Art Culture – Medium Level – GK Questions

Q: Which community in Karnataka is renowned for conserving traditional rice varieties through community seed banks?

Soliga – Soliga tribal community in Karnataka's Biligiri Rangana Hills conserves indigenous rice, millet, and pulse varieties through traditional knowledge and community seed banks. Their practices support agro-biodiversity and climate resilience.

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: The 'Shilp Guru' award, instituted in 2002, recognizes master craftspersons in traditional _____ arts.

handicraft – Shilp Guru award (Ministry of Textiles) honors master artisans in handicrafts for excellence, innovation, and mentorship. Recipients receive a cash prize, tamrapatra, and angavastram, supporting traditional craft livelihoods.

Q: The 'Subhashita Ratna Kosha', compiled by King Vallabhadeva of Kashmir, is an anthology of Sanskrit epigrams on ethics and wisdom.

True – Subhashita Ratna Kosha (10th century) by Kashmiri king Vallabhadeva collects over 2,000 Sanskrit epigrams (subhashitas) on morality, politics, and life. It reflects the sophisticated literary culture of medieval Kashmir.

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: The 'Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)', established in 1950, promotes cultural exchange through scholarships, festivals, and _____ chairs abroad.

Visiting Professor – ICCR establishes Visiting Professor/Chair positions in foreign universities to teach Indian languages, philosophy, and culture. This soft diplomacy initiative strengthens global understanding of India's heritage.

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 Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves in Odisha, carved during King Kharavela's reign, served as Jain monastic retreats.

True – Udayagiri-Khandagiri caves (2nd century BCE, Odisha) were excavated under Kalinga king Kharavela for Jain monks. Inscriptions and sculptures depict Jain Tirthankaras, ascetics, and court life, reflecting early Jain patronage.

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 Padma Shri awarded to _____ in 2021 recognized her efforts in preserving the traditional 'Chhau' dance of Purulia.

Gambhari Devi – Gambhari Devi, a Chhau dancer from Purulia (West Bengal), received Padma Shri in 2021 for preserving and promoting this martial dance form. She trains young artists and performs internationally, sustaining cultural heritage.