Art Culture – MCQ – GK Questions

Q: Which Veda is primarily concerned with rituals, chants, and melodies used in sacrificial ceremonies?

Samaveda – Samaveda, the 'Veda of Chants', contains melodies and musical notations derived from Rigveda hymns. It is foundational to Indian classical music, emphasizing the spiritual power of sound and ritual chanting.

Q: The script used in the Indus Valley Civilization remains undeciphered. Approximately how many distinct signs have been identified?

400-600 – Scholars have identified approximately 400-600 distinct signs in the Indus script (c. 2600-1900 BCE). Despite extensive research, the script remains undeciphered due to lack of bilingual texts and uncertain language affiliation.

Q: Which autonomous body under Ministry of Culture is responsible for promoting Indian literature and conferring the Sahitya Akademi Award?

Sahitya Akademi – Sahitya Akademi (National Academy of Letters), established in 1954, promotes Indian literature in 24 languages. It confers annual awards, publishes journals (Indian Literature), and organizes literary festivals nationwide.

Q: Which festival, inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021, celebrates the victory of good over evil with effigy burning?

Dussehra – Dussehra (Vijayadashami) was inscribed on UNESCO's list in 2021, recognizing its pan-Indian celebrations of Rama's victory over Ravana. Effigy burning, Ramlila performances, and community processions embody cultural continuity.

Q: Which temple in Tamil Nadu, built by Raja Raja Chola I, features the world's first granite vimana over 200 feet tall?

Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur – Brihadeeswarar Temple (Thanjavur, 1010 CE) was built by Raja Raja Chola I. Its 216-foot granite vimana (tower) is the world's tallest for its time. A UNESCO World Heritage Site exemplifying Chola architecture.

Q: Which painting technique involves applying layers of natural pigments mixed with gum arabic on handmade paper?

Miniature painting – Indian miniature painting uses natural pigments (minerals, plants) bound with gum arabic, applied in fine layers on wasli (handmade paper). Techniques include meticulous brushwork, gold leaf application, and detailed narratives.

Q: Which award, instituted in 1965, recognizes outstanding contribution to Indian literature in 24 languages?

Sahitya Akademi Award – Sahitya Akademi Award, instituted in 1954 (first awarded 1955), honors literary excellence in 24 Indian languages. It is India's premier literary award, promoting multilingual literature and translation.

Q: Which gharana is associated with the 'Kirana style' of khayal singing, emphasizing precise intonation and emotional depth?

Kirana Gharana – Kirana Gharana, founded by Abdul Karim Khan, emphasizes swara shuddhi (precise intonation), meend (glides), and bhava (emotion). Exponents include Bhimsen Joshi, Gangubai Hangal, and Sawai Gandharva.

Q: Which UNESCO World Heritage Site in Gujarat features a stepwell with intricate carvings of Vishnu's avatars?

Rani ki Vav, Patan – Rani ki Vav (Queen's Stepwell) in Patan, Gujarat, is a 11th-century inverted temple dedicated to Vishnu. Its seven levels feature 500+ sculptures of deities, apsaras, and Vishnu's avatars. UNESCO listed in 2014.

Q: Which textile craft from Andhra Pradesh involves tie-dyeing yarn before weaving to create intricate patterns?

Pochampally Ikat – Pochampally Ikat (Telangana, formerly Andhra Pradesh) uses resist-dye technique on yarn before weaving. Double ikat (both warp and weft dyed) creates precise geometric patterns. GI tagged in 2005, supporting rural weavers.