Indian Culture MCQs

Notes:
Christianity represents about a third of the world’s population and is the world’s largest religion. A study has found that Christians make up about 32 percent of the world’s population, followed by Muslims, the second largest group. Hindus are the third largest group, followed by Buddhists and Jews.

Notes:
To pay a befitting tribute to the man of letters, Nobel Laureate, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, on his 150th birth anniversary, the Government of India has set up a ‘Tagore Centre for the Study of Culture and Civilization’ (TCSCC) at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla. The objectives of the Centre include: to encourage the study of Tagore’s work; support translations of Tagore’s work into other Indian languages; promote comparative study of his work with poets, artists and writers in other parts of India and the world; study the elements of his Humanist philosophy and his cosmopolitanism; and explore his concerns regarding the relationship between science and society.

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Nankana Sahib was the birth place of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion. He was born in 1469 in a khatri family. He had strong faith in worship of Nirakar Brahma.

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The Devadasi system, which involves dedicating girls to a deity, predates the Vijayanagar era. This tradition, prevalent in South India, had Devadasis performing music and dance in temples. While their status varied over time, foreign travelers like Paes and Nuniz noted Devadasis’ respected position in Vijayanagar society.

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Yakshagana, a distinct Indian theatre form, is predominantly seen and cultivated in the Karnataka state, more specifically in districts like Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Shimoga and the western parts of Chikmagalur. This art form, characterized by a unique amalgamation of dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up, and stage techniques, has also found its way to Kasaragod district in Kerala, further underlining its appeal and influence.

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The Tangaliya shawl is an indigenous craft from Gujarat, specifically associated with the Dang region. It is known for its unique weaving technique that incorporates intricate patterns and vibrant colors. The shawls are traditionally made using wool and are characterized by their durability and warmth. The GI recognition in 2009 helps protect the traditional craftsmanship and promotes the artisans’ work, ensuring that the cultural heritage of Gujarat is preserved.

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Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS) is located in Leh, Ladakh. CIBS is an institution dedicated to the study and promotion of Buddhist culture and philosophy.

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Saint Surdas ji was a 15th-century blind saint and an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, known for his devotional songs dedicated to Lord Krishna. He being a disciple of guru Vallabhacharya was a advocator of the Shuddhadvaita school of Vaishnavism (also known as Pushti Marg).

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Namdev is considered to be a part of the varkari tradition (Vaishnava devotional tradition) was born in Maharashtra in 1270 AD, belong to chipi (cloth painter) caste. He composed hymns on Marathi and some of his verses were included in the Guru Granth Sahib (or Adi Granth). He was a precursor of Kabir and Guru Nanak. His abhangas (or devotional lyrics) were known as Namdevachi.

Notes:
The correct answer is Uttar Pradesh. It is the leading state in India for handloom and handicrafts, with a rich tradition of weaving and craftsmanship. Uttar Pradesh is known for its intricate Banarasi sarees, which are made in Varanasi, and its vibrant carpet industry in Bhadohi. The state has over 1.5 million artisans engaged in various handicraft sectors, making it a important hub for traditional crafts in India.