Art Culture – Medium Level – GK Questions

Q: Which temple architecture style features a curvilinear tower called 'Shikhara'?

Nagara – Nagara style (North India) is characterized by a beehive-shaped curvilinear shikhara over the sanctum. Contrasts with Dravida style's pyramidical vimana and Vesara's hybrid form.

Q: The first musician to receive India's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, was _____.

M.S. Subbulakshmi – M.S. Subbulakshmi, the legendary Carnatic vocalist, became the first musician to receive Bharat Ratna in 1998. Renowned for her devotional renditions and global cultural ambassadorship.

Q: The Red Fort in Delhi, built by Shah Jahan, primarily used which architectural material?

Red sandstone – Red Fort (Lal Qila) in Delhi, completed in 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.

Q: Kalamkari, a hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile, derives its name from 'kalam' meaning _____.

Pen – Kalamkari comes from 'kalam' (pen) and 'kari' (craftsmanship). Two styles: Srikalahasti (freehand pen painting) and Machilipatnam (block printing). Uses natural dyes; themes from epics and folklore.

Q: Saint Tyagaraja composed most of his kritis in Telugu language.

True – Saint Tyagaraja (1767-1847), one of the Carnatic Trinity, composed over 700 kritis primarily in Telugu, with some in Sanskrit. His works emphasize devotion to Lord Rama and are central to Carnatic repertoire.

Q: The Ajanta Caves primarily feature Buddhist rock-cut architecture with paintings and sculptures.

True – Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra), dating from 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE, are 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments. Renowned for ancient paintings depicting Jataka tales and exquisite sculptures of Buddha.

Q: Who is known as the 'Adi Kavi' (first poet) of Telugu literature?

Nannaya – Nannaya Bhattaraka (11th century) is revered as Adi Kavi of Telugu literature. He began the Telugu adaptation of Mahabharata (Andhra Mahabharatam), establishing Telugu as a literary language.

Q: Bankura horses, iconic terracotta craft, originate from West Bengal.

True – Bankura horses from West Bengal are traditional terracotta figurines made by Kumhar potters. Symbolic of rural Bengal, they are used in rituals and as decorative items. Received GI tag in 2018.

Q: Which building in Mumbai is an example of Victorian Gothic and Art Deco ensembles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus – Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus), designed by F.W. Stevens (1887), blends Victorian Gothic revival with Indian traditional architecture. Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Q: The _____ is a South Indian string instrument with a large resonator, played with a bow, often accompanying Carnatic vocals.

Violin – Though European in origin, the violin was adapted into Carnatic music in the 19th century. Played seated, it mirrors vocal phrases and is essential in concerts, accompanying artists like L. Subramaniam.