Art and Culture MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Art and Culture - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Devaraya II.

Key Points

• The Vittala Temple in Hampi is the grandest of all monuments in Hampi and represents the epitome of the Vijaynagara style of architecture.
• Built-in the 15th century by King Devaraya II, it is dedicated to Lord Vittala or Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
• The temple is famous for its iconic stone chariot and the unique musical pillars.

Important Points

• Hampi also referred to as the Group of Monuments at Hampi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in east-central Karnataka, India.
• It is a pilgrimage center of the Hindu religion.

Confusion Points

• It was built during the reign of King Devaraya II, but several portions of the temple were expanded during the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509 – 1529 A.D.).

The correct answer is A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4.

Key Points

• Nauchandi Mela (Bareilly):
  • A historic fair held in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Nauchandi Mela is known for its diverse cultural and religious significance.
  • It traditionally begins a day after Holi and is a symbol of communal harmony, attracting traders, artisans, and visitors from various communities.
• Dadri Mela (Ballia):
  • One of the largest cattle fairs in India, Dadri Mela is held in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, during the month of Kartik (October-November).
  • It is famous for its trade in livestock, particularly cows and bullocks, and also features various cultural and religious activities.
• Mudiya Puno Mela (Mathura):
  • Held in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, Mudiya Puno Mela is a significant religious fair that takes place during the full moon of the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July).
  • Devotees gather at the Govardhan hill to perform parikrama (circumambulation) as part of their religious rituals.
• Kakora Fair (Badaun):
  • The Kakora Fair is an important local fair in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh. It is held on the banks of the river Ganges and is particularly known for its religious activities, where devotees take a holy dip in the river and participate in various spiritual practices.

The correct answer is Arun Yogiraj.

Key Points

• Arun Yogiraj is a renowned sculptor from Mysuru, Karnataka, known for his expertise in creating intricate idols and sculptures.
• He sculpted the idol of Ram Lalla unveiled at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya.
• The idol of Ram Lalla was carved out of a single block of pure Shaligram stone sourced from Nepal.
• Arun Yogiraj has previously worked on several notable sculptures, including a statue of Adi Shankaracharya installed at Kedarnath.
• The unveiling of the idol marks a significant milestone in the construction of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple, a project of great cultural and religious importance in India.

Additional Information

• Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple:
  • The temple is being constructed in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, at the site believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram.
  • The foundation stone for the temple was laid by PM Narendra Modi on August 5, 2020.
  • It is a symbol of cultural and religious heritage for millions of devotees of Lord Ram.
  • The temple is expected to be completed by early 2024, with the idol of Ram Lalla as its centerpiece.
• Shaligram Stone:
  • Shaligram stones are sacred stones found in the Kali Gandaki River of Nepal, revered in Hinduism.
  • They are considered manifestations of Lord Vishnu and are often used for worship and idol-making.
  • The Shaligram stone used for the Ram Lalla idol was specifically chosen for its spiritual significance and quality.
• Adi Shankaracharya Statue:
  • The statue of Adi Shankaracharya at Kedarnath, sculpted by Arun Yogiraj, is a tribute to the great philosopher and saint.
  • It was unveiled by PM Narendra Modi on November 5, 2021.
  • The statue is carved from high-quality chlorite schist stone and showcases Arun Yogiraj’s exceptional craftsmanship.

The correct answer is Jewish.

Key Points

• Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights and is celebrated by the Jewish community.
• The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second century B.C.
• Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar.
• During Hanukkah, it is customary to light the menorah, a nine-branched candelabrum.
• Traditional Hanukkah foods include latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts).

Additional Information

• Passover
  • Another significant Jewish holiday, commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.
  • It is observed with a ritual meal known as the Seder.
• Yom Kippur
  • Known as the Day of Atonement, it is the holiest day of the year in Judaism.
  • It is observed with fasting and intensive prayer.
• Rosh Hashanah
  • The Jewish New Year, marked by the blowing of the shofar (a ram's horn).
  • It is a time of reflection and repentance.

The correct answer is a-iii b-iv c-i d-ii.

Key Points

• Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia
  • He was born in Prayagraj.
  • Famous classical flutist of the Hindustani classical tradition.
  • Learned under the tutelage of famous flute player Bholanath Prasanna.
  • Formed a group called Shiv-Hari with Santoor player Shiv Kumar Sharma.
  • Was honored with many awards
    • The Sangeet Natak Academy Award 1984
    • Padma Bhushan 1992,
    • Kalidas Samman 1999,
    • Padma Vibhushan 2000,
    • Sangeet Natak Academy Fellowship Award 2012, etc.
• Ravi Shankar
  • ​Born in 1920 in Varanasi.
  • Famous Indian Musician and Sitar Maestro.
  • Learned playing Sitar and classical music under the guidance of musician Allauddin Khan.
  • He was honored with many awards for his contribution to Indian music
    • Padma Bhushan 1967,
    • Padma Vibhushan 1981,
    • Bharat Ratna 1999.
• Sadiq Ali khan
  • Was born in Jaipur.
  • Famous Veena player and was an expert in Alapa.
  • Studied under the Ustad Rajab Ali Khan.
  • He was a court musician of several states Jhalawar, Alwar and Rampur.
  • Belonged to the Lucknow Gharana.
• Bismillah Khan
  • Born in 1916 in Dumrao village of Bihar.
  • Known as the Shehnai Samrat.
  • Performed at Delhi's Red Fort on the eve of India's Independence Day 1947.
  • Also performed at India's first Republic Day Ceremony on 26^th January 1950.
  • He was honored with many awards
    • Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 1956,
    • Padma Shri 1961,
    • Padma Bhushan 1968,
    • Padma Vibhushan 1980,
    • Sangeet Natak Akademi 1994,
    • Bharat Ratna 2001.

The correct answer is option 4, i.e Andhra Pradesh.

Key Points

• Every year the Flamingo festival is celebrated to promote tourism at the Pulicat Lake near the Nellapattu Bird Sanctuary located in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.
• It is a three days festival that is organized during the winter season when thousands of migratory birds visit the region.
• During this festival, several entertaining and cultural events are organized. 
• It also provides an opportunity for people to study biodiversity and initiate conservation measures.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Madhya Pradesh.

• The 'Matki' dance form has been developed by nomadic tribes in Madhya Pradesh.
• Performed using a “small pitcher” is a folk dance originating from central India known as the “Matki Dance”.
  • This “pitcher dance” belongs to the state of Madhya Pradesh, and is mainly performed in the Malwa region.

Important Points

The Correct Answer is Kerala.

• Mohiniyattam literally interpreted as the dance of ‘Mohini’, the celestial enchantress of Hindu mythology, is the classical solo dance form of Kerala.

Key Points

• References to Mohiniyattam can be found in the texts Vyavaharamala written in 1709 by Mazhamagalam Narayanan Namputiri and in Ghoshayatra, written later by poet Kunjan Nambiar.
• It has elements of Bharatanatyam (grace & elegance) and Kathakali (vigor) but is more erotic, lyrical, and delicate.
• Mohiniyattam is characterized by graceful, swaying body movements with no abrupt jerks or sudden leaps.
• It belongs to the lasya style which is feminine, tender, and graceful.
• The movements are emphasized by the glides and the up and down movement on toes, like the waves of the sea and the swaying of the coconut, palm trees, and paddy fields.
• Realistic make-up and simple dressing (in Kasavu saree of Kerala) are used.

Additional Information

8 classical dance forms of India

The correct answer is Shenai.

Key Points

• Ustad Bismillah Khan:
  • He was an Indian musician who played the shehnai.
  • Original name: Qamruddin Khan.
  • Born: March 21, 1916, Bihar and Orissa province
  • Died: 2006, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
  • Khan was a devout Muslim but performed at both Hindu and Muslim ceremonies and was considered a symbol of religious harmony.
  • Bismillah Khan had won the rarest rare honor of performing at the Red Fort in Delhi on the evening of the Independence Day of India in 1947.
  • He Awarded with the Bharat Ratna in 2001.
  • Got Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1956.

Additional Information

• Important Indian instrumental player:

Option 1 is correct, i.e. Nagaland.

Key Points

• The Ao tribe of Nagaland has one such special festival, known as the Moatsu festival. 
• This festival is celebrated after seeds have been sown in the fields.
• Men and women of the tribe gather around large outdoor fires and performing traditional dances.

Additional Information

Some important festivals of Northeastern states are:

The correct answer is Vamana.

Key Points

• The fifth incarnation of Vishnu is known as Vamana.
• According to Hindu Mythology, there are ten complete incarnations of the Lord Vishnu and, countless numbers of incomplete incarnations.

The correct answer is Odissi.

Key Points

• Odissi is one of the 8 classical dances of India recognized by the Sangeet Natak Academy.
• Odissi is a major ancient classical dance that originated in the Indian state of Orissa.
• The famous dancers of Odissi are -
  • Sujata Mohapatra, Kelucharan Mohapatra, Ratikant Mohapatra, Gangadhar Pradhan, etc.
• Kelucharan Mohapatra is the first person to receive the Padma Vibhusan from Orissa.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Warli.

• Warli painting is a kind of tribal art practiced by a tribe from Maharashtra called 'Warli' or 'Varli'.
• Other local tribes also participate in the creation of these paintings which were traditionally done only on the walls of the house during festive seasons and weddings.
• It is distinguished by its simplicity and use of sober colors to depict scenes from the daily life of the tribal people using recurring combinations of symbols, shapes, and figures of life forms.
• 

Important Points

• Distinct Types of Paintings In India:

The correct answer is Tamil Nadu.

Key Points

• Thai poosam is a festival celebrated by the Tamil Hindu community mainly in south India.
• Thai Poosam festival is dedicated to Lord Muruga.
• Lord Muruga is the son of Shiva and Parvati.
• The word Thaipoosam is a combination of the name of a month and the name of a star.
• The festival is also observed in Kerala as Thaipooyam.
• It is believed that Thaipusam marks Lord Muruga's birthday.
• It is a celebration of the victory of good over evil.

The correct answer is option 3 i.e., Onam

Key Points

• The festival of 'Onam' is associated with the 'Vamana' incarnation of the Lord Vishnu.
• Vamana, 5th of the 10 incarnations (avatars) of the Hindu god Vishnu.
• Onam is a festival celebrated in Kerala which is observed every year in the month of August-September.
• In the Rigveda, Vishnu took three strides, with which he measured out the three worlds - earth, heaven, and the space between them.
• The images of Vamana usually show him already grown to giant size, one foot firmly planted on earth and the other lifted as if to take a stride.

Additional Information