Indian Culture MCQs

Notes:
Ghumura is an ancient folk dance that originated from Odisha. As per ancient mythological texts, Ghumura was a war dance of the Gods and Demons. Over the course of time, Ghumurawas imbibed into performing arts and entertainment in Odisha.

Notes:
Mathura and Gandhara schools of art flourished during the Kushana era. The Mathura school of art developed in the first century AD during the reign of Kushan emperor Kanishka. The Gandhara school of art also developed in the first century AD during the reign of Kanishka. The Gandhara school of art is known for the first sculptural representations of the Buddha in human form. The school was influenced by Greek methodologies. The Gandhara school of art developed in what is now northwestern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan between the 1st century BCE and the 7th century CE. The Mathura school of art achieved its pinnacle during the Gupta period (6th or 7th century). The period of Kushana King Kanishka, Huviska and Vasudeva is considered to be the golden age for the Mathura school of art

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.

Notes:
In Gujarat, Vadnagar is famous for two Mughal time sisters “Tana” and “Riri” who sacrificed their lives for maintaining a tradition of singing only before village deity. They were forced to sing in the court of Emperor Akbar but committed suicide by drowning in a well. Gujarat government gives Tana-Riri award in their honor.

Notes:
The Brahma Sutras is a Sanskrit text, attributed to Badarayana, estimated to have been completed in approx. 400-450 CE. It talks about the vedic philosophy of Vedanta.

Notes:
Shuddadvaita philosophy is given by Vallabhacharya (1479-1531 CE). It is the “purely non-dual” philosophy. Vallabhacharya is founding philosopher and guru of the Vallabha sampradaya, a Hindu Vaishnava tradition focused on the worship of Krishna.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Lingayatism was founded by the 12th century Kannada poet and a social reformer Basava and gave Ishta linga – in the form of a universal divine concept for worship.Their devotees have the Shiva as a centre of worship in the form of Linga. Basava was the Prime Minister of Kalacuri Bijjala, King at Kalyani (1156 AD).

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The Akal Takht ((the throne of the timeless God) was built by the 6th Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib ji as a symbol of political sovereignty and where spiritual and temporal concerns of the Sikh people could be addressed.

Notes:
Kuttu varisai is the unarmed set of techniques for martial art practised in Tamil Nadu.