1. The first novel written by Sunil Gangopadhyay is :
[A] Athmo Prakash (Self-Revelation)
[B] Pratham Alo (First Light)
[C] Purba Pachim (East and West)
[D] Shei Shomay (Those Days)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Athmo Prakash (Self-Revelation)]
Notes:
Starting off his six-decade literary career as a bohemian poet and editor of Kritibas, a monthly poetry magazine, Sunil Gangopadhyay wrote his first novel, Athmo Prakash (Self-Revelation), at the behest of the editor of the hugely popular periodical Desh for its special Durga Puja edition. Two of the most critically acclaimed films of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray — Pratidwandi and Aranyer Din Ratri — were based on novels written by him.
2. Which of the following was the birth place of Guru Nanak ?
[A] Shakargarh
[B] Sultanpur
[C] Nankana Sahib
[D] Shahkot
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nankana Sahib]
Notes:
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.
3. In which century, the Rajatarangini of Kalhana was composed?
[A] 10th
[B] 11th
[C] 12th
[D] 13th
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [12th]
Notes:
The Rajatarangini ( “The River of Kings”) is a metrical historical chronicle of north-western Indian subcontinent, particularly the kings of Kashmir, written in Sanskrit by Kashmiri Brahman Kalhana in 12th century CE.
4. The Sangai Festival is organized in __:
[A] Assam
[B] Manipur
[C] Bihar
[D] Nagaland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Manipur]
Notes:
The Sangai festival is an annual cultural festival organised by Manipur Tourism Department on every year from November 21 to 30. The festival as named as the Sangai Festival to stage the uniqueness of the shy and gentle brow-antlered deer popularly known as the Sangai Deer, which is the state animal of Manipur.
5. Singhey Khababs Festival is celebrated in which among the following states / UTs of India?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Jammu & Kashmir
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jammu & Kashmir]
Notes:
Singhey Khababs Sindhu festival was started in 2001 by Union government to promote Lakakh as tourists’ destination in the country. Since then it is organised annually. It is celebrated to endorse the Indus River (Sindhu River) as a symbol of the communal harmony and unity of India. It also promotes cultural values and tourism in the region
6. Who was the third guru in the succession of Sikh Gurus?
[A] Guru Amardas Ji
[B] Guru Nanak Dev Ji
[C] Guru Angad Dev Ji
[D] Guru Ramdas Ji
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Guru Amardas Ji]
Notes:
Guru Amardas Ji was the third Guru of the Sikhs and took over the mantle of Sikh Guruship in 1552 at the age of 73. He was known for establishing the Manji system for missionary activities in various parts of India. His commitment to equality for humans has also left an indelible mark on the culture and principles of Sikhism. He initiated the tradition of free food distribution (langar) to all visitors, without concerning for their religious or social status.
7. The only Dravidian language that is spoken entirely outside India is ___:
[A] Tulu
[B] Kurukh
[C] Brahui
[D] Gondi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Brahui]
Notes:
The only Dravidian language spoken entirely outside of India is Brahui. Brahui is spoken by over 2 million people, mostly in the Pakistani province of Balochistan. Smaller groups of Brahui speakers are also found in Afghanistan, Irani Balochistan, and the Marw oasis in Turkmenistan.
8. Which of the following is not a vedanga?
[A] Vyakarana
[B] Niruktas
[C] Jyotisa
[D] Brahmana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Brahmana]
Notes:
In Vedic literature the six Vedangas are: Siksa, Vyakarana, Chandas, Niruktas, Jyotisa and Kalpa. Brahmana is not a vedanga.
9. “Pari-khanda” is a martial art created by Rajputs. This art is most commonly practised in which state of India?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Bihar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Bihar]
Notes:
"Pari-khanda" is a fighting form created by Rajputs and is still practised in many parts of Bihar. "Pari" means shield and "khanda" means sword.
10. Chapchar Kut, Mim Kut and Pawl Kut are festivals celebrated in which state?
[A] Mizoram
[B] Kerala
[C] Goa
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Mizoram]
Notes:
The festivals are called Kut in Mizo language. The three Kuts viz. Chapchar Kut, Mim Kut and Pawl Kut are the three festivals which are connected with agricultural activities. These festivals are celebrated with feasts and dances.