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Which railway station in Mumbai, designed in Indo-Saracenic style, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
- Mumbai Central
- Lokmanya Tilak Terminus
- Bandra Terminus
Answer: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
CST (formerly Victoria Terminus), designed by F.W. Stevens (1887), blends Victorian Gothic with Indian elements. Its stone dome, turrets, and ornate carvings exemplify colonial architecture. UNESCO listed in 2004.
Channapatna toys, eco-friendly wooden toys lacquered with natural dyes, originate from which state?
- Karnataka
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
- Andhra Pradesh
Answer: Karnataka
Channapatna toys from Karnataka are crafted from ivory-wood (Wrightia tinctoria) and colored with vegetable dyes. Known as 'Gombegala Ooru' (toy town), the craft received GI tag in 2005 and supports rural artisans.
Which temple architecture style, prevalent in Odisha, features a curvilinear shikhara and jagamohana?
- Kalinga
- Nagara
- Dravida
- Vesara
Answer: Kalinga
Kalinga architecture (Odisha) is a sub-style of Nagara, characterized by curvilinear shikhara (deul), rectangular jagamohana (assembly hall), and intricate stone carvings. Examples: Lingaraja Temple, Konark Sun Temple.
The Santhal Hool (rebellion) of 1855 was led by which brothers against British colonial rule?
- Sidhu and Kanhu
- Birsa Munda and Kanhu
- Telanga Kharia and Joymangal
- Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem
Answer: Sidhu and Kanhu
Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu led the Santhal Hool (1855-56) in present-day Jharkhand against British exploitation and moneylenders. Though suppressed, it inspired tribal resistance and is commemorated in Santhal folklore and art.
Which organization, established in 1983, is responsible for archaeological research and conservation of monuments in India?
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)
- National Museum Institute
- Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT)
Answer: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
ASI, founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham and reorganized in 1983, is the premier organization for archaeological research and conservation of India's cultural heritage. It protects over 3,650 monuments/sites.
Company School paintings were primarily created for which patron group during British rule?
- British East India Company officials
- Indian royalty
- Temple priests
- Foreign tourists
Answer: British East India Company officials
Company School art (late 18th-19th century) was produced by Indian artists for British patrons. Subjects included flora, fauna, monuments, and local customs, blending Indian techniques with European realism and watercolor.
Who composed the 'Masnavi', a foundational text of Sufi philosophy in Persian literature?
- Rumi
- Hafez
- Saadi
- Omar Khayyam
Answer: Rumi
Jalaluddin Rumi (13th century) composed the Masnavi, a six-volume poetic work exploring Sufi mysticism, divine love, and spiritual journey. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of Persian literature.
Which stepwell in Delhi, built by Rani Ki Vav's namesake architect, features intricate carvings and geometric patterns?
- Agrasen ki Baoli
- Gandhak ki Baoli
- Rajon ki Baoli
- Baoli of Feroz Shah Kotla
Answer: Agrasen ki Baoli
Agrasen ki Baoli in New Delhi is a historical stepwell with 108 steps, arched niches, and intricate carvings. Though attributed to Maharaja Agrasen, its current structure likely dates to the Tughlaq period.
Kalighat paintings, known for bold lines and social satire, originated near which temple in Kolkata?
- Kalighat Kali Temple
- Dakshineswar Kali Temple
- Belur Math
- St. Paul's Cathedral
Answer: Kalighat Kali Temple
Kalighat paintings emerged in 19th century Kolkata near Kalighat Kali Temple. Patuas (scroll painters) adapted to urban demand, creating affordable watercolors on mythological and contemporary social themes.
The National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (NMMA) was launched by the Ministry of Culture in which year?
- 2007
- 2005
- 2010
- 2012
Answer: 2007
NMMA was launched in 2007 to document, conserve, and create awareness about India's monuments and antiquities. It maintains a national database and promotes community participation in heritage preservation.
Which building in New Delhi, designed by Edwin Lutyens, serves as the official residence of the President of India?
- Rashtrapati Bhavan
- North Block
- South Block
- Parliament House
Answer: Rashtrapati Bhavan
Rashtrapati Bhavan (1929) was designed by Edwin Lutyens blending classical European and Indian architectural elements. It features 340 rooms, Mughal Gardens, and symbolizes India's democratic heritage.
Who composed the 'Ramcharitmanas', the Awadhi version of the Ramayana?
- Tulsidas
- Surdas
- Kabir
- Mirabai
Answer: Tulsidas
Tulsidas (16th century) composed Ramcharitmanas in Awadhi, making the Ramayana accessible to common people. It is central to North Indian devotional culture and influences art, music, and theatre.
The Manganiyar community, known for folk music using kamayacha and khartal, primarily resides in which region?
- Rajasthan and Gujarat
- Punjab and Haryana
- Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
- Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh
Answer: Rajasthan and Gujarat
Manganiyars are hereditary Muslim musicians from Rajasthan's Thar Desert and Gujarat's Kutch. Their repertoire includes folk songs, Sufi poetry, and historical ballads, performed with instruments like kamayacha, khartal, and morchang.
Which Naga tribe is associated with the 'Sekrenyi' festival, a purification ceremony?
- Angami
- Ao
- Sema
- Lotha
Answer: Angami
Sekrenyi is the Angami Naga tribe's festival of purification and renewal, celebrated in February. It involves rituals, feasting, and traditional dances, marking the transition to a new agricultural cycle.
Which Bhakti saint from Maharashtra composed the 'Abhangas' dedicated to Lord Vitthala?
- Sant Tukaram
- Sant Dnyaneshwar
- Sant Eknath
- Sant Namdev
Answer: Sant Tukaram
Sant Tukaram (17th century) composed over 5,000 Abhangas (devotional poems) in Marathi dedicated to Vithoba of Pandharpur. His works emphasize devotion, social equality, and rejection of ritualism.
Gond painting, characterized by dotted patterns and vibrant colors, originates from which tribal community?
- Gond
- Bhil
- Santhal
- Munda
Answer: Gond
Gond painting is practiced by the Gond tribe of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. Artists use fine lines and dots to depict nature, mythology, and daily life. Received GI tag in 2023.
Which of the following handicrafts was the FIRST to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in India?
- Darjeeling Tea
- Banarasi Silk
- Kanchipuram Silk
- Mysore Sandalwood Oil
Answer: Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling Tea received India's first GI tag in 2004-05 under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999. GI tags protect regional products' authenticity and promote rural artisans/farmers.
Bhavai, a traditional folk theatre form with social satire, is primarily performed in which state?
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- Maharashtra
- Madhya Pradesh
Answer: Gujarat
Bhavai is a folk theatre of Gujarat featuring dance, music, and satire. Performed in open spaces with minimal props, it addresses social issues. Recognized for preserving Gujarati folk traditions and dialects.
Mysore Silk Sarees, known for soft texture and gold zari, are produced in which state?
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
Answer: Karnataka
Mysore Silk sarees are produced by Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation. Made from pure mulberry silk with lightweight gold zari, they received GI tag in 2005 for authenticity and craftsmanship.
Which temple architecture style features a curvilinear tower called 'Shikhara'?
- Nagara
- Dravida
- Vesara
- Kalinga
Answer: Nagara
Nagara style (North India) is characterized by a beehive-shaped curvilinear shikhara over the sanctum. Contrasts with Dravida style's pyramidical vimana and Vesara's hybrid form.