Q.1 Who is known as the 'Father of Indian Cinema'?
Dadasaheb Phalke
Satyajit Ray
Bimal Roy
Raj Kapoor
Explanation - Dadasaheb Phalke is considered the 'Father of Indian Cinema' for directing the first full-length Indian feature film 'Raja Harishchandra' in 1913.
Correct answer is: Dadasaheb Phalke
Q.2 Which classical dance form is associated with the state of Kerala?
Kathak
Bharatanatyam
Kathakali
Odissi
Explanation - Kathakali is a classical dance-drama from Kerala known for its elaborate costumes, makeup, and storytelling based on epics.
Correct answer is: Kathakali
Q.3 The Ajanta Caves are famous for which type of art?
Sculptures
Mural Paintings
Pottery
Textiles
Explanation - The Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra are renowned for their exquisite ancient mural paintings depicting the life of Buddha.
Correct answer is: Mural Paintings
Q.4 Who wrote the epic Sanskrit poem 'Meghaduta'?
Kalidasa
Vyasa
Tulsidas
Bharavi
Explanation - 'Meghaduta' (The Cloud Messenger) is a lyrical Sanskrit poem by Kalidasa, one of ancient India's greatest poets.
Correct answer is: Kalidasa
Q.5 Which festival is associated with the classical dance form Manipuri?
Rath Yatra
Yaoshang
Bihu
Pongal
Explanation - Manipuri dance is a classical dance from Manipur, traditionally performed during festivals like Yaoshang.
Correct answer is: Yaoshang
Q.6 The famous bronze statue 'Dancing Girl' was found at which archaeological site?
Harappa
Mohenjo-Daro
Lothal
Kalibangan
Explanation - The 'Dancing Girl' is a 4,500-year-old bronze statue from the Indus Valley Civilization, discovered at Mohenjo-Daro.
Correct answer is: Mohenjo-Daro
Q.7 Which instrument is primarily used in Carnatic classical music?
Sitar
Veena
Tabla
Harmonium
Explanation - The Veena is a traditional South Indian stringed instrument widely used in Carnatic music performances.
Correct answer is: Veena
Q.8 Who is considered the pioneer of modern Indian painting?
Raja Ravi Varma
M.F. Husain
Amrita Sher-Gil
Jamini Roy
Explanation - Raja Ravi Varma is known for blending European techniques with Indian subjects, making him a pioneer of modern Indian painting.
Correct answer is: Raja Ravi Varma
Q.9 Which Mughal emperor built the Red Fort in Delhi?
Akbar
Shah Jahan
Aurangzeb
Babur
Explanation - Shah Jahan commissioned the Red Fort in Delhi in 1639, which became the main residence of Mughal emperors.
Correct answer is: Shah Jahan
Q.10 The tribal art form 'Warli' originated in which state?
Maharashtra
Gujarat
Rajasthan
Odisha
Explanation - Warli painting is a tribal art form from Maharashtra, characterized by simple geometric patterns depicting daily life and rituals.
Correct answer is: Maharashtra
Q.11 Which famous dance is performed in Odisha depicting stories of Lord Krishna?
Odissi
Kathak
Bharatanatyam
Manipuri
Explanation - Odissi is a classical dance from Odisha, known for its fluid movements and storytelling, especially of Lord Krishna's life.
Correct answer is: Odissi
Q.12 The 'Konark Sun Temple' is dedicated to which deity?
Shiva
Vishnu
Surya
Durga
Explanation - The Konark Sun Temple in Odisha is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and is famous for its chariot-like architecture.
Correct answer is: Surya
Q.13 Which city is known as the 'City of Temples' in India?
Varanasi
Madurai
Khajuraho
Bhubaneswar
Explanation - Khajuraho, in Madhya Pradesh, is famous for its group of Hindu and Jain temples known for intricate erotic sculptures.
Correct answer is: Khajuraho
Q.14 Which art form uses palm leaves for writing ancient texts in India?
Miniature painting
Madhubani art
Pattachitra
Palm-leaf manuscripts
Explanation - Palm-leaf manuscripts were used in ancient India for recording texts, scriptures, and paintings.
Correct answer is: Palm-leaf manuscripts
Q.15 Which classical music tradition is associated with Northern India?
Carnatic
Hindustani
Manipuri
Odissi
Explanation - Hindustani music is the classical music tradition of North India, distinct from Carnatic music of South India.
Correct answer is: Hindustani
Q.16 The famous dance-drama 'Raslila' is primarily associated with which state?
Uttar Pradesh
Manipur
Gujarat
Rajasthan
Explanation - Raslila is a traditional dance-drama depicting Lord Krishna's life, primarily performed in Uttar Pradesh, especially Braj region.
Correct answer is: Uttar Pradesh
Q.17 Which famous Indian painter is known for the 'Bengal School of Art'?
Abanindranath Tagore
Raja Ravi Varma
Jamini Roy
M.F. Husain
Explanation - Abanindranath Tagore founded the Bengal School of Art, emphasizing Indian traditional themes and revivalist styles.
Correct answer is: Abanindranath Tagore
Q.18 Which instrument is associated with the folk music of Punjab?
Dhol
Tabla
Sitar
Flute
Explanation - The Dhol is a traditional drum used in Punjabi folk music and Bhangra dance performances.
Correct answer is: Dhol
Q.19 Who was the author of the Sanskrit drama 'Shakuntala'?
Kalidasa
Bhavabhuti
Bharavi
Banabhatta
Explanation - 'Shakuntala' is a classical Sanskrit play by Kalidasa, known for its poetic beauty and romantic theme.
Correct answer is: Kalidasa
Q.20 The 'Madhubani' painting style originates from which state?
Bihar
Rajasthan
Gujarat
West Bengal
Explanation - Madhubani painting is a traditional folk art from Bihar, characterized by bright colors and intricate patterns.
Correct answer is: Bihar
Q.21 Which architectural style is the Qutub Minar built in?
Indo-Islamic
Dravidian
Mughal
Rajput
Explanation - Qutub Minar in Delhi is a classic example of Indo-Islamic architecture, combining Islamic calligraphy and Indian motifs.
Correct answer is: Indo-Islamic
Q.22 Which dance form uses the 'mudras' or hand gestures extensively?
Kathakali
Bharatanatyam
Odissi
All of the above
Explanation - Classical Indian dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, and Odissi use 'mudras' to convey stories and emotions.
Correct answer is: All of the above
Q.23 Which Indian state is famous for 'Pattachitra' painting?
Odisha
Rajasthan
Madhya Pradesh
Kerala
Explanation - Pattachitra is a traditional scroll painting from Odisha, known for mythological themes and intricate detailing.
Correct answer is: Odisha
Q.24 Who is called the 'Nightingale of India'?
Lata Mangeshkar
Asha Bhosle
M.S. Subbulakshmi
Kishore Kumar
Explanation - Lata Mangeshkar, renowned for her melodious voice, is often referred to as the 'Nightingale of India'.
Correct answer is: Lata Mangeshkar