Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

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Preah Vihear Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Preah Vihear Province of Cambodia. It stands atop a cliff in the Dangrek Mountains along the Cambodia–Thailand border, giving it strategic importance. It was built during the Khmer Empire (11th–12th century), it was developed by kings Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II. The temple was used for over 800 years by Angkor rulers. Later, it gradually transformed into a Buddhist site with added decorations. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Recently, tensions and clashes have again emerged between both countries over control of the temple.

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The annual Mahua flower festival, known as ‘Ippa Puvvu Panduga’, is celebrated in Telangana. The festival takes place in Jamidi village of Narnoor mandal in Adilabad district. It is usually observed during April–May, coinciding with the Mahua flower harvest season. The festival highlights the cultural and economic importance of the Mahua tree for tribal communities. It is mainly celebrated by the Gond and other Adivasi communities. Mahua flowers are used for food products, traditional beverages, and medicinal purposes. The event is organised by tribal organisations and local leaders.

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Udayan Fort is a historic site dating back nearly 2,500 years to the era of the Vatsa Mahajanapada. It is located in Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Yamuna River. The fort is associated with King Udayana, one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas. King Udayana was known for his military strength, diplomacy, and patronage of culture. The fort is now set for restoration to preserve its historical and cultural significance.

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Somnath Amritparv-2026 began on 9th May in Gujarat to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the reconstruction of Somnath Temple. The five-day celebration has attracted devotees from across India with Vedic rituals and spiritual ceremonies. Somnath Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat. It is considered the first among the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva in India.

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Etor Gidi is a traditional agro-based festival celebrated by the Adi community in Arunachal Pradesh. The festival is observed at the beginning of the farming season, usually in mid-May. It is associated with agricultural rituals, communal participation, and village customs. During the festival, villagers collectively repair and strengthen fences around agricultural fields. The practice reflects cooperation, field protection, and shared agricultural responsibility within the community.

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Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan was recently recognised by UNESCO surveys as having the world’s second-longest surviving wall after the Great Wall of China. It was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, the fort is located in the Aravalli Hills and was an important military stronghold of Mewar. Its massive wall stretches over 36 kilometres, giving it the title “Great Wall of India.” The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

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Rupa Tarakasi, the famous silver filigree craft of Cuttack, is facing challenges due to rising silver prices and new import restrictions on silver. Rupa Tarakasi is a centuries-old art form known for delicate silver wire craftsmanship and intricate designs. In Odia, “tara” means wire and “kasi” means to design or work with wire. The craft is believed to have existed since the 12th century and received strong patronage during the Mughal period. The craft received a Geographical Indication Tag in 2024, recognising its cultural and traditional importance.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a Rogan painting featuring the “Tree of Life” motif to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Rogan Painting is a rare and traditional textile art form from the Kutch region of Gujarat. Rogan art is created using a special paint made from castor oil and natural pigments. The “Tree of Life” motif symbolises growth, harmony, and interconnectedness in traditional art.

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Odisha has launched a revival plan for the traditional Bomkai Saree weaving tradition in Ganjam district. The project is titled “Revival of Languishing Products (Cotton Bomkai Saree)” and is implemented by the state’s Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department. Bomkai weaving is traditionally associated with Bomkai village in Ganjam district and also with Subarnapur. The revival initiative includes documentation of traditional motifs, colour patterns, and weaving techniques.

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Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) removed walls built inside the main gopuram of the Virupaksha Temple at Hampi. The Virupaksha Temple, also known as Pampapathi Temple, is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha (Shiva). It is located in Hampi, Karnataka, on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River. The temple is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.