1. Ustad Allah Rakkha Khan was a famous exponent of which among the following instruments?
[A] Shehnai
[B] Tabla
[C] Sitar
[D] Harmonium
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tabla]
Notes:
Ustad Allah Rakha Khan, also known as A. R. Khan or simply Ustad Allah Rakha, was a Indian classical musician and tabla player. He was one of the most respected and influential tabla players of his time, and he played with many of the greatest musicians in Indian classical music.
2. The Varkari sect in Maharashtra was founded by __?
[A] Tukaram
[B] Namdev
[C] Visoba Khechar
[D] Dhyaneshwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Dhyaneshwar]
Notes:
The sect is believed to have originated in Karnataka and migrated to Maharashtra later. The followers of the sect believe that Dnyaneshwar laid the foundation stone, which is evident from the saying “Dnyanadev rachila paya”
3. Lavani is one of the most popular forms of dance and music that is practiced in which state?
[A] Maharastra
[B] Bihar
[C] Gujarat
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maharastra]
Notes:
Lavani is a dance form that originated in the state of Maharashtra in India. It is known for its vibrant and energetic dance moves, as well as the colorful costumes and traditional music that accompanies it. Lavani is typically performed by female dancers, who sing and dance to the accompaniment of a dholak, a traditional Indian drum. The dance is often associated with the state’s folk tradition, and it is often performed at festivals and other celebrations.
4. Hymns composed by which among the following rulers have been incorporated in Guru Grantha sahib of Sikhs?
[A] Jaydev
[B] Swami Haridas
[C] Namdev
[D] Dhyaneshwar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jaydev]
Notes:
Hymns composed by Jaydev have been incorporated in Guru Grantha sahib of Sikhs. The hymns are written in a mixture of Sanskrit and eastern Apabhramsha. There are records narrating how Jayadeva’s work had a profound influence on Guru Nanak during his visit to Puri.
5. Ashtadhyayi, Mahabhasya & Nirkuta are related to which of the following?
[A] Music
[B] Grammar
[C] Philosophy
[D] Music
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Grammar]
Notes:
Ashtadhyayi is a sanskrit treatise on grammar. It was written in the 6th to 5th century bce by the Indian grammarian Panini.
The Mahābhāsya is attributed to Patañjali, is a commentary on selected rules of Sanskrit grammar from Paṇini’s treatise. It is dated to the 2nd century BCE.
Nirukta means “explained, interpreted” and refers to one of the six ancient Vedangas. Nirukta covers etymology, and is the study concerned with correct interpretation of Sanskrit words in the Vedas.
6. With which of the following is most closely related Rgyud-bzi practiced in many parts of North India?
[A] Medicine
[B] Custom
[C] Agriculture
[D] Sports
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Medicine]
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.
7. Navalinga Temples, the nine temples cluster of the 9th century built by the Amoghavarsha I of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty was located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Maharastra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Karnataka]
Notes:
The Navalinga temple cluster is located in Kukkanur town of Karnataka. This 9th century complex was built during the reign of King Amoghavarsha I or his son Krishna II of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty. They are build in Dravidian style.
8. The oldest recorded Indian Music dates back to 1902 when India’s first disc featured a khayal in Raag Jogiya by one of these singers. Identify the singer:
[A] Abdul Wahid Khan
[B] Govindrao Tembe
[C] Gauhar Jan
[D] Abdul Karim Khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Gauhar Jan]
Notes:
Gauhar Jan, born as Angelina Yeoward, was of the foremost musicians in the Hindustani classical music tradition during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in India. She is known especially for her ghazal style and singing in several languages such as Persian, Arabic, Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, and more. A critical performer in khyal style music, she was notable enough to perform in the first recording sessions held in India circa 1902.
9. In which of the following Central Asian countries, the “Sharq Taronalari” film festival is held biennially, in which many Indian artists also take part?
[A] Kazakhstan
[B] Uzbekistan
[C] Kyrgyzstan
[D] Tajikistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Uzbekistan]
Notes:
The “Sharq Taronalari” film festival is held biennially in Uzbekistan, specifically in the city of Samarkand. Established in 1997, it aims to promote cultural exchange and showcase films from various countries, including important participation from Indian artists. Uzbekistan has a rich cinematic history and is known for its contributions to the arts, making it a fitting host for such an international event.
10. Who among the following was the disciple of Vallabhacharya?
[A] Surdas
[B] Dhanna
[C] Raidas
[D] Kabir Das
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Surdas]
Notes:
Saint Surdas ji was a 15th-century blind saint and an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, known for his devotional songs dedicated to Lord Krishna. He being a disciple of guru Vallabhacharya was a advocator of the Shuddhadvaita school of Vaishnavism (also known as Pushti Marg).