Tag: general knowledge

Questions Related to general knowledge

With reference to the Indian Classical dances, consider the following statements:
1. Sangeet Natak Academy has given the status of classical dances to eight dance forms.
2. The principles of Indian classical dances lie in Natyashastra written by Patanjali.
3. These dance forms only include feminine characteristics i.e.Lasya.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

  1. 1 only

  2. 2 and 3

  3. 3 only

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Sangeet Natak Academy has given status of classical dance to eight dances viz. Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, Manipuri, Sattriya, Mohiniattam and Kuchipudi. Natyshastra written by Bharat Muni defines principles of Indian classical dance. It includes two basic aspects i.e. Tandava which is male characteristic of power and strength and Lasya which comprises of feminine grace, bhava, rasa and abhinaya.

Which of the following statements about "Kathak" is/are correct?
1. It was patronized and practiced by Wajid Ali Shah.
2. Its main centres are Jaipur, Banaras and Lucknow.
3. Both men and women take part.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2

  2. 2 and 3

  3. 1 and 3

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Kathak developed during the Bhakti movement. Golden age of Kathak began under the patronage of Wajid Ali Shah (last Nawab of Oudh). Three gharanas are more well known and studied - Jaipur, Banaras and Lucknow.  Kathak dance can be performed by both men and women. Birju Maharaj, Lacchu Maharaj, Sitara Devi, Damayanti Joshi are some of the famous Kathak dancers.

Consider the following terms regarding Mauryan administration:
1. Rajukas
2. Sannidhata
3. Pautvadhyaksha
Who of the above was responsible for managing state treasury?

  1. 1 only

  2. 2 only

  3. 3 only

  4. None of the above


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
During Mauryan period:
Rajukas were appointed for the administration of justice in the empire.
Sannnidhata was the officer of state treasury.
Pautvadhyaksha was the officer of Weights and Measures.

Tribhanga body position is associated with which of the following classical dance form?

  1. Bharatnatyam

  2. Kathakali

  3. Oddisi

  4. Kuchipudi


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The tribhanga posture is innate to Odissi dance. It is a standing body position which means three parts break, consisting of three bends in the body - at the neck, waist and knee and hence the body curves into a gentle "S" shape. It is considered the most graceful and sensual of the Odissi positions.

Consider the following statements:
1. Mughal School of painting began under Babur.
2. Under Akbar's reign an atelier of painting was established.
3. Some Mughal painting bear European influence.
Select of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 2

  2. 2 and 3

  3. 1 and 3

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Mughal school of painting began with Akbar under whose rule an atelier of painting was established under the supervision of two Persian masters, Mir Sayyed Ali and Abdul Samad Khan. Under Akbar, European painting was introduced at the court by the Portuguese priests. Under their influence, the principles of fore-shortening, whereby near and distant people and things could be placed in perspective was quietly adopted.

Ellora Caves depict art of which of the following faiths? 

  1. Buddhist

  2. Hindu and Buddhist

  3. Jaina

  4. Hindu, Buddhist and Jaina


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Ellora caves are a group of 34 caves. The caves are datable from circa 6th - 7th century A.D. to 11th - 12th century A.D. These caves dedicated to Hindu, Buddhist and Jaina faith. The Hindu caves are the most dramatic in design, and the Buddhist caves contain the simplest ornamentation. Ellora served as a group of monasteries (viharas) and temples (chaityas).

Consider the following statements regarding 'Mudiyettu' theatre form:
1. It can be found in Karnataka.
2. It is celebrated in the month of Vrischikam (November-December).
3. It is performed in kali and Shiva temples.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  

  1. 1 and 3

  2. 2 only

  3. 1 only

  4. 1 and 2


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Mudiyettu is a theatre form found in Kerala. It is celebrated in the month of Vrischikam (November-December) and is usually performed only in Kali temples. It depicts the triumph of goddess Bhadrakali over asura Darika.

GI tags are provided under the mandate of which international agreements?

  1. Montreal Protocol

  2. WTO TRIPS

  3. Kyoto Protocol

  4. Beijing Declaration


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin (e.g. a town, region or a country) and possess qualities, attributes or a reputation that are due to that origin. Geographical indications are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products. Its mandate, governing bodies and procedures are set out in the WIPO Convention, which established WIPO in 1967. 

Consider the following statements:
1. Konkani is included in the Classical languages of India.
2. In order to be classified as a Classical language the language must have high antiquity of its early and recorded history of over a period of 1500-2000 years.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only

  2. 2 only

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2


Correct Option: B
Explanation:
The following six languages are included in the list of Classical Languages: Tamil, Telugu, Sanskrit, Kannada, Malayalam and Odia. Some of the criteria for declaring a language as classical are: 
  • Extraordinary antiquity of its early transcripts or verified history over a period of 1500-2000 years.
  • A body of ancient literature or texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers.
  • The literary tradition should be unique and not hired from another language community.
Tamil was the first Classical Language of India. Odiya was given the status of the Classical language recently.

Consider the following statements regarding 'Tholu Bommalata':
1. It is a form of rod puppetry.
2. It is related to West Bengal.
Which of the following given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only

  2. 2 only

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Tholu Bommalata is the shadow puppet theatre tradition of the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. The puppets are large in size and have joints. They are coloured on both sides. The music is dominantly influenced by the classical music of the region and the theme of the puppet plays are drawn from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas.