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Which tree is considered sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, symbolizing enlightenment and longevity?
- Peepal (Ficus religiosa)
- Banyan
- Neem
- Ashoka
Answer: Peepal (Ficus religiosa)
Peepal tree is sacred across Indian religions: Buddha attained enlightenment under it; Jains revere it for Tirthankaras; Hindus associate it with Vishnu. Protected in villages and temples, it exemplifies eco-spiritual traditions.
Which river is revered as 'Dakshina Ganga' (Ganges of the South) in Indian tradition?
- Godavari
- Krishna
- Kaveri
- Narmada
Answer: Godavari
Godavari, India's second-longest river, is called Dakshina Ganga due to its religious significance in South India. Major pilgrimage sites include Nashik, Rajahmundry, and the Pushkaram festival held every 12 years.
The Hornbill Festival features traditional Naga games like _____, a form of wrestling.
- Naga wrestling
- Kabaddi
- Kho-Kho
- Mallakhamb
Answer: Naga wrestling
Hornbill Festival showcases Naga cultural sports including traditional wrestling, archery, and spear throwing. These games reflect tribal martial skills and community bonding, attracting tourists and preserving indigenous practices.
Pongal, the four-day harvest festival of Tamil Nadu, begins with _____ Pongal dedicated to Lord Surya.
- Bhogi
- Surya
- Mattu
- Kaanum
Answer: Surya
Pongal festival: Day 1-Bhogi (discarding old), Day 2-Surya Pongal (sun worship, cooking rice), Day 3-Mattu Pongal (cattle honor), Day 4-Kaanum Pongal (family visits). Celebrates agricultural abundance and gratitude.
Losar celebrations include the ritual of 'Gutor', a ceremonial expulsion of negative forces.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Gutor is a pre-Losar ritual in Tibetan Buddhist communities where effigies representing negativity are burned or cast away. This purification ceremony precedes the New Year festivities in Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
The Hornbill Festival is held annually from December 1-10 in _____, Nagaland.
- Kisama
- Kohima
- Dimapur
- Mokokchung
Answer: Kisama
Hornbill Festival takes place at Kisama Heritage Village, 12 km from Kohima, Nagaland. It showcases Naga tribal culture through music, dance, crafts, and indigenous games, promoting tourism and cultural preservation.
Yoga was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Yoga was inscribed by UNESCO in 2016, recognizing its holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. India proposed the nomination, highlighting yoga's ancient roots and global practice.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with kite flying predominantly in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Makar Sankranti (January 14) marks the sun's transition into Capricorn. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, it is celebrated as Uttarayan with massive kite festivals, symbolizing the arrival of spring.
Dandiya Raas, performed with sticks during Navratri, originates from which state?
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- Maharashtra
- Madhya Pradesh
Answer: Gujarat
Dandiya Raas is a stick-based folk dance from Gujarat, performed during Navratri. Dancers strike sticks in rhythmic patterns while moving in circles. Often paired with Garba in modern celebrations.
Jataka tales are stories about the previous births of Gautama Buddha, primarily in Pali literature.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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.
Ugadi, the New Year festival, is celebrated in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and _____.
- Telangana
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- Odisha
Answer: Telangana
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.
Losar is the Tibetan New Year festival celebrated in Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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.
Chhau is a semi-classical Indian dance with martial and folk traditions, performed in eastern India.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Chhau dance, with martial, folk, and classical elements, is performed in Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. Three styles: Seraikella, Mayurbhanj, Purulia. UNESCO Intangible Heritage since 2010.
Bhangra, a vibrant folk dance and music form, originates from which region?
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Uttar Pradesh
- Rajasthan
Answer: Punjab
Bhangra is a traditional folk dance and music form of Punjab, originally performed during harvest festival Baisakhi. Characterized by energetic movements, dhol beats, and celebratory lyrics.
Kalidasa, the classical Sanskrit poet, is known for works like Abhijnanashakuntalam and Meghaduta.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Kalidasa (4th-5th century CE) is regarded as the greatest Sanskrit poet and dramatist. His masterpieces include Abhijnanashakuntalam (play), Meghaduta (lyric poem), and Raghuvamsha (epic).
Chikankari, a delicate embroidery style, is traditionally practiced in _____ city of Uttar Pradesh.
- Lucknow
- Agra
- Varanasi
- Allahabad
Answer: Lucknow
Chikankari is a traditional embroidery craft from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Using white thread on fine muslin or chiffon, it features shadow work, jaali, and murri stitches. Received GI tag in 2008.
Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters, was established in 1954.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Sahitya Akademi was founded in 1954 to promote literature in India's 24 recognized languages. It confers the annual Sahitya Akademi Award and publishes literary journals and translations.
Durga Puja, inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021, is predominantly celebrated in _____.
- West Bengal
- Odisha
- Assam
- Bihar
Answer: West Bengal
Durga Puja in Kolkata was inscribed on UNESCO's list in 2021. The festival celebrates Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura with elaborate pandals, idol artistry, and cultural performances.
The Jnanpith Award is India's highest literary honor for works in any of the 22 scheduled languages.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Instituted in 1961, the Jnanpith Award recognizes outstanding contribution to Indian literature in any of the 22 scheduled languages or English. First recipient was G. Sankara Kurup (Malayalam) in 1965.
Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala celebrating the homecoming of King Mahabali.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Onam is Kerala's biggest festival, marking the mythical return of King Mahabali. Celebrations include Vallamkali (boat race), Pookalam (flower rangoli), and Sadya (grand feast).