Art Culture – Medium Level – GK Questions

Q: Bengali cinema, known as 'Tollywood', is based in the Tollygunge area of Kolkata.

True – Bengali film industry is colloquially called Tollywood (from Tollygunge, Kolkata). It pioneered artistic cinema in India with directors like Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, and Mrinal Sen, influencing global film aesthetics.

Q: 'Sekrenyi', a purification festival marking the new year, is celebrated by which Naga tribe?

Angami – Sekrenyi is the Angami Naga tribe's festival of renewal (February), involving rituals, feasting, and traditional dances. It symbolizes cleansing of the community and preparation for the agricultural cycle.

Q: 'Koodiyattam', recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage, is a Sanskrit theatre tradition from which state?

Kerala – Koodiyattam, Kerala's ancient Sanskrit theatre, was inscribed by UNESCO in 2001 (India's first Intangible Heritage). Performed in temple theatres (Koothambalams), it combines acting, music, and elaborate hand gestures.

Q: 'Lavani', a powerful folk dance combining song and rhythmic movement, is traditionally performed in which state?

Maharashtra – Lavani is Maharashtra's energetic folk dance performed by women to dholki beats. Known for expressive gestures and social commentary, it was historically performed by female artists in royal courts and rural gatherings.

Q: 'Indian Literature', the bilingual journal of Sahitya Akademi, publishes creative writing and criticism in English and _____ languages.

22 scheduled – Indian Literature (since 1958) features translations of poetry, fiction, and essays from India's 22 scheduled languages into English, and vice versa. It promotes multilingual literary exchange and critical discourse.

Q: 'An Encounter with Faces' (1978), directed by K.K. Kapil, was the first Indian documentary nominated for an Academy Award.

True – K.K. Kapil's 'An Encounter with Faces' (1978) was India's first documentary Oscar nomination (Best Documentary Short). It portrayed children's expressions across cultures, showcasing Indian documentary filmmaking's global potential.

Q: 'Pashmina' wool, used for luxury shawls, is obtained from which high-altitude goat breed?

Changthangi – Changthangi goat, native to Ladakh's Changthang plateau, produces ultra-fine Pashmina wool (12-15 microns). The wool is hand-spun and woven in Kashmir, creating shawls prized globally for warmth and softness.

Q: A.R. Rahman was the first Indian to win two Academy Awards (Oscars) for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for 'Slumdog Millionaire' (2009).

True – A.R. Rahman won two Oscars in 2009 for 'Slumdog Millionaire': Best Original Score and Best Original Song ('Jai Ho'). He also won two Grammys for the same soundtrack, marking a historic achievement for Indian cinema music.

Q: 'Bamboo and Cane craft', recognized for intricate weaving and utility items, is a traditional specialty of which region?

North-East India – North-East states (Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, etc.) excel in bamboo/cane craft: baskets, furniture, musical instruments. The craft is eco-friendly, supports rural livelihoods, and received GI recognition for specific regional styles.

Q: 'Jana Natya Manch' (Janam), founded in 1973, is renowned for using _____ theatre to address social and political issues.

street – Janam, affiliated with CPI(M), pioneered political street theatre in India. Plays like 'Hatyare' (on communal violence) and 'Machine' (on labor rights) use minimal props and public spaces to reach mass audiences.