Create a custom practice set
Pick category, difficulty, number of questions, and time limit. Start instantly with your own quiz.
Generate QuizEasy Level – GK Questions
Free practice for SSC, UPSC, Banking & Railway exams. No login required.
The 'Kuchipudi' classical dance form originated in the village of Kuchipudi in the state of _____.
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
Answer: Andhra Pradesh
Kuchipudi originated in Kuchipudi village (Andhra Pradesh) as a dance-drama tradition performed by Brahmin men. Recognized as classical dance in 1970, it combines dance, acting, and dialogue with devotional themes.
The 'Bhimbetka rock shelters' in Madhya Pradesh contain prehistoric paintings dating back to the _____ era.
- Paleolithic
- Neolithic
- Chalcolithic
- Iron Age
Answer: Paleolithic
Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh) features over 750 rock paintings spanning Paleolithic to historic periods. Depicts hunting, dancing, and community life. Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.
The 'Sangeet Natak Akademi', India's national academy for music, dance, and drama, was established in the year _____.
- 1952
- 1954
- 1956
- 1960
Answer: 1952
Sangeet Natak Akademi (1952) was the first national academy of arts set up by independent India. It preserves intangible heritage through awards, documentation, training, and festivals across performing arts.
The 'Khajuraho Dance Festival', held annually in February, showcases classical dance performances against the backdrop of the _____ temples.
- Chandela
- Chola
- Pallava
- Rashtrakuta
Answer: Chandela
Khajuraho Dance Festival (Madhya Pradesh) features classical dances at Chandela temples (950-1050 CE). Organized by MP Tourism, it promotes cultural tourism and preserves India's classical dance heritage.
The 'Kathak' classical dance form originated in North India and is characterized by intricate footwork, spins, and storytelling through _____.
- abhinaya
- mudras
- tala
- raga
Answer: abhinaya
Kathak combines nritta (pure dance) with abhinaya (expression) to narrate stories from epics and folklore. Evolved from temple storytelling traditions, later influenced by Mughal court aesthetics.
The 'Dadasaheb Phalke Award', India's highest cinema honor, was first conferred in the year _____.
- 1969
- 1952
- 1975
- 1981
Answer: 1969
Dadasaheb Phalke Award was instituted in 1969 to honor lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. First recipient was actress Devika Rani. Conferred annually by the President at National Film Awards ceremony.
The 'Bharatanatyam' dance form originated in the temples of _____ and was traditionally performed by Devadasis.
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- Karnataka
- Andhra Pradesh
Answer: Tamil Nadu
Bharatanatyam originated in Tamil Nadu temples, performed by Devadasis as devotional service. Revived in 20th century by Rukmini Devi Arundale, it is now India's most widely practiced classical dance form.
The 'Natya Shastra', attributed to Sage Bharata Muni, is the foundational treatise on Indian _____.
- performing arts
- architecture
- medicine
- astronomy
Answer: performing arts
Natya Shastra (c. 200 BCE-200 CE) is the encyclopedic Sanskrit text on dance, music, drama, makeup, and stagecraft. It codifies rasa theory, mudras, and aesthetics central to Indian classical arts.
The 'Red Fort' in Delhi, built by Shah Jahan, primarily used _____ as its construction material.
- red sandstone
- marble
- granite
- brick
Answer: red sandstone
Red Fort (Lal Qila, completed 1648) is built primarily of red sandstone with marble inlays. Designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahori, it exemplifies Mughal architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 'Kumbh Mela', inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, is held cyclically at four sacred river sites: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and _____.
- Nashik
- Varanasi
- Ayodhya
- Mathura
Answer: Nashik
Kumbh Mela rotates every 3 years among four sites: Prayagraj (Ganga-Yamuna), Haridwar (Ganga), Ujjain (Shipra), Nashik (Godavari). The world's largest religious gathering, inscribed by UNESCO in 2017.
The 'Sahitya Akademi Award' is conferred for outstanding literary work in any of the _____ languages listed in Schedule VIII of the Constitution.
- 22
- 24
- 18
- 20
Answer: 22
Sahitya Akademi Award recognizes excellence in any of India's 22 scheduled languages. Instituted in 1954, it promotes multilingual literature and includes a cash prize, plaque, and shawl.
The 'Konark Sun Temple' in Odisha is designed in the shape of a colossal _____ with 24 wheels and seven horses.
- chariot
- lotus
- lion
- elephant
Answer: chariot
Konark Sun Temple (13th century) is shaped like Surya's chariot with 24 carved wheels (representing hours) and seven horses (days of week). A UNESCO World Heritage Site exemplifying Kalinga architecture.
The 'Khajuraho Group of Monuments', famous for erotic sculptures, was built by the _____ dynasty.
- Chandela
- Chola
- Pallava
- Rashtrakuta
Answer: Chandela
Khajuraho temples (Madhya Pradesh, 950-1050 CE) were built by Chandela rulers. They exemplify Nagara architecture and symbolize spiritual union through sensuous sculptures. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
The 'Ajanta Caves' are renowned for ancient paintings depicting stories from the _____ tales.
- Jataka
- Panchatantra
- Hitopadesha
- Kathasaritsagara
Answer: Jataka
Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra, 2nd century BCE-6th century CE) feature exquisite murals illustrating Jataka tales (Buddha's previous lives). These paintings are masterpieces of ancient Indian art and Buddhist narrative tradition.
The 'Sangeet Natak Akademi Award' is conferred in the fields of music, dance, and _____.
- theatre
- literature
- visual arts
- cinema
Answer: theatre
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award recognizes excellence in three performing arts: music, dance, and theatre. Instituted in 1952, it is India's highest recognition for practicing artists in these fields.
The 'Hornbill Festival' is held annually in the state of _____ to showcase Naga tribal culture.
- Nagaland
- Manipur
- Mizoram
- Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: Nagaland
Hornbill Festival (December 1-10) in Nagaland promotes inter-tribal interaction and preserves Naga heritage through music, dance, crafts, and indigenous games. Named after the hornbill bird, revered in Naga folklore.
The 'Jaipur Literature Festival', founded in 2006, is held annually in the month of _____.
- January
- March
- July
- October
Answer: January
Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), held every January at Diggi Palace, is Asia's largest free literary festival. It features authors, thinkers, and performers from around the world, promoting literary dialogue and cultural exchange.
Malayalam cinema, known for realistic storytelling, is produced primarily in the state of Kerala.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Malayalam cinema (Mollywood), based in Kerala, is renowned for content-driven narratives, technical excellence, and social realism. Directors like Adoor Gopalakrishnan and actors like Mohanlal have gained national acclaim.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest honor in cinema, instituted in 1969.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Dadasaheb Phalke Award, instituted in 1969, recognizes lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. First recipient was actress Devika Rani. Conferred annually at National Film Awards ceremony by the President of India.
Which animal is revered as the vehicle (vahana) of Lord Ganesha and symbolizes wisdom and removal of obstacles?
- Mouse
- Elephant
- Peacock
- Bull
Answer: Mouse
Mouse (Mushika) is Lord Ganesha's vahana, symbolizing humility, adaptability, and ability to overcome obstacles. This iconography reflects Hindu philosophical concepts of wisdom transcending ego and material limitations.