1. Which of the following is not present in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of India?
[A] Kalbelia
[B] Yoga
[C] Maach
[D] Ramlila
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Maach]
Notes:
Maach is a form of folk theatre from the Malwa region Madhya Pradesh. It is said to have originated from the Khyal theatre form of Rajasthan. It is not present in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
2. Rajgir Mahotsav is celebrated in __:
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Bihar
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bihar]
Notes:
Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadhan empire in Bihar is held sacred by both Buddhists and Jains for its association with the Buddha and Mahavir. Department of Tourism, Bihar holds a colourful festival of dance and music, Rajgir Mahotsav or Dance Festival every year in Rajgir.
3. Vedantham Satyanarayan is known to be a greatest guru of which of the following dance forms?
[A] Odissi
[B] kathak
[C] Bharatnatyam
[D] Kuchipudi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kuchipudi]
Notes:
Vedantam Satyanarayana Sarma, popularly known as Satyam, was an Indian classical dancer and choreographer. She is considered as an expert of Kuchpudi dance.
4. 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.
5. In which state is Darbhanga Castle located?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Bihar
[C] West Bengal
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
Darbhanga Castle is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in Prayagraj, next to Allahabad University. Interestingly, despite its name which might suggest a connection to Darbhanga in Bihar, it is in fact based in Uttar Pradesh. This castle illustrates the rich and diverse architectural history of India, with its stylistic influences drawn from a range of periods and locations.
6. With which of the following dance forms the name of Lata Pada is associated with ?
[A] Kuchipudi
[B] Bharatnatyam
[C] Odissi
[D] Kathak
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bharatnatyam]
Notes:
Lata Pada is associated with Bharatnatyam, a classical dance form from Tamil Nadu. It emphasizes intricate footwork and expressive hand gestures (mudras). Bharatnatyam is one of the oldest dance forms, with roots tracing back over 2,000 years, and is often performed in temples as a form of worship. Lata Pada, a prominent figure in this dance style, has contributed importantly to its teaching and promotion.
7. Who among the following authors wrote “Chandayan”?
[A] Abdul Qadir Badyuni
[B] Mulla Daud
[C] Kamgar Khan
[D] Mutamid Khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mulla Daud]
Notes:
Mulla Daud was the first poet in the ideology of Sufism belonged to Dalmau (Raebareli). His famous poem “Laur Chanda”( or Chandayan) was composed in Avadhi language in 14th century AD. It’s a love story of Norak and Chanda. He presented his work to his patron Jaunashah, who was a noble of Firoj Shah Tughlaq.
8. Gatka is an ancient martial art from which state of India?
[A] Punjab
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Punjab]
Notes:
Gatka is an ancient martial art used by the Gurus to help defend the religious beliefs of Sikhi.
9. With respect to Indian culture, what is ‘Ghode Modni’?
[A] festival celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh
[B] tribe of Andaman & Nicobar islands
[C] dance form in Goa
[D] style of Painting
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [dance form in Goa]
Notes:
Ghode Modni (‘Ghode’ means ‘horse’ and ‘Modni’ means ‘gyrations and dance-like movements’) is literally a dance involving horse-like movements. It is a warrior-dance, which commemorates the victory of the Ranes, the Maratha rulers over the Portuguese.The dance is a famous folk dance from of the Goa state.
10. Which of the following presents the most significant features of Indus Valley Civilization? (UPSC Prelims 1984)
[A] Buildings with perfect arches
[B] Use of burnt mud bricks
[C] Use of sun dried mud bricks
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Use of burnt mud bricks]
Notes:
The main towns of Indus valley civilization were Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Kalibangan, Lothal. The significant features of Indus Valley civilization are personal cleanliness, town planning, construction of burnt-brick houses, ceramics, casting, forging of metals, manufacturing of cotton and woolen textiles.