Art Culture – GK Questions

Jataka tales, part of the Khuddaka Nikaya in Pali Canon, narrate Buddha's previous lives as bodhisattva. Over 500 stories teaching moral lessons, influential in Buddhist art and literature across Asia.

Tripataka mudra (three fingers raised) in Bharatanatyam symbolizes crown, tree, or flame. Mudras are symbolic hand gestures codified in Natya Shastra, essential for abhinaya and nritta.

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.

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.

Progressive Artists' Group (PAG), founded in Bombay (1947), sought to break from colonial academic art. Members like Husain, Souza, Raza blended Indian themes with Western modernism, shaping post-independence art.

Ugadi marks the New Year in Deccan states (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana) based on lunisolar Hindu calendar. Celebrated with special dishes like Ugadi Pachadi symbolizing life's six tastes.

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.

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.

Sattriya was recognized as the eighth classical dance form by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000. Others: Bharatanatyam (1950s), Kathak (1950s), Kathakali (1950s), Kuchipudi (1970s), Odissi (1970s), Manipuri (1970s), Mohiniyattam (1970s).

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.

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.

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.

Losar marks the Tibetan New Year, celebrated with prayers, cham dances, and feasts in Buddhist communities of Ladakh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh. Dates follow the Tibetan lunar calendar.

Abanindranath Tagore founded the Bengal School of Art, promoting Swadeshi values and indigenous styles. His iconic 'Bharat Mata' (1905) depicts India as a four-armed Hindu goddess, symbolizing nationalism.

Kisari Mohan Ganguli published the first complete English prose translation of the Mahabharata between 1883-1896. His 12-volume work remains a key reference for scholars and general readers.

Tamasha is a vibrant folk theatre form of Maharashtra combining dance, music, and drama. Known for Lavani songs, witty dialogue, and social commentary. Recognized for preserving Marathi folk culture.

Dhamek Stupa at Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh) commemorates Buddha's first sermon (Dharmachakrapravartana). The current cylindrical structure dates to Gupta period (5th century CE), replacing Ashoka's original.

Patola sarees from Patan, Gujarat, are made using double ikat technique where both warp and weft are resist-dyed before weaving. A labor-intensive craft preserved by the Salvi community; received GI tag.

'West Meets East' (1967) was a groundbreaking collaboration between sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar and violinist Yehudi Menuhin. It won a Grammy and introduced Indian classical music to global audiences.

Abhinaya is the art of expression in Indian classical dance, conveying emotions and narratives through facial expressions, hand gestures (mudras), and body language. One of the four components of Natya.