1. One of the incarnations of Vishnu is represented in art as raising the Earth from the Ocean. Identify Him from the given options:
[A] Kumara
[B] Varaha
[C] Matsya
[D] Nrisingha
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Correct Answer: B [Varaha]
Notes:
Varaha Avatar, the third incarnation among the 10 Dashavatara of Lord Vishnu, is in the form of a Boar. In his third incarnation, Lord Vishnu as Varaha saved the earth from demon Hiranyaksha, thus saving the mankind.
2. Aihole is called the cradle of Indian temple architecture. Which among the following dynasty is related to the construction of magnificent temples in Aihole?
[A] Chalukya
[B] Chola
[C] Chera
[D] None of the above
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Correct Answer: A [Chalukya]
Notes:
The Aihole temples were built in the late 7th century by the dynasty of the Chalukyas. It is the largest of a group of over 120 temples at Aihole. The architecture of the temple is predominantly Dravida with Nagara style also is used in certain areas.
3. 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
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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.
4. In context with the Indian music, Abhang are the devotional songs dedicated to which among the following gods?
[A] Jagannatha
[B] Narayana
[C] Vitthala
[D] Vamana
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Correct Answer: C [Vitthala]
Notes:
Abhanga is kind of devotional poetry / bhajan dedicated to Vittala and the first to sing Abhanga was Sant Tukaram.
5. With reference to Indian culture, what is Nabakalebara?
[A] An annual Hindu festival held in the Padmanabhaswamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram
[B] A festival observed in the Jagannath Temple at Puri.
[C] A festival held on the occasion of Makar Sankranti at Sagardwip Island near Kolkata.
[D] A festival observed once in six years at Ganga Ghats, of Varanasi.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A festival observed in the Jagannath Temple at Puri.]
Notes:
Nabakalebara is a festival observed in the Shree Jagannath Temple at Puri. It marks a symbolic recreation of wooden forms of the four deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshana at Jagannath temple. The occasion occurs every 12th or 19th year of the previous Nabakalebara. The event was in news because Department of Economic Affairs says that coins minted in July 2015, have Lord Jagannath”s depiction incorrect, and calls for more designs.
6. With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Pookalam’?
[A] It is a type of Indian tribal martial dance in the state of Manipur
[B] It is a type of type of flower Rangoli in the state of Kerala
[C] It is a type of musical instrument used in Carnatic music
[D] It is a type of painting famous in the state of Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [It is a type of type of flower Rangoli in the state of Kerala]
Notes:
Pookalam is a beautiful and intricate floral design or arrangement that is traditionally created during the festival of Onam in the Indian state of Kerala. Onam is one of the most significant festivals in Kerala and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and cultural fervor. Pookalam plays a central role in the festivities, and it is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the state.
7. The Shatapatha Brahmana is a Hindu sacred text associated with:
[A] Sukla Yajurveda
[B] Krishna Yajurveda
[C] Atharvaveda
[D] Samaveda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Sukla Yajurveda]
Notes:
The Shatapatha Brahmana has 100 adhyayas. It belongs to Later Vedic Period. It is a prose text describing Vedic rituals, history and mythology associated with the Sukla Yajurveda. According to Shatapatha Brahmana both Devas and Asuras are said to have been born from Prajapati, the lord of creatures.
8. The Phad painting is a religious scroll painting practiced in which state of India?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Odisha
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [ Rajasthan]
Notes:
The phad painting is a religious scroll painting, traditionally done on a long piece of cloth or canvas, known as phad. This type of painting is mainly practised in Rajasthan and the narratives of the folk deities of Rajasthan, mostly of Pabuji and Devnarayan are depicted on the phads. These paintings are often carried from one place to another by the traditional singers called Bhopas.
9. 'Bhand Pather' is the traditional folk theatre of which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Jammu and Kashmir
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jammu and Kashmir]
Notes:
The Bhand Pather is not a monologue but a social drama which incorporates mythological legends and contemporary social satire. Bhands are the traditional folk entertainers and plays of the Bhands are called pather. It is predominantly practised in Jammu & Kashmir.
10. India's Rural Olympics, formally known as the Kila Raipur Sports Festival, is held annually in which state of India?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Punjab
[C] Chhattisgarh
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Punjab]
Notes:
Kila Raipur Sports Festival, popularly known as the Rural Olympics, is held annually in Kila Raipur (near Ludhiana), in Punjab, India.