1. The annual “Royal Kathina Ceremony” is associated with which of the following religions?
[A] Jainism
[B] Buddhim
[C] Parsi
[D] Sikhism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Buddhim]
Notes:
The Royal Kathina Ceremony is observed every year by Buddhist. It is observed in only one Buddhist temple outside Thailand and this year the Namphake Buddhist temple of Assam was selected. Kathina offering is an ancient Buddhist Tradition of offering special robe and other necessities to monks who maintain strict discipline of retreat during the rainy season. The main purpose of the ceremony is not merely for religious belief but also to strengthen the relationship between Thailand and other countries.
2. For which of the following the term Sandalwood is used?
[A] Kannada Cinema
[B] Telugu Cinema
[C] Tamil Cinema
[D] South Indian Cinema
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kannada Cinema]
Notes:
Sandalwood is the term used for Kannad cinema. Tollywood is used for Telugu cinema. Kollywood is used for Tamil Cinema.
3. Bageshwari Qamar is woman player of which of the following music instruments?
[A] Ghatam
[B] Shehnai
[C] Pakhawaj
[D] Santoor
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shehnai]
Notes:
Bageshwari Qamar is a woman player of Shehnai.
4. Gundecha brothers are well known exponents of which among the following styles of Hindustani Classical Music ?
[A] Khayal
[B] Tharana
[C] Dhrupad
[D] Thumri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dhrupad]
Notes:
Gundecha brothers are well known exponents of Dhrupad. They are classical singers of the dhrupad genre of the Dagar vani. From 1985 to 2019 the duo consisted of brothers Umakant Gundecha and Ramakant Gundecha and were awarded the Padma Shri for art for 2012.
5. The “Nayanars” from ancient times were primarily associated with which Hindu deity?
[A] Vishnu
[B] Shiva
[C] Hanuman
[D] Ganesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shiva]
Notes:
The Nayanars were a group of 63 saints specifically associated with Lord Shiva. They were notable figures in Tamil Nadu who propagated the Bhakti Movement with their devotional teachings, poetic expressions, and fervor for their deity. Their heartfelt verses are renowned in Tamil literature. This period marked a significant transition from ritualistic worship towards a more personal and emotional approach towards divinity, contributing significantly to the cultural and spiritual heritage of Tamil Nadu.
6. Who among the following was the first Sikh Guru Martyr ?
[A] Guru Teg Bahadur
[B] Guru Har Govind
[C] Guru Arjun dev
[D] Guru Harkishan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Guru Arjun dev]
Notes:
The 5th guru of Sikhs, Guru Arjun Dev ji was the first Sikh Guru Martyr, who was executed by Mughal emperor Jahangir on charges of helping his rebel son, Prince Khurram with money and prayer. He built the Swarna Mandir (or Golden temple) in Amritsar and compiled Adigranth, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
7. Which of the following is not a correct statement about Buddhist Canonical literature?
[A] Abhidhamma Pitaka was compiled in third Buddhist Council
[B] Digha Nikaya is a part of the Sutta Pitaka
[C] Vinaya Pitaka primarily deals with monastic rules for monks and nuns
[D] Sutta Pitaka deals with philosophy and psychology and lays down methods for training the mind.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [ Sutta Pitaka deals with philosophy and psychology and lays down methods for training the mind. ]
Notes:
Abhidhamma Pitaka is the third and latest of the Pali canonical texts recognized in the early Buddhist Theravāda tradition. Its compilation is dated to the third Buddhist Council, held during the reign of the Mauryan emperor Asoka, that is, c. third century BCE. The text focuses on philosophy and psychology and lays down methods for training the mind.
8. Which of the following is / are examples of Indian martial arts?
- Thang-Ta
- Kalaripayattu
- Silambam
- Mudiyettu
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2 & 3
[C] Only 1, 2 & 3
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1, 2 & 3]
Notes:
Thang-ta
Thang-ta is a weapon-based Indian martial art created by the Meitei of Manipur. In the Manipuri language, thang means sword and ta means spear, referring to the art’s primary weapons. Thang Ta is also a popular form in Manipuri dance.
Silambam
Silambam is a weapon-based Indian martial art from Tamil Nadu, but also traditionally practised by the Tamil community of Sri Lanka and Malaysia. It is closely related to Keralan kalaripayat and Sri Lankan angampora.
Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu is an Indian martial art from Kerala. It is one of the most ancient fighting systems that are even practiced today. It was originally practised in Kerala and some parts of Karnataka. Today it is practiced in Kerala, Tamil Nadu as well as Karnataka and some parts of Shri Lanka.
Mudiyettu
Mudiyettu is the name of a dance drama of Kerala, which is based upon the mythological tale of battle, depicting glory and triumph of Bhagavathy over the demon Darika. This along with Koodiyattam, Ram Lila and Vedic Chanting have been recognized by the UNESCO as ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”.
9. Which of the following is not among the six branches of Indian painting (shadanga)?
[A] Lavanya
[B] Sadrsya
[C] Varnikabhanga
[D] Khams
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Khams]
Notes:
Shadanga or six limbs of Indian Painting are as follows:
Rupabheda: The knowledge of appearances.
Pramanam: Correct perception, measure and structure/proportion.
Bhava: Action of feelings on forms.
Lavanya Yojanam: Infusion of grace, artistic representation.
Sadradhyam: likeness or verisimilitude.
Varnikabhanga: Artistic manner of using the brush and colors.
10. Kovai Kora cotton saris, which received the GI status in 2014, are manufactured in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Karnataka
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Kovai Kora cotton is a blend of silk and cotton and Kora another product that is found more in the Sirumugai area of Tamil Nadu. This art is mostly practised by people belonging to the Devanga community, who are involved mostly in weaving Kovai Kora cotton saris and they are the pioneers also in making the product. It received GI status in 2014.