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Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

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Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

1.‘Keeladi Museum’ was inaugurated in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Odisha

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu] Notes:
The Keeladi museum was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in Sivaganga district. This museum showcases the life of ancient Tamils during the Sangam Age.
It is built on a 2-acre land in Keeladi at a cost of ₹18.43 crore. The museum features a variety of antiques, virtual reality experiences of the excavations, and models of the ships of the Sangam Age. The museum houses over 15,000 unique artefacts, which reveal the existence of an urban civilization in Tamil Nadu during the Sangam Age, contemporary to the urban life recorded in Gangetic plains.

2.Which state/UT hosted the ‘Divya Kala Mela’ fair?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Bihar
[D] Jammu and Kashmir

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh] Notes:
In Madhya Pradesh, Governor Mangubhai Patel inaugurated the third Divya Kala Mela at Bhopal. The 10-day fair was held to enable Divyangjan to become entrepreneurs and artisans.
The four finance corporations under the Social Justice and Empowerment ministry, NHFDC, through various channel partners such as NBCFDC, NSFDC, and NSKDFC, provide financial assistance to artisans and other skilled beneficiaries through term loan schemes and microfinance schemes.

3.Which state organised the ‘Yuva Utsav’ programme?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Mizoram
[C] West Bengal
[D] Gujarat

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mizoram] Notes:
The first of its kind Yuva Utsav on the theme of ‘Panch Pran of Amrit Kaal – India @2047’ was organised in Siaha district of Mizoram.
The festival, which is being organised by the Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) across the country, was participated by students and youth of the district.

4.The Gorsam Kora festival is popularly known as the friendship festival between India and which country?
[A] Nepal
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Myanmar
[D] Bhutan

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Bhutan] Notes:
The Gorsam Kora festival is popularly known as the friendship festival between India and Bhutan.
It was celebrated recently at the Gorsam Chorten Stupa in Zemithang – a village in Arunachal Pradesh.

5.Vaikom Satyagraha is associated with which state/UT?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Odisha
[C] Kerala
[D] Gujarat

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kerala] Notes:
Vaikom Satyagraha was a non-violent agitation for the access to the public environs of the Vaikom Temple in the Kingdom of Travancore. It was held in 1924-1925.
Chief Ministers of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are set to jointly inaugurate the centenary celebrations of the Vaikom satyagraha on April 1.

6.Which institution hosted the ‘Spring Fiesta 2023’ event?
[A] National Gallery of Modern Art
[B] National Archives of India
[C] Archaeological Survey of India
[D] National School of Drama

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [National Gallery of Modern Art] Notes:
Spring Fiesta 2023 is a first-of-its-kind event organized by the National Gallery of Modern Art. It was organized to celebrate 69 years of the museum.
It was officially inaugurated in 1954 by the then Vice President Dr. S Radhakrishnan. Over 50 stalls will be set up for display and sales at the museum lawns by enthusiastic participants from different walks of life who specialise in items such as handicrafts, ceramics, indigenous art, fashion, and so on.

7.Namda, is the centuries-old traditional craft, is associated with which state/UT?
[A] Arunachal Pradesh
[B] Assam
[C] Jammu and Kashmir
[D] Uttarakhand

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jammu and Kashmir] Notes:
Namda is a type of rug made using felted wool. This centuries-old traditional craft from Jammu and Kashmir is at the brink of extinction.
Namda is made in several stages and requires skilled craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.

8.Shawwal Moon, which was seen in the news, is associated with which religion?
[A] Judaism
[B] Islam
[C] Sikhism
[D] Buddhism

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Islam] Notes:
The Shawwal Moon is an important celestial event in the Islamic calendar that marks the start of the Eid Al-Fitr.
It occurs in the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar. This year, it is likely to be either on April 20 or 21. Each month starts with the sighting of the moon.

9.‘Cheiraoba’ is a festival celebrated in which state?
[A] Tripura
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Manipur

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Manipur] Notes:
Cheiraoba is considered to be one of the most important festivals of Manipur and it marks the beginning of the lunar new year for the people of Meitei community of Manipur and across the globe.
The festival is also called as Sajibu Nongma Pānba which means “First day of Sajibu Month”.

10.HUN is a cultural festival celebrated in which Indian State?
[A] Meghalaya
[B] Manipur
[C] Odisha
[D] Andhra Pradesh

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Manipur] Notes:
HUN festival is an annual cultural festival celebrated in Manipur. It is celebrated by the Thadous community of Manipur to mark the arrival of the new year according to the community and it is a time for the community to offer prayers for a prosperous year ahead.
This year’s festival was inaugurated in the state by Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren.


11.Bihan Mela is an annual festival celebrated by the Kondh tribe in which state?

[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Jharkhand
[D] West Bengal

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha] Notes:
Bihan Mela is an annual festival celebrated by the Kondh tribe in Odisha’s Nayagarh district. Literally known as seed festival, it has been celebrated since 2019.
The event is participated by farmers from as many as 40 villages in Dasapalla region, surrounded by hills and forests.


12.‘Vesak’ is associated with which religion?

[A] Hinduism
[B] Islam
[C] Buddhism
[D] Jainism

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Buddhism] Notes:
Buddha Purnima is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Gautam Buddha. This year marks the 2585th birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha.
In South and Southeast Asia, the Buddha’s birth is celebrated as part of Vesak, a festival that also celebrates the Buddha’s enlightenment (on the day of the full moon) and death.


13.‘Wihu Kuh festival’ is celebrated by the Tangsa Tribe in which state?

[A] Assam
[B] West Bengal
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Madhya Pradesh

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Arunachal Pradesh] Notes:
Wihu Kuh festival is celebrated by Tangsa Tribe in Arunachal Pradesh. The Tangsa tribe is a community known for their agricultural customs and practices.
Wihu Kuh, means “paddy transplantation festival,” which marks the beginning of the agricultural season in the region.


14.A Mesolithic period rock painting depicting a person tilling a piece of land has been found in which state?

[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Kerala
[D] Karnataka

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh] Notes:
A Mesolithic period rock painting depicting a person tilling a piece of land has been found in Orvakallu village in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
While surveying the lower River Krishna Valley to ascertain the architectural features of shrines, researchers identified a new prehistoric rock painting on the walls and ceiling of natural rock shelters on a hillock at Orvakallu.


15.‘Sabai Grass Mats’ are created by Tribal people of which state?

[A] Jharkhand
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Odisha
[D] SIkkim

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Odisha] Notes:
Sabai Grass Yoga Mats are created by Tribals of Mayurbhanj, Odisha. They are made using Sabai grass and are renowned for its lightweight and flexibility.
The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd. (TRIFED) has joined forces with the Ministry of Ayush to provide 34,000 yoga mats ahead of International Yoga Day.


16.‘Kharchi Puja’ is observed in which state/UT?

[A] Tripura
[B] Assam
[C] West Bengal
[D] Odisha

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tripura] Notes:
The Historical ‘Kharchi Puja’ started at the revered fourteen gods temple in Khayerpur. The event brought together devotees from various locations, symbolizing the revival of age-old customs and traditions.
Kharchi Puja is a festival celebrated in Tripura and is performed in Agartala in July or August. The festival is centred around the worship of Chaturdasa Devata, the ancestral deity of the Tripuri people.


17.Which state/UT hosted the ‘Vitasta’ program to spread its art culture and literature?

[A] Odisha
[B] West Bengal
[C] Jammu and Kashmir
[D] Jharkhand

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Jammu and Kashmir] Notes:
The Vitasta program was conducted with the aim of spreading the diverse art, culture, literature, craft, and cuisine of Kashmir to every corner of the country.
This series of events, which commenced in Chennai and concluded in Srinagar, witnessed a remarkable level of interest among the youth in understanding and embracing the vibrant Kashmiri culture.


18.Gustav Klimt, who is renowned for ‘The Kiss’ painting, is from which country?

[A] Austria
[B] France
[C] Greece
[D] Russia

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Austria] Notes:
At a London auction held by Sotheby’s, the final portrait created by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt was sold for USD 108.4 million or 885 crores, making it the highest-priced artwork ever sold at a European auction.
Regarded as one of the most influential decorative painters of the 20th century, Gustav Klimt’s oil on canvas painting, “The Kiss,” created between 1907 and 1908, depicts two lovers in an embrace and is recognized as one of his most iconic masterpieces.


19.Anubhav Mandapam is associated with which personality?

[A] Aurobindo
[B] Basava
[C] Akka Mahadevi
[D] Nagarjuna

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Basava] Notes:
The International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) – ‘Bharat Mandapam’ was inaugurated recently by Prime Minister Modi. The IECC project is a national initiative aimed at modernizing and upgrading the obsolete facilities at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Anubhava Mantapa was an academy of saints and philosophers of the ‘Lingayath’s’ faith in the 12th century. It was founded by Basava, also called Basaveshwara. This is the inspiration behind the name ‘Bharat Mandapam’


20.UNESCO has suggested adding which city to its list of world heritage centres in danger?

[A] New Delhi
[B] Rome
[C] Venice
[D] Paris

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Venice] Notes:
UNESCO, the United Nations cultural agency, has suggested adding Venice to its list of world heritage in danger, urging Italian authorities to intensify efforts to safeguard the historic city and its lagoon. The recommendation highlights the concerns about potential “irreversible” harm caused by factors such as climate change and over-tourism.


21.UNESCO has suggested adding which city to its list of world heritage centres in danger?

[A] New Delhi
[B] Rome
[C] Venice
[D] Paris

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Venice] Notes:
UNESCO has recommended adding Venice to its list of world heritage in danger, urging Italian authorities to intensify efforts to safeguard the historic city and its lagoon. The recommendation highlights concerns about potential “irreversible” harm caused by factors such as climate change and over-tourism.


22.Santiniketan, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is in which state?

[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] West Bengal
[C] Rajasthan
[D] New Delhi

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [West Bengal] Notes:
Santiniketan, the cultural and educational hub in West Bengal founded by poet Rabindranath Tagore, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1901, Santiniketan was initially a residential school based on Indian traditions and the vision of global unity transcending religious and cultural boundaries. In 1921, it evolved into a world university known as ‘Visva Bharati’.


23.‘Puja Special Tram’, which was seen in the news, is associated with which state/UT?

[A] Maharashtra
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] West Bengal

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [West Bengal] Notes:
Puja Special Tram has been created to commemorate the UNESCO Heritage designation for Durga Puja and to mark the 150th anniversary of Kolkata tramways. It travels along the Tollygunge-Ballygunge route, from Durga Puja to the new year. Kolkata’s iconic trams have been plying through the city since 1873.


24.Garba is the traditional dance form of which state/UT?

[A] Gujarat
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Assam

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gujarat] Notes:
On the second day of Navratri, people across the state of Gujarat danced to Garba, Gujarat’s traditional dance form. It is a community circle dance. During Navratri, many traditional garbas are performed around a centrally lit lamp or a picture or statue of the Goddess.


25.‘Banni festival’, which was seen in the news, is an annual religious festival celebrated in which state/UT?

[A] Odisha
[B] Bihar
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Gujarat

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh] Notes:
At least three people died, while over 90 people were injured during a traditional stick fight festival, also regionally known as Banni festival, in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district. The Banni festival is celebrated on the night of Vijayadasami on the account of the victory of Lord Mala Malleswara Swamy and Goddess Parvati over Mani and Mallasura.


26.Which city is the host of the 54th International Film Festival of India?

[A] Kochi
[B] Goa
[C] Chennai
[D] Guwahati

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Goa] Notes:
The 54th International Film Festival of India will be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2023. British film ‘Catching Dust’ will be opening at the festival while the American film ‘The Featherweight’ will be the closing movie. Turkish film About Dry Grasses will be the midfest movie. Hollywood star Michael Douglas will be honoured with the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at IFFI this year. During the 9-day festival, more than 270 films will be showcased. The opening Film in the feature section is a Malayalam film, Aattam, and in the non-feature section is Andro Dreams from Manipur.


27.The Dhillo festival, which was seen in the news, is celebrated in which state/UT?

[A] Odisha
[B] Goa
[C] Telangana
[D] Chennai

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Goa] Notes:
Dhillo is an ecofeminist festival celebrated in the Western Ghats of Goa. The festival’s fervour is also felt in the forested villages of Joida in Karnataka. These villages are home to the Goan Kunbi community members, whose ancestors had migrated to Joida during the Portuguese era to escape persecution.


28.‘Lokhimon faith’ is associated with which Indian state/UT?

[A] Assam
[B] Odisha
[C] Goa
[D] Kerala

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Assam] Notes:
The Lokhimon faith, founded by Kurusar Lokhan Engti Hansek, revolves around principles of reform, emphasizing non-violence, restraint, peace, friendship, faith, devotion, and purity. To transform Karbi Anglong into a tourist destination, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the construction of a Lokhiman temple in Dolamara, Karbi Anglong, with a budget of Rs 5 crore.


29.Meitei Mayek Script is associated with which state?

[A] Assam
[B] Manipur
[C] Nagaland
[D] Mizoram

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Manipur] Notes:
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh unveiled the Diglot Edition of the Constitution of India in the Manipuri Language, using the Meitei Mayek Script, in Imphal. The launch event took place on the occasion of Indian Constitution Day, which fell on November 26.


30.Kambala Race is a traditional event held in which state?

[A] Karnataka
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Kerala
[D] Tamil Nadu

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Karnataka] Notes:
Kambala is a traditional folk sport predominantly observed in the coastal districts of Karnataka, particularly in areas where Tulu speakers constitute the majority. Kambala races were hosted recently by Bengaluru and lakhs of people visited the venue to watch the event. Kambala has in the past been banned by the Supreme Court, but the Karnataka government amended legislation to allow the races to go on.


31.‘Puja Special Tram’, which was seen in the news, is associated with which state/UT?

[A] Maharashtra
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] West Bengal

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [West Bengal] Notes:
Puja Special Tram has been created to commemorate the UNESCO Heritage designation for Durga Puja and to mark the 150th anniversary of Kolkata tramways. It travels along the Tollygunge-Ballygunge route, from Durga Puja to the new year. Kolkata’s iconic trams have been plying through the city since 1873.


32.Dhordo, which was seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?

[A] Bihar
[B] Gujarat
[C] Assam
[D] Goa

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gujarat] Notes:
Dhordo, a village in Gujarat, has received a prestigious accolade from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) as the “best tourism village.” Situated within the expansive Great Rann of Kutch, Dhordo village in Gujarat has gained prominence for its hosting of the annual Rann Utsav.


33.Which city is the host of the 54th International Film Festival of India?

[A] Kochi
[B] Goa
[C] Chennai
[D] Guwahati

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Goa] Notes:
The 54th International Film Festival of India will be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2023. British film ‘Catching Dust’ will be opening at the festival while the American film ‘The Featherweight’ will be the closing movie. Turkish film About Dry Grasses will be the midfest movie. Hollywood star Michael Douglas will be honoured with the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award at IFFI this year. During the 9-day festival, more than 270 films will be showcased. The opening Film in the feature section is a Malayalam film, Aattam, and in the non-feature section is Andro Dreams from Manipur.


34.The Dhillo festival, which was seen in the news, is celebrated in which state/UT?

[A] Odisha
[B] Goa
[C] Telangana
[D] Chennai

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Goa] Notes:
Dhillo is an ecofeminist festival celebrated in the Western Ghats of Goa. The festival’s fervour is also felt in the forested villages of Joida in Karnataka. These villages are home to the Goan Kunbi community members, whose ancestors had migrated to Joida during the Portuguese era to escape persecution.


35.Kambala Race is a traditional event held in which state?

[A] Karnataka
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Kerala
[D] Tamil Nadu

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Karnataka] Notes:
Kambala is a traditional folk sport predominantly observed in the coastal districts of Karnataka, particularly in areas where Tulu speakers constitute the majority. Kambala races were hosted recently by Bengaluru and lakhs of people visited the venue to watch the event. Kambala has in the past been banned by the Supreme Court, but the Karnataka government amended legislation to allow the races to go on.


36.Boita Bandana is celebrated in which state?

[A] Odisha
[B] Assam
[C] West Bengal
[D] Meghalaya

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odisha] Notes:
Boita Bandana is a boat festival to commemorate the maritime glory of Odisha. It is observed every year on the full moon day in the month of Kartik. The festival commemorates the ancient maritime activities and trade relations of Odisha with Southeast Asian countries. This historical event is commemorated by the symbolic act of floating miniature boats made of banana stems, paper, and coloured cloth in water bodies like rivers, ponds, and the sea. The ritual pays homage to the brave sailors who ventured into the sea for trade.


37.Which state is the host of ‘Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam’ event?

[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] West Bengal
[D] Goa

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh] Notes:
Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam, at TummalapalliKalakshetram, Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. This three-day classical music extravaganza will host a variety of activities, including classical music performances by renowned musicians of the country and an exhibition and sale of regional cuisine, local handicrafts and handlooms. The event provides an enchanting glimpse into the Indian classical music heritage and featured a diverse array of performances by accomplished musicians.


38.Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi are associated with which Sikh Guru?

[A] Guru Teg Bahadur
[B] Guru Nanak
[C] Guru Arjun Dev
[D] Guru Ram Das

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Guru Teg Bahadur] Notes:
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Sikh Guru Teg Bahadur recalling his martyrdom. He was the ninth of ten Gurus of the Sikh religion and was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind. He was born to Mata Nanki and Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh guru, who raised an army against the Mughals and introduced the concept of warrior saints. After Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh guru, the guruship became hereditary. His writings are housed in the sacred text, ‘Guru Granth Sahib,’ in the form of 116 poetic hymns. During one such mission, he founded the town of Chak-Nanki in Punjab, which later became a part of Punjab’s Anandpur Sahib. He was publicly killed in 1675 on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Delhi for refusing Mughal rulers and defying them. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi mark the places of execution and cremation of his body.


39.The Kharsawan Massacre, that was recently in news, happened in which current state?

[A] Odisha
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Bihar
[D] Madhya Pradesh

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jharkhand] Notes:
On January 1, 1948, the town of Kharsawan in present-day Jharkhand witnessed a massacre of Adivasis by the police. This happened during a protest against the merger of the princely state of Kharsawan into Odisha state. The protesters and locals had gathered there in thousands to hear a speech by Jai Prakash Singh Munda. However, he could not make it to the venue and the restive crowd was fired upon by the police, killing hundreds. The massacre is seen as reminiscent of the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy. The exact death toll remains disputed, with estimates ranging from 35 officially to a few thousand unofficially.


40.Which Chinese city hosts the annual Ice and Snow Festival known for its large-scale ice sculptures?

[A] Beijing
[B] Shanghai
[C] Harbin
[D] Guangzhou

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Harbin] Notes:
The annual Ice and Snow Festival, famous for its spectacular and large-scale ice sculptures, is hosted in the city of Harbin. Harbin is the capital city of China’s northernmost province, Heilongjiang, and is renowned for this festival which attracts a significant number of tourists each year. This festival features fairy-tale ice sculptures that are illuminated with colorful lights at night, creating a magical winter wonderland. The sculptures, some of which are several stories high, are made from ice harvested from the nearby frozen Songhua River. In addition to the sculptures, the festival includes various activities like ice slides for both children and adults. The event has gained considerable popularity, drawing thousands of visitors daily and contributing significantly to the local tourism economy, particularly after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

41. Ganga Sagar Mela, India’s second-largest fair after Kumbh Mela, is celebrated in which state of India?
[A] Mizoram
[B] West Bengal
[C] Goa
[D] Karnataka

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [West Bengal] Notes:
The Gangasagar fair is an annual celebration held on 14 or 15 January, coinciding with Makar Sankranti. In 2023, around 51 lakh devotees participated in this fair, located in South Pargana district, West Bengal. Situated at Sagardweep, where the Ganges meets the Bay of Bengal, participants take a dip in the river, offer prayers at the Kapil Muni temple, and seek blessings. This Hindu fair, the second-largest after Kumbh Mela, is renowned for its spiritual significance and is believed to confer salvation and ancestral blessings.

42. Pongal festival is celebrated to mark the beginning of which Tamil month?
[A] Maasi
[B] Thai
[C] Chithirai
[D] Aadi

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Thai] Notes:
The Pongal festival, celebrated in mid-January, marks the onset of the Tamil month of Thai. This festival aligns with the transition to the auspicious Thai month, symbolizing the prosperity of the harvest season. Tamilians express gratitude to nature for a fruitful harvest through various rituals and festivities during this time.

43. Mamani Ethnic Food Festival, which was seen in the news, is associated with which state/UT?
[A] Ladakh
[B] Punjab
[C] Delhi
[D] Lakshadweep

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ladakh] Notes:
The Mamani Ethnic Food Festival is a celebration in Ladakh, India, uniting Buddhist and Muslim communities in Kargil and Leh districts. The festival, held in cities like Kargil and Leh, emphasizes the preservation of cultural heritage. It serves as a platform for diverse communities to come together in harmony and celebrate their shared heritage.

44. The Grantha script, once used to write Sanskrit, was mainly from which Indian State?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu] Notes:
The Grantha script, historically used to write Sanskrit, finds its roots in Tamil Nadu. Archaeological findings in Pazhnchervazhi village near Kangayam revealed stone inscriptions dating from the 11th to 16th centuries featuring the ‘Grantham’ and Tamil scripts. Originally used for Sanskrit literature, Grantha later influenced Malayalam and evolved into Arya Ezhuthu.

45. What is ‘Kudavolai System’, recently mentioned in the news?
[A] Caste system
[B] Electoral system
[C] Irrigation system
[D] Tax system

Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Electoral system] Notes:
Featured in Tamil Nadu’s Republic Day Parade 2024, the Kudavolai System is an ancient electoral method dating back to the 10th century Chola era. Documented in Uthiramerur inscriptions, it was employed to elect village administration representatives. The system involved dividing villages into wards, and residents chose their representatives through a unique process, ensuring a democratic electoral system.

46. Subika paintings, which were seen in the news, are linked to which community’s cultural history?
[A] Bhils
[B] Gonds
[C] Meitei
[D] Chiru

Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Meitei] Notes:
Subika paintings, intricately linked to Meitei cultural history, are facing near-extinction. Dependent on six manuscripts, including Subika Laishaba, these paintings provide a visual continuation of Meitei tradition. Despite their historical significance dating back to the 18th or 19th century in Manipur, Subika paintings emphasize the urgent need for preservation efforts in the realm of visual arts.

47. Hastsal Minar, which was seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Delhi

Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Delhi] Notes:
The Hastsal Minar, also known as the Mini Qutab Minar, is situated in a small village in western Delhi. Completed in 1634 during Shah Jahan’s reign, it stands 17 meters tall with five storeys. Originally used as a hunting lodge, it gained Grade A heritage value in 2018 under Delhi government’s Phase IV project for monument conservation.

48. The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple was recently inaugurated in which city of UAE?
[A] Abu Dhabi
[B] Dubai
[C] Ajman
[D] Kalba

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Abu Dhabi] Notes:
On February 14, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi. The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a socio-spiritual Hindu organization rooted in the Vedas. Established in 1907 CE, it promotes practical spirituality and addresses spiritual, moral, and social challenges globally.

49. ‘Sammakka Saralamma Jatara’ tribal festival, recently seen in the news, is celebrated in which state?
[A] Telangana
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Tamil Nadu

Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Telangana] Notes:
The Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara, the largest Tribal Festival in Asia, is celebrated in Medaram village, Telangana. Commemorating the 12th-century revolt by Sammakka and Saralamma against oppressive taxes during a drought by Kakatiya rulers, this grand event in Mulugu showcases the rich tribal heritage of the region.

50. Tawi festival, recently seen in the news, is celebrated in which state/UT?
[A] Kerala
[B] Jammu and Kashmir
[C] Delhi
[D] Goa

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Correct Answer: B [Jammu and Kashmir] Notes:
The four-day ‘Tawi Festival’ in Jammu and Kashmir, starting on March 1, 2024, highlights the region’s art, culture, and heritage. Emphasizing Jammu’s diverse art forms and cultural heritage, the festival features seminars, workshops, folk music, street theatre, classical and folk dance, and a Mela. It provides a platform for youth creativity and encourages discussions with experts. The event showcases entrepreneurship, innovation, local cuisines, and organic products from women’s NGO groups in the Himalayan region, culminating at the University of Jammu.

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