True/False – GK Questions

Pochampally Ikat from Telangana uses bandha (resist-dye) technique on silk/cotton. Known for vibrant geometric motifs and double ikat precision. Received GI tag in 2005, supporting weaver communities in Nalgonda district.

Miraj (Maharashtra) is a hub for Hindustani musical instruments. The Rikhab Ram family and other artisans craft tanpuras, sitars, and sarods using traditional techniques. Miraj instruments received GI tag in 2015.

Toorji ka Jhalra, an 18th-century stepwell in Jodhpur, was restored in 2014 by the Jodhpur Urban Regeneration Project. The conservation revived traditional water management systems and created a cultural public space.

Bidriware from Bidar, Karnataka, uses a unique technique: casting zinc-copper alloy, engraving designs, inlaying silver/gold, then blackening with ammonium chloride and soil. The contrast highlights intricate motifs. GI tagged in 2006.

Ganga Mahotsav in Varanasi (November) celebrates the Ganges with classical music, dance, boat races, and devotional ceremonies. Culminates on Dev Deepavali when ghats are illuminated with earthen lamps.

Odia (Oriya) was declared a Classical Language in 2014, joining Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam. Criteria include early texts (10th century+), original literary tradition, and distinctness from modern forms.

Mohanam (Carnatic) / Bhupali (Hindustani) is a pentatonic raga using Sa-Ri-Ga-Pa-Dha. Known for its serene, devotional mood, it is widely used in compositions, film music, and cross-genre collaborations.

Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya (Bihar) marks the site of Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The current temple dates to 5th-6th century CE. Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.

Sambalpuri Ikat from Odisha uses bandha (resist-dye) technique where threads are tie-dyed before weaving. Known for intricate motifs like shankha (conch), chakra (wheel), and phula (flower). Received GI tag in 1993.

Dree Festival is the Apatani tribe's harvest festival in Arunachal Pradesh, celebrated in July. Rituals include sacrifices for good harvest, traditional dances, feasts, and distribution of cucumbers symbolizing prosperity.

Shakti (1970s), founded by John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain, pioneered Indo-jazz fusion. Featuring tabla, mridangam, ghatam, and violin, it blended Indian classical rhythms with Western improvisation, influencing global music.

Hamzanama (1562-1577) was commissioned by Akbar, featuring 1,400 large paintings on cloth depicting Amir Hamza's adventures. It marked the maturation of Mughal painting, blending Persian, Indian, and European styles.

Akbarnama (Book of Akbar) by Abul Fazl (1590s) is a three-volume Persian chronicle covering Akbar's ancestry, reign, and administration. Lavishly illustrated, it is a key source for Mughal history and culture.

Thanjavur Art Plates are crafted by embossing silver/gold foil on copper plates, depicting deities, peacocks, and floral motifs. Originating in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, they received GI tag in 2007 for their unique craftsmanship.

Gutor is a pre-Losar ritual in Tibetan Buddhist communities where effigies representing negativity are burned or cast away. This purification ceremony precedes the New Year festivities in Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Le Corbusier designed Chandigarh's Capitol Complex (High Court, Secretariat, Assembly) in the 1950s. Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage in 2016, it exemplifies modernist architecture and urban planning principles.

Rogan art from Nirona village, Kutch, uses castor oil mixed with natural pigments to create symmetrical patterns on cloth. Practiced by the Khatri community, it received GI tag in 2013 and features motifs like peacocks and flowers.

Chapchar Kut is Mizoram's major festival marking the end of forest clearing (jhum) and awaiting sowing. Celebrated in March with traditional dances (Cheraw), music, feasts, and community bonding.

Rouf is a graceful folk dance of Kashmir performed by women in groups, featuring rhythmic footwork and swaying movements. Accompanied by folk songs, it celebrates spring harvest and festive occasions like Eid.

Jaipur-Atrauli gharana is known for Khayal singing, not Dhrupad. Founded by Alladiya Khan, it emphasizes complex ragas, intricate taans, and precise sur. Dhrupad is associated with Dagar, Betia, and Darbhanga gharanas.