Art Culture – Easy Level – GK Questions

Sangam literature is one of the earliest bodies of classical Tamil literature.

The sacred relics belonged to Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Mahamoggallana, who were indeed the chief disciples of Gautama Buddha. This airlift was part of India's cultural diplomacy efforts.

Lathmar Holi is celebrated in Barsana and Nandgaon in Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh — where women beat men with sticks (lathis) in a traditional festival.

Maha Kumbh 2025 was held at Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam — confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati), the largest religious gathering in the world.

Manoj Bajpayee, along with Huma Qureshi and Kritika Kamra, is set to headline the Hindu Huddle sessions in Bengaluru. The sessions will focus on their journeys, roles, and the evolving craft of acting in Indian entertainment.

Kuchipudi originated in Kuchipudi village (Andhra Pradesh) as a dance-drama tradition performed by Brahmin men. Recognized as classical dance in 1970, it combines dance, acting, and dialogue with devotional themes.

Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh) features over 750 rock paintings spanning Paleolithic to historic periods. Depicts hunting, dancing, and community life. Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.

Sangeet Natak Akademi (1952) was the first national academy of arts set up by independent India. It preserves intangible heritage through awards, documentation, training, and festivals across performing arts.

Khajuraho Dance Festival (Madhya Pradesh) features classical dances at Chandela temples (950-1050 CE). Organized by MP Tourism, it promotes cultural tourism and preserves India's classical dance heritage.

Kathak combines nritta (pure dance) with abhinaya (expression) to narrate stories from epics and folklore. Evolved from temple storytelling traditions, later influenced by Mughal court aesthetics.

Dadasaheb Phalke Award was instituted in 1969 to honor lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. First recipient was actress Devika Rani. Conferred annually by the President at National Film Awards ceremony.

Bharatanatyam originated in Tamil Nadu temples, performed by Devadasis as devotional service. Revived in 20th century by Rukmini Devi Arundale, it is now India's most widely practiced classical dance form.

Natya Shastra (c. 200 BCE-200 CE) is the encyclopedic Sanskrit text on dance, music, drama, makeup, and stagecraft. It codifies rasa theory, mudras, and aesthetics central to Indian classical arts.

Red Fort (Lal Qila, completed 1648) is built primarily of red sandstone with marble inlays. Designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahori, it exemplifies Mughal architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kumbh Mela rotates every 3 years among four sites: Prayagraj (Ganga-Yamuna), Haridwar (Ganga), Ujjain (Shipra), Nashik (Godavari). The world's largest religious gathering, inscribed by UNESCO in 2017.

Sahitya Akademi Award recognizes excellence in any of India's 22 scheduled languages. Instituted in 1954, it promotes multilingual literature and includes a cash prize, plaque, and shawl.

Konark Sun Temple (13th century) is shaped like Surya's chariot with 24 carved wheels (representing hours) and seven horses (days of week). A UNESCO World Heritage Site exemplifying Kalinga architecture.

Khajuraho temples (Madhya Pradesh, 950-1050 CE) were built by Chandela rulers. They exemplify Nagara architecture and symbolize spiritual union through sensuous sculptures. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.

Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra, 2nd century BCE-6th century CE) feature exquisite murals illustrating Jataka tales (Buddha's previous lives). These paintings are masterpieces of ancient Indian art and Buddhist narrative tradition.

Sangeet Natak Akademi Award recognizes excellence in three performing arts: music, dance, and theatre. Instituted in 1952, it is India's highest recognition for practicing artists in these fields.