MCQ – GK Questions

Answer: Gold foil

Tanjore paintings from Tamil Nadu are known for rich surface creation using gold foil, precious stones, and glass beads. They typically depict Hindu deities and were patronized by Nayakas and Marathas.

Answer: Bengal and Bangladesh

Baul music is a mystic folk tradition of Bengal (both West Bengal, India and Bangladesh). Baul singers, known for their eclectic philosophy and one-stringed ektara, were recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2005.

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.

Answer: Gopuram

Gopuram (towering gateway) is a hallmark of Dravidian temple architecture in South India. Unlike the curvilinear shikhara of Nagara style, Dravidian temples feature pyramidical vimanas and ornate gopurams.

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.

Answer: Natya Shastra

The Natya Shastra, attributed to Sage Bharata Muni (circa 200 BCE - 200 CE), is the foundational treatise on Indian performing arts, covering dance, music, drama, makeup, and stage design.

Answer: Kathak

Kathak originated in North India, evolving from temple storytelling traditions. It is known for rhythmic footwork, chakkars (spins), and expressive abhinaya. It has both Hindu and Mughal cultural influences.

Answer: Assam

Bihu is the quintessential folk dance of Assam, performed during the Bihu festival marking the Assamese New Year and harvest season. It features vibrant costumes and energetic movements.

Answer: Bihar

Madhubani painting originates from the Mithila region of Bihar. Traditionally done by women on walls and floors during festivals, it uses natural dyes and features geometric patterns and mythological themes.

Answer: Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam originated in Tamil Nadu and was traditionally performed by Devadasis in Hindu temples. It is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, recognized by Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Answer: None have won for documentary series

As of 2024, no Indian-origin producer has won an Emmy Award specifically for a documentary series. Indian-origin professionals have been nominated and won in other categories and for other types of productions.

Answer: Neeraj Chopra

Neeraj Chopra received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2023 for his outstanding achievements in athletics, including his historic gold medal in javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 and World Championships 2023.

Answer: P. Sainath

P. Sainath won the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2007 for his compassionate, persistent, and insightful reporting on rural India, particularly focusing on farmers, poverty, and the impact of economic policies on marginalized communities.

Answer: No Indian film was nominated in 2024

As of the 2024 Academy Awards, no Indian film was nominated for Best International Feature Film. India's official entry for that year was not shortlisted by the Academy.

Answer: Children's & Family Emmy

The Children's & Family Emmy Awards, presented by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), honor excellence in children's and family television programming, including animation, educational content, and entertainment.

Answer: None received it for para-badminton

As of 2023, no para-badminton player has received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, though para-athletes from other sports have been honored, reflecting growing recognition of para-sports in India.

Answer: All of the above

Indira Gandhi (1971), Atal Bihari Vajpayee (2015), and Narendra Modi (2024) were all awarded the Bharat Ratna for their exceptional contributions to public affairs and leadership in Indian politics.

Answer: Ela Bhatt

Ela Bhatt, founder of the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA), won the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1977 for her pioneering work in organizing and empowering women in the informal sector of the Indian economy.

Answer: Slumdog Millionaire

The song 'Jai Ho' from the film 'Slumdog Millionaire', composed by A.R. Rahman with lyrics by Gulzar, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2009, becoming one of the most recognized Indian songs globally.

Answer: None have won for directing limited series

As of 2024, no Indian-origin director has won an Emmy Award specifically for directing a limited series. Indian-origin professionals have been nominated and won in other categories and for other types of productions.