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Mumbai was designated a UNESCO Creative City for Film in 2019, recognizing its contribution to Indian cinema.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Mumbai joined UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2019 under Film category, acknowledging Bollywood's global influence, technical infrastructure, and cultural storytelling. It is the second Indian city after Jaipur (Crafts, 2015) to receive this designation.
'Theyyam', a ritual dance with elaborate makeup and deity impersonation, is predominantly practiced in which coastal region?
- North Kerala
- Coastal Karnataka
- Goa
- Odisha
Answer: North Kerala
Theyyam is a ritual art of North Kerala (Kannur, Kasaragod) where performers embody deities through vibrant costumes, face painting, and trance. Rooted in ancestor worship and folk Hinduism, it preserves pre-Brahminical traditions.
'Navayana', a publishing house founded in 2003, specializes in books on _____ perspectives and social justice.
- Dalit-Bahujan
- classical Sanskrit
- Bollywood cinema
- travel writing
Answer: Dalit-Bahujan
Navayana publishes works on Dalit-Bahujan literature, anti-caste thought, and social justice. It has brought global attention to Indian writers like Bama, Omprakash Valmiki, and Kancha Ilaiah through translations and original works.
Marathi cinema produced India's first sound film in a regional language: 'Ayodhyecha Raja' (1932).
- True
- False
Answer: True
'Ayodhyecha Raja' (1932), directed by V. Shantaram, was India's first Marathi talkie. Produced by Prabhat Film Company, it featured songs and dialogue, establishing Marathi cinema's early leadership in sound technology.
'Wood carving' of intricate deities and motifs, using walnut and deodar wood, is a traditional craft of which Himalayan region?
- Kashmir Valley
- Sikkim
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
Answer: Kashmir Valley
Kashmir's wood carving tradition uses walnut, deodar, and chinar wood to create furniture, panels, and decorative items. Intricate motifs include chinar leaves, paisleys, and floral patterns, reflecting Persian and Central Asian influences.
The 'Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar' recognizes young artists below the age of _____ in music, dance, and drama.
- 40
- 35
- 30
- 45
Answer: 40
Instituted in 2006, this award (Sangeet Natak Akademi) honors artists under 40 for outstanding achievement in performing arts. Named after shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan, it encourages emerging talent and tradition preservation.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), established in 1952, is responsible for certifying films for public exhibition in India.
- True
- False
Answer: True
CBFC (formerly Censor Board) certifies films under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. It assigns ratings (U, UA, A, S) based on content guidelines. Headquartered in Mumbai, it has regional offices across India.
'Ikat' weaving, where yarn is tie-dyed before weaving to create patterns, is traditionally practiced in which North-East state?
- Assam
- Nagaland
- Manipur
- Meghalaya
Answer: Assam
Assam's Ikat (locally called 'Bandha') involves resist-dyeing warp/weft yarns before weaving. Practiced by communities like the Bodo and Mishing, it produces intricate geometric patterns on silk and cotton textiles.
The 'Sangeet Natak Akademi's Folk Theatre Revival Project' documents and supports traditional forms like 'Nautanki', 'Jatra', and '_____' from North India.
- Bhavai
- Yakshagana
- Theyyam
- Bhuta Kola
Answer: Bhavai
Sangeet Natak Akademi's project supports North Indian folk theatre forms: Nautanki (UP), Jatra (Bengal/Odisha), and Bhavai (Gujarat). These forms combine music, dance, satire, and social commentary, preserving regional narratives.
India can nominate only one element per year for UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- True
- False
Answer: False
UNESCO allows countries to nominate up to two elements annually: one from the 'urgent safeguarding' list and one from the 'representative' list. India has strategically nominated diverse elements since 2001.
'Onam', the harvest festival featuring boat races and floral carpets (Pookalam), is celebrated in which state?
- Kerala
- Karnataka
- Goa
- Maharashtra
Answer: Kerala
Onam is Kerala's biggest festival, celebrating the mythical return of King Mahabali. Traditions include Vallamkali (snake boat races), Pookalam (flower rangoli), Sadya (grand feast), and Kaikottikali (women's dance).
The 'Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize' recognizes outstanding translations between _____ languages of India.
- any two scheduled
- English-Hindi only
- classical-regional only
- North-South only
Answer: any two scheduled
Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize (since 1989) honors translators who render literary works between any two of India's 22 scheduled languages. It promotes linguistic diversity and cross-cultural literary appreciation.
Fatma Begum was India's first female film director, producing 'Bulbul-e-Paristan' in 1926.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Fatma Begum (1892-1983) was India's first woman director, producer, and screenwriter. Her film 'Bulbul-e-Paristan' (1926) was a fantasy adventure. She founded Fatma Film Company, pioneering women's participation in early cinema.
'Jhora', a community circle dance with rhythmic clapping and singing, is a traditional folk dance of which Himalayan state?
- Uttarakhand
- Himachal Pradesh
- Sikkim
- Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: Uttarakhand
Jhora is Uttarakhand's communal folk dance performed during festivals like Harela and Baisakhi. Dancers form circles, clap rhythmically, and sing folk songs celebrating nature, harvest, and community bonds.
The 'Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Act' was passed in _____ to strengthen protection of heritage sites.
- 2010
- 2005
- 2015
- 2000
Answer: 2010
The 2010 Amendment to the 1958 Act introduced stricter regulations: prohibiting construction within 100m of protected monuments, requiring permissions for archaeological excavations, and enhancing penalties for heritage damage.
India has signed film co-production agreements with over 15 countries to facilitate joint film projects and cultural exchange.
- True
- False
Answer: True
India has co-production treaties with countries including France, Germany, UK, Canada, Brazil, and South Korea. These agreements enable shared financing, talent exchange, and access to international markets for Indian filmmakers.
'Pena', a single-stringed musical instrument with a gourd resonator, is traditional to which state?
- Manipur
- Nagaland
- Assam
- Meghalaya
Answer: Manipur
Pena is Manipur's traditional string instrument, played by Meitei communities. Its melancholic sound accompanies folk songs, epics, and ritual performances. Master artists like Ningthoujam Khelchandra have revived this endangered craft.
Ratan Thiyam, renowned for integrating Manipuri martial arts and ritual into theatre, founded the '_____ Theatre' group in Imphal.
- Chorus Repertory
- National School
- People's Little
- Experimental Guild
Answer: Chorus Repertory
Ratan Thiyam founded Chorus Repertory Theatre (1976) in Imphal, Manipur. His productions blend Manipuri dance, martial arts (Thang-Ta), ritual, and contemporary themes, earning international acclaim for innovative Indian theatre.
The 'Rigveda' manuscript from Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute was inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2007.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Rigveda manuscript (Pune, Bhandarkar Institute) was inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2007. This ancient Vedic text (c. 1500 BCE) is humanity's oldest extant literary composition, preserved through oral and written traditions.
'Coir craft', using coconut fiber for mats, ropes, and decor, is a traditional industry of which coastal state?
- Kerala
- Goa
- Odisha
- West Bengal
Answer: Kerala
Kerala's coir industry, centered in Alappuzha, uses coconut husk fiber to make mats, ropes, and handicrafts. The eco-friendly craft supports rural livelihoods and received GI tag for specific regional products.