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Saint Muthuswami Dikshitar composed kritis primarily in _____ language, often signing as 'Guruguha'.
- Sanskrit
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Kannada
Answer: Sanskrit
Muthuswami Dikshitar (1775-1835), part of Carnatic Trinity, composed over 400 kritis mostly in Sanskrit. His works feature complex ragas, scholarly lyrics, and the mudra 'Guruguha', reflecting deep spiritual and musical knowledge.
In Bharatanatyam, the elaborate pleated fan attached to the dancer's waist is called _____.
- Pallu
- Fan Pleats
- Kacham
- Saree Drape
Answer: Kacham
Kacham refers to the pleated cloth fan attached at the waist in Bharatanatyam costume. It accentuates footwork and mudras, creating visual rhythm. Traditional costumes use Kanchipuram silk with gold zari borders.
Baul singers follow a syncretic philosophy blending Vaishnavism, Tantra, and _____.
- Sufism
- Buddhism
- Jainism
- Sikhism
Answer: Sufism
Baul philosophy synthesizes Vaishnava bhakti, Tantric practices, and Sufi mysticism. Bauls reject caste, rituals, and institutional religion, seeking the 'Moner Manush' (person of the heart) through music and meditation.
Which classical dance form was recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1970 alongside Odissi and Manipuri?
- Kuchipudi
- Sattriya
- Mohiniyattam
- Chhau
Answer: Kuchipudi
Kuchipudi was recognized as a classical dance by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1970, along with Odissi and Manipuri. Originating in Andhra Pradesh, it combines dance, acting, and dialogue with devotional themes.
According to Hindustani music theory, Raga Bhairav is traditionally performed during _____.
- early morning
- afternoon
- evening
- late night
Answer: early morning
Raga Bhairav, a morning raga, is performed at dawn (4-7 AM). It evokes devotion and tranquility, using komal Rishabh and Dhaivat. Associated with Lord Shiva, it is often the first raga taught to students.
The 'Prithviraj Raso', an epic poem about Prithviraj Chauhan, was composed by _____.
- Chand Bardai
- Vidyapati
- Jayadeva
- Harsha
Answer: Chand Bardai
Chand Bardai, court poet of Prithviraj Chauhan (12th century), composed Prithviraj Raso in Braj Bhasha. Though historically debated, it remains an important literary source for medieval Rajput history and culture.
Warli paintings traditionally depict themes of nature, daily life, and _____ rituals.
- marriage/fertility
- warfare
- royal coronation
- astronomical
Answer: marriage/fertility
Warli art from Maharashtra's tribal communities uses simple geometric shapes to depict marriage ceremonies (Lagnacha Chauk), harvest, dancing, and nature worship. White pigment on red ochre background is characteristic.
The Hornbill Festival is held annually from December 1-10 in _____, Nagaland.
- Kisama
- Kohima
- Dimapur
- Mokokchung
Answer: Kisama
Hornbill Festival takes place at Kisama Heritage Village, 12 km from Kohima, Nagaland. It showcases Naga tribal culture through music, dance, crafts, and indigenous games, promoting tourism and cultural preservation.
In Kathak, the rhythmic footwork patterns are called _____.
- Tatkar
- Tihai
- Paran
- Amad
Answer: Tatkar
Tatkar refers to the basic footwork in Kathak, producing rhythmic sounds with ankle bells (ghungroo). It forms the foundation for complex compositions like tihai (repeated phrase) and paran (rhythmic pattern).
The Chishti Sufi order in India was established by _____ in the 12th century.
- Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
- Nizamuddin Auliya
- Baba Farid
- Salim Chishti
Answer: Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti founded the Chishti order in India, settling in Ajmer (Rajasthan) in the late 12th century. The order emphasizes love, tolerance, and service to humanity, with dargahs as cultural centers.
In Hindustani classical music, the most common tala with 16 beats is called _____.
- Teental
- Jhaptal
- Rupak
- Ektaal
Answer: Teental
Teental (or Trital) is the most widely used tala in Hindustani music, comprising 16 matras (beats) divided into four vibhags of four beats each. It provides the rhythmic foundation for many compositions.
In classical Indian dance, 'Nritta' refers to pure dance movements without _____, while 'Nritya' combines movement with expression.
- music
- expression/costume
- rhythm
- footwork
Answer: expression/costume
Nritta is abstract, rhythmic dance focusing on form and technique without emotional expression. Nritya combines nritta with abhinaya (expression) to convey meaning. This distinction is fundamental in Natya Shastra.
The 'Dhol', a double-headed drum, is prominently used in folk dances of Punjab and _____.
- Gujarat
- Rajasthan
- Haryana
- All of these
Answer: All of these
Dhol is a versatile double-headed drum used across North Indian folk traditions. Essential for Bhangra (Punjab), Garba (Gujarat), and Haryanvi dances. Its energetic beats drive celebratory performances.
The Elephanta Caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva, are located on an island in _____ harbor.
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Goa
Answer: Mumbai
Elephanta Caves, on an island in Mumbai Harbor, feature 5th-8th century rock-cut sculptures dedicated to Shiva. The iconic Trimurti (three-faced Shiva) is a masterpiece of Indian art. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
The 'Padshahnama', an illustrated chronicle of Shah Jahan's reign, was written in _____ language.
- Persian
- Urdu
- Arabic
- Chagatai
Answer: Persian
Padshahnama (Book of Emperors) is a Persian-language manuscript chronicling Shah Jahan's reign. Lavishly illustrated with Mughal miniatures, it documents court life, wars, and architectural projects.
The first musician to receive India's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, was _____.
- M.S. Subbulakshmi
- Ravi Shankar
- Bismillah Khan
- Bhimsen Joshi
Answer: M.S. Subbulakshmi
M.S. Subbulakshmi, the legendary Carnatic vocalist, became the first musician to receive Bharat Ratna in 1998. Renowned for her devotional renditions and global cultural ambassadorship.
The Red Fort in Delhi, built by Shah Jahan, primarily used which architectural material?
- Red sandstone
- Marble
- Granite
- Brick
Answer: Red sandstone
Red Fort (Lal Qila) in Delhi, completed in 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.
Kalamkari, a hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile, derives its name from 'kalam' meaning _____.
- Pen
- Cloth
- Dye
- Pattern
Answer: Pen
Kalamkari comes from 'kalam' (pen) and 'kari' (craftsmanship). Two styles: Srikalahasti (freehand pen painting) and Machilipatnam (block printing). Uses natural dyes; themes from epics and folklore.
Ugadi, the New Year festival, is celebrated in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and _____.
- Telangana
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- Odisha
Answer: Telangana
Ugadi marks the New Year in Deccan states (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana) based on lunisolar Hindu calendar. Celebrated with special dishes like Ugadi Pachadi symbolizing life's six tastes.
Which classical dance form was the LATEST to be recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi?
- Sattriya
- Chhau
- Kuchipudi
- Manipuri
Answer: Sattriya
Sattriya was recognized as the eighth classical dance form by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000. Others: Bharatanatyam (1950s), Kathak (1950s), Kathakali (1950s), Kuchipudi (1970s), Odissi (1970s), Manipuri (1970s), Mohiniyattam (1970s).