Art Culture – Medium Level – GK Questions

Q: Which Bhakti saint-poet composed the Tirukkural, a classic Tamil text on ethics?

Thiruvalluvar – Thiruvalluvar authored the Tirukkural, a timeless Tamil classic of 1,330 couplets on virtue, wealth, and love. Though not strictly a Bhakti text, it influences Tamil ethical and spiritual thought.

Q: The Hornbill Festival, showcasing Naga tribal culture, is held annually in the state of _____.

Nagaland – Hornbill Festival, held December 1-10 in Nagaland, promotes inter-tribal interaction and preserves Naga heritage. Features traditional dances, crafts, music, and indigenous games.

Q: The Sun Temple at Konark, Odisha, is designed in the shape of a colossal _____.

Chariot – Konark Sun Temple (13th century) is shaped like a massive chariot of Surya, the sun god, with 24 wheels and seven horses. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it exemplifies Kalinga architecture.

Q: Sattriya dance is traditionally performed in which type of religious institution?

Sattra – Sattriya dance is performed in Sattras (Vaishnavite monasteries) of Assam. Founded by Srimanta Sankardev, these institutions preserve the dance as part of devotional worship and cultural practice.

Q: The Banaras Gharana is primarily associated with tabla playing.

True – Banaras Gharana is one of the six major tabla gharanas, known for its robust style, intricate kayda patterns, and use of bol-baant. Prominent exponents include Pandit Kishan Maharaj.

Q: Lavani, a powerful folk dance combining song and dance, is traditionally performed in _____ state.

Maharashtra – Lavani is a traditional folk dance of Maharashtra, performed to the beats of dholki. Known for its energetic movements and social commentary, it was historically performed by female artists.

Q: Which Mughal garden in Srinagar is known as the 'Crown of Srinagar'?

Nishat Bagh – Nishat Bagh, built in 1633 by Asif Khan, is the second-largest Mughal garden in Kashmir. Terraced along Dal Lake, it exemplifies Charbagh layout with twelve terraces representing zodiac signs.

Q: Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form characterized by graceful swaying movements, originated in _____.

Kerala – Mohiniyattam, meaning 'dance of the enchantress', is a classical dance from Kerala. It features lasya (graceful) movements, white-gold costumes, and themes from Vaishnavism.

Q: Dokra is a non-loss wax casting technique used by tribal artisans in central and eastern India.

True – Dokra is an ancient metal casting craft using the lost-wax technique, practiced by tribal communities in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal. Known for tribal motifs and rustic finish.

Q: Rabindra Sangeet refers to songs composed by Rabindranath Tagore in which language?

Bengali – Rabindra Sangeet comprises over 2,000 songs composed by Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali. They blend Indian classical and folk traditions and are integral to Bengali cultural identity.