UPDATED 3RD SEPTEMBER,2025
1.Santhara is a religious ritual related to ___?
[A] Jainism
[B] Saivism
[C] Sakta
[D] Vaishnavism
Correct Answer: A [Jainism]
Notes:
Santhara, also known as Sallekhana, is an important religious ritual in Jainism. It refers to a practice of voluntary death achieved through fasting. The tradition believes it to purify the soul and release it from the cycle of death and rebirth. Contrary to being considered suicide, it is viewed as an act of spiritual liberation and is usually undertaken after giving away all belongings, entering a state of meditation, and securing permission from spiritual authorities. It remains a controversial subject in modern-day law, due to issues about the legality and morality of death by self-starvation.
2.Who among the following is the author of Kitab-ur-Rehla?
[A] Maulana Sharafuddin Ali Yazid
[B] Amir Timur
[C] Ibn-i-Batuta
[D] Khwaja Abdullah Malik Isami
Correct Answer: C [Ibn-i-Batuta]
Notes:
Ibn batutta was an Arab traveler and adventure frm Morocoo. His book is a primary source of history of the region of Muhmmad bin Tughluq it throws ligh on the socio-political condition of his times.
3.Which among the following Indian classical dance form was developed by Siddhendra Yogi from Bhamakalapam dance drama ?
[A] Kuchipudi
[B] Odissi
[C] Yakshagana
[D] Kathkali
Correct Answer: A [Kuchipudi]
Notes:
Siddhendra Yogi from Bhamakalapam dance drama developed the classical dance of Kuchpudi. The play Bhamakalpam deals with the Hindu God, Lord Krishna and his companions Satyabhama and Rukmini.
4.Dr M Balmuralikrishna was a renowned artist of ______?
[A] Hindustani Vocal
[B] Carnatic Vocal
[C] Dhrupad Style
[D] Carnatic Instrumental
Correct Answer: B [Carnatic Vocal]
Notes:
Dr M Balmuralikrishna was a famous Carnatic vocalist. He belongs to Tamil Nadu. He died in 2016.
5.Which state government in India presents the National Kishore Kumar Award?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Chhattisgarh
Correct Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The National Kishore Kumar Award is conferred by the Madhya Pradesh Government in India. This prestigious award, named after the legendary Indian actor, playback singer, director, and music producer Kishore Kumar, honours exceptional contributions in the Indian film and music industry. It is part of their initiative to promote arts and culture.
6.A national award in India in the name of Maharashtrian saint Sant Gadge Baba has been announced in relation to which among the following?
[A] Social Service
[B] Widows welfare
[C] Sanitation and Cleanliness
[D] Environment Protection
Correct Answer: C [Sanitation and Cleanliness]
Notes:
The Sant Gadge Baba National Award is given for outstanding contributions to sanitation and cleanliness in India. Named after the revered Maharashtrian saint Sant Gadge Baba, who was known for his efforts in promoting cleanliness and social reform, the award aims to encourage initiatives that improve sanitation and hygiene. Sant Gadge Baba’s legacy includes his famous slogan, “Cleanliness is next to godliness,” emphasizing the importance of cleanliness in society.
7.Who among the following authors wrote “Chandayan”?
[A] Abdul Qadir Badyuni
[B] Mulla Daud
[C] Kamgar Khan
[D] Mutamid Khan
Correct Answer: B [Mulla Daud]
Notes:
Mulla Daud was the first poet in the ideology of Sufism belonged to Dalmau (Raebareli). His famous poem “Laur Chanda”( or Chandayan) was composed in Avadhi language in 14th century AD. It’s a love story of Norak and Chanda. He presented his work to his patron Jaunashah, who was a noble of Firoj Shah Tughlaq.
8.The Langas and Manganiars communities are known for:
[A] martial arts in North-East India
[B] classical vocal music in South India
[C] pietra dura tradition in Central India
[D] musical tradition in North-West India
Correct Answer: D [musical tradition in North-West India]
Notes:
The Langas and Manganiars are Muslim communities of traditional musicians who are known for their Sufi music. They have lived in the Thar Desert region of western Rajasthan for centuries, and also in villages along the Pakistan border. They are hereditary communities who make their livings as musical performers and genealogists for higher-caste patrons
9.The Shatapatha Brahmana is a Hindu sacred text associated with:
[A] Sukla Yajurveda
[B] Krishna Yajurveda
[C] Atharvaveda
[D] Samaveda
Correct Answer: A [ Sukla Yajurveda]
Notes:
The Shatapatha Brahmana has 100 adhyayas. It belongs to Later Vedic Period. It is a prose text describing Vedic rituals, history and mythology associated with the Sukla Yajurveda. According to Shatapatha Brahmana both Devas and Asuras are said to have been born from Prajapati, the lord of creatures.
10.Jnanashrayi shakha and Sufi shakha are associated to:
[A] Nirguna bhakti
[B] Shaivas
[C] Advaita
[D] Vaishnava
Correct Answer: A [ Nirguna bhakti]
Notes:
Nirguna Bhakti is divided into two channels Jnanashrayi shakha and Sufi shakha.
11.Who is the director of the film “The Making of the Mahatma”?
[A] Peter Ustinov
[B] Richard Attenborough
[C] Shyam Benegal
[D] Mira Nair
Correct Answer: C [Shyam Benegal]
Notes:
Shyam Benegal is an Indian director and screenwriter. With his first four feature films Ankur, Nishant, Manthan and Bhumika he was part of a new genre, which has now come to be called the “middle cinema” in India. He has expressed dislike of the term, preferring his work to be called New or Alternate cinema.
12.Who among the following is a Hindustani classical singer?
[A] Geeta Chandran
[B] Leela Samson
[C] Gangubhai Hangal
[D] Swapnasundari
Correct Answer: C [Gangubhai Hangal]
Notes:
Geeta Chandran is an Indian Bharatanatyam dancer and vocalist.
Leela Samson is a Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, instructor and writer from India. As a soloist she is known for her technical virtuosity and has taught Bharatanatyam at Shriram Bhartiya Kala Kendra in Delhi for many years.
Gangubai Hangal was an Indian singer of the khyal genre of Hindustani classical music, who was known for her deep and powerful voice. Hangal belonged to the Kirana gharana.
Swapnasundari is an Indian dancer, an exponent of Kuchipudi and Bharata Natyam, a choreographer and a vocalist. She is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, given Government of India in 2003, as well as the Sahitya Kala Parishad and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. Her album Janmabhoomi Meri Pyaari was well received.
13.Who was the first recipient of the Gyanpith award?
[A] Sri Shankar Kurup
[B] Dr. Radhakrishnan
[C] S. Mukharji
[D] None of the above
Correct Answer: A [Sri Shankar Kurup]
Notes:
Sri Shankar Kurup was the first recipient of the Gyanpith award in 1965 for his extraordinary achievements in Malayalam poetry.
14.What are major sub-traditions of Jainism called?
[A] Digambaras
[B] Svetambaras
[C] Both of the above
[D] None of the above
Correct Answer: C [Both of the above]
Notes:
Jainism can be divided into two major ancient sub-traditions, Digambaras and Svetambaras. They have different views on ascetic practices, gender and the texts but both sects have mendicants supported by laypersons (sravakas).
15.The “Gwo Ka” musical tradition is part of which territory’s folk music tradition?
[A] Antigua and Barbuda
[B] Dominica
[C] The Bahamas
[D] Guadeloupe
Correct Answer: D [Guadeloupe]
Notes:
Gwo Ka is a musical tradition that is a part of the Guadeloupean folk music tradition. It is a french creole term used for big drum. It involves the family of hand drums and the music played with them. Culturally, this music found it’s origin in the 17th century Guadeloupe, an overseas territory of France.
16.Which state government is trying to acquire Geographical Indication for Chamba Metal Crafts?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: A [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
Himachal Pradesh is trying to acquire Geographical Indication for Chamba Metal Crafts. These Chamba Metal Crafts comprise metal idols and brass utensils which were made by proficient artisans in the courts of Kings of Chamba.
17.In which town/city, Baba Brahmeshwarnath fair is organised?
[A] Patna
[B] Buxar
[C] Ujjain
[D] Sarnath
Correct Answer: B [Buxar]
Notes:
Baba Brahmeshwarnath fair is organised in Buxar. Brahmeshwarnath Temple is an ancient temple and is basically dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated in Buxar which is in Bihar. The temple entrance is facing west which makes Brahmeshwar Nath temple of Buxar unique and different from all other shaivite temples which are east facing.
18.Who of the following is not related to ghazal singing?
[A] Malika Pukhraj
[B] Begum Akhtar
[C] Penaz Masani
[D] Haribhai Varadkar
Correct Answer: D [Haribhai Varadkar]
Notes:
Haribhai Varadkar is a singer of Bhakti songs. Akhtari Bai Faizabadi, also known as Begum Akhtar, was a well-known Indian singer of Ghazal, Dadra, and Thumri genres of Hindustani classical music. Malika Pukhraj was a Ghazal and folk singer of Pakistan. Penaz Masani is an Indian Ghazal singer who started singing in 1981 and has made over 20 albums.
19.Zubin Mehta is associated with which form of art?
[A] Painting
[B] Literature
[C] Music
[D] Journalism
Correct Answer: C [Music]
Notes:
Zubin Mehta is an Indian conductor of western classical music. He is the Music Director for Life of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the Main Conductor for Valencia’s opera house. The title of Honorary Conductor was bestowed on him by numerous orchestras throughout the world. The Government of India honoured him with Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second highest civilian award, in 2001.
20.The folk dance “Bohag Bihu” is popular in which Indian state?
[A] Assam
[B] Bihar
[C] Odisha
[D] Jharkhand
Correct Answer: A [Assam]
Notes:
Bohag Bihu or Rangali Bihu is a festival celebrated in the state of Assam and north eastern India. It marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year on April 13th, historically signifying the time of harvest. It comes up with feasting and singing festivities. Men and women perform traditional Bihu dance to mark the celebration of new year. The celebration of Bihu takes place over a span of 7 days.
21.Chakri is a type of traditional music that is popular in which Indian state?
[A] Punjab
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Jammu and Kashmir
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Jammu and Kashmir]
Notes:
Chakri is one of the most popular types of traditional music played in Jammu & Kashmir. It is a responsorial song form with instrumental parts, and it is played with instruments like the harmonium, rubab, sarangi, nout, geger, tumbaknaer and chimta. It is performed in folk and religious spheres, by the Muslim and Hindu Kashmiris.
22.The famous Madhubani artist who won the Bihar Ratna in 1984 is whom?
[A] Sita Devi
[B] Shashi Kala Devi
[C] Mahasundari Devi
[D] Ganga Devi
Correct Answer: A [Sita Devi]
Notes:
Sita Devi, one of the most prominent early Madhubani artists and among the first to transfer the traditional art form from the walls of the home to paper and canvas. Sita Devi received the Padma Shri in 1981. Sita Devi was also awarded by Bihar Ratna in 1984 and Shilp Guru in 2006. In 1984 Ganga Devi was awarded by Padma Shri . Mahasundari Devi received the Padma Shri in 2011.
23.Who among the following is famous for Classical Carnatic Music?
[A] Pandit Shivkumar Sharma
[B] Pandit Ravi Shankar
[C] Balamuralikrishna
[D] Pandit Kumar Gandharva
Correct Answer: C [Balamuralikrishna]
Notes:
Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna was an Indian Carnatic vocalist, musician, multi-instrumentalist, playback singer, composer, and character actor. He was awarded the Madras Music Academy’s Sangeetha Kalanidhi in 1978. He was a child prodigy. At the age of five, he had started to give musical concerts. When he was just eight years old, he gave a mesmerizing concert at the famous Thyagaraja Aradhana in Vijayawada. His brilliant voice gained him instant fame and recognition.
24.In which state is the historical monument of ‘Talatal Ghar’ located?
[A] Odisha
[B] Sikkim
[C] Assam
[D] West Bengal
Correct Answer: C [Assam]
Notes:
The Talatal Gharis located in Rangpur, near Sivasagar, in Upper Assam. Of all Ahom ruins, it is one of the grandest examples of Tai Ahom architecture. The Talatal Ghar is also the largest of all Tai Ahom monuments.
25.The famous Dilwara temples of Mount Abu are a sacred pilgrimage place for which religious group?
[A] Sikhs
[B] Jains
[C] Parsis
[D] Buddhists
Correct Answer: B [Jains]
Notes:
Dilwara temples of Mount Abu, Rajasthan, are famous for their Jain temples. These Jain temples were built by Tejpal , a Jain layman between the 11th and 13th centuries AD. The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are a sacred pilgrimage place of the Jains. The Dilwara Jain temples are world famous for their stunning use of marble.
26.Ravanabhashya and Bharadvajavritti are two Sanskrit texts related to which philosophy?
[A] Vedanta Sutra
[B] Nyaya Sutra
[C] Vaisheshika Sutra
[D] Samkhya Sutra
Correct Answer: C [Vaisheshika Sutra]
Notes:
Ravana Bhashya and Bharadwaj Vritti are the two pillars of the Vaisheshika Sutra. Vaisheshik Darshan was composed by Maharishi Kanad. In this, the means of worldly progress and self-reliant accomplishment have been considered as a religion. Therefore, it is necessary to perform the rituals of religion for the welfare of human beings. In this philosophy, the attainment of salvation is considered to be due to the auspices of virtue and lawfulness of these six substances, namely substance, guna, karma, general, special, and equal. Righteousness and validity are special methods of knowledge.
27.Who played an important role in Bengal Art School?
[A] Rabindranath Tagore
[B] Abanindranath Tagore
[C] E.B. Havel and Anand Kehatisho
[D] All of the above
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
Rabindranath Tagore, Abanindranath Tagore, E.B. Havel, and Anand Kehatisho played important roles in Bengal Art School. Bengal School of Art is commonly known as Bengal School. It was an art movement and a style of Indian painting that originated in Bengal, mainly Kolkata and Santiniketan.
28.Which painting is made by Kurup, Theyyampadi Nambiar, Theyyadi Nambiar, and Theyyadi communities?
[A] Kalamezhuthu art
[B] Mysore art
[C] Pithora art
[D] None of these
Correct Answer: A [Kalamezhuthu art]
Notes:
The famous Kalamezhuthu is a unique form of art found in Kerala. This art is a unique blend of Aryan, Dravidian, and tribal traditions. Actually, this art is a part of the household routine of Hindu homes. This is done to welcome the Lord at the door and in the courtyard or to make the Lord live in reality. Kalamezhuthu art is a ritualistic art practiced in the temples and sacred groves of Kerala where deities such as Kali and Lord Ayyappa are depicted on the floor. Kalamezhuthu artists are generally members of communities such as Kurup, Theyyampady Nambiar, Theyyadi Nambiar, and Theyyadi Nineteen.
29.In which Indian state is the Cheriyal Lapatan painting famous?
[A] Kerala
[B] Maharastra
[C] Bihar
[D] Telangana
Correct Answer: D [Telangana]
Notes:
Cheriyal Lapatpan painting is an indigenous painting of the Telangana state of India. It is a type of carving art. Lapatanos are portrayed by the folk singer community as continuing stories or folk songs. Their general subject matter is Hindu epics and mythology.
30.Corbelling was a technique widely used by __
[A] Mauryan
[B] South Indian Rulers
[C] Gupta
[D] Harappan
Correct Answer: D [Harappan]
Notes:
Corbelling was a technique used extensively by the Harappans for the construction of stone arches. Evidence of large domed culverts of civilization-building is found in Mohenjodaro.
