Indian Culture MCQs

Notes:
Legendary actress Suchitra Sen was popularly known as Bengal’s Greata Garbo. Sen began her career with the Bengali film “Shesh Kothay” in 1952. She is well known for her role in Devdas and Aandhi. She died at the age of 82.

Notes:
Kazi Nazrul Islam  was a famous Bengali poet, musician and revolutionary who pioneered poetic works invoking powerful spiritual rebellion against fascism and oppression. Accomplishing a plethora of highly praised works through his life, Nazrul is officially known as the ‘National poet of Bangladesh’ and celebrated in India.

Notes:
Konark Sun Temple, Orissa was called as “The Black Pagoda” by the Europeans. The temple is attributed to king Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty about 1250 CE.

Notes:
Rgyud-bzi is a practice of medicine that is practiced in many parts of North India. It is similar to Ayurveda and involves some principles of traditional Chinese medicine.

Rgyud-bzi is the standard book of Tibetan medicine. The book describes the Tibetan medical system as a tree. The tree is based on three routes of approaching wellbeing:

• Determining whether the body is healthy or ill
• Three types of evaluation
• A variety of complementary and alternative cures

Traditional Tibetan medicine is known as Sowa Rigpa. It is based on Buddhist tradition. Buddha’s teachings spread in Tibet after the eleventh century.

Tibetan medicine has long-term clinical practices and has proven beneficial in the treatment of chronic diseases. These include hepatitis, high altitude polycythemia, gastritis, stroke, cholecystitis, and rheumatism.

Notes:
Red Sandstone is the material used in Mathura School of Art. The Gandhara School of art is made of grey sandstone.

Notes:
The correct answer is Achintya Bhedābheda. This sub-school of Vedanta, founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the 16th century, emphasizes the simultaneous oneness and difference between the individual soul (jiva) and the Supreme (Brahman). ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) follows this philosophy, promoting devotion (bhakti) to Lord Krishna while acknowledging the unique relationship between the divine and the individual. This approach is distinct from other Vedantic schools, which may emphasize either non-dualism or dualism more strictly.

Notes:
Lata Pada is associated with Bharatnatyam, a classical dance form from Tamil Nadu. It emphasizes intricate footwork and expressive hand gestures (mudras). Bharatnatyam is one of the oldest dance forms, with roots tracing back over 2,000 years, and is often performed in temples as a form of worship. Lata Pada, a prominent figure in this dance style, has contributed importantly to its teaching and promotion.

Notes:
Sangai festival is celebrated in Manipur. It is celebrated by the state tourism department every year. It is celebrated near Loktak lake.

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

Notes:
The Amman and Kalyana Mandapam are regarded as essential components of temple architecture within the Vijayanagara Empire. This empire, founded in 1336 AD by Harihara and Bukka, is characterized by distinctive architectural features:

• Kalyana Mandapam: This is a square, elevated platform enclosed by intricately adorned pillars. It served as the site for ceremonies symbolizing the marriage between the temple’s deity and their consort.
• Amman Shrine: A subsidiary shrine dedicated to the consort of a male deity.
• Raya Gopurams: These are imposing gateways.
• Garbhagriha: The central sanctum of a temple.
• Pillared Halls: Halls featuring elaborately decorated pillars.
• High Towers: Prominent spires.
• Wide Marriage Halls: Expansive halls used for marriage ceremonies.
• Meeting Halls: Spaces for gatherings.
• Spring Pavilions: Pavilion-like structures.

The Vijayanagara Empire drew inspiration from earlier empires, including the Hoysala, Chola, and Chalukya, amalgamating these influences to create a distinctive and unique architectural style.