolithic urban settlement: The Neolithic phase in South India consisted of rural agro-pastoral villages and ash-mound sites (such as Utnur, Piklihal, and Paiyampalli), not urban settlements. Furthermore, rock shelters with red ochre paintings represent prehistoric cave/cliff art rather than built urban habitations. B. A medieval temple complex & C. A colonial archaeological structure: The exclusive use of natural red ochre mineral pigment on an uncarved natural granite overhang with stick-like anthropomorphic motifs is a hallmark of prehistoric rock art (spanning the Mesolithic to Megalithic/Iron Age transition in South India), not medieval stone architecture or British colonial structures.

Explanation 1. Thousand Pillar Temple — Hanamkonda: The Thousand Pillar Temple (Rudreswara Swamy Temple) is a famous historical Hindu temple located in Hanamkonda, Telangana. 2. Rudra Deva — Construction of the temple: It was commissioned and constructed in 1163 AD by King Rudra Deva of the Kakatiya dynasty, which is why it is also named the Rudreswara Swamy Temple. 3. Trikutalaya — Shiva, Vishnu and Surya: Built in the Trikutalaya (triple-shrine) architectural style, the temple features three distinct shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Surya around a central mandapa. 4. Kakatiya dynasty — Sandbox technology: Kakatiya architects uniquely employed the sandbox technique—filling deep foundational pits with sand, granite powder, and jaggery before laying massive stone blocks—to create shock-absorbing, earthquake-proof foundations (prominently seen at Ramappa Temple and Thousand Pillar Temple).