Art Culture – MCQ – GK Questions

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.

Q: Which painting school is characterized by soft colors, lyrical themes, and naturalistic landscapes depicting Radha-Krishna?

Kangra – Kangra school (Pahari painting, 18th century) features soft pastel colors, lyrical Radha-Krishna themes, and lush natural landscapes. Influenced by Bhakti poetry and Gita Govinda, it represents the apex of Pahari art.

Q: Which Indian element was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2024?

All of these – Garba (Gujarat) was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List in 2024, recognizing Navratri's communal dance, music, and cultural cohesion. It joins Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja, and Yoga on India's Intangible Heritage list.

Q: Which traditional practice involves community conservation of forest patches dedicated to deities, preserving biodiversity?

Sacred groves – Sacred groves (Devrai in Maharashtra, Kavu in Kerala, Jahera in Jharkhand) are community-protected forest patches dedicated to local deities. They conserve endemic flora/fauna and exemplify eco-spiritual traditional knowledge.

Q: Which festival is celebrated as 'Baisakhi' in Punjab, 'Vishu' in Kerala, and 'Rongali Bihu' in Assam, all marking the solar new year?

Mesha Sankranti – Mesha Sankranti (sun's entry into Aries, mid-April) is celebrated regionally: Baisakhi (Punjab), Vishu (Kerala), Rongali Bihu (Assam), Puthandu (Tamil Nadu). All mark harvest, new year, and agricultural renewal.

Q: Which initiative, launched in 2024, promotes Indian classical dance forms through virtual workshops for global audiences?

Nritya Bharat – Nritya Bharat (2024) is a Ministry of Culture initiative offering free virtual workshops in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, etc., for international learners. Aims to strengthen cultural soft power and global appreciation of Indian arts.