India GK one liner - Art, Culture and Society

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Classical and Folk Dances of India

• How many classical dances have been officially recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in India? - 8 classical dances
• To which state of India does the Bharatnatyam classical dance belong? - Tamil Nadu
• 'Kathakali' and 'Mohiniyattam' are the major classical dances of which state? - Kerala
• Which is the main classical dance form of North India (especially Uttar Pradesh)? - Kathak
• The 'Kuchipudi' classical dance style originated from which state? - Andhra Pradesh
• Which famous classical dance of Assam was developed by Srimanta Shankardev? - Sattriya
• 'Odissi' classical dance is mainly related to which state? - Odisha
• Which deity's pastimes are mainly described in 'Manipuri' classical dance? - Lord Krishna and Radha (Raas Leela)
• Which famous male folk dance of Punjab is performed on the occasion of Baisakhi? - Bhangra
• The famous folk dance 'Ghoomar' of Rajasthan is mainly performed by the women of which community? - Bhil tribe
• During which festival is the famous 'Garba' dance of Gujarat mainly organized? - Navratri
• Which famous folk dance of Maharashtra is performed to the beat of the Dholak? - Lavani
• 'Chhau' folk dance is mainly famous in which states of India? - Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha
• 'Bihu' folk dance is related to which northeastern state? - Assam
• Which is the most famous traditional folk dance of the Kashmir Valley? - Rauf
• What is the snake charmer dance performed by the Kalbelia community of Rajasthan known as? - Kalbelia dance
• Which folk dance of Himachal Pradesh has been entered in the Guinness Book of World Records? - Nati
• 'Yakshagana' is a famous traditional folk theatre and dance form of which state? - Karnataka
• 'Giddha' folk dance is performed by the women of which state of India? - Punjab
• 'Gotipua' dance is a traditional dance of which state, which is considered the predecessor of Odissi dance? - Odisha

Music, Instruments and Vocalists

• What are the two main streams of Indian classical music? - Hindustani music (North India) and Carnatic music (South India)
• Samveda is considered the primary source of Indian music, what is mainly described in it? - Musical mantras and hymns
• Which highest civilian honor has been awarded to famous sitar player Pandit Ravi Shankar? - Bharat Ratna (in 1999)
• Who was the great musician who gave international recognition to 'Shehnai' playing in India? - Ustad Bismillah Khan
• To whom is the invention of 'Tabla' and 'Sitar' instruments attributed in the medieval period? - Amir Khusro
• Who is known as the 'Pitamaha of Carnatic Music'? - Saint Purandara Dasa
• Famous santoor player Pandit Shivkumar Sharma belonged to which state/union territory of India? - Jammu and Kashmir
• Which gharana is credited with the revival and promotion of the 'Dhrupad' singing style? - Dagar Gharana
• Which is considered the oldest singing style of Hindustani music? - Dhrupad
• Who was the first Indian musician to be awarded the Bharat Ratna? - M. S. Subbulakshmi (in 1998)
• Who is considered the father of the 'Khayal' singing style? - Amir Khusro
• Who is the world-famous Indian musician for 'Flute' playing? - Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia
• Who are included in the 'Trinity of Carnatic Music'? - Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri
• Who is called the 'Queen of Thumri' singing style? - Girija Devi
• Who is the most famous Indian maestro of the 'Sarod' instrument? - Amjad Ali Khan
• Famous tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain is the son of which great tabla player? - Ustad Alla Rakha
• In which year was Lata Mangeshkar, famous as 'Swar Kokila', awarded the Bharat Ratna? - In the year 2001
• How many 'Swaras' and how many 'Thats' are considered in Indian music? - 7 pure swaras and 10 thats
• Who is considered the exponent of the 'Tarana' singing style? - Amir Khusro
• Ustad Asad Ali Khan, famous for Rudra Veena playing, belonged to which gharana? - Khandarbani Gharana

Paintings, Wall Art and Handicrafts

• Which is the famous folk painting style of Bihar that is made from rice flour and colors? - Madhubani painting (Mithila Art)
• Which famous tribal painting style of Maharashtra is made with white color on mud walls? - Warli Painting
• 'Pattachitra' traditional cloth-based painting is related to which state? - Odisha and West Bengal
• Where is the 'Batik' art, made using cotton threads and wax on cloth, famous? - Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal
• With which tool are the pictures carved in the famous Kalamkari painting of Andhra Pradesh? - Bamboo pen and natural colors
• What is mainly described in the 'Phad Painting' of Rajasthan? - Stories of local folk deities (like Pabuji, Devnarayan Ji)
• Kangra and Basohli painting styles are part of which famous painting school? - Pahari Painting School
• The murals in the Ajanta caves (Maharashtra) are mainly related to which religion? - Buddhism (Jataka tales)
• 'Patola' saree weaving art is famous in which state of India? - Patan, Gujarat
• In which city of India is the Chikan Embroidery art most famous? - Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)
• 'Kantha' traditional embroidery art is related to which state? - West Bengal
• Tanjore Painting is famous for its gold leaf work, it is from which state? - Tamil Nadu
• Which Mughal emperor's reign is considered the golden age of the 'Mughal style of painting'? - Reign of Jahangir
• Who was the great Indian painter of the famous paintings 'Shakuntala' and 'Damayanti'? - Raja Ravi Varma
• Which sources are used for natural colors in Madhubani art? - Plants, turmeric, flowers and indigo
• Rajasthan's 'Bani-Thani' painting is called the 'Mona Lisa' of India, it belongs to which style? - Kishangarh style
• 'Kantha work' and 'Jamdani' weaving is the cultural identity of which state? - West Bengal
• 'Phulkari' traditional embroidery art is related to which state of India? - Punjab
• 'Pithora' painting is made by which tribe on auspicious occasions? - Rathwa and Bhil tribes (Gujarat/MP)
• 'Manjusha Art' is an Angika folk art prevalent in which region of Bihar? - Bhagalpur region

Festivals, Fairs and Celebrations

• At how many places is the Kumbh Mela organized in India? - At 4 places (Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik)
• 'Hornbill Festival' is called the 'Festival of Festivals', in which state is it celebrated? - Nagaland
• Onam is the biggest harvest festival of which state? - Kerala (in memory of King Mahabali)
• In which state is the 'Pongal' festival celebrated as a 4-day harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God? - Tamil Nadu
• 'Ambubachi Mela' is organized every year in which famous temple? - Kamakhya Devi Temple (Guwahati, Assam)
• Which major festival is celebrated in Punjab on the occasion of the new harvest? - Baisakhi
• The 'Hemis Festival' organized at Hemis Monastery in Ladakh is celebrated on whose birth anniversary? - Guru Padmasambhava (Rinpoche)
• Which deity is mainly worshipped in the 'Chhath Puja' festival? - Sun God and Chhathi Maiya (Bihar/Jharkhand)
• The traditional bull-taming sport 'Jallikattu' is a part of which festival? - Pongal (Tamil Nadu)
• In which city is the 'Ratha Yatra' festival taken out in honor of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra? - Puri (Odisha)
• 'Losar' festival is celebrated as the New Year in which region? - Ladakh and Tibetan Buddhist community
• How many times a year is the 'Bihu' festival celebrated in Assam? - 3 times (Bohag, Kati and Magh Bihu)
• In which district of Rajasthan is the Pushkar Camel Fair organized? - Ajmer (Pushkar)
• Durga Puja is the biggest and grandest cultural festival of which state? - West Bengal
• 'Bathukamma' flower festival is celebrated in which state? - Telangana
• Who is credited with giving a large public form to the 'Ganesh Chaturthi' festival? - Bal Gangadhar Tilak (in Maharashtra)
• 'Nuakhai' is a major agriculture-based harvest festival of which state? - Odisha
• 'Chapchar Kut' festival is a major spring festival of which northeastern state? - Mizoram
• 'Khajuraho Dance Festival' is organized every year in which state? - Madhya Pradesh
• 'Shigmo' festival is a traditional spring color festival (a form of Holi) of which state? - Goa

Architecture and World Heritage Sites

• The architectural style of Hindu temples in North India is known by what name? - Nagara Style
• What is the main style of South Indian temple architecture? - Dravida Style
• What is the temple style of Central India, which is a blend of Nagara and Dravida styles, called? - Vesara Style
• The 'Sanchi Stupa', the most excellent example of Buddhist architecture in India, is situated in which state? - Madhya Pradesh (Raisen)
• In which district of Maharashtra are the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves situated? - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad)
• Which temple of India is also known as 'Black Pagoda'? - Sun Temple of Konark (Odisha)
• The construction of the famous temples of Khajuraho was done by the rulers of which dynasty? - Chandela rulers
• The famous 'Brihadeshwara Temple' of Thanjavur was built by which Chola ruler? - Raja Raja Chola I
• Which Mughal emperor had the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Fatehpur Sikri' built? - Akbar
• By whom was the 'Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra' mosque in Ajmer constructed? - Qutb ud-Din Aibak
• 'Rani ki Vav' located in Gujarat is an example of what kind of historical architecture? - Stepwell
• Which Pallava ruler built the 'Chariot Temples' (Pancha Rathas) of Mahabalipuram? - Narasimhavarman I
• The 'Humayun's Tomb' in Delhi is an excellent example of which architectural style? - Mughal architecture with Charbagh style
• The historical ruins of Hampi were the capital of which medieval empire? - Vijayanagara Empire
• Which was the first city of India to be declared a 'World Heritage City' by UNESCO? - Ahmedabad (in the year 2017)
• Which ruler built the 'Charminar' (Hyderabad) in 1591? - Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah
• Whose tomb is the famous 'Gol Gumbaz' (Bijapur, Karnataka)? - Muhammad Adil Shah
• The 'Sun Temple, Modhera' is an excellent example of architecture situated in which state? - Gujarat
• Where is the world's largest monolithic temple cut from rock, the 'Kailasa Temple', situated? - Ellora (Cave No. 16), Maharashtra
• In which state is the Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, declared a UNESCO heritage site, located? - Telangana

Indian Literature and Ancient Texts

• Which is considered the oldest Veda of India? - Rigveda
• By whom was the epic 'Ramayana' originally composed in the Sanskrit language? - Maharishi Valmiki
• Who is considered the author of the epic 'Mahabharata'? - Maharishi Ved Vyas
• By whom was the famous Sanskrit grammar text 'Ashtadhyayi' written? - Panini
• Who was the author of the famous ancient economics and political science text 'Arthashastra'? - Kautilya (Chanakya/Vishnugupta)
• What is the original language of the famous play 'Abhijnanasakuntalam' composed by the great poet Kalidasa? - Sanskrit
• Who wrote the famous epic of Tamil Nadu 'Silappadikaram'? - Ilango Adigal
• By whom was the famous grammar text named 'Mahabhasya' composed? - Patanjali
• Who is the author of the famous historical book 'Rajatarangini' based on the history of Kashmir? - Kalhana
• Who composed the poetic text 'Gita Govinda'? - Jayadeva
• Which ancient text of India is also called the 'Fifth Veda'? - Natyashastra (composed by Bharat Muni)
• Who was the author of the famous historical play named 'Mudrarakshasa'? - Vishakhadatta
• In which language are the Tripitaka texts of Buddhism written? - Pali language
• In which language were the early religious texts of Jainism mainly composed? - Prakrit (Ardhamagadhi) language
• Who were the authors of the books 'Kadambari' and 'Harshacharita'? - Banabhatta (Court poet of King Harshavardhana)
• Who was the original author of the famous moral stories of 'Panchatantra'? - Vishnu Sharma
• 'Tirukkural' is considered the Veda of the Tamil language, who was its author? - Saint Thiruvalluvar
• Who was the author of the famous Sanskrit play named 'Mrichchhakatikam' (The Little Clay Cart)? - Maharaj Shudraka
• The collection of Kabir Das's works is famous by what name? - Bijak (Sakhi, Sabad, Ramaini)
• Who were the authors of famous poetic works like 'Rasmanjari' and 'Rasapriya'? - Keshavdas

Folk Traditions, Puppetry and Theatre

• By what name is the famous string puppet art of Rajasthan known? - Kathputli
• Which is the famous shadow puppet tradition of Odisha? - Ravanchhaya
• What is the name of the famous glove puppet art of Kerala? - Pavakoothu
• 'Bhand Pather' is the traditional folk theatre form of which state? - Jammu and Kashmir
• 'Nautanki' is a very popular traditional folk theatre of which state? - Uttar Pradesh
• In which state is the 'Tamasha' folk theatre tradition mainly prevalent? - Maharashtra
• In which state is the 'Jatra' folk theatre most popular? - West Bengal and Odisha
• 'Maach' is the famous traditional folk theatre form of which state? - Madhya Pradesh
• Which 2000-year-old Sanskrit theatre form of Kerala has received UNESCO heritage status? - Kutiyattam
• Which famous traditional folk theatre form of Gujarat uses emotion and satire? - Bhavai
• In which states is the 'Swang' folk theatre style mainly famous? - Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh
• In which coastal region is the 'Dashavatara' folk theatre form famous? - Konkan and Goa region
• Karnataka's 'Doddata' and 'Sannata' are types of which art form? - Folk theatre
• In which state's temples is the 'Tholpavakoothu' shadow puppet art performed? - Kerala
• 'Ankia Naat' is a traditional one-act folk theatre started by whom in Assam? - Srimanta Shankardev
• 'Bommalattam' puppet art is related to which state? - Tamil Nadu
• 'Kariyala' is a famous traditional folk theatre of which state? - Himachal Pradesh
• Which is the famous shadow puppet style of Andhra Pradesh? - Tholu Bommalata
• In which state is the 'Pandavani' folk singing style based on the story of the Mahabharata? - Chhattisgarh (Teejan Bai is a famous artist)
• In which state is the 'Powada' singing style famous for the heroic tales of Shivaji Maharaj? - Maharashtra

Religions, Philosophies and Reform Movements

• How many main orthodox systems (Shad-darshan) of Indian philosophy are considered? - 6 (Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, Vedanta)
• Who is considered the founding sage of Sankhya Philosophy? - Maharishi Kapila
• Who was the exponent of Yoga philosophy who composed the 'Yogasutra'? - Maharishi Patanjali
• Who was the main exponent of 'Advaita Vedanta' philosophy? - Adi Shankaracharya
• Who is mainly credited with popularizing the Bhakti movement in North India? - Ramananda
• Which Vaishnava saint propounded the 'Vishishtadvaita' philosophy? - Saint Ramanujacharya
• Who was the founder of Sikhism and where is his birthplace? - Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Nankana Sahib/Talwandi)
• Who established the Chishti Sufi order in India? - Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (Ajmer)
• Which famous Vaishnava saint was the founder of 'Pushtimarg'? - Vallabhacharya
• Who was the founder of 'Dvaita' philosophy? - Madhvacharya
• Which great saint of Maharashtra composed 'Dnyaneshwari'? - Saint Dnyaneshwar
• Who started the 'Kirtan' tradition and the 'Gaudiya Vaishnav' sect in Bengal? - Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
• In which city is the dargah of Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya located? - New Delhi
• Who was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism? - Lord Mahavira Swami
• What are the two main branches of Buddhism? - Hinayana and Mahayana
• In which year was the Khalsa Panth established and by which Sikh Guru? - Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699
• Who was the teacher of Saint Kabir Das? - Swami Ramananda
• Who was the proponent of 'Nyaya Philosophy'? - Maharishi Gautama
• Which sage was the proponent of 'Vaisheshika' philosophy? - Maharishi Kanada (Uluk)
• Mirabai was a famous poetess of which Bhakti stream and who was her guru? - Saguna Krishna Bhakti (Guru: Saint Ravidas/Raidas)

Tribal Culture, Languages and Heritage

• According to the 2011 census, what percentage of the total population in India is tribal (ST) population? - 8.6%
• Which is considered the largest tribe in India (based on number)? - Bhil tribe (followed by Gond)
• On which mountain range does the 'Toda' tribe mainly reside? - Nilgiri Hills (Tamil Nadu)
• In which region of India is the 'Santhal' tribe mainly found? - Chota Nagpur Plateau (Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal)
• In which northeastern state do the 'Garo, Khasi and Jaintia' tribes reside? - Meghalaya
• How many official languages are currently included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India? - 22 languages
• Through which amendment were the Bodo and Santhali languages first added to the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution? - By the 92nd Constitutional Amendment (2003)
• Which Andamanese tribe is known for living completely isolated from the outside world? - North Sentinelese
• In the forests of which state does the 'Chenchu' tribe mainly reside? - Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
• Jhumming or shifting cultivation is mainly practiced by which tribes? - Tribes of Northeast India
• In which state are the 'Gaddi' and 'Gujjar' nomadic pastoral tribes mainly found? - Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir
• The 'Bhotia' tribe, known for transhumance, is from which state? - Uttarakhand
• In which tribe has polyandry traditionally been prevalent? - Toda and Jaunsari tribes
• Which was the first language to receive the status of 'Classical Language' in India? - Tamil (in the year 2004)
• How many languages have been granted 'Classical Status' in India? - 11 languages (Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, Bengali and Marathi)
• In which state's Terai region is the 'Tharu' tribe mainly found? - Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand
• The 'Sarhul' festival is celebrated by which tribe upon the harvest of maize and paddy? - Uraon and Munda tribes (Jharkhand)
• Where are the 'Sentinelese', 'Jarawa' and 'Onge' tribes found? - Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• The 'Kuki' and 'Meitei' communities are mainly related to which state? - Manipur
• Which is considered the oldest language family of India? - Andamanese and Dravidian language family

Classical Languages and Performing Arts

• In which year was the Tamil language declared the first classical language of India? - Year 2004
• In which year was the Sanskrit language granted the status of a classical language by the Central Government? - Year 2005
• According to the 'Natyashastra', how many modes of acting (Abhinaya) are described for theatre and performance? - 4 modes (Angika, Vachika, Aharya, Sattvika)
• Where is the 'National School of Drama - NSD' located in India? - New Delhi (Established 1959)
• Which is the most famous Sanskrit play composed by Bhasa? - Swapnavasavadattam
• Which dynasty's king is described in 'Malavikagnimitram' composed by Kalidasa? - Shunga dynasty (Agnimitra)
• Who was the author of the play 'Uttararamacharitam'? - Mahakavi Bhavabhuti
• Which instruments are mainly used in the 'Yakshagana' theatre style? - Chende, Maddale and Talam
• In which language style is Assam's 'Ankia Naat' presented? - Brajavali language
• In which year was 'Kutiyattam' declared an intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO? - Year 2008 (First Indian art)
• What is the auspicious prayer/invocation performed at the beginning of plays in ancient India called? - Nandipatha
• In Sanskrit literature, what is the benedictory verse spoken at the end of plays called? - Bharatavakya
• What is the full form of 'IPTA' in the development of Bengali theatre? - Indian People's Theatre Association
• Who is the famous playwright of the modern Hindi play 'Ashad Ka Ek Din'? - Mohan Rakesh
• Who is the author of the play 'Andha Yug', which is based on the last day of the Mahabharata war? - Dharamvir Bharati
• Who was the author of the famous Marathi play 'Ghashiram Kotwal'? - Vijay Tendulkar
• What is the comic character called in Sanskrit plays? - Vidushaka
• From which Upanishad has the phrase 'Satyameva Jayate' been taken? - Mundaka Upanishad
• From which text is the concept of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' taken? - Maha Upanishad
• In which script is India's national motto 'Satyameva Jayate' written? - Devanagari script

Sculptures, Statues and Cave Art

• Which foreign culture had the deepest influence on the Gandhara art style? - Greek and Roman art
• Under the patronage of which dynasty did the Mathura art style reach its peak? - Kushan dynasty
• The Amravati sculpture style is mainly known for the use of which stone? - White marble
• In which art style was the first human-form statue of Lord Buddha made? - Mathura and Gandhara art style
• The famous bronze statue of 'Nataraja' is the best example of the sculpture of which medieval dynasty? - Chola dynasty
• 'Statue of Unity' (Gujarat) किसकी प्रतिमा है और इसके मूर्तिकार कौन हैं? - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (Sculptor: Ram V. Sutar)
• The caves of Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh) are famous for rock paintings of which historical period? - Paleolithic and Mesolithic period
• To which period does the famous copper statue of 'Sultanganj Buddha' belong and where is it currently kept? - Gupta period (Birmingham Museum, UK)
• To which period does the relief sculpture of 'Descent of the Ganges' carved on rock at Mahabalipuram belong? - Pallava period
• Where is the colossal monolithic statue of 'Gomateshwara' (Bahubali) located in Karnataka? - Shravanabelagola
• In which state are the Buddhist caves of Karla and Bhaja situated? - Maharashtra
• When was the Lion Capital of Ashoka (Sarnath Lion Capital) adopted as the national emblem of India? - 26 January 1950
• In which cave is the famous colossal statue of the 'Trimurti' (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh) situated? - Elephanta Caves (Maharashtra)
• The stone sculpture of the fierce 'Narasimha' was built in Hampi during the reign of which Vijayanagara ruler? - Krishnadevaraya
• The famous Chunar sandstone statue of 'Didarganj Yakshi' is an excellent work of which period? - Mauryan period
• In which state are the famous caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri situated? - Bhubaneswar, Odisha
• The Barabar Caves are the oldest caves built for Ajivikas in India, where are they? - Gaya, Bihar
• Who was the sculptor of the famous bronze sculpture (11 statues) of 'Dandi March' in New Delhi? - Devi Prasad Roy Chowdhury
• What kind of sculpture is abundantly found in the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple of Khajuraho? - Mithuna (erotic) and ornate carvings
• Where is the 'Statue of Belief' (Vishwas Swaroopam), a 369-foot-high statue of Lord Shiva, situated? - Nathdwara, Rajasthan

Textiles, Costumes and Handlooms

• In which state of India are 'Kanjeevaram' silk sarees prepared? - Tamil Nadu
• 'Banarasi Saree' is famous for its zari and silk work, it is the identity of which city? - Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
• 'Chanderi' and 'Maheshwari' sarees are the famous handloom traditions of which state? - Madhya Pradesh
• 'Patan Patola' saree has a GI tag, it is related to which state? - Gujarat
• In which state is the 'Pochampally' and 'Ikat' weaving style mainly famous? - Telangana
• 'Paithani' silk saree is the traditional clothing tradition of which state? - Maharashtra
• 'Pashmina' wool is mainly obtained from the hair of which animal? - Changthangi goat (Ladakh/Kashmir)
• 'Shahtoosh' wool is made from the hair of which endangered animal? - Chiru (Tibetan Antelope)
• 'Mekhela Chador' is the traditional attire of women of which state? - Assam
• 'Muga Silk' has a Geographical Indication (GI Tag), it is found only in which state? - Assam
• 'Pheran' is the long traditional loose garment of which state/union territory? - Jammu and Kashmir
• 'Tant' cotton sarees are famous for daily use in which state? - West Bengal
• 'Sambalpuri' and 'Bomkai' sarees are part of the handloom industry of which state? - Odisha
• On which date is National Handloom Day celebrated in India every year? - 7 August (in memory of the Swadeshi Movement)
• 'Kasavu' is the traditional dress of which state, which is a white saree with a gold zari border? - Kerala
• 'Bandhani' or 'Bandhej' (Tie and Dye) textile art is mainly prevalent in which states? - Rajasthan and Gujarat
• What kind of art is 'Lucknawi Zardozi'? - Heavy metal embroidery art of gold and silver threads
• 'Lungi' or 'Mundu' is the traditional garment worn by men in South India, what is it called in Kerala? - Mundu
• Where is 'Mashru' textile art, which has cotton inside and silk outside, famous? - Gujarat
• 'Kosa Silk' is mainly produced in which state? - Chhattisgarh

Social Reforms and Cultural Renaissance

• Who is known as the 'Father of Modern India' and 'Father of Indian Renaissance'? - Raja Ram Mohan Roy
• Which socio-religious organization did Raja Ram Mohan Roy establish in 1828? - Brahmo Samaj
• Which social reformer had the main contribution in declaring 'Sati Pratha' illegal in India? - Raja Ram Mohan Roy (Law by Lord William Bentinck in 1829)
• Who established the 'Arya Samaj' in 1875? - Swami Dayananda Saraswati
• "Back to the Vedas" (Back to the Vedas) का प्रसिद्ध नारा किसने दिया था? - Swami Dayananda Saraswati
• What is the name of the famous book composed by Swami Dayananda Saraswati? - Satyarth Prakash
• Who established the 'Ramakrishna Mission' in 1897? - Swami Vivekananda
• In which city did Swami Vivekananda deliver his historic speech at the 1893 World Parliament of Religions? - Chicago (USA)
• Under whose leadership was the 'Prarthana Samaj' established in Mumbai in 1867? - Dr. Atmaram Pandurang and Mahadev Govind Ranade
• Who established the 'Satyashodhak Samaj' (1873) with the aim of uplifting lower castes? - Jyotirao Phule (Jyotiba Phule)
• Who was the author of the book 'Gulamgiri' in which caste oppression was opposed? - Jyotirao Phule
• Which great scholar had the main contribution in passing the Widow Remarriage Act (1856) in India? - Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar का
• Where was the headquarters of the 'Theosophical Society' established in India? - Adyar (Chennai) (Run by Annie Besant)
• Who was the founder of the 'Aligarh Movement' who promoted scientific education? - Sir Syed Ahmed Khan (Founder of AMU)
• Who started the 'Self-Respect Movement' in Tamil Nadu? - E. V. Ramasamy Naicker (Periyar)
• Who was the leader of the 'Young Bengal Movement'? - Henry Vivian Derozio
• Who was India's first female teacher and founder of a girls' school? - Savitribai Phule
• Who founded the 'Servants of India Society' (1905)? - Gopal Krishna Gokhale ने
• Who established the 'Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha' (1924) for Dalit rights? - Dr. B. R. Ambedkar ने
• Under whose leadership was the 'Temple Entry Movement' (Vaikom Satyagraha) conducted in Kerala? - K. Kelappan and T. K. Madhavan द्वारा

Cultural Institutions and Museums

• Which is the highest national academy of India for music, drama, and dance? - Sangeet Natak Akademi (Established 1953, New Delhi)
• In which year was the Lalit Kala Akademi (National Academy of Art) established? - Year 1954 (New Delhi)
• When was the 'Sahitya Akademi', the top institution promoting literature in India, established? - Year 1954
• Who were the founders and first Director-Generals of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)? - Alexander Cunningham (1861)
• Where is India's largest and oldest museum, the 'Indian Museum', situated? - Kolkata (Established 1814)
• Where is the 'National Museum of Man' (now Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya) situated? - Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)
• Where is the 'Salar Jung Museum', famous for its private collection, situated? - Hyderabad
• What is the main function of the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT)? - Linking education with culture (Headquarters: New Delhi)
• Where is the 'National Archives of India' situated? - New Delhi
• Who founded the Asiatic Society in Kolkata in 1784? - Sir William Jones
• Where is the 'National Gallery of Modern Art - NGMA' situated? - Jaipur House, New Delhi
• In which year was the 'Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts' (IGNCA) established? - Year 1987
• Where is the 'Nehru Memorial Museum and Library' (now Prime Ministers' Museum) situated? - Teen Murti Bhawan, New Delhi
• Who founded the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in 1950? - Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
• Where is the National Crafts Museum situated in India? - Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
• Where is 'Auroville', the city of meditation established for international peace and cultural unity, situated? - Puducherry
• In which city is the 'Kalidas Akademi', dedicated to Sanskrit literature, situated? - Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh)
• In which city is the 'Victoria Memorial Hall' museum situated? - Kolkata
• Where is the 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya' (former name: Prince of Wales Museum) situated? - Mumbai
• What is the total number of 'Zonal Cultural Centres' (ZCCs) operated by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India? - 7 Zonal Cultural Centres

Cinema, Media and Performing Arts

• Which was India's first full-length silent feature film? - Raja Harishchandra (1913)
• Who was the director of India's first silent film 'Raja Harishchandra', who is called the 'Father of Indian Cinema'? - Dadasaheb Phalke (Dhundiraj Govind Phalke)
• Which was India's first talkie film released in the year 1931? - Alam Ara (Directed: Ardeshir Irani)
• Which is considered the highest award of Indian cinema? - Dadasaheb Phalke Award
• Who was honored with the first Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1969)? - Devika Rani
• Who was the first Indian to win an Oscar (Academy Award)? - Bhanu Athaiya (1983 for Costume Design in the film 'Gandhi')
• Who was the first Indian film director to receive the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' at the Oscars? - Satyajit Ray (1992)
• Which was India's first color film? - Kisan Kanya (1937, Ardeshir Irani)
• In which year was the experimental service of Doordarshan started in India? - 15 September 1959 (New Delhi)
• In which year was the name of 'All India Radio' (AIR) changed to 'Akashvani'? - Year 1956
• Where is the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) situated? - Pune (Maharashtra)
• Where is the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) situated? - Kolkata
• Which government institution is responsible for the certification of films in India? - CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification)
• 'RRR' (RRR) film के किस गीत ने सर्वश्रेष्ठ मूल गीत (Original Song) श्रेणी में ऑस्कर पुरस्कार जीता? - 'Naatu Naatu' (Composer: M. M. Keeravani)
• 'The Elephant Whisperers' (The Elephant Whisperers) ने किस श्रेणी में ऑस्कर पुरस्कार प्राप्त किया? - Best Documentary Short Film (2023)
• In which year were the National Film Awards started? - Year 1954
• Who was the director of the film 'Mother India' (1957), which was the first Indian film to be nominated for an Oscar? - Mehboob Khan
• What kind of institution is the Press Trust of India (PTI) in India? - India's largest news agency
• Between 'Samachar Darpan' and 'Bengal Gazette', which was India's first printed newspaper? - Hicky's Bengal Gazette (1780 by James Augustus Hicky)
• Who is considered the father of which literature and performing art 'Bharatendu Harishchandra'? - Modern Hindi literature and theatre

Martial Arts and Traditional Sports

• Which is the famous ancient martial art style of Kerala, considered one of the world's oldest? - Kalaripayattu
• Which famous Sikh traditional akhada martial art of Punjab uses sticks and swords (kirpan)? - Gatka
• Which is the traditional stick-fighting martial art style of Tamil Nadu? - Silambam
• Which famous martial art of Manipur is played with swords and spears? - Thang-Ta
• What is the official state sport of Madhya Pradesh, which is a traditional gymnastics performed on a pole? - Mallakhamb
• Which is the traditional akhada wrestling and weapon-based martial art of Maharashtra? - Mardani Khel
• Which is the traditional game played with bows and arrows in Himachal Pradesh and Tibetan border areas? - Thoda
• Which is the traditional wrestling/martial art style of Jammu and Kashmir? - Squay
• By what name is the traditional Bamboo Dance of Mizoram known? - Cheraw Dance
• What is the international governing body for the traditional Indian sport 'Kabaddi'? - International Kabaddi Federation (IKF)
• What is the traditional buffalo fighting game of Assam, organized on Magh Bihu, called? - Moh Juz
• During which festival is the Boat Race (Snake Boat Race / Vallam Kali) organized in Kerala? - Onam Festival (Nehru Trophy)
• 'Lathi Khela' is the traditional self-defense art of which states? - West Bengal and Bihar
• 'Inbuan' is the traditional wrestling sport of which state? - Mizoram
• 'Kathi Samu' is an ancient swordsmanship martial art of which state? - Andhra Pradesh
• In which state is the 'Kambala' traditional buffalo racing festival organized? - Coastal Karnataka (Dakshina Kannada)
• 'Musti Yuddha' is the traditional weaponless boxing of which ancient city of India? - Varanasi
• 'Pari-Khanda' is the shield and sword-based folk martial art of which state? - Bihar (basis of Chhau dance)
• 'Sagol Kangjei' is an ancient sport of Manipur, which is considered the ancestor of which modern sport? - Polo
• What is a clay wrestling ground traditionally called in 'Khampti' or 'wrestling'? - Talim or Akhada

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

• How many cultural traditions of India have been included in the UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list? - 15 traditions
• Which is the latest cultural tradition of India included in the UNESCO intangible heritage list in 2023? - 'Garba' dance of Gujarat
• Which famous Bengali festival was included in the UNESCO intangible heritage list in 2021? - 'Durga Puja' of Kolkata
• In which year was 'Kumbh Mela' included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list? - Year 2017
• In which year did Yoga receive the status of Global Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO? - Year 2016
• Nowruz is the new year of which community included in UNESCO intangible heritage? - Parsi community (Persian New Year)
• Which traditional Buddhist chanting of Ladakh is included in the UNESCO list? - Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh
• Which traditional Sankirtana (singing, drumming and dancing) of Manipur is included in the UNESCO heritage list? - Sankirtana
• Which traditional utensil craft of Jandiala Guru of Punjab has received UNESCO intangible heritage status? - Craft of the Thathera community of manufacturing brass and copper utensils
• Which folk dance of Rajasthan is included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage? - Kalbelia dance (2010)
• Which religious festival and folk theatre of Uttarakhand is included in the UNESCO list? - Ramman (Garhwal region)
• In which year did 'Chhau Dance' get a place in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list? - Year 2010
• 'Mudiyettu', the theatre of Kerala based on the war between Goddess Kali and the demon Darika, was included in the UNESCO list when? - Year 2010
• In which year was the tradition of Vedic Chanting included in the UNESCO list? - Year 2008
• Ramlila - the traditional performance of Ramayana - was included in the UNESCO list in which year? - Year 2008
• Which was the first intangible cultural art form of India recognized by UNESCO? - Kutiyattam (2008)
• In which category does 'Kalaripayattu', included in the UNESCO intangible heritage list, fall? - Traditional martial arts category
• Whose glory is mainly sung in the 'Sankirtana' art? - Lord Krishna
• In which city is the UNESCO headquarters situated? - Paris (France)
• In which year was the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held? - Year 2003

Temple Architecture and Pilgrimage Sites

• Which is considered the largest temple complex in India? - Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam, Tamil Nadu)
• Which four sacred sites are included in the Char Dham Yatra (Uttarakhand)? - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri
• Which are considered the vast 'Char Dhams' (National Char Dham) of India? - Badrinath (North), Dwarka (West), Puri (East) and Rameswaram (South)
• On which hill is the famous 'Kamakhya Devi Temple' situated? - Nilachal Hill (Guwahati, Assam)
• On which mountain range is the famous 'Vaishno Devi Temple' in Jammu and Kashmir situated? - Trikuta Mountain
• The 'Akshardham Temple' is a modern wonderful example of architecture built by which organization? - BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (New Delhi/Gandhinagar)
• On which mountain are the famous 'Dilwara Jain Temples', famous for marble carving, situated? - Mount Abu (Rajasthan)
• The famous 'Lingaraj Temple' of Odisha is an excellent example of which architectural style? - Kalinga style (sub-type of Nagara style)
• On the coast of which ocean is the 'Shore Temple' in Mahabalipuram situated? - Coast of the Bay of Bengal (Pallava dynasty)
• Which is the largest and most famous Shiva temple of Khajuraho? - Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
• In which city of Tamil Nadu, on the banks of the Vaigai river, is the 'Meenakshi Amman Temple' situated? - Madurai
• On which hill is Lord Venkateswara's famous 'Tirumala Tirupati Temple' situated? - Seshachalam / Venkatadri Hill (Andhra Pradesh)
• Which foreign invader looted the famous 'Somnath Temple' in Gujarat in 1026 AD? - Mahmud of Ghazni
• In which Periyar Tiger Reserve area of Kerala is the 'Sabarimala Temple' situated? - Pathanamthitta district (Lord Ayyappa)
• Where are the 'Samadhi' and 'Mazar' of Sadguru Kabir situated? - Maghar (Uttar Pradesh)
• By which Sufi saint was the foundation of the 'Golden Temple' (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar laid? - Mian Mir
• Near which historical site is the 'Grishneshwar Temple', one of the famous Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra, situated? - Near Ellora Caves
• How many famous 'Jyotirlingas' are considered in India? - 12 ज्योतिर्लिंग
• In which state is the 'Hemkund Sahib' Gurudwara situated at an altitude of more than 4000 meters? - Uttarakhand (Chamoli district) में
• On the banks of which river is the headquarters of 'Belur Math' (Ramakrishna Math) situated? - Hooghly River (West Bengal)

Culinary Heritage and Food Culture

• Which food/dish of India has the unofficial status of 'National Food' and when is Khichdi Day celebrated? - Khichdi (on Makar Sankranti)
• There has been a dispute between which two states over the GI Tag obtained 'Rasgulla'? - West Bengal and Odisha
• The 'Hyderabadi Biryani' is considered a gift of the kitchen of which Nizam ruler? - Asaf Jahi dynasty (Nizam of Hyderabad)
• 'Dal Bati Churma' is the most famous traditional food of which state of India? - Rajasthan
• 'Sarson ka Saag and Makke di Roti' is the main cultural food identity of which state? - Punjab
• 'Dhokla', 'Khandvi' and 'Thepla' are famous traditional dishes of which state? - Gujarat
• 'Litti Chokha' is the most famous traditional food of which state of India? - Bihar
• In which state of Northeast India are 'Momos' and 'Thukpa' extremely popular? - Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh
• The spicy coastal fish curry 'Goan Fish Curry' is the specialty of which state? - Goa
• Which is the famous fermented breakfast of Tamil Nadu and South India? - Idli and Dosa
• On which festival is 'Sadya', the traditional elaborate feast served on a banana leaf, prepared? - Onam (Kerala)
• 'Bisi Bele Bath' (Bisi Bele Bath) is a famous rice and lentil dish of which state? - Karnataka
• 'Guchhi' or Morel mushroom is a very expensive natural food product of which state of India? - Jammu and Kashmir
• Which city of India is known worldwide for its 'Street Food' and 'Vada Pav'? - Mumbai
• 'Kangshoi' and 'Iromba' are traditional dishes of which northeastern state? - Manipur
• India is considered the largest producer and exporter of which agricultural product/spice in the world? - Black pepper, turmeric and cardamom (Land of Spices)
• Which state is called the 'Spice Garden of India'? - Kerala
• 'Ghevar' sweet is mainly made in Rajasthan on which festival? - Teej and Raksha Bandhan
• 'Poha' and 'Jalebi' are considered the famous breakfast of which city in India? - Indore (Madhya Pradesh)
• Zafrani 'Kahwa' tea is a famous traditional beverage of which region? - Kashmir Valley

Society, Traditions and Demographic Diversity

• What is traditionally considered the basic structural unit of Indian society? - Joint Family System
• What is the meaning of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', which reflects India's global social perspective? - "The whole world is one family"
• According to the 2011 census, in which state was the highest sex ratio recorded in India? - Kerala (1084 women per 1000 men)
• On which date is 'National Girl Child Day' celebrated in India every year? - 24 January
• Under social reform, what minimum legal age for marriage has been set under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act? - 18 years for girls (amendment proposed 21) and 21 years for boys
• In which state's Khasi and Garo tribes is the 'Matriarchal' society tradition found? - Meghalaya
• What is the traditional matriarchal family system found in the Nair community of Kerala called? - Marumakkathayam
• 'Anekantavada' and 'Syadvada' are the main principles of which religious-social philosophy? - Jain philosophy
• In which year was the 'Dowry Prohibition Act' implemented in India? - Year 1961
• Which committee recommended the implementation of the 'three-tier Panchayati Raj system' in India? - Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957)
• Through which Constitutional Amendment Act was the Panchayati Raj system given constitutional status? - 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992)
• Which was the first Panchayati Raj state in India where it started on 2 October 1959? - Nagaur, Rajasthan
• Which social value of Indian culture does the 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah' prayer express? - The spirit of universal welfare and public good
• Who is known as the 'Father of Indian Sociology'? - G. S. Ghurye
• Who was the famous author of the book 'Caste in Indian Politics'? - Rajni Kothari
• In which year was the Prevention of Atrocities Act for the protection of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes made in India? - Year 1989 (PoA Act)
• From which Upanishad is the cultural message of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' taken? - Taittiriya Upanishad
• In India, the cultural tradition of 'Senior Citizen Day' or respect for the elderly is based on what? - Pitra Rina (debt to ancestors) and family respect values
• Who made the social values of 'Truth, Non-violence and Non-possession' the basis of the freedom movement in the modern era? - Mahatma Gandhi ने
• What kind of republic has India been declared in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution? - Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic