Create a custom practice set
Pick category, difficulty, number of questions, and time limit. Start instantly with your own quiz.
Generate QuizArt Culture – True/False – GK Questions
Free practice for SSC, UPSC, Banking & Railway exams. No login required.
The 'National Centre for Cultural Studies', established in 2025, coordinates interdisciplinary research on India's intangible heritage across universities.
- True
- False
Answer: True
National Centre for Cultural Studies (2025) is a virtual network of universities researching oral traditions, craft techniques, and performance arts. Funded by Ministry of Culture, it promotes evidence-based policy and documentation.
Kalhana's 'Rajatarangini' (12th century) is a Sanskrit chronicle of Kashmir's kings, valued for its historical methodology and poetic excellence.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Rajatarangini ('River of Kings') by Kalhana (1148-1150 CE) is a metrical history of Kashmir. Combines critical source evaluation with literary artistry, making it a unique example of historical writing in Sanskrit tradition.
The 'Pataka' mudra (flat hand with fingers together) is used across Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi to symbolize clouds, forest, or beginning.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Pataka is a fundamental hasta (hand gesture) codified in Natya Shastra. Used across classical dances for multiple meanings: clouds, forest, denial, or dance commencement. Demonstrates shared vocabulary of Indian classical arts.
The 'Digital Craftsman' program, launched in 2024, trains traditional artisans in e-commerce, digital marketing, and online storytelling to expand market access.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Digital Craftsman (Ministry of Textiles, 2024) provides artisans with smartphones, digital literacy, and platform access (Amazon Karigar, GeM). Aims to bridge rural-urban market gaps and enhance craft livelihoods.
The 'Mandala' in Buddhist and Hindu traditions represents the cosmos and is used as a meditative tool for spiritual transformation.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Mandala (Sanskrit: circle) is a geometric symbol of the universe in Hinduism and Buddhism. Used in rituals, meditation, and temple architecture, it guides practitioners from outer forms to inner enlightenment.
Both Diwali and Durga Puja celebrate the victory of good over evil, but Diwali commemorates Rama's return to Ayodhya while Durga Puja honors Durga's victory over Mahishasura.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Diwali (North India) marks Rama's return after defeating Ravana; Durga Puja (East India) celebrates Durga slaying Mahishasura. Both use lights, community feasts, and cultural performances to symbolize light over darkness.
The 'Accessible Heritage' guidelines, issued in 2024, mandate ramps, tactile paths, and sign language interpreters at all ASI-protected monuments.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Accessible Heritage Guidelines (2024) ensure inclusive access to monuments for persons with disabilities. Includes physical infrastructure, sensory aids, and trained staff. Aligns with Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel 'Anandamath' (1882) introduced the song 'Vande Mataram', which later became a rallying cry for India's independence movement.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Vande Mataram, from Anandamath, was first sung at 1896 Congress session. Though controversial for its Hindu imagery, it became a powerful nationalist symbol. First two verses are India's national song (adopted 1950).
Both Bidriware (Karnataka) and Dokra (tribal India) use metal casting techniques, but Bidriware involves inlaying silver into blackened zinc-copper alloy.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Bidriware (Bidar) uses zinc-copper alloy blackened with ammonium chloride, with silver inlay. Dokra uses lost-wax casting with brass/bronze. Both are GI-tagged crafts representing distinct regional metallurgical traditions.
The 'National Cultural Data Repository', launched in 2024, aggregates metadata on monuments, artifacts, performances, and artists from multiple ministries.
- True
- False
Answer: True
National Cultural Data Repository (2024) integrates databases from ASI, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi, etc. Enables cross-ministerial planning, research access, and evidence-based cultural policy formulation.
The concept of 'Raga Chikitsa' in Indian tradition associates specific ragas with therapeutic benefits for physical and mental well-being.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Raga Chikitsa (music therapy) links ragas to times, seasons, and healing: Bhairav for morning calm, Malkauns for anxiety relief. Ancient texts like Sangita Ratnakara document ragas' physiological and psychological effects.
Both Nagara and Dravida temple styles include a 'mandapa' (pillared hall) for gatherings, but only Dravida style features towering 'gopurams' at entrance.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Mandapa is common to both styles for rituals and gatherings. Gopuram (ornate gateway tower) is characteristic of Dravida temples (South India), while Nagara temples (North India) emphasize curvilinear shikhara over sanctum.
The 'Culture Startup India' initiative, launched in 2024, provides seed funding and mentorship to entrepreneurs innovating in heritage tech, craft e-commerce, and cultural tourism.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Culture Startup India (2024) supports startups developing AR/VR heritage experiences, artisan marketplaces, and sustainable cultural tourism. Part of Startup India's sector-specific verticals to boost creative economy.
The transition from Prakrit to Sanskrit in royal inscriptions (c. 1st-4th century CE) reflects the growing prestige of Sanskrit as a language of power and scholarship.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Early inscriptions (Ashoka, Satavahanas) used Prakrit for mass communication. Later Gupta-era inscriptions adopted Sanskrit, signaling its association with elite culture, religious authority, and pan-Indian political legitimacy.
Both the Jnanpith Award and Sahitya Akademi Award recognize literary excellence in India's scheduled languages, but Jnanpith is limited to one recipient per year.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Jnanpith Award (since 1965) honors one author annually for outstanding contribution to Indian literature. Sahitya Akademi Award recognizes multiple authors yearly across 22 languages. Both promote multilingual literary excellence.
Varanasi was designated a UNESCO Creative City for Music in 2024, recognizing its legacy of Hindustani classical music.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Varanasi joined UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2024 under Music category, acknowledging its gharanas, instruments, and spiritual musical traditions. It is the third Indian city after Jaipur (Crafts) and Mumbai (Film).
The discovery of Roman coins, amphorae, and Arretine ware at Arikamedu (Puducherry) provides archaeological evidence of Indo-Roman maritime trade.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Arikamedu (2nd century BCE-2nd century CE) was a major Indo-Roman trading port. Excavations revealed Roman pottery, beads, and coins, confirming ancient maritime networks between India and the Mediterranean.
Bharatanatyam costumes use Kanchipuram silk with gold zari, while Kathak costumes often feature anarkali-style flowing dresses.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Bharatanatyam: pleated Kanchipuram silk saree with gold zari, temple jewelry. Kathak: anarkali/ghagra-choli with churidar, emphasizing spins. Costume aesthetics reflect each dance form's regional and stylistic evolution.
The 'Sanskriti School' initiative integrates traditional arts (music, dance, craft) into mainstream school curricula across 100 pilot schools in 2024.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Sanskriti School (2024) is a Ministry of Education-Culture collaboration embedding traditional arts in CBSE/State board curricula. Aims to foster cultural literacy, creativity, and intergenerational knowledge transmission among youth.
The 'Jantar Mantar' observatories built by Jai Singh II incorporate architectural instruments for measuring time, predicting eclipses, and tracking celestial bodies.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Jantar Mantar (Jaipur, Delhi, etc., 1724-1730) features massive stone instruments (samrat yantra, jai prakash) for astronomical observations. Combines Indian, Islamic, and European astronomical knowledge in architectural form.