1. Ustad Allah Rakkha Khan was a famous exponent of which among the following instruments?
[A] Shehnai
[B] Tabla
[C] Sitar
[D] Harmonium
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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
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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. In which Indian state is the dance drama, Yakshagana, primarily popular?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
Yakshagana, a distinct Indian theatre form, is predominantly seen and cultivated in the Karnataka state, more specifically in districts like Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Shimoga and the western parts of Chikmagalur. This art form, characterized by a unique amalgamation of dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up, and stage techniques, has also found its way to Kasaragod district in Kerala, further underlining its appeal and influence.
4. Sant Kabir Award has been instituted to honor which of the following?
[A] Weavers
[B] Hindi Writers
[C] Mystic poets
[D] Hindi teachers
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Correct Answer: A [Weavers]
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.
5. Which among the following is the correct description of Nagara , Dravida and Vesara?
[A] The three main racial groups
[B] Three Linguistic Divisions
[C] Three main styles of Indian temple architecture
[D] Musical Gharanas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Three main styles of Indian temple architecture]
Notes:
Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara are indeed the three main styles of Indian temple architecture. 1. Nagara: Predominantly found in northern India, characterized by curvilinear shikhara (tower) and intricate carvings. 2. Dravida: Common in southern India, featuring pyramid-shaped towers (vimanas) and extensive use of stone. 3. Vesara: A hybrid style combining elements of both Nagara and Dravida, seen in regions like Karnataka. These styles reflect the diverse cultural and religious influences across India, with temples serving as important architectural and spiritual landmarks.
6. The Sangai Festival is celebrated in __:
[A] Assam
[B] Manipur
[C] Mizoram
[D] Nagaland
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Correct Answer: B [Manipur]
Notes:
Sangai festival is celebrated in Manipur. It is celebrated by the state tourism department every year. It is celebrated near Loktak lake.
7. Which among the following is not one of the eight limbs of the Ashtanga Yoga?
[A] Yama
[B] Pranamayam
[C] Dhyana
[D] Vinyasa
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Correct Answer: D [Vinyasa]
Notes:
There are eight limbs of ashtanga yoga viz. yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.
8. Artists of which of the following paintings are also known as Patua painters?
[A] Kalamkari
[B] Madhubani
[C] Kalighat
[D] Batik
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Correct Answer: C [Kalighat]
Notes:
Kalighat Paintings are hand-made drawings and sometimes machine-made. It is produced by a group of artists called ‘Patuas’, who live near the famous Kali temple at Kalighat in West Bengal.
9. Who among the following is a famous santoor player?
[A] Hari Prasad Chaurasia
[B] Ravi Shankar
[C] ZakirHussain
[D] ShivKumar Sharma
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Correct Answer: D [ShivKumar Sharma]
Notes:
Pandit Shivkumar Sharma is an Indian music composer and santoor player from the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The santoor is a folk instrument. Pandit Shivkumar Sharma is a very famous classical musician who has acquired international fame by playing the classical instrument, Santoor.
10. Anekantavada is a core theory and philosophy of which one of the following?
[A] Buddhism
[B] Jainism
[C] Sikhism
[D] Vaishnavism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jainism]
Notes:
Anekantavada refers to the Jain doctrine about metaphysical truths that emerged in ancient India. It states that the ultimate truth and reality is complex and has multiple aspects.