A) Bharatanatyam
B) Kathak
C) Kathakali
D) Kuchipudi
Correct Answer: C) Kathakali
Explanation: Kathakali is a classical dance form from Kerala, known for its elaborate costumes, detailed gestures, and well-defined body movements. The dance drama is based on themes from Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.
A) Satyajit Ray
B) Dadasaheb Phalke
C) Raj Kapoor
D) Bimal Roy
Correct Answer: B) Dadasaheb Phalke
Explanation: Dadasaheb Phalke is considered the ‘Father of Indian Cinema’ for directing India’s first full-length feature film, “Raja Harishchandra,” in 1913. His work laid the foundation for the Indian film industry.
A) Garba
B) Bhangra
C) Lavani
D) Ghoomar
Correct Answer: B) Bhangra
Explanation: Bhangra is a lively and energetic folk dance from Punjab, traditionally performed during the harvest festival of Baisakhi. It involves vigorous movements and rhythmic beats, celebrating the joy of harvest.
A) Gupta
B) Maurya
C) Chola
D) Kalinga
Correct Answer: D) Kalinga
Explanation: The Sun Temple at Konark, built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I, is a magnificent example of Kalinga architecture.
A) Sarojini Naidu
B) Rabindranath Tagore
C) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
D) Kazi Nazrul Islam
Correct Answer: B) Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation: Rabindranath Tagore, an eminent Indian poet, wrote “Gitanjali” (Song Offerings), a collection of poems. He became the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913 for this work.
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Kerala
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Karnataka
Correct Answer: C) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Tholu Bommalata is a traditional shadow puppet theatre performance from Andhra Pradesh. The puppets are made of leather, and the stories are usually drawn from Indian epics.
A) Raja Ravi Varma
B) Abanindranath Tagore
C) Nandalal Bose
D) Jamini Roy
Correct Answer: B) Abanindranath Tagore
Explanation: Abanindranath Tagore, a prominent Indian artist and the founder of the Bengal school of art, painted “Bharat Mata” in 1905. The painting depicts India as a goddess, symbolizing the national spirit of freedom.
A) Shiva
B) Krishna
C) Rama
D) Ganesha
Correct Answer: B) Krishna
Explanation: Manipuri dance, a classical dance form from Manipur, predominantly features themes related to the life of Lord Krishna and Radha. It is characterized by graceful movements and expressions.
A) Chalukya
B) Rashtrakuta
C) Pallava
D) Gupta
Correct Answer: B) Rashtrakuta
Explanation: The Kailasa temple at Ellora, carved out of a single rock, was built under the Rashtrakuta dynasty during the reign of King Krishna I in the 8th century.
A) Kalidasa
B) Valmiki
C) Vyasa
D) Bhasa
Correct Answer: A) Kalidasa
Explanation: “Shakuntala,” also known as “Abhijnanasakuntalam,” is a renowned Sanskrit play written by Kalidasa, one of ancient India’s greatest poets and playwrights. The play narrates the love story of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala.
A) Karnataka
B) Andhra Pradesh
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Kerala
Correct Answer: C) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, is located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century, it is a prime example of Dravidian architecture.
A) Carnatic
B) Hindustani
C) Rabindra Sangeet
D) Dhrupad
Correct Answer: B) Hindustani
Explanation: The Hindustani classical music system, prevalent in North India, uses the “thaat” system to classify and organize ragas. There are ten principal thaats, each serving as a parent scale for ragas.
A) Vasishta
B) Bharata Muni
C) Patanjali
D) Panini
Correct Answer: B) Bharata Muni
Explanation: The “Natyashastra,” an extensive treatise on drama, dance, and music, is attributed to the sage Bharata Muni. Written between 200 BCE and 200 CE, it lays down the principles of Indian classical arts.
A) Pongal
B) Onam
C) Makar Sankranti
D) Navratri
Correct Answer: B) Onam
Explanation: Vallam Kali, the traditional boat race, is a prominent feature of the Onam festival in Kerala. This race involves snake boats and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and spirit.
A) Maurya Period
B) Gupta Period
C) Mughal Period
D) Chola Period
Correct Answer: B) Gupta Period
Explanation: The Ajanta Caves, located in Maharashtra, were primarily created during the Gupta period (4th to 6th centuries CE). These caves are renowned for their detailed murals and sculptures depicting Buddhist themes.
A) Ilango Adigal
B) Thiruvalluvar
C) Kambar
D) Bharathiar
Correct Answer: A) Ilango Adigal
Explanation: “Silappathikaram” is one of the greatest Tamil epics, written by Ilango Adigal. The epic narrates the story of Kannagi and her quest for justice for her wrongfully accused husband, Kovalan.
A) Raga Malika
B) Sangeet Ratnakara
C) Ain-i-Akbari
D) Tansen Nama
Correct Answer: C) Ain-i-Akbari
Explanation: The “Ain-i-Akbari,” part of the “Akbarnama,” is a detailed document on the administration, culture, and economy during Akbar’s reign. Compiled by Abu’l-Fazl, it includes sections on music and arts.
A) Footwork
B) Facial Expressions
C) Hand Gestures
D) Costumes
Correct Answer: C) Hand Gestures
Explanation: “Hasta Mudras” are hand gestures used in Indian classical dance forms to convey specific meanings, emotions, and stories. They play a crucial role in the expressiveness and narrative aspect of the dance.
A) Tulsidas
B) Abul Fazl
C) Fa-Hien
D) Al-Beruni
Correct Answer: B) Abul Fazl
Explanation: “Ain-i-Akbari” was written by Abul Fazl, a court historian and close advisor to Emperor Akbar. The work is part of the larger “Akbarnama” and provides detailed accounts of Akbar’s reign.
A) Andhra Pradesh
B) Karnataka
C) Odisha
D) Maharashtra
Correct Answer: B) Karnataka
Explanation: Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, makeup, and stage techniques. It is predominantly performed in the state of Karnataka and narrates stories from Hindu epics.
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