1. The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site of the Palaeolithic period. It is located in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Jharkhand
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site of the Palaeolithic, exhibiting the earliest traces of human life on the Indian Subcontinent. It is located in the Raisen District in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, near Abdullaganj town and inside the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary.
2. Which of the following bodies organizes the ‘Bharat Rang Mahotsav’?
[A] Indian Council for Cultural Relations
[B] Ministry of Culture
[C] National School of Drama
[D] Sahitya Academy
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [National School of Drama]
Notes:
Bharat Rang Mahotsav’ was established in 1999 as an annual theatre festival of National School of Drama (NSD). Originally it was founded to show case, works of Indian theatre practitioners but later it got international fame and attracted international performers. Now it is acknowledged as the largest theatre festival of Asia.
National School of Drama (NSD) is India’s premier theatre training institute operating under the aegis of Union Ministry of Culture
3. Chakan Gaan-Ngai, a post-harvest festival is celebrated in __:
[A] Manipur
[B] Sikkim
[C] Meghalaya
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Manipur]
Notes:
Celebration of the biggest post-harvest festival of the Zeliangrong community, Chakan Gaan-Ngai, also popularly known as Gaan-Ngai was kick-started in Manipur recently with different organizations celebrating the festival in their own manner with traditional gaiety and religious fervour. The State Level celebration of the festival was organized by State Level Gaan Ngai-2013 Committee at Langol Tarung village with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh as Chief Guest.
4. The Pagodas at Mahabalipuram had been constructed by ___?
[A] Cholas
[B] Chalukyas of Kalyani
[C] Pallavas
[D] Pandyas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Pallavas]
Notes:
Pallava dynasty: the reign of Narasimhavarman I : constructed five rath temples at the port town of Mamllapuram (Mahabalipuram) These are now known as seven raths or Pagodas.
5. Which among the following temples of India is known as Black Pagoda?
[A] Sun Temple, Konark
[B] Brihadeeswara Temple, Tanjore
[C] Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri
[D] Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sun Temple, Konark ]
Notes:
Konark Sun Temple is a 13th century temple of Odisha, built by Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. It is also known as Black Pagoda. It’s a World Heritage Site. It is considered as architectural marvel for which Odisha, best known worldwide.
6. Kargam is a folk dance of which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Karnataka
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Karagam is a traditional dance of Tamil Nadu, which is performed by male dancers. In this dance, the dancer wears dhoti and garlands, and dons a kalash, or pitcher, filled with water and uncooked rice on his head (as a symbol of life and fertility). The The pitcher, decorated by a flower-bedecked conical bamboo frame, is balanced by the dancer on his head. Karagam dancers move in a procession throughout the village to reach the temple of the goddess, accompanied by the drum called nadaswaram and other instruments.
7. 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.
8. Pancha mahal is located in:
[A] Agra
[B] Delhi
[C] Fatehpur Sikri
[D] Sikandara
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Fatehpur Sikri]
Notes:
Panch Mahal is a palace in Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh. The Panch Mahal meaning ‘Five level Palace’ was commissioned by Akbar . This structure stands close to the Zenana quarters which supports the supposition that it was used for entertainment and relaxation.
9. Which among the following is the oldest surviving rock-cut cave in India ?
[A] Bagh Caves
[B] Ellora Caves
[C] Uday Giri Caves
[D] Barabar Caves
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Barabar Caves]
Notes:
Barabar Caves in Bihar is one of the oldest surviving rock cut cave in India. It dates from the mauryan empire.
10. A Fire temple is a place of worship for _____?
[A] Sikhs
[B] Zoroastrians
[C] Buddhists
[D] Shinto’s
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Zoroastrians]
Notes:
A fire temple in Zoroastrianism is the place of worship for Zoroastrians, often called dar-e mehr (Persian) or agiyari (Gujarati). In the Zoroastrian religion, fire together with clean water (see aban), are agents of ritual purity.