1. The famous Nabakalebara festival belongs to which of the following states?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Odisha
[C] Bihar
[D] Assam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
Nabakalebara festival is an ancient ritual that is observed in most of the Jaganath temples, Odisha. In this festival, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra and Sudarshan are replaced by new idols. Nabakalebara is usually comes in every twelve to nineteen years based on the auspicious two months of Ashadha as per the Hindu calendar.
2. Who among the following had written Bangladesh’s national anthem “Amar Sonar Bangla”?
[A] Nazrul Islam
[B] Rabindranath Tagore
[C] Anisur Rahman
[D] Santidev Ghosh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Rabindranath Tagore]
Notes:
Apart from Indian national anthem Rabindranath Tagore has written national anthem of Bangladesh ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’ and also the lyrics of Sri Lanka’s National Anthem (Sri Lanka Matha). Tagore had written the music and lyrics for Nama Nama Sri Lanka Mata in the Bengali language for his student Ananda Samarakoon.
3. Lavani is one of the most popular forms of dance and music that is practiced in which state?
[A] Maharastra
[B] Bihar
[C] Gujarat
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maharastra]
Notes:
Lavani is a dance form that originated in the state of Maharashtra in India. It is known for its vibrant and energetic dance moves, as well as the colorful costumes and traditional music that accompanies it. Lavani is typically performed by female dancers, who sing and dance to the accompaniment of a dholak, a traditional Indian drum. The dance is often associated with the state’s folk tradition, and it is often performed at festivals and other celebrations.
4. Which among the following sub-school of Vedanta is followed by ISCON?
[A] Shuddhādvaita
[B] Achintya Bhedābheda
[C] Purnādvaita or Integral Advaita
[D] Modern Vedānta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Achintya Bhedābheda]
Notes:
The correct answer is Achintya Bhedābheda. This sub-school of Vedanta, founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the 16th century, emphasizes the simultaneous oneness and difference between the individual soul (jiva) and the Supreme (Brahman). ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) follows this philosophy, promoting devotion (bhakti) to Lord Krishna while acknowledging the unique relationship between the divine and the individual. This approach is distinct from other Vedantic schools, which may emphasize either non-dualism or dualism more strictly.
5. The establishment of Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) enshrines which among the following objectives ?
[A] Protection from Pollution
[B] Tourism Development
[C] Economy Hub
[D] Transportation facilities
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Protection from Pollution]
Notes:
Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) covers an area of 10,400 sq km around the Taj Mahal. Its objective is to protect the monument from pollution.
6. Who among the following Sikh Gurus started the Manji and Piri system?
[A] Guru Angad
[B] Guru Amar Das
[C] Guru Tegh Bahadur
[D] Guru Arjun Dev
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Guru Amar Das]
Notes:
To spread Sikhism among the people, Guru Amar Das ji, the 3rd guru of Sikhs, started the Manji and Piri system by appointing 94 men as Manji and 52 women as Piris. Excerpts of the works contributed by him for the society are as follows:
a) Strictly prohibited the practice of Sati system and Pardah System.
b) Started the langar ( or community kitchen) to abolish caste system.
c) Composed Anand Sahib, a part of the Nitnem (daily prayers).
7. Who among the following Sikh Gurus is known for introducing the Anand Karaj?
[A] Guru Angad
[B] Guru Amar Das
[C] Guru Tegh Bahadur
[D] Guru Arjun Dev
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Guru Amar Das]
Notes:
Guru Amar das ji, the 3rd guru of Sikhs, is known for introducing the Anand Karaj ( Sikh marriage ceremony). As per the rules and regulations of Sikhism, persons not conceding the Sikh faith cannot be joined in marriage by the Anand Karaj ceremony.The notable points are Sikhs practise monogamy and widows or widowers may remarry.
8. The Langas and Manganiars communities are known for:
[A] martial arts in North-East India
[B] classical vocal music in South India
[C] pietra dura tradition in Central India
[D] musical tradition in North-West India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [musical tradition in North-West India]
Notes:
The Langas and Manganiars are Muslim communities of traditional musicians who are known for their Sufi music. They have lived in the Thar Desert region of western Rajasthan for centuries, and also in villages along the Pakistan border. They are hereditary communities who make their livings as musical performers and genealogists for higher-caste patrons
9. 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.
10. Which of the following paintings involves the art of creating images on cotton cloth using the wax resist method?
[A] Kalighat
[B] Batik
[C] Kalamkari
[D] Madhubani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Batik ]
Notes:
The art of Batik painting is practised mainly in West Bengal, Odisha and Tamil Nadu. It involves the art of creating images on cotton clothes using the wax resist method.