1. Which among the following is the hallmark feature of the Dravida style of temple architecture?
[A] Shikara
[B] Gopura
[C] Vimana
[D] Mandapa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vimana]
Notes:
Vimana is a term for the tower above the Garbhagriha or Sanctum sanctorum in a Hindu temple in Dravidian style.
2. Which among the following is not correctly matched?
[A] Aga Khan Palace – Pune
[B] Bharat Bhawan – Bhopal
[C] Akal Takht – Amritsar
[D] All are correct
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All are correct]
Notes:
All the above places are correctly matched.
3. What is the title of the first chapter of the Muslim holy book, the Qur’an?Al-Adiyat
[A] Al-Adiyat
[B] Al-Fatiha
[C] Al-Hijr
[D] Al-Fath
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Al-Fatiha]
Notes:
Al-Fatiha is the title of the first chapter of the Muslim holy book, the Qur’an. Al-Fātiḥah is The Opening or The Opener. George Sale translates simply as the Preface, or Introduction) is the first chapter of the Quran.
4. Chinnayya, Ponniah, Sivanandam and Vadivelu were teachers and composers related to which of the following dance in India?
[A] Kathakali
[B] Bharatnatyam
[C] Mohiniattam
[D] Kuchipudi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bharatnatyam]
Notes:
Chinnayya, Ponniah, Sivanandam and Vadivelu were teachers and composers of Bharatanatyam. Bharatanatyam is composed by Bharata Muni. It has Bhavam Ragam and Talam.
5. 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
Show Answer
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.
6. 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
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Vitthala]
Notes:
Abhanga is kind of devotional poetry / bhajan dedicated to Vittala and the first to sing Abhanga was Sant Tukaram.
7. Who among the following poet/poetess is well known for his work ‘Brahmarakshas’?
[A] Harishankar Parsai
[B] Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh
[C] Subhadra Kumari Chauhan
[D] Nida Fazli
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh ]
Notes:
Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh was one of the most prominent Hindi poets, essayist, literary and political critic, and fiction writers of the 20th century.He also remained assistant-editor of journals like, Naya Khun and Vasudha.He is best known for his long poems:Brahma-rakshasa, Chand ka Muh Teda hai,Andhere Mein and Bhuri Bhuri Khak Dhul.
8. Panchavadyam is one of the major ingredients of which among the following festivals of India?
[A] Onam
[B] Pooram
[C] Pongal
[D] Thaipusam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pooram]
Notes:
Panchavadyam, a rhythmic orchestra, that may feature more than 100 artists, playing five (pancha) different kind of instruments, is one of the major ingredients of the Pooram festivals. The term panchavadyam literally means an orchestra of five instruments. It is basically a temple art form that has evolved in Kerala. Of the five instruments, four — timila, maddalam, ilathalam and idakka — belong to the percussion category, while the fifth, the kombu, is a wind instrument. (PIB Features)
9. Who among the following professed Suddhadvaita philosophy?
[A] Swami Krishnananda
[B] Ramanada
[C] Sri Vallabhacharya
[D] Guru Jambheshwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sri Vallabhacharya]
Notes:
Suddhadvaita means pure nondualism. Sri Vallabhacharya was the professor of this philosophy. He completely identified the individual soul with Brahman and did not pledge the distinction between the two. Please note that Vallabhacharya was also known as Mahaprabhuji and he founded the Pushti sect Hindus. These followers are called Pushtimargi which means in English – Path of grace.
10. The Kuthiyottam ritual, which was recently making news, is usually performed every year during which of the following festivals?
[A] Pongala
[B] Onam
[C] Nabakalebar
[D] Mahamaham
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pongala]
Notes:
Kuthiyottam ritual is usually performed during the Pongala festival at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The Pongala festival is celebrated at some Hindu temples in Kerala dedicated to Bhadrakali or Durga, a warrior goddess. The Kuthiyottam ritual is a youth dance and sometimes includes a mock blood sacrifice. The ritual is performed by young boys who are made to undergo penance.
