Indian Culture MCQs

Notes:
Muzris was an ancient port city in what is now the modern state of Kerala. It was an important trading center in antiquity. There are indications that there may have been a temple dedicated to the Roman emperor Augustus built at Muzris during his reign, reflecting the trade connections between Rome and southern India at that time. However, the exact details and nature of this temple are not well attested in the available historical sources.

Notes:
The Pasupata was a Saivite sect associated with Siva in his aspect of the “Herdsman” (pasu, “animal” and pati, “lord”). The devotees of Pashupati Siva are called Pashupatas.

Notes:
The Sangai festival is an annual cultural festival organised by Manipur Tourism Department on every year from November 21 to 30. The festival as named as the Sangai Festival to stage the uniqueness of the shy and gentle brow-antlered deer popularly known as the Sangai Deer, which is the state animal of Manipur.

Notes:
The Ganga Sagar Mela is a religious festival and second biggest fair of India after Kumbha Mela of India celebrated on Sagardwip (Sagar Island) in West Bengal state of India. The fair is a six-day fair held in the month of January and on the day of Makar Sankranti, a ritual of pilgrims taking bath in holy water and visiting nearby famous Kapil Muni Temple is performed.

Notes:
Pandit Jasraj was an Indian classical vocalist, belonging to the Mewati gharana. His musical career spanned 75 years resulting in national and international fame, respect and numerous major awards and accolades. He died in August 2020.

Notes:
The Devadasi system, which involves dedicating girls to a deity, predates the Vijayanagar era. This tradition, prevalent in South India, had Devadasis performing music and dance in temples. While their status varied over time, foreign travelers like Paes and Nuniz noted Devadasis’ respected position in Vijayanagar society.

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.

Notes:
The Radhasoami Satsang was founded in Agra in 1861 by Shiv Dayal Sahib. The sole purpose of this satsang is to experience the divinity of God who resides in all of us. To realize the truth of the concept that there is only one God and we are all expressions of his love.

Notes:
The Shatapatha Brahmana has 100 adhyayas. It belongs to Later Vedic Period. It is a prose text describing Vedic rituals, history and mythology associated with the Sukla Yajurveda. According to Shatapatha Brahmana both Devas and Asuras are said to have been born from Prajapati, the lord of creatures.

Notes:
Mridangam is also known as the “King of Percussion”