1. Shaphee Lanphee, a traditional textile fabric, is a GI product from which of the following states?
[A] Assam
[B] Manipur
[C] Jammu & Kashmir
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Manipur]
Notes:
Shaphee Lanphee is a traditional textile fabric woven and embroidered by Meitei women of Manipur. The fabric was, in the past, presented as a gift of honour (Mana Phee) to the soldiers for their bravery in a successful war, and to the praise-worthy chiefs of the Nagas of Manipur by the king of Manipur.
2. How Kumbh mela is organised in India?
[A] Every 4 years at 3 location
[B] Every 12 years at 4 locations
[C] Every 3 years at 4 locations
[D] Every 4 years at 4 locations
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Every 12 years at 4 locations]
Notes:Kumbha (Kumbha means pot) Mela is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage that takes place at the following four locations of India:
- Prayag (near the city of Allahabad, in the state of Uttar Pradesh) at the confluence of three rivers Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna and Saraswati
- Haridwar (in the state of Uttarakhand) where the river Ganga enters the plains from Himalayas
- Ujjain (in Madhya Pradesh), on the banks of Ksipra river, and
- Nasik (in Maharashtra) on the banks of Godavari river.
The pilgrimage occurs four times every twelve years, once at each of the four locations. Each twelve-year cycle includes the Maha (great) Kumbh Mela at Prayag, attended by millions of people, making it the largest pilgrimage gathering around the world.
3. Which of the following religions “Tower of Silence ” is related to in India?
[A] Zoroastrians
[B] Christians
[C] Jews
[D] Muslims
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Zoroastrians]
Notes:
“Tower of Silence ” is related to Zorastrians. It is a circular, raised structure built by Zoroastrians for excarnation – that is, for dead bodies to be exposed to carrion birds, usually vultures.
4. The Saga Dawa festival marks the life of Buddha. It is most commonly celebrated in which state?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Sikkim
[C] Assam
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sikkim]
Notes:
Saga Dawa festival marks the life of Buddha. Buddha Jayanti in Bhutia language is called Saga Dawa.
5. Chapchar Kut, Mim Kut and Pawl Kut are festivals celebrated in which state?
[A] Mizoram
[B] Kerala
[C] Goa
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mizoram]
Notes:
The festivals are called Kut in Mizo language. The three Kuts viz. Chapchar Kut, Mim Kut and Pawl Kut are the three festivals which are connected with agricultural activities. These festivals are celebrated with feasts and dances.
6. Which of the following is not a school of Hindu Philosophy?
[A] Yoga
[B] Lokayata
[C] Samkhya
[D] Vedanta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lokayata]
Notes:
The six schools of Hindu Philosophy are Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa and Vedanta. These are also called the Astika.
7. Which of the following is not a colour code of heritage sites/monuments to be adopted by “monument mitras” under “Adopt a Heritage Project” launched by the Ministry of Tourism?
[A] Blue
[B] Green
[C] Red
[D] Orange
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Red]
Notes:
Ministry of Tourism in close collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has launched “Adopt a Heritage Project” to provide world-class tourist facilities at the various natural/cultural heritage sites, monuments and other tourist sites in the country. The programme aims to make the sites tourist friendly, enhance their tourist potential and cultural importance in a planned and phased manner across the country. The heritage sites/monuments enlisted are categorized as green, blue and orange on the basis of tourist footfall and visibility. As a part of project guidelines, it is mandatory for Monument Mitra, who is opting for a monument from green category to choose at least one site from either orange or blue category.
8. Consider the following statements regarding the Chakiarkoothu form of dance:
- It is performed by Chakiar caste.
- It cannot be traditionally witnessed by the higher caste Hindus.
- Mizhavu is the accompanying instrument.
- Its theatre form is called koothambalam.
Which of these statements are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2000)
[A] Only 1, 3 and 4
[B] 1, 2 and 3
[C] 2, 3 and 4
[D] 1, 2 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2 and 4]
Notes:
Chakiarkoothu is the renowned folk dance of Kerala, related to which statements 1, 2 and 4 are accurate. This dance form, believed to have been introduced to Kerala by early Aryan immigrants, is performed only by the members of the Chakiar caste. Traditional observation by higher caste Hindus is non-existent. Its theatre form is named koothambalam.
9. In which state Jallikattu is played in India?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Kerala
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Jallikattu, a popular bull taming sport held during Pongal, is set to take place in Madurai district in Tamil Nadu. The three main venues where the sport will take place in are Palamedu, Alanganallur and Avaniapuram.
10. Which among the following is the national flower of India?
[A] Rose
[B] Lotus
[C] Marigold
[D] Lily
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lotus]
Notes:
Lotus has been designated as the national flower of India, given its unique position in ancient Indian art and mythology.