Art Culture – True/False – GK Questions

Q: The 'Alha-Khand' is a medieval Hindi epic poem celebrating the valor of warriors Alha and Udal of the Chandela dynasty.

True – Alha-Khand is a medieval Hindi epic (12th century) narrating the exploits of warriors Alha and Udal serving Chandela king Paramardi. Composed in Bundeli dialect, it is performed as folk ballads in North India, preserving oral history.

Q: The album 'Passages' (1990) featured collaborations between Ravi Shankar and Philip Glass, blending Indian classical and minimalism.

True – 'Passages' (1990) was a collaborative album where Ravi Shankar and Philip Glass composed pieces inspired by each other's styles. It exemplifies cross-cultural musical dialogue between Indian classical and Western minimalism.

Q: The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act was first enacted in India in 1958.

False – The Ancient Monuments Preservation Act was first enacted in 1904 under Lord Curzon. It was replaced by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act in 1958, amended in 2010 for stricter heritage protection.

Q: Kashmiri Pashmina shawls received Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2008 for their unique craftsmanship and origin.

True – Kashmiri Pashmina received GI tag in 2008, protecting authentic shawls made from Changthangi goat wool and hand-woven in Kashmir. The tag combats imitation products and supports traditional artisans' livelihoods.

Q: Artist Bharti Kher is known for using the 'bindi' as a motif in her contemporary artworks exploring identity and mythology.

True – Bharti Kher (b. 1969) uses the bindi (forehead ornament) as a recurring motif in paintings, sculptures, and installations. Her works interrogate gender, mythology, and cultural hybridity in contemporary Indian society.

Q: Ghoomar is a traditional folk dance of Rajasthan performed by women in swirling robes during festivals.

True – Ghoomar is a graceful folk dance of Rajasthan performed by women in ghagras (flowing skirts) during festivals like Teej and Gangaur. Characterized by pirouettes and rhythmic clapping, symbolizing feminine grace and community bonding.

Q: The 'Adopt a Heritage' scheme, launched by Ministry of Tourism, allows private/corporate entities to develop tourist amenities at monuments.

True – Adopt a Heritage (2017) invites stakeholders to adopt monuments for developing tourist facilities (lighting, signage, cleanliness). Implemented by ASI/Ministry of Tourism, it aims to enhance visitor experience while preserving heritage.

Q: Pochampally Ikat sarees, featuring geometric patterns, are handwoven in Telangana using resist-dye technique.

True – Pochampally Ikat from Telangana uses bandha (resist-dye) technique on silk/cotton. Known for vibrant geometric motifs and double ikat precision. Received GI tag in 2005, supporting weaver communities in Nalgonda district.

Q: The 'Rikhab Ram' family of instrument makers in Miraj, Maharashtra, is renowned for crafting tanpuras and sitars.

True – Miraj (Maharashtra) is a hub for Hindustani musical instruments. The Rikhab Ram family and other artisans craft tanpuras, sitars, and sarods using traditional techniques. Miraj instruments received GI tag in 2015.

Q: The stepwell 'Toorji ka Jhalra' in Jodhpur was restored in 2014 as part of urban heritage conservation efforts.

True – Toorji ka Jhalra, an 18th-century stepwell in Jodhpur, was restored in 2014 by the Jodhpur Urban Regeneration Project. The conservation revived traditional water management systems and created a cultural public space.