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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.
Mughal miniature paintings under Jahangir showed increased influence of European techniques like perspective and shading.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Emperor Jahangir (r. 1605-1627) encouraged naturalism and European influences in Mughal art. Artists adopted linear perspective, chiaroscuro, and realistic portraiture, seen in works like 'Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh to Kings'.
In Bharatanatyam, the 'Tripataka' mudra is commonly used to depict which element?
- Crown/Tree
- River
- Mountain
- Fire
Answer: Crown/Tree
Tripataka mudra (three fingers raised) in Bharatanatyam symbolizes crown, tree, or flame. Mudras are symbolic hand gestures codified in Natya Shastra, essential for abhinaya and nritta.
Which artist group, founded in 1947, included M.F. Husain, F.N. Souza, and S.H. Raza, revolutionizing modern Indian art?
- Progressive Artists' Group
- Bombay Arts Society
- Calcutta Group
- Delhi Shilpi Chakra
Answer: Progressive Artists' Group
Progressive Artists' Group (PAG), founded in Bombay (1947), sought to break from colonial academic art. Members like Husain, Souza, Raza blended Indian themes with Western modernism, shaping post-independence art.
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).
The first complete English translation of the Mahabharata was done by _____ in the 19th century.
- Kisari Mohan Ganguli
- Max Müller
- William Jones
- Arthur Ryder
Answer: Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Kisari Mohan Ganguli published the first complete English prose translation of the Mahabharata between 1883-1896. His 12-volume work remains a key reference for scholars and general readers.
Patola sarees, double ikat woven silk textiles, are traditionally crafted in _____ town of Gujarat.
- Patan
- Surat
- Rajkot
- Bhuj
Answer: Patan
Patola sarees from Patan, Gujarat, are made using double ikat technique where both warp and weft are resist-dyed before weaving. A labor-intensive craft preserved by the Salvi community; received GI tag.
In classical Indian dance, 'Abhinaya' refers to which aspect of performance?
- Expression/Acting
- Footwork
- Costume Design
- Musical Accompaniment
Answer: Expression/Acting
Abhinaya is the art of expression in Indian classical dance, conveying emotions and narratives through facial expressions, hand gestures (mudras), and body language. One of the four components of Natya.
Raga Deepak is traditionally associated with the power to evoke _____.
- Fire
- Rain
- Peace
- Love
Answer: Fire
According to legend, Raga Deepak has the power to ignite fire when sung perfectly. It is a evening raga in Hindustani music, associated with Agni (fire) and performed with caution due to its potency.
Company School paintings emerged during British colonial rule, blending Indian and European artistic styles.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Company School (late 18th-19th century) refers to paintings produced by Indian artists for British patrons. They combined Mughal/Rajput techniques with European realism, perspective, and watercolor medium.
Which Hoysala temple is renowned for its star-shaped platform and intricate soapstone carvings?
- Chennakesava Temple, Belur
- Brihadeeswarar Temple
- Sun Temple, Konark
- Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
Answer: Chennakesava Temple, Belur
Chennakesava Temple at Belur (Karnataka), built by Vishnuvardhana (1117 CE), exemplifies Hoysala architecture with star-shaped jagati, detailed soapstone sculptures, and ornate pillars.
Kangra miniature paintings are primarily themed around which literary work?
- Gita Govinda
- Ramayana
- Mahabharata
- Panchatantra
Answer: Gita Govinda
Kangra school of Pahari paintings (18th century) is renowned for lyrical depictions of Radha-Krishna themes, especially Jayadeva's Gita Govinda. Characterized by soft colors and naturalistic landscapes.
Which of the following was the FIRST language to be declared a Classical Language of India?
- Tamil
- Sanskrit
- Telugu
- Kannada
Answer: Tamil
Tamil was declared India's first Classical Language in 2004, followed by Sanskrit (2005), Kannada and Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014). Criteria include ancient texts and literary tradition.
The famous stone chariot at Vittala Temple is located in which UNESCO World Heritage Site?
- Hampi
- Pattadakal
- Badami
- Aihole
Answer: Hampi
The iconic stone chariot is part of the Vittala Temple complex in Hampi, Karnataka. Hampi was the capital of Vijayanagara Empire and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
Which Mughal emperor is credited with establishing the imperial atelier that developed the Mughal miniature painting style?
- Babur
- Humayun
- Akbar
- Jahangir
Answer: Akbar
While Humayun brought Persian artists to India, it was Akbar who established a formal imperial atelier (kitabkhana) at Fatehpur Sikri, fostering the synthesis of Persian and Indian styles that defined Mughal miniature painting.
Which of the following is NOT part of the Carnatic Music Trinity?
- Tyagaraja
- Muthuswami Dikshitar
- Syama Sastri
- Purandara Dasa
Answer: Purandara Dasa
The Carnatic Music Trinity consists of Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri (18th-19th century). Purandara Dasa (15th-16th century) is revered as the 'Father of Carnatic Music' but predates the Trinity.
The Great Stupa at _____, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was originally commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
- Sanchi
- Bodh Gaya
- Sarnath
- Amaravati
Answer: Sanchi
The Great Stupa at Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It is one of the oldest stone structures in India and a masterpiece of Buddhist art.
Rani ki Vav, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stepwell located in Gujarat.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Rani ki Vav (Queen's Stepwell) is located in Patan, Gujarat. Built in the 11th century by Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband King Bhima I, it is an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water.
The Sangam literature was composed in Sanskrit during the early centuries of the Common Era.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Sangam literature was composed in Tamil, not Sanskrit, between 300 BCE and 300 CE. It is the earliest known literature of South India and provides valuable insights into ancient Tamil society.
The Bharat Ratna award was first awarded to a musician in the year _____.
- 1998
- 1999
- 2001
- 2003
Answer: 1999
Ravi Shankar became the first musician to receive the Bharat Ratna in 1999, recognizing his unparalleled contribution to Indian classical music and his role in popularizing it globally.