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Which community in Karnataka is renowned for conserving traditional rice varieties through community seed banks?
- Soliga
- Kuruba
- Lingayat
- Vokkaliga
Answer: Soliga
Soliga tribal community in Karnataka's Biligiri Rangana Hills conserves indigenous rice, millet, and pulse varieties through traditional knowledge and community seed banks. Their practices support agro-biodiversity and climate resilience.
Chhau dance of Purulia (West Bengal) is distinguished by its use of elaborate _____ depicting deities and demons.
- masks
- costumes
- makeup
- props
Answer: masks
Purulia Chhau features vibrant, oversized masks made of clay and paper-mache, representing gods, demons, and animals. Mask-making is a specialized craft in Charida village, integral to this UNESCO-recognized dance form.
The 'Shilp Guru' award, instituted in 2002, recognizes master craftspersons in traditional _____ arts.
- handicraft
- performing
- visual
- literary
Answer: handicraft
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.
The 'Subhashita Ratna Kosha', compiled by King Vallabhadeva of Kashmir, is an anthology of Sanskrit epigrams on ethics and wisdom.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Subhashita Ratna Kosha (10th century) by Kashmiri king Vallabhadeva collects over 2,000 Sanskrit epigrams (subhashitas) on morality, politics, and life. It reflects the sophisticated literary culture of medieval Kashmir.
Which traditional fishing technique from Kerala uses large rectangular nets operated from shore, introduced by Chinese traders?
- Chinese fishing nets
- Cast nets
- Gill nets
- Trap nets
Answer: Chinese fishing nets
Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) in Kochi, Kerala, were introduced by 14th-century Chinese traders. These shore-operated lift nets exemplify historical Indo-Chinese maritime exchange and sustainable fishing practices.
The 'Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)', established in 1950, promotes cultural exchange through scholarships, festivals, and _____ chairs abroad.
- Visiting Professor
- Cultural
- Academic
- Research
Answer: Visiting Professor
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.
Which mountain range is revered as 'Devabhumi' (Land of Gods) and features numerous pilgrimage sites in Hinduism?
- Himalayas
- Western Ghats
- Vindhyas
- Aravalli
Answer: Himalayas
Himalayas are sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, housing pilgrimage sites like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Amarnath, and Kailash. The range symbolizes spiritual ascent and is protected through eco-religious traditions.
The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves in Odisha, carved during King Kharavela's reign, served as Jain monastic retreats.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Udayagiri-Khandagiri caves (2nd century BCE, Odisha) were excavated under Kalinga king Kharavela for Jain monks. Inscriptions and sculptures depict Jain Tirthankaras, ascetics, and court life, reflecting early Jain patronage.
The 'Dafli', a small handheld frame drum, is prominently used in which folk music tradition?
- Rajasthani/Qawwali
- Punjabi Bhangra
- Bengali Baul
- Kashmiri Sufiana
Answer: Rajasthani/Qawwali
Dafli (frame drum) is used in Rajasthani folk music and Qawwali performances. Its jingles and rhythmic patterns accompany devotional songs, creating an ecstatic atmosphere in Sufi shrines and folk gatherings.
The Padma Shri awarded to _____ in 2021 recognized her efforts in preserving the traditional 'Chhau' dance of Purulia.
- Gambhari Devi
- Soni Sori
- Rupa Devi
- Mamta Devi
Answer: Gambhari Devi
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.
The 'Dhangar' community of Maharashtra practices transhumance, seasonally migrating with _____ herds.
- sheep/goat
- cattle
- camel
- yak
Answer: sheep/goat
Dhangars are pastoral nomads of Maharashtra who practice transhumance: moving sheep/goat herds between Deccan plateau (monsoon) and coastal Konkan (winter). Their traditional knowledge supports sustainable grassland management.
Panchavadyam, a temple percussion ensemble featuring five instruments, is traditionally performed in which state?
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
- Karnataka
- Andhra Pradesh
Answer: Kerala
Panchavadyam ('five instruments') is Kerala's temple percussion art featuring timila, maddalam, ilathalam, idakka, and kombu. Performed during festivals, it showcases complex rhythmic patterns and devotional fervor.
The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation recognize efforts in preserving historic structures in the _____ region.
- Asia-Pacific
- South Asia
- Southeast Asia
- Indian Ocean
Answer: Asia-Pacific
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.
Which traditional Indian system of medicine emphasizes balance of three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and uses herbal formulations?
- Ayurveda
- Siddha
- Unani
- Homeopathy
Answer: Ayurveda
Ayurveda, India's ancient holistic medicine system (c. 1500 BCE), focuses on dosha balance, diet, lifestyle, and herbal/mineral formulations. Recognized by WHO, it is practiced globally for preventive and curative healthcare.
The 'Ravanahatha', a bowed string instrument with a coconut shell resonator, is traditionally associated with which folk tradition?
- Rajasthani/Bhili
- Punjabi Bhangra
- Bengali Baul
- Kashmiri Sufiana
Answer: Rajasthani/Bhili
Ravanahatha, one of the world's oldest bowed instruments, is used by Bhil and Rajasthani folk musicians. Legend attributes its invention to Ravana. It features a coconut/metal resonator and horsehair strings, producing soulful melodies.
The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, instituted in 2006, recognizes young artists below the age of _____ in music, dance, and drama.
- 40
- 35
- 30
- 45
Answer: 40
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.
Which traditional rice variety from Kerala, known for its medicinal properties and flood resistance, received GI tag in 2010?
- Pokkali
- Navara
- Jeerakasala
- Kattuyarnan
Answer: Pokkali
Pokkali rice from Kerala's coastal wetlands is salt-tolerant, organic, and cultivated in rotation with prawn farming. Its unique agro-ecological system received GI tag in 2010, supporting sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity.
The ancient university of Nalanda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, flourished from 5th to 12th century CE as a center of Buddhist learning.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Nalanda University (Bihar, 5th-12th century CE) was a premier Buddhist monastic university attracting scholars from across Asia. Excavations reveal monasteries, temples, and libraries. Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.
The Kalidas Samman, instituted by Madhya Pradesh government, recognizes excellence in classical music, dance, theatre, and _____.
- plastic arts
- literature
- folk arts
- cinema
Answer: plastic arts
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.
The 'Navalratna' (nine gems) tradition at ancient Indian courts included scholars specializing in literature, astronomy, and philosophy.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Navalratna tradition refers to nine eminent scholars patronized by rulers like Vikramaditya and Akbar. They excelled in diverse fields: poetry, grammar, astronomy, medicine, etc., fostering interdisciplinary knowledge production.