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

The correct answer is Birha.

• Birha is a popular Folk song genre of Uttar Pradesh. 

Key Point

• This genre is mood-based and the basic theme revolves around the separation of lover and his beloved.
• Actually 'Birha' in English means separation.
• The history of this genre is not very old and the earliest reference goes back to the 17th century.
• The possible origination of this folk genre is credited to the incidents where mostly men from small villages used to migrate to cities in search of livelihood.
• Often they had to leave their newly-weds behind in the village only.
• The lament of separation and carnal desire among the womenfolk of the village led to the birth of Birha.
• The genre is extremely popular among the farmers and labourers in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
• The best example of this is the growing popularity of Chutney Music, the Soca-Samba version of Birha, in the west, especially in the Caribbean Islands.

Additional Information

• Tappa was derived from the folk music of Punjab and Sindh.
• Dhamar is one of the talas used in Hindustani classical music from the Indian subcontinent.
  • It is associated with the dhrupad style.
• Qawwalis comes from North Indian folk tradition.
  • And is widely used by bhangra bands, as well as Qawwali groups, although the playing techniques are different.

The correct answer is Bachraj Ghat.

Key Points

• Bachraj Ghat is associated with the Jain religion.
• It is located in Varanasi on the banks of River Ganga.
• This Ghat was owned by Jain Maharajas.
• There are three Jain temples situated in this Ghat.
• These temples are said to be associated with the 7th Tirthankara Suparshavanatha.

Additional Information

• Assi Ghat:
  •  Assi Ghat is situated at the confluence of the Assi River and the Ganges River.
  • According to a legend, Goddess Durga threw her sword here after killing the demon Shumbha - Nishumbha.
  • It is believed that the area of ​​the Assi river starts from the place where the sword fell.
  • The description of this ghat is found in many Hindu religious texts and Puranas such as Matsya Purana, Agni Purana, Kashi Kand, and Padma Purana, etc. 
  • There is also an ancient tank known as Lorca Tank which is situated at a depth of 15 meters from the ground level.

• Vishram Ghat:
  • ​There are a total of 25 Ghats in the city of Mathura, out of which the main and famous ghat is the Vishram Ghat.
  • Vishram Ghat is located on the banks of the Yamuna River and near Sri Dwarakadhish Temple.
  • Lord Krishna and Balarama rested here after killing Kansa, since then this place is known as Vishram Ghat.
  • The temples built on this ghat are Mukut Temple, Radha-Damodar, Murali Manohar, Neelakandeshwar Temple, Yamuna-Krishna Temple, Langley Hanuman Temple, Narasimha Temple, etc.
  • It was rebuilt by two Vaishnava saints Keshav Kashmiri and Vallabhacharya during the time of Sikandar Lodhi.
  • This holy site was also rebuilt during the Akbar rule.

The correct answer is Reeta Chowdhury.

Key Points

•  Reeta Chowdhury is a prominent contemporary Assamese writer renowned for her historical novels and her perceptive exploration of gender and societal issues.
• Her works often meticulously research historical periods, particularly those related to Assam's past, and weave compelling narratives around them.
• Chowdhury frequently uses these historical backdrops to examine the roles of women, power dynamics, and the complexities of human relationships within broader societal contexts.
• Her novels like 'Deo Langkhui' and 'Makam' have received significant critical acclaim and popular success, reflecting her ability to blend historical authenticity with compelling storytelling and a nuanced understanding of human experience.

The correct answer is ​Mamoni Raisom Goswami.

Key Points

•  Mamoni Raisom Goswami, or Indira Goswami, was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1982 for her critically acclaimed novel 'Datal Hatir Une Khuwa Howdah' (The Mahout's Elephant and the Abandoned Palanquin).
• This powerful novel delves into the lives of widows in a Vaishnavite monastery, exposing the harsh realities, social stigmas, and hypocrisies they faced.
• Goswami fearlessly tackled sensitive and often taboo subjects, bringing to light the plight of marginalized communities.
• Her realistic and empathetic portrayal of their struggles resonated deeply with readers and critics alike.
• The novel is a testament to her courage as a writer and her commitment to social justice, solidifying her status as a literary icon.

The correct answer is Hiren Bhattacharyya.

Key Points

•  Hiren Bhattacharyya, affectionately known as 'Hiruda', is a highly revered Assamese poet.
• His collection of poems titled 'Sonali Jahaj' (Golden Ship) is one of his most celebrated works.
• Bhattacharyya's poetry is characterized by its profound lyricism, simplicity of language, and deep emotional resonance.
• He often wrote about themes of nature, love, human relationships, and the beauty of everyday life, often imbuing his verses with a sense of gentle melancholy and profound wisdom.
• His ability to connect directly with the hearts of his readers through his sincere and evocative poetry has earned him immense popularity and a lasting place in Assamese literature.

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