Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

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A 5,300-year-old Early Harappan settlement and burial was recently discovered in Lakhapar village, Kutch district, Gujarat, by the University of Kerala’s Department of Archaeology. The site dates to around 3300–2600 BCE and builds on previous finds at Juna Khatiya, another Early Harappan cemetery nearby. A human burial was found directly in a pit without markers, using Pre-Prabhas pottery linked to Chalcolithic cultures of Saurashtra like Prabhas Patan and Datrana. Harappan-style sandstone and shale structures show planned construction and social organisation.

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Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Meghalaya’s Eri Silk in the 123rd episode of Mann Ki Baat radio show. Eri Silk from Meghalaya has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Eri Silk is a heritage of Meghalaya, preserved by the Khasi community. It is called Ahimsa Silk because its production does not harm silkworms. The fabric symbolizes sustainability, tradition, and craftsmanship.

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Thousands of devotees recently witnessed the grand consecration of the Subramanya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur after 16 years. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is located in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan and the only one situated on the seashore. The temple faces the Bay of Bengal and is touched by waves from the Gulf of Mannar. It is over 2,000 years old and showcases beautiful Tamil architecture.

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Recently, the Saaral Vizha 2025 was celebrated in Courtallam, Tamil Nadu as a monsoon festival highlighting culture, tradition, and community welfare. It was inaugurated by Revenue Minister K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran. The festival featured cultural performances, a flower exhibition, and various public competitions. The festival reflects Tamil Nadu’s commitment to inclusive cultural growth and community participation.

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Lungphun Ropui in Lianpui village, Champhai district, Mizoram, was officially declared a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on July 14, 2025. This is the second site in Mizoram to receive this recognition. The declaration came after a site visit on July 7, 2025 by ASI Director (Monuments) A.M.V. Subramanyam. The site is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. Known for its ancient menhirs (carved stone structures), it reflects early Mizo life, rituals, and beliefs.

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The Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Temple in Karnataka recently welcomed the Karnataka government’s formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged mass secret burials of unidentified bodies at the pilgrimage centre. SIT was formed after public demand to investigate alleged secret burials of unidentified bodies at Dharmasthala between 1998 and 2014. The temple is a major Hindu pilgrimage site located in the town of Dharmasthala, Karnataka. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Lord Manjunatha. The temple has a history of around 800 years.

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On 21st July 2025, a replica of the Ashoka Pillar was unveiled at Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya in Kalutara district, Southern Province, Sri Lanka. The replica was fully sponsored by H.E. Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, a top spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism. The foundation stone was laid on 28 January 2024 by Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Shri Santosh Jha and Venerable Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Secretary General of International Buddhist Confederation (IBC). The pillar honors Emperor Ashoka for introducing Buddhism to Sri Lanka through his children Arhat Mahinda Thero and Arhat Sangamitta Therani. The temple was chosen as it houses authentic Kapilavastu relics of Lord Buddha.

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The 11th Malabar River Festival, an international white-water kayaking championship, held on July 27, 2025, in Kerala. The three-day event is organized by Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS) and Kozhikode District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). It is supported by Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association (IKCA) and local panchayats. Events are held on Iruvazhinjipuzha and Chalippuzha rivers.

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Recently, the Prime Minister offered prayers at Brihadeeswara Temple in Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister was welcomed by temple priests with “poorana kumbham”, a traditional temple honour. Brihadeeswara Temple is also called Peruvudaiyar Kovil and is located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. It is a fine example of Dravidian architecture from the Chola Period. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, represented by a massive Lingam. It was built around 1010 AD by Chola king Rajaraja Chola I.

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A photo exhibition on the Gavri festival of the Bhil tribe of Mewar is being showcased for the first time at the India International Centre Art Gallery. Gavri is a 40-day ritual held annually after Raksha Bandhan by the Bhil community in Rajasthan to honour Gorkhiya Mata. Bhil troupes perform khels (dance-dramas), songs, and religious rituals in villages, especially where their married sisters and daughters live. The drama combines dialogue, music, and vibrant costumes, also called Gavri or Rai Nach.