Indian Culture MCQs

Notes:
Maach is a form of folk theatre from the Malwa region Madhya Pradesh.  It is said to have originated from the Khyal theatre form of Rajasthan. It is not present in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. 

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:
The architecture of the temples at Belur, Halebidu, and Somanathpura epitomizes the Vesara style of Temple Architecture. This style is a unique blend of two major architectural styles – Nagara, native to North India, and Dravida, native to South India. The Vesara style is thus considered a hybrid form, authentic to regions where the influence of these two styles intersect, showing a confluence of northern and southern architectural traditions. This fusion style notably exhibits intricate detailing and complex designs, reflecting the sophisticated craftsmanship of the era.

Notes:
Christianity represents about a third of the world’s population and is the world’s largest religion. A study has found that Christians make up about 32 percent of the world’s population, followed by Muslims, the second largest group. Hindus are the third largest group, followed by Buddhists and Jews.

Notes:
The Sant Kabir Award was established in 2009 to honor textile craftspeople for their contributions to the revival of Indian handloom traditions. The award is presented by the President of India.
The award includes a grant of 6 lakh rupees to each recipient to create 10 new products of high quality and aesthetic value. The recipient has one year to complete the project.
The award was established along with the Shilp Guru Awards and National Awards to Master Craftspersons and master weavers, which were introduced in 1965.

Notes:
The Indian peacock or Pavo cristatus was declared the national bird of India in 1963. It was made the national bird because of its rich religious and legendary involvement in Indian traditions.

Notes:
Chenrezig in the Tibetan Buddhism refers to Avalokiteshwara. Avalokiteshwara is a combination of Ava meaning down, Lokita meaning to behold or observe the world and Eshwara meaning sovereign, master or ruler. Hence Avalokiteshwara implies ‘The lord who gazes down at the world’.

Notes:
Bhima Devi Temple Complex, also known as Khajuraho of North India is located in Pinjore town in Panchkula district of Haryana. This temple was built between 8-11 century AD and is known for its erotic sculptures like Khajuraho.

Notes:
The name of the autobiography of Gandhiji is “The Story of My Experiments with Truth”. It was published in 1927. In this book he wrote “In the very first month of Indian Opinion, I realised that the sole aim of journalism should be service. The newspaper press is a great power, but just as an unchained torrent of water submerges whole countryside and devastates crops, even so an uncontrolled pen serves but to destroy”.

Notes:
The Ezhuthachan Puraskaram is the highest literary award conferred by the Government of Kerala. Established in 1993, it honors contributions to Malayalam literature and is named after Ezhuthachan, a revered poet often regarded as the father of the Malayalam language. The award aims to promote and recognize literary excellence in Kerala.