Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

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A rare Umamaheshwara metal sculpture was found in Taggunje, Ajri village, Udupi district, Karnataka. Likely made in the 17th century using a 12th-century style, the idol is crafted from five metals. The sculpture uniquely combines Shaiva-Shaktha and Naga cult traditions. Lord Shiva is depicted seated with Parvati on his lap, Ganesha on the right, Shanmukha on the left, and Nandi below. Shiva’s features include Jatamukuta, a third eye, a parashu, a deer, and a five-headed serpent umbrella. The platform inscription in 17th-century Kannada mentions the use of 3 gadhyanas of gold (14% gold content).

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Nepal organized its first three-day International Pashmina Festival to highlight Chyangra Pashmina, sourced from Pashmina goats. Nepal is a major producer of authentic Pashmina, known for its high quality. The wool is hand-combed, hand-spun, and woven using traditional methods with natural dyes and embroidery. The exhibition featured 150 stalls, including 40 showcasing pure Nepali Pashmina. Nepali Pashmina competes internationally, with strong markets in the US, Japan, and Europe. Challenges include raw material supply and the need for policy improvements to expand the market. Fake and blended Pashmina pose a challenge globally, especially in India.

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Andhra Pradesh’s Etikoppaka toys were prominently featured at the Republic Day parade. They are traditional wooden toys made by artisans from Etikoppaka village, Andhra Pradesh, near the Varaha River. Natural dyes from seeds, bark, roots, leaves, and lacquer are used to color these toys. The softwood from ‘ankudu’ trees (Wrightia Tinctoria) is primarily used. The toys are rounded with no sharp edges, ensuring safety. Etikoppaka toys received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017.

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A scene featuring Lezim dance in the film, based on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has sparked controversy in Maharashtra. Lezim is a traditional folk dance of Maharashtra performed with a wooden stick fitted with jingling cymbals. It is both a dance and a rigorous physical drill, often performed in formations of twos, fours, or circles. The dance is accompanied by dhol or dholki, with no wind or string instruments. Lezim was traditionally used in all folk dances but is now mainly seen in Ganesha processions. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, took power in 1681 after a battle with his half-brother Rajaram.

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The Geographical Indications (GI) Registry Chennai has granted a new logo for the Kashmir hand-knotted carpet to preserve its exclusivity. Kashmir hand-knotted carpets, locally called “Kal baffi”, date back to the 15th century. Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin introduced carpet weaving in Kashmir by bringing artisans from Persia and Central Asia. Farsi baff and Persian Sehna knots are traditionally used in Kashmir carpets. Simple tools like wooden or metal combs and short scissors are used in weaving. Other GI-tagged Kashmir crafts include Papier Mache, Pashmina, Kani, Sozni, Khatamband, and Walnut Wood Carving.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on Thaipusam. Thaipusam is named after the Tamil month “Thai” and the star “Poosam.” It honors Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war, victory, and wisdom. The festival marks the day when Goddess Parvati gave Lord Murugan the divine vel (spear) to defeat the demon Surapadma. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil month Thai. It is widely observed by Tamils in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries.

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A study traces the Fulani people’s history back to the ‘Green Sahara’ period (12,000–5,000 years ago). The Fulani are among Africa’s largest pastoral populations, including nomadic herders and farmers. They mainly reside in Nigeria, Mali, Guinea, Senegal, and Niger but are spread across several other countries. Their language, Fula, belongs to the Atlantic branch of the Niger-Congo language family. The Fulani are divided into three groups: Makiyaya (herders), Fulanin Soro (town dwellers), and Bararo (forest dwellers with ancestral rituals).

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The 300-year-old stone art of Gaya district, Bihar, has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Patharkatti village in Neemchak Bathani block is famous for its stone sculptures. Artisans create statues of Lord Buddha, Mahavira, and other artistic sculptures. More than 650 artisans in Patharkatti are involved in stone carving. The GI tag provides global recognition, helping artisans gain a new identity and increase their income.

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The Prime Minister of India attended Jhumoir Binandini 2025, a grand cultural event featuring 8,000 performers. Jhumoir, also known as Jhumur, is a traditional folk dance of Assam’s Adivasi tea tribes, performed during the harvest season. It is accompanied by instruments like the Madal, Dhol, Taal, and Flute. Dancers perform in a circular formation with rhythmic footwork and swaying movements. Women wear colorful sarees, while men wear dhotis and kurtas. The dance symbolizes unity, inclusivity, and Assam’s rich cultural heritage, fostering social bonding and community celebration.

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The 51st Khajuraho Dance Festival in Madhya Pradesh set a Guinness World Record. 139 artists performed a classical dance marathon for 24 hours, 9 minutes, and 26 seconds. The Guinness team certified the record and presented the certificate to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. The event was organized by the MP Department of Culture.