Medium Level – GK Questions

Rabab is Kashmir's traditional lute-like instrument, used in Sufiana Mausiqi and folk songs. Its soulful sound accompanies poetry of Lal Ded and Habba Khatoon, reflecting Kashmir's syncretic musical heritage.

This scheme (Ministry of Culture) provides monthly pension of ₹2,000 to eminent artists in music, dance, theatre, and visual arts aged 60+ with limited income. It honors contribution to cultural preservation.

Aparna Sen was the first Indian woman director with a film ('36 Chowringhee Lane', 1981) screened at Cannes. Mira Nair's 'Salaam Bombay!' (1988) won Camera d'Or at Cannes, but was not the first Indian woman entry.

Thang-Ta (Manipuri martial art) uses sword (thang) and spear (ta) alongside unarmed techniques. It is performed as ritual dance (Sarit Sarak) and competitive sport, preserving Manipur's warrior heritage.

Jaipur joined UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2015 under Crafts and Folk Arts category, recognizing its legacy of block printing, blue pottery, gem cutting, and traditional handicrafts. Mumbai was designated for Film in 2019.

Kath-Kuni is a seismic-resistant architectural style of Himachal Pradesh, using alternating layers of wood and stone. It provides insulation against cold and flexibility during earthquakes, reflecting indigenous engineering wisdom.

Project Muse (Sahitya Akademi) digitizes award-winning literary works into e-books and audiobooks in multiple Indian languages. It enhances accessibility for visually impaired readers and global diaspora.

'Hanuman' (2005) was produced by Percept Picture Company, not ISRO. It was India's first successful 3D animated feature, spawning a franchise. ISRO's animation work focuses on educational content, not commercial films.

Losar marks the Tibetan Buddhist New Year, celebrated in Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Rituals include Cham dances, prayer flag hoisting, and community feasts, following the Tibetan lunar calendar.

IFFI, founded in 1952 (first held in Mumbai), is Asia's oldest international film festival. Since 2004, it has been permanently held in Goa. It showcases global cinema and promotes Indian films internationally.

Eri silk (Endi) from Assam is produced by domesticating Samia ricini silkworms that feed on castor leaves. As pupae are not killed during harvesting, it is called Ahimsa silk. Received GI tag in 2007.

Oppana is a celebratory folk art of Kerala's Mappila community, performed by women at weddings. Dancers clap and move in circles while singing poetic songs in Arabi-Malayalam, blending Islamic and local traditions.

National Translation Mission (under Central Institute of Indian Languages) promotes translation of knowledge texts across India's 22 scheduled languages. It supports linguistic diversity and equitable access to education.

Pashmina shawls are handwoven in Kashmir using wool from Changthangi goats of Ladakh. The intricate craftsmanship, passed through generations, received GI tag in 2008 for authenticity and quality assurance.

e-Sampada (2020) is a unified digital platform for booking government accommodation (guest houses, holiday homes) and cultural venues. It streamlines access to Ministry of Culture assets for citizens and officials.

Pung ( Manipuri drum) is integral to Manipuri classical dance, providing rhythmic foundation for Ras Lila and other devotional performances. Pung cholom (drum dance) is a dynamic solo performance showcasing virtuosity.

Nautanki, originating in Uttar Pradesh, historically featured all-male casts with men enacting female roles. Known for rhythmic dialogue, folk songs, and social satire, it remains popular in rural North India.

Rahul Dev Burman (1939-1994) revolutionized Bollywood music by blending Indian classical, Western jazz, rock, and Latin rhythms. Iconic scores include 'Sholay', 'Amar Prem', and '1942: A Love Story'.

JCB Prize for Literature (₹25 lakh) recognizes excellence in long-form fiction by Indian authors. It aims to elevate Indian literature globally and encourage translation across Indian languages.

Seven Zonal Cultural Centres were established between 1985-1990: North, South, East, West, North-Central, North-East, and Uttar Pradesh zones. They organize festivals, workshops, and documentation projects to sustain regional arts.