Art Culture – GK Questions

Sangam literature is one of the earliest bodies of classical Tamil literature.

The sacred relics belonged to Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Mahamoggallana, who were indeed the chief disciples of Gautama Buddha. This airlift was part of India's cultural diplomacy efforts.

Lathmar Holi is celebrated in Barsana and Nandgaon in Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh — where women beat men with sticks (lathis) in a traditional festival.

Maha Kumbh 2025 was held at Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam — confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati), the largest religious gathering in the world.

Manoj Bajpayee, along with Huma Qureshi and Kritika Kamra, is set to headline the Hindu Huddle sessions in Bengaluru. The sessions will focus on their journeys, roles, and the evolving craft of acting in Indian entertainment.

UNESCO recognition (World Heritage, Intangible Heritage, Creative Cities) enhances global visibility, attracts conservation expertise/funding, and boosts responsible tourism. Crucially, it emphasizes community participation and safeguarding living traditions, not just monuments.

Sattriya dance originated in 15th-century Vaishnavite monasteries (sattras) of Assam, founded by Srimanta Sankardev. Combines dance, music, and drama for devotional worship. Recognized as eighth classical dance by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000.

National Centre for Cultural Studies (2025) is a virtual network of universities researching oral traditions, craft techniques, and performance arts. Funded by Ministry of Culture, it promotes evidence-based policy and documentation.

Pashmina shawls are handwoven in Kashmir using Changthangi goat wool. Bidriware originates in Bidar (Karnataka), Chikankari in Lucknow (UP), Bandhani in Gujarat/Rajasthan. GI tags protect regional authenticity.

Kuchipudi originated in Kuchipudi village (Andhra Pradesh) as a dance-drama tradition performed by Brahmin men. Recognized as classical dance in 1970, it combines dance, acting, and dialogue with devotional themes.

Rajatarangini ('River of Kings') by Kalhana (1148-1150 CE) is a metrical history of Kashmir. Combines critical source evaluation with literary artistry, making it a unique example of historical writing in Sanskrit tradition.

Heritage Bonds (2024) are government-backed securities funding ASI conservation projects. Returns linked to tourism revenue from restored sites. Enables citizen participation in heritage preservation with financial returns.

International Festival of Traditional Arts (New Delhi, 2025) showcased folk music, dance, and crafts from 50 nations. Organized by Ministry of Culture and ICCR, it promoted cultural diplomacy and artistic exchange.

Pataka is a fundamental hasta (hand gesture) codified in Natya Shastra. Used across classical dances for multiple meanings: clouds, forest, denial, or dance commencement. Demonstrates shared vocabulary of Indian classical arts.

Shifting cultivation (jhum) in Central/Eastern India involves clearing forest patches, cultivating for 2-3 years, then allowing regeneration. Though ecologically debated, it sustains tribal livelihoods and biodiversity when practiced traditionally.

Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh) features over 750 rock paintings spanning Paleolithic to historic periods. Depicts hunting, dancing, and community life. Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.

Digital Craftsman (Ministry of Textiles, 2024) provides artisans with smartphones, digital literacy, and platform access (Amazon Karigar, GeM). Aims to bridge rural-urban market gaps and enhance craft livelihoods.

Kabir Das (15th century) composed dohas (couplets) in Awadhi/Braj Bhasha. His pithy verses on unity, devotion, and social critique remain influential in Bhakti literature and popular wisdom traditions.

Hornbill Festival (December 1-10) brings together Naga tribes (Angami, Ao, Sema, etc.) to celebrate music, dance, crafts, and indigenous games. Promotes inter-tribal harmony and cultural tourism in Nagaland.