Fill in the Blank – GK Questions

Tagore Ratna/Puraskar awards (2011) honor artists for exceptional contribution to performing arts, commemorating Tagore's 150th birth anniversary. They recognize innovation while preserving traditional forms, reflecting Tagore's artistic vision.

Tirumalai inscription (Tirupati, 1517 CE) by Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya is in Telugu language using Telugu-Kannada script. It documents endowments to Venkateswara Temple, reflecting royal patronage of religion.

INTACH Heritage Awards honor individuals and institutions for outstanding work in conserving India's built heritage: monuments, historic cities, and traditional architecture. They promote community participation and sustainable conservation.

Kandahar bilingual edict (c. 260 BCE) features Ashoka's message in Greek and Aramaic scripts, facilitating communication with Hellenistic and Persian-speaking populations. It exemplifies Mauryan diplomatic inclusivity.

Nritya Choodamani (The Hindu newspaper) honors Bharatanatyam artists for artistic excellence and contribution to the art form. Awarded during December Music Season in Chennai, it is a prestigious recognition in classical dance circles.

Nastaliq script, a flowing Persian calligraphic style, became prominent in Sultanate and Mughal inscriptions. Used for Persian-language decrees, it symbolized administrative sophistication and cultural synthesis in medieval India.

Raja Ravi Varma Award (Kerala Lalit Kala Akademi) honors contemporary painters who emulate Ravi Varma's fusion of Indian themes and European techniques. It promotes academic realism and cultural storytelling in visual arts.

Gwalior inscription (875 CE) of Pratihara king Mihir Bhoja is written in early Nagari script and Sanskrit. It documents the construction of a sun temple and provides insights into Pratihara patronage of art and religion.

Shilp Guru award (Ministry of Textiles) honors master artisans in handicrafts for excellence, innovation, and mentorship. Recipients receive a cash prize, tamrapatra, and angavastram, supporting traditional craft livelihoods.

Hathigumpha inscription (1st century BCE, Odisha) by Kharavela is written in Prakrit using Brahmi script. It details his military campaigns, public works, and patronage of Jainism, serving as a key historical source for Kalinga.

ICCR establishes Visiting Professor/Chair positions in foreign universities to teach Indian languages, philosophy, and culture. This soft diplomacy initiative strengthens global understanding of India's heritage.

Pallava Grantha script spread to Southeast Asia via trade and cultural exchange, influencing Khmer (Cambodia), Mon (Myanmar), and early Thai scripts. This demonstrates India's soft power in ancient Asian literacy traditions.

Gambhari Devi, a Chhau dancer from Purulia (West Bengal), received Padma Shri in 2021 for preserving and promoting this martial dance form. She trains young artists and performs internationally, sustaining cultural heritage.

Tamil-Brahmi script (c. 3rd century BCE-3rd century CE) is the earliest writing system for Tamil, found on cave inscriptions, pottery, and coins in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. It adapted Brahmi to Tamil phonetics.

UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards (since 2000) honor excellence in heritage conservation across 48 countries. Indian recipients include projects like Humayun's Tomb restoration and Jaipur's walled city conservation.

Copper plate grants (c. 3rd century BCE onwards) recorded land donations, privileges, and genealogies. Inscribed in regional scripts (Brahmi, Nagari, Grantha) and languages (Sanskrit, Prakrit, Tamil), they are vital historical sources.

Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (Sangeet Natak Akademi) honors artists under 40 for outstanding achievement in performing arts. Named after the shehnai maestro, it encourages emerging talent and preserves traditional arts.

Punch-marked coins, India's earliest coinage, featured symbols punched onto silver bars: sun, moon, animals, trees, and geometric motifs. Absence of legends makes attribution to specific rulers challenging for numismatists.

Kalidas Samman (1980) honors artists in four categories: classical music, dance, theatre, and plastic arts (visual arts). Named after poet Kalidasa, it includes a cash award, citation, and shawl, promoting classical traditions.

Modi script, a cursive variant of Devanagari, was used for Marathi administration under Marathas and British. Post-independence, Devanagari was standardized for Marathi in 1950 for wider literacy and printing convenience.