Art Culture – MCQ – GK Questions

Q: Which traditional agricultural practice in Kerala integrates rice cultivation with fish farming in wetlands?

Pokkali cultivation – Pokkali is Kerala's traditional organic rice-fish rotation system in coastal wetlands. Rice grown in monsoon, fish/prawns in dry season. Received GI tag in 2010 for sustainable agro-ecological practice.

Q: Which instrument is common to both Hindustani and Carnatic music, adapted from European violin in the 19th century?

Violin – Violin was adapted into Indian classical music in the 19th century. In Carnatic music, played seated with scroll on ankle; in Hindustani, held under chin. Both traditions value its ability to mimic vocal gamakas.

Q: Which AI tool, launched in 2025, helps restore damaged murals and paintings by predicting original colors and patterns?

ArtRestore AI – ArtRestore AI (ASI-National Informatics Centre, 2025) uses machine learning to analyze pigment degradation, predict original colors, and guide conservation of murals at Ajanta, Ellora, and other heritage sites.

Q: Which philosophical text, structured as a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, is part of the Mahabharata's Bhishma Parva?

Bhagavad Gita – Bhagavad Gita (Chapters 23-40 of Bhishma Parva) presents Krishna's teachings on dharma, karma, and moksha to Arjuna. A foundational text of Hindu philosophy, influencing ethics, politics, and spiritual practice globally.

Q: Which textile craft involves resist-dyeing both warp and weft threads before weaving to create precise geometric patterns?

Double Ikat – Double Ikat (Pochampally, Patola) requires dyeing both warp and weft threads with resist techniques before weaving. Demands exceptional precision to align patterns. Practiced in Telangana, Gujarat, and Odisha.

Q: Which portal, launched in 2025, provides free digital access to over 1 million digitized manuscripts from Indian libraries?

Manuscript India – Manuscript India (2025) aggregates digitized manuscripts from National Mission for Manuscripts, libraries, and temples. Features OCR search, multilingual metadata, and scholarly annotations for researchers worldwide.

Q: Which traditional water harvesting structure, common in Rajasthan, captures rainwater using curved embankments to recharge groundwater?

Johad – Johads are earthen check dams in Rajasthan that capture monsoon runoff, recharge aquifers, and support agriculture. Revived by community movements, they exemplify traditional climate-resilient water management.

Q: Which temple features a 'floating stone' legend and is built without mortar using interlocking granite blocks?

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi – Virupaksha Temple (Hampi) legend claims some stones 'float' during construction. Built with interlocking granite blocks without mortar, it exemplifies Vijayanagara engineering. Part of UNESCO-listed Hampi monuments.

Q: Which scheme, launched in 2025, promotes heritage walks and experiential tourism at 50 ASI-protected monuments?

Heritage Alive – Heritage Alive (2025) develops immersive experiences at 50 monuments: augmented reality reconstructions, traditional craft demonstrations, and storytelling sessions. Aims to enhance visitor engagement and local livelihoods.

Q: Which digital initiative uses blockchain technology to authenticate and protect traditional handicrafts from counterfeiting?

GI Verify – GI Verify (2024) is a Ministry of Textiles blockchain platform that creates immutable digital certificates for GI-tagged handicrafts. Enhances consumer trust, protects artisan livelihoods, and combats imitation products.