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Which Veda is primarily concerned with rituals, chants, and melodies used in sacrificial ceremonies?
- Rigveda
- Samaveda
- Yajurveda
- Atharvaveda
Answer: Samaveda
Samaveda, the 'Veda of Chants', contains melodies and musical notations derived from Rigveda hymns. It is foundational to Indian classical music, emphasizing the spiritual power of sound and ritual chanting.
The script used in the Indus Valley Civilization remains undeciphered. Approximately how many distinct signs have been identified?
- 200-300
- 400-600
- 700-900
- 1000+
Answer: 400-600
Scholars have identified approximately 400-600 distinct signs in the Indus script (c. 2600-1900 BCE). Despite extensive research, the script remains undeciphered due to lack of bilingual texts and uncertain language affiliation.
Which autonomous body under Ministry of Culture is responsible for promoting Indian literature and conferring the Sahitya Akademi Award?
- Sahitya Akademi
- Sangeet Natak Akademi
- Lalit Kala Akademi
- National School of Drama
Answer: Sahitya Akademi
Sahitya Akademi (National Academy of Letters), established in 1954, promotes Indian literature in 24 languages. It confers annual awards, publishes journals (Indian Literature), and organizes literary festivals nationwide.
Which festival, inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021, celebrates the victory of good over evil with effigy burning?
- Dussehra
- Diwali
- Holi
- Navratri
Answer: Dussehra
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) was inscribed on UNESCO's list in 2021, recognizing its pan-Indian celebrations of Rama's victory over Ravana. Effigy burning, Ramlila performances, and community processions embody cultural continuity.
Which temple in Tamil Nadu, built by Raja Raja Chola I, features the world's first granite vimana over 200 feet tall?
- Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
- Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
- Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
- Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
Answer: Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
Brihadeeswarar Temple (Thanjavur, 1010 CE) was built by Raja Raja Chola I. Its 216-foot granite vimana (tower) is the world's tallest for its time. A UNESCO World Heritage Site exemplifying Chola architecture.
Which painting technique involves applying layers of natural pigments mixed with gum arabic on handmade paper?
- Miniature painting
- Watercolor
- Oil painting
- Fresco
Answer: Miniature painting
Indian miniature painting uses natural pigments (minerals, plants) bound with gum arabic, applied in fine layers on wasli (handmade paper). Techniques include meticulous brushwork, gold leaf application, and detailed narratives.
Which award, instituted in 1965, recognizes outstanding contribution to Indian literature in 24 languages?
- Sahitya Akademi Award
- Jnanpith Award
- Padma Shri
- Saraswati Samman
Answer: Sahitya Akademi Award
Sahitya Akademi Award, instituted in 1954 (first awarded 1955), honors literary excellence in 24 Indian languages. It is India's premier literary award, promoting multilingual literature and translation.
Which gharana is associated with the 'Kirana style' of khayal singing, emphasizing precise intonation and emotional depth?
- Kirana Gharana
- Gwalior Gharana
- Jaipur Gharana
- Patiala Gharana
Answer: Kirana Gharana
Kirana Gharana, founded by Abdul Karim Khan, emphasizes swara shuddhi (precise intonation), meend (glides), and bhava (emotion). Exponents include Bhimsen Joshi, Gangubai Hangal, and Sawai Gandharva.
Which UNESCO World Heritage Site in Gujarat features a stepwell with intricate carvings of Vishnu's avatars?
- Rani ki Vav, Patan
- Adalaj Stepwell
- Dada Harir Stepwell
- Baoli of Champaner
Answer: Rani ki Vav, Patan
Rani ki Vav (Queen's Stepwell) in Patan, Gujarat, is a 11th-century inverted temple dedicated to Vishnu. Its seven levels feature 500+ sculptures of deities, apsaras, and Vishnu's avatars. UNESCO listed in 2014.
Which textile craft from Andhra Pradesh involves tie-dyeing yarn before weaving to create intricate patterns?
- Pochampally Ikat
- Kalamkari
- Mangalagiri
- Uppada Jamdani
Answer: Pochampally Ikat
Pochampally Ikat (Telangana, formerly Andhra Pradesh) uses resist-dye technique on yarn before weaving. Double ikat (both warp and weft dyed) creates precise geometric patterns. GI tagged in 2005, supporting rural weavers.
Which festival in Uttar Pradesh celebrates Hindu-Muslim unity with processions of Tazia and Ram Lila?
- Muharram processions in Lucknow
- Ganga Mahotsav in Varanasi
- Ramlila in Ayodhya
- Urs at Ajmer Sharif
Answer: Muharram processions in Lucknow
Lucknow's Muharram processions historically featured syncretic participation, with Hindus joining Tazia processions and Muslims attending Ramlila. This cultural synthesis reflects Awadh's composite heritage, though practices have evolved.
Which building in Kolkata, designed by Walter Granville, houses the West Bengal Legislative Assembly and exemplifies Indo-Saracenic architecture?
- Writers' Building
- Victoria Memorial
- Raj Bhavan
- General Post Office
Answer: Writers' Building
Writers' Building (1777, redesigned 1880s by Walter Granville) features Indo-Saracenic elements like domes, arches, and ornate facades. It served as Bengal's secretariat and symbolizes colonial administrative architecture.
Which painting school, flourishing in 18th-19th century Rajasthan, is known for depicting Radha-Krishna in lush landscapes?
- Kishangarh
- Bundi
- Kota
- Jaipur
Answer: Kishangarh
Kishangarh school (Rajasthan) is renowned for idealized Radha-Krishna paintings with elongated features, arched eyebrows, and serene expressions. Patronized by Savant Singh (Nagari Das), it blends Mughal finesse with devotional themes.
Which Bhakti saint from Karnataka composed the 'Vachanas', prose-poems in Kannada advocating social equality?
- Basavanna
- Akka Mahadevi
- Allama Prabhu
- All of these
Answer: All of these
Basavanna, Akka Mahadevi, and Allama Prabhu (12th century) were Lingayat saints who composed Vachanas in Kannada. These prose-poems reject caste, ritualism, and gender discrimination, emphasizing personal devotion to Shiva.
Which group of monuments in Madhya Pradesh, known for erotic sculptures, was inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage in 1986?
- Khajuraho Group of Monuments
- Sanchi Stupa
- Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
- Mandu Fort
Answer: Khajuraho Group of Monuments
Khajuraho temples (Madhya Pradesh), built by Chandela dynasty (950-1050 CE), are renowned for nagara-style architecture and exquisite erotic sculptures symbolizing spiritual union. UNESCO listed in 1986.
Which artist is renowned for the 'Husain Series' of paintings depicting horses, symbolizing power and freedom?
- M.F. Husain
- F.N. Souza
- S.H. Raza
- Tyeb Mehta
Answer: M.F. Husain
M.F. Husain (1915-2011), a founding member of Progressive Artists' Group, is iconic for his dynamic horse paintings. His horses symbolize energy, freedom, and India's spirit, rendered in bold lines and vibrant colors.
Which fort in Rajasthan, known as the 'Golden Fort', is built on yellow sandstone and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
- Jaisalmer Fort
- Amber Fort
- Mehrangarh Fort
- Kumbhalgarh Fort
Answer: Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila), built in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, is constructed from yellow sandstone that glows golden at sunset. A living fort with residences, temples, and shops. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013 (Hill Forts of Rajasthan).
Which classical dance form, practiced in Kerala, is traditionally performed only by men and features elaborate makeup and costumes?
- Kathakali
- Mohiniyattam
- Theyyam
- Thiruvathirakali
Answer: Kathakali
Kathakali is Kerala's classical dance-drama performed by men, featuring vibrant costumes, intricate makeup (chutti), and expressive abhinaya. Themes from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Recognized as classical in 1950s.
Who is known as the 'Rebel Poet' of Bengali literature for works like 'Bidrohi' (The Rebel)?
- Kazi Nazrul Islam
- Rabindranath Tagore
- Jibanananda Das
- Sukanta Bhattacharya
Answer: Kazi Nazrul Islam
Kazi Nazrul Islam (1899-1976), the 'Rebel Poet', composed Bidrohi (1922) advocating resistance against oppression. His works blend Bengali, Urdu, and Persian influences, promoting communal harmony and social justice.
Which Indian artist is renowned for the 'Baroda School' and works exploring rural life and social issues?
- K.G. Subramanyan
- M.F. Husain
- F.N. Souza
- Tyeb Mehta
Answer: K.G. Subramanyan
K.G. Subramanyan (1924-2016) pioneered the Baroda School, blending folk art, mythology, and modernist techniques. His works address social issues, gender, and cultural identity, influencing generations of Indian artists.