Art Culture – MCQ – GK Questions

Q: Chhau dance of Purulia (West Bengal) is distinguished by its use of elaborate _____ depicting deities and demons.

masks – Purulia Chhau features vibrant, oversized masks made of clay and paper-mache, representing gods, demons, and animals. Mask-making is a specialized craft in Charida village, integral to this UNESCO-recognized dance form.

Q: Which traditional fishing technique from Kerala uses large rectangular nets operated from shore, introduced by Chinese traders?

Chinese fishing nets – Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) in Kochi, Kerala, were introduced by 14th-century Chinese traders. These shore-operated lift nets exemplify historical Indo-Chinese maritime exchange and sustainable fishing practices.

Q: 'Sopana Sangeetham', a meditative vocal style sung beside temple sanctums, is traditionally practiced in which state?

Kerala – Sopana Sangeetham is Kerala's temple music tradition, performed on steps (sopana) leading to sanctum. Characterized by slow, devotional rendering of ragas, it accompanies rituals in Krishna temples like Guruvayur.

Q: Which mountain range is revered as 'Devabhumi' (Land of Gods) and features numerous pilgrimage sites in Hinduism?

Himalayas – Himalayas are sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, housing pilgrimage sites like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Amarnath, and Kailash. The range symbolizes spiritual ascent and is protected through eco-religious traditions.

Q: The 'Dafli', a small handheld frame drum, is prominently used in which folk music tradition?

Rajasthani/Qawwali – Dafli (frame drum) is used in Rajasthani folk music and Qawwali performances. Its jingles and rhythmic patterns accompany devotional songs, creating an ecstatic atmosphere in Sufi shrines and folk gatherings.

Q: The 'Dhangar' community of Maharashtra practices transhumance, seasonally migrating with _____ herds.

sheep/goat – Dhangars are pastoral nomads of Maharashtra who practice transhumance: moving sheep/goat herds between Deccan plateau (monsoon) and coastal Konkan (winter). Their traditional knowledge supports sustainable grassland management.

Q: Panchavadyam, a temple percussion ensemble featuring five instruments, is traditionally performed in which state?

Kerala – Panchavadyam ('five instruments') is Kerala's temple percussion art featuring timila, maddalam, ilathalam, idakka, and kombu. Performed during festivals, it showcases complex rhythmic patterns and devotional fervor.

Q: Which traditional Indian system of medicine emphasizes balance of three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and uses herbal formulations?

Ayurveda – Ayurveda, India's ancient holistic medicine system (c. 1500 BCE), focuses on dosha balance, diet, lifestyle, and herbal/mineral formulations. Recognized by WHO, it is practiced globally for preventive and curative healthcare.

Q: The 'Ravanahatha', a bowed string instrument with a coconut shell resonator, is traditionally associated with which folk tradition?

Rajasthani/Bhili – Ravanahatha, one of the world's oldest bowed instruments, is used by Bhil and Rajasthani folk musicians. Legend attributes its invention to Ravana. It features a coconut/metal resonator and horsehair strings, producing soulful melodies.

Q: Which traditional rice variety from Kerala, known for its medicinal properties and flood resistance, received GI tag in 2010?

Pokkali – Pokkali rice from Kerala's coastal wetlands is salt-tolerant, organic, and cultivated in rotation with prawn farming. Its unique agro-ecological system received GI tag in 2010, supporting sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity.