GK Questions

Vijay Tendulkar (1928-2008) was a pioneering Marathi playwright whose works addressed social issues, power dynamics, and gender. His plays have been translated into multiple languages and adapted into acclaimed films.

Mumbai joined UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2019 under Film category, acknowledging Bollywood's global influence, technical infrastructure, and cultural storytelling. It is the second Indian city after Jaipur (Crafts, 2015) to receive this designation.

Theyyam is a ritual art of North Kerala (Kannur, Kasaragod) where performers embody deities through vibrant costumes, face painting, and trance. Rooted in ancestor worship and folk Hinduism, it preserves pre-Brahminical traditions.

Navayana publishes works on Dalit-Bahujan literature, anti-caste thought, and social justice. It has brought global attention to Indian writers like Bama, Omprakash Valmiki, and Kancha Ilaiah through translations and original works.

'Ayodhyecha Raja' (1932), directed by V. Shantaram, was India's first Marathi talkie. Produced by Prabhat Film Company, it featured songs and dialogue, establishing Marathi cinema's early leadership in sound technology.

Kashmir's wood carving tradition uses walnut, deodar, and chinar wood to create furniture, panels, and decorative items. Intricate motifs include chinar leaves, paisleys, and floral patterns, reflecting Persian and Central Asian influences.

Instituted in 2006, this award (Sangeet Natak Akademi) honors artists under 40 for outstanding achievement in performing arts. Named after shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan, it encourages emerging talent and tradition preservation.

CBFC (formerly Censor Board) certifies films under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. It assigns ratings (U, UA, A, S) based on content guidelines. Headquartered in Mumbai, it has regional offices across India.

Assam's Ikat (locally called 'Bandha') involves resist-dyeing warp/weft yarns before weaving. Practiced by communities like the Bodo and Mishing, it produces intricate geometric patterns on silk and cotton textiles.

Sangeet Natak Akademi's project supports North Indian folk theatre forms: Nautanki (UP), Jatra (Bengal/Odisha), and Bhavai (Gujarat). These forms combine music, dance, satire, and social commentary, preserving regional narratives.

UNESCO allows countries to nominate up to two elements annually: one from the 'urgent safeguarding' list and one from the 'representative' list. India has strategically nominated diverse elements since 2001.

Onam is Kerala's biggest festival, celebrating the mythical return of King Mahabali. Traditions include Vallamkali (snake boat races), Pookalam (flower rangoli), Sadya (grand feast), and Kaikottikali (women's dance).

Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize (since 1989) honors translators who render literary works between any two of India's 22 scheduled languages. It promotes linguistic diversity and cross-cultural literary appreciation.

Fatma Begum (1892-1983) was India's first woman director, producer, and screenwriter. Her film 'Bulbul-e-Paristan' (1926) was a fantasy adventure. She founded Fatma Film Company, pioneering women's participation in early cinema.

Jhora is Uttarakhand's communal folk dance performed during festivals like Harela and Baisakhi. Dancers form circles, clap rhythmically, and sing folk songs celebrating nature, harvest, and community bonds.

The 2010 Amendment to the 1958 Act introduced stricter regulations: prohibiting construction within 100m of protected monuments, requiring permissions for archaeological excavations, and enhancing penalties for heritage damage.

India has co-production treaties with countries including France, Germany, UK, Canada, Brazil, and South Korea. These agreements enable shared financing, talent exchange, and access to international markets for Indian filmmakers.

Pena is Manipur's traditional string instrument, played by Meitei communities. Its melancholic sound accompanies folk songs, epics, and ritual performances. Master artists like Ningthoujam Khelchandra have revived this endangered craft.

Ratan Thiyam founded Chorus Repertory Theatre (1976) in Imphal, Manipur. His productions blend Manipuri dance, martial arts (Thang-Ta), ritual, and contemporary themes, earning international acclaim for innovative Indian theatre.

Rigveda manuscript (Pune, Bhandarkar Institute) was inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2007. This ancient Vedic text (c. 1500 BCE) is humanity's oldest extant literary composition, preserved through oral and written traditions.