1. Raut Nacha is folk dance performed mainly by the tribal communities of which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Jammu & Kashmir
[C] Assam
[D] Chhattisgarh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chhattisgarh]
Notes:
Raut Nacha is a ceremonial dance performed mainly by the tribal community of Chhattisgarh. It is performed during the “dev udhni ekadashi”, after the Diwali festival. It is mainly performed by Yaduvanshis. The dance form carries with itself sacred mythological and religious traditions.
2. The annual “Royal Kathina Ceremony” is associated with which of the following religions?
[A] Jainism
[B] Buddhim
[C] Parsi
[D] Sikhism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Buddhim]
Notes:
The Royal Kathina Ceremony is observed every year by Buddhist. It is observed in only one Buddhist temple outside Thailand and this year the Namphake Buddhist temple of Assam was selected. Kathina offering is an ancient Buddhist Tradition of offering special robe and other necessities to monks who maintain strict discipline of retreat during the rainy season. The main purpose of the ceremony is not merely for religious belief but also to strengthen the relationship between Thailand and other countries.
3. The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is associated with which one of the following cities?
[A] Kochi
[B] Pune
[C] Mysore
[D] Mumbai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mumbai]
Notes:
The Kala Ghoda festival is a most prominent cultural event in Mumbai. The nine-day long festival is a prominent attraction for thousands of visitors from all over the country as well as from the world. Kala Ghoda festival is held annually in the months of January or February.
4. Laughing Buddha is popularly regarded as an incarnation of which of the following Bodhisattvas?
[A] Kshitijgarbha
[B] Maitreya
[C] Avlokiteshwara
[D] Samantabhadra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maitreya]
Notes:
Laughing Buddha, also known as Budai, is considered an incarnation of the Bodhisattva Maitreya. Maitreya is the Bodhisattva of the Future and is believed to be the fifth and final Buddha of the current kalpa. Maitreya is said to reside in the Tusita Heaven, a realm in Buddhist cosmology. The Laughing Buddha is a popular representation of Maitreya. Budai was a Chinese Zen monk who lived during the Later Liang Dynasty (907–923 CE). His name literally means “cloth sack” and refers to the bag he is often depicted carrying. His jolly nature and eccentric lifestyle distinguish him from most Buddhist masters. The Laughing Buddha is a symbol of happiness and good fortune.
5. Which among the following is first Classical Language?
[A] Sanskrit
[B] Konkani
[C] Malayalam
[D] Tamil
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Tamil]
Notes:
The new category of classical language was created in 2004 and Tamil was declared first classical language of India. Classical languages in India refer to those languages that have been given the status of classical languages by the government of India. This status is given to languages that have a long literary history and have made a significant contribution to the cultural heritage of India. The classical languages of India are Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. These languages have a rich history and have been instrumental in the development of many aspects of Indian culture, including literature, art, and music.
6. What is the earlier name of “Leh Singhe-Khababs Festival”?
[A] Ladakh Festival
[B] Leh Darshan
[C] Sindhu Darshan
[D] Sindhu Festival
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sindhu Darshan]
Notes:
Sindhu Darshan Festival is a festival of India held every year on full moon day (on Guru Purnima) in June. It is held at Leh, in Ladakh District of Ladakh. It is the other name for “Leh Singhe-Khababs Festival”.
7. Consider the following matches:
- Khudabaksh Oriental Library
- Library of Tibetan Works and Archives
- Indira Gandhi Rastriya Manav sangrahalaya
The states in which the above are located are as follows:
[A] Bihar, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh
[B] Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
[C] Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
[D] Bihar, Sikkim, Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
Khudabaksh Oriental Library – Patna,
Library of Tibetan Works and Archives-Dharamsala,
Indira Gandhi Rastriya Manav sangrahalaya – Bhopal
8. Watson’s Hotel or Esplanade Mansion, which is India’s oldest surviving cast Iron Building is located in which of the following cities?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Kolkata
[C] Surat
[D] Chennai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Mumbai]
Notes:
Watson’s Hotel, also known as Esplanade Mansion, is located in Mumbai. Built in 1867, it is recognized as India’s oldest surviving cast iron building. The structure showcases Victorian Gothic architecture and was originally a luxury hotel. Its unique cast iron framework was sourced from the UK, reflecting the colonial era’s architectural trends.
9. ‘Me-Dam-Me-Phi’ festival is a festival of which the communities in North Eastern India?
[A] Tai-Ahom
[B] Deori Tribe
[C] Garo
[D] Khasi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tai-Ahom]
Notes:
‘Me-Dam-Me-Phi’ festival of the Tai Ahom community of Assam.The Tai-Ahoms extend offerings to their departed ancestors and offer sacrifices to Gods in traditional manner..
10. The “Nayanars” from ancient times were primarily associated with which Hindu deity?
[A] Vishnu
[B] Shiva
[C] Hanuman
[D] Ganesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shiva]
Notes:
The Nayanars were a group of 63 saints specifically associated with Lord Shiva. They were notable figures in Tamil Nadu who propagated the Bhakti Movement with their devotional teachings, poetic expressions, and fervor for their deity. Their heartfelt verses are renowned in Tamil literature. This period marked a significant transition from ritualistic worship towards a more personal and emotional approach towards divinity, contributing significantly to the cultural and spiritual heritage of Tamil Nadu.