1. Who was the first Indian to receive an Oscar?
[A] Bhanu Athaiya
[B] Shabana Azmi
[C] Satyajit Ray
[D] Naseeruddin Shah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bhanu Athaiya]
Notes:
Bhanu Athaiya, an eminent costume designer in Indian cinema, became the first Indian to clinch an Oscar. Her ideation and implementation of costumes grace over 100 films and spans over several decades from the 1950s. She collaborated with proficient filmmakers such as Guru Dutt, Yash Chopra, Raj Kapoor, Ashutosh Gowariker, including international directors like Conrad Rooks and Richard Attenborough. She also won two prestigious National Film Awards, in 1991 and 2002, demonstrating her exceptional skills and contribution to the film industry.
2. Kambala Sport is held in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Gujarath
[C] Tamilnadu
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Karnataka]
Notes:
Kambala is an annual buffalo race held in Karnataka and also in some parts of Kerala such as Kasaragod.
3. “Shesher Kabita” is the reknowned work of which among the following legends?
[A] Rabindranath Tagore
[B] Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay
[C] Narendranath Mitra
[D] Dinabandhu Mitra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rabindranath Tagore]
Notes:
Shesher Kabita is a novel by Rabindranath Tagore, widely considered a landmark in Bengali literature. The novel was serialised in 1928 from Bhadro to Choitro in the magazine Probashi, and was published in book form the following year.
4. Which among the following sects was founded by Saint Tukaram?
[A] Pranami Sampraday
[B] Varkari Sect
[C] Rudra Sampradaya
[D] Sri Sampradaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Varkari Sect]
Notes:
Varkari Sect is founded by saint Tukaram. It is a vasihnavite tradition. It is geographically associated with Maharashtra.
5. Which of the following prizes is given by KK Birla Foundation for commendable work in Hindi?
[A] Acharya Tulsi Samman
[B] Vyas Samman
[C] Saraswati Samman
[D] Rajahasha Samman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vyas Samman]
Notes:
KK Birla Foundation awards the Vyas Samman to outstanding Hindi literature published in the last 10 years. The award was established in 1991 and carries a cash prize of Rs 4 lakh. The winner of the 2022 Vyas Samman was Gyan Chaturvedi for his satirical novel Pagalkhana.
The KK Birla Foundation also awards the Saraswati Samman and the Bihari Puraskar. The Saraswati Samman is given to literary works published in the last 10 years by Indian writers in languages included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The Bihari Puraskar recognizes outstanding work in Hindi or Rajasthani published in the last 10 years by a Rajasthani writer.
6. Which among the following is NOT a classical language?
[A] Tamil
[B] Telugu
[C] Kannada
[D] Rajasthani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rajasthani]
Notes:
As of October 2024, India recognizes eleven classical languages: Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), Odia (2014), and, more recently, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali (all in 2024). These languages are esteemed for their antiquity, rich literary heritage, and significant cultural contributions. The designation aims to preserve and promote India’s diverse linguistic legacy.
7. Which among the following is the correct description of Nagara , Dravida and Vesara?
[A] The three main racial groups
[B] Three Linguistic Divisions
[C] Three main styles of Indian temple architecture
[D] Musical Gharanas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Three main styles of Indian temple architecture]
Notes:
Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara are indeed the three main styles of Indian temple architecture. 1. Nagara: Predominantly found in northern India, characterized by curvilinear shikhara (tower) and intricate carvings. 2. Dravida: Common in southern India, featuring pyramid-shaped towers (vimanas) and extensive use of stone. 3. Vesara: A hybrid style combining elements of both Nagara and Dravida, seen in regions like Karnataka. These styles reflect the diverse cultural and religious influences across India, with temples serving as important architectural and spiritual landmarks.
8. Which among the following was the main contribution of Jainism to Indian Philosophy ?
[A] The doctrine of rebirth
[B] The doctrine of Syadvada
[C] The doctrine of immortality of soul
[D] The doctrine of Brahma is nirguna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ The doctrine of Syadvada ]
Notes:
The doctrine of Syadvada is based on the premise that every proposition is only relatively true. It all depends on the particular aspect from which we approach that proposition.
9. Naubat Khana at Red fort (Delhi) was:
[A] the mosque for the use of Royal Family
[B] an orchestra house used for playing music five times a day at propitious hours.
[C] a place of gathering for spiritual leaders for discussion on religious matters.
[D] a hall for meeting general public and redressing public grievances.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ an orchestra house used for playing music five times a day at propitious hours. ]
Notes:
Naubat Khana was an orchestra house used for playing music five times a day at propitious hours.It was built by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri and Shahjahan at Red fort in Delhi.
10. Who among the following was the first Indian woman producer and director in Indian cinema?
[A] Fatima Begum
[B] WM Khan
[C] Alam Ara
[D] Ardeshir Irani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Fatima Begum]
Notes:
Fatma Begum was an Indian actress, director, and screenwriter. She is often considered the first female film director of Indian cinema. Within four years, she went on to write, produce and direct many films. She launched her own production house, Fatma Films, and directed Bulbul-e-Paristan in 1926.