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The script used in the Indus Valley Civilization remains undeciphered. Approximately how many distinct signs have been identified?
- 200-300
- 400-600
- 700-900
- 1000+
Answer: 400-600
Scholars have identified approximately 400-600 distinct signs in the Indus script (c. 2600-1900 BCE). Despite extensive research, the script remains undeciphered due to lack of bilingual texts and uncertain language affiliation.
Which autonomous body under Ministry of Culture is responsible for promoting Indian literature and conferring the Sahitya Akademi Award?
- Sahitya Akademi
- Sangeet Natak Akademi
- Lalit Kala Akademi
- National School of Drama
Answer: Sahitya Akademi
Sahitya Akademi (National Academy of Letters), established in 1954, promotes Indian literature in 24 languages. It confers annual awards, publishes journals (Indian Literature), and organizes literary festivals nationwide.
In Indian classical music, instruments are classified into four categories based on sound production: Tat (stringed), Sushir (wind), Avanaddh (percussion), and _____.
- Ghan (solid)
- Nad (vocal)
- Swara (melodic)
- Tala (rhythmic)
Answer: Ghan (solid)
Indian music classifies instruments as: Tat (stringed: sitar, veena), Sushir (wind: bansuri, shehnai), Avanaddh (percussion: tabla, mridangam), and Ghan (solid/idiophones: jalra, manjira). This system originates from Natya Shastra.
The 'Alha-Khand' is a medieval Hindi epic poem celebrating the valor of warriors Alha and Udal of the Chandela dynasty.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Alha-Khand is a medieval Hindi epic (12th century) narrating the exploits of warriors Alha and Udal serving Chandela king Paramardi. Composed in Bundeli dialect, it is performed as folk ballads in North India, preserving oral history.
Which painting technique involves applying layers of natural pigments mixed with gum arabic on handmade paper?
- Miniature painting
- Watercolor
- Oil painting
- Fresco
Answer: Miniature painting
Indian miniature painting uses natural pigments (minerals, plants) bound with gum arabic, applied in fine layers on wasli (handmade paper). Techniques include meticulous brushwork, gold leaf application, and detailed narratives.
The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act was first enacted in India in 1958.
- True
- False
Answer: False
The Ancient Monuments Preservation Act was first enacted in 1904 under Lord Curzon. It was replaced by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act in 1958, amended in 2010 for stricter heritage protection.
Which classical dance form was recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi in the 1950s, among the first to receive classical status?
- Bharatanatyam
- Sattriya
- Chhau
- Lava
Answer: Bharatanatyam
Bharatanatyam was among the first dance forms recognized as classical by Sangeet Natak Akademi in the 1950s, alongside Kathak and Kathakali. This recognition revived temple dance traditions and established institutional training.
Which gharana is associated with the 'Kirana style' of khayal singing, emphasizing precise intonation and emotional depth?
- Kirana Gharana
- Gwalior Gharana
- Jaipur Gharana
- Patiala Gharana
Answer: Kirana Gharana
Kirana Gharana, founded by Abdul Karim Khan, emphasizes swara shuddhi (precise intonation), meend (glides), and bhava (emotion). Exponents include Bhimsen Joshi, Gangubai Hangal, and Sawai Gandharva.
The 'Arthashastra', an ancient treatise on statecraft, was authored by _____ in Sanskrit.
- Chanakya (Kautilya)
- Panini
- Patanjali
- Bhartrihari
Answer: Chanakya (Kautilya)
Arthashastra, attributed to Chanakya (Kautilya, 4th century BCE), is a comprehensive Sanskrit text on politics, economics, and military strategy. Rediscovered in 1905, it provides insights into Mauryan administration and ancient Indian polity.
In Carnatic music, the 72 fundamental melakarta ragas are classified based on the arrangement of _____ notes.
- swara (musical)
- tala (rhythmic)
- laya (tempo)
- shruti (pitch)
Answer: swara (musical)
Melakarta ragas in Carnatic music are 72 parent scales classified by permutations of seven swaras (Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni). Each melakarta generates janya (derived) ragas, forming the theoretical foundation of Carnatic system.
The 'Futuhat-i-Alamgiri', a chronicle of Aurangzeb's reign, was written by _____ in Persian.
- Ishwardas Nagar
- Khafi Khan
- Saqi Mustaid Khan
- Muhammad Kazim
Answer: Saqi Mustaid Khan
Saqi Mustaid Khan authored Futuhat-i-Alamgiri, documenting Aurangzeb's military campaigns and administration. Written in Persian, it is a key primary source for late Mughal history, though biased towards imperial perspective.
The 'Rikhab Ram' family of instrument makers in Miraj, Maharashtra, is renowned for crafting tanpuras and sitars.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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.
Which painting school, flourishing in 18th-19th century Rajasthan, is known for depicting Radha-Krishna in lush landscapes?
- Kishangarh
- Bundi
- Kota
- Jaipur
Answer: Kishangarh
Kishangarh school (Rajasthan) is renowned for idealized Radha-Krishna paintings with elongated features, arched eyebrows, and serene expressions. Patronized by Savant Singh (Nagari Das), it blends Mughal finesse with devotional themes.
Bidriware involves inlaying silver or gold wire into a blackened zinc-copper alloy, creating a striking contrast.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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.
In Hindustani music, the improvisational vocal style emphasizing rhythmic play with syllables is called _____.
- Tarana
- Dhrupad
- Khayal
- Thumri
Answer: Tarana
Tarana is a Hindustani vocal composition using rhythmic syllables (ter, na, nom) instead of lyrics. Developed by Amir Khusrau, it showcases vocal agility, layakari (rhythmic play), and is often performed in fast tempo.
Which artist is renowned for the 'Husain Series' of paintings depicting horses, symbolizing power and freedom?
- M.F. Husain
- F.N. Souza
- S.H. Raza
- Tyeb Mehta
Answer: M.F. Husain
M.F. Husain (1915-2011), a founding member of Progressive Artists' Group, is iconic for his dynamic horse paintings. His horses symbolize energy, freedom, and India's spirit, rendered in bold lines and vibrant colors.
Raga Mohanam is a pentatonic scale (five notes) used in both Carnatic and Hindustani music.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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.
Which classical dance form, practiced in Kerala, is traditionally performed only by men and features elaborate makeup and costumes?
- Kathakali
- Mohiniyattam
- Theyyam
- Thiruvathirakali
Answer: Kathakali
Kathakali is Kerala's classical dance-drama performed by men, featuring vibrant costumes, intricate makeup (chutti), and expressive abhinaya. Themes from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Recognized as classical in 1950s.
Which Indian artist is renowned for the 'Baroda School' and works exploring rural life and social issues?
- K.G. Subramanyan
- M.F. Husain
- F.N. Souza
- Tyeb Mehta
Answer: K.G. Subramanyan
K.G. Subramanyan (1924-2016) pioneered the Baroda School, blending folk art, mythology, and modernist techniques. His works address social issues, gender, and cultural identity, influencing generations of Indian artists.
Dree Festival, celebrated by the Apatani tribe, is a harvest festival of Arunachal Pradesh.
- True
- False
Answer: True
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.