General Knowledge - Indian Culture: Questions and Answers -2
51. Which ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer is credited with the concept of 'zero' and the decimal system?
Aryabhata: Aryabhata, a prominent Indian mathematician of the classical era, is widely credited with the invention of the decimal place-value system including the concept of zero.
52. The festival of Durga Puja is most widely and grandly celebrated in which Indian state?
West Bengal: Durga Puja is the biggest festival in West Bengal, celebrating the goddess Durga and her victory over the demon Mahishasura.
53. What is the name of the traditional Indian sport, similar to polo, played on horseback, particularly popular in the Himalayan regions?
Polo (specifically adapted mountain polo): Polo, in its traditional form, has ancient roots in India, especially in regions like Ladakh and Manipur.
54. The iconic Gateway of India is located in which Indian city?
Mumbai: The Gateway of India is an arch monument built in the early 20th century in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
55. What is the name of the spiritual symbol of Hinduism and other Indian religions, often representing the universe or ultimate reality?
Om (Aum): Om (or Aum) is a sacred sound and a spiritual symbol in Hinduism, representing the essence of the ultimate reality, consciousness, or Atman.
56. The Kalarippayattu is an ancient martial art form that originated in which Indian state?
Kerala: Kalarippayattu is one of the oldest surviving martial arts in the world, with its origins in Kerala.
57. The intricate art of decorating hands and feet with henna paste is called:
Mehndi: Mehndi is a form of body art from ancient India, where decorative designs are created on a person's body, using a paste, created from the powdered dry leaves of the henna plant.
58. Which Indian classical vocal music style is known for its strict adherence to ragas and complex melodic improvisation?
Dhrupad: Dhrupad is one of the oldest and grandest forms of Hindustani classical vocal music, characterized by its emphasis on purity of raga and elaborate improvisations.
59. The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great fervor, especially in which Indian state?
Maharashtra: Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, is particularly popular and widely celebrated in Maharashtra.
60. What is the traditional name for the Hindu funeral pyre?
Chita: In Hindu tradition, the deceased are cremated on a funeral pyre, known as 'chita'.
61. The Panchatantra is a collection of ancient Indian fables, primarily aimed at teaching:
Moral values and worldly wisdom: The Panchatantra is an ancient Indian collection of inter-related animal fables in verse and prose, designed to teach principles of proper conduct and practical wisdom.
62. Which ancient city, now in ruins, was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Hampi: Hampi, located in Karnataka, was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century and is famous for its magnificent ruins.
63. What is the national fruit of India?
Mango: The mango is often referred to as the 'King of Fruits' in India and holds significant cultural and economic importance.
64. The traditional garment worn by men in South India, similar to a sarong or kilt, is called:
Dhoti / Lungi / Veshti: These are different regional names for a traditional unstitched garment wrapped around the lower body by men in India.
65. Which city is considered the spiritual capital of India, located on the banks of the Ganges River?
Varanasi (Kashi): Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is considered a holy city in Hinduism.
66. The Bhangra dance is a lively folk dance originating from which Indian state?
Punjab: Bhangra is a high-energy folk dance primarily associated with the Punjab region of India and Pakistan.
67. What is the traditional name for the Hindu ritual of worshipping a deity with offerings and prayers, often done in a temple or home?
Puja: Puja is a prayer ritual performed by Hindus to worship one or more deities, or to spiritually celebrate an event.
68. Which Indian state is known for its rich handicrafts, including mirror work, embroidery, and bandhani textiles?
Gujarat: Gujarat has a vibrant tradition of handicrafts, including intricate textiles, embroidery, and mirror work.
69. The classical dance form Manipuri originated in which Northeastern state of India?
Manipur: Manipuri is a classical dance form that originated in the northeastern state of Manipur, known for its graceful and fluid movements.
70. What is the significance of the Tilak or Tika applied on the forehead in Hinduism?
It marks an auspicious occasion, symbolizes devotion, or represents the third eye: The tilak is a mark worn on the forehead, signifying spiritual devotion, auspiciousness, or as a symbol of reverence.
71. The ancient Indian astronomical observatory complexes, featuring giant sundials and other instruments, are known as:
Jantar Mantar: Jantar Mantar refers to a collection of astronomical instruments built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, with the most famous ones in Jaipur and Delhi.
72. Which Indian state is the birthplace of Buddhism and Jainism?
Bihar: Both Buddhism (Gautam Buddha) and Jainism (Mahavira) originated in the ancient Magadha region, which largely corresponds to modern-day Bihar.
73. The Indian culinary spice that gives a yellow color to food and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties is:
Turmeric (Haldi): Turmeric is a widely used spice in Indian cuisine, known for its vibrant yellow color and numerous health benefits.
74. What is the traditional name for the Hindu wedding ceremony?
Vivaha: Vivaha is the traditional Hindu wedding ceremony, a sacred sacrament in Hinduism.
75. The Konkani language is primarily spoken in which Indian state?
Goa: Konkani is an Indo-Aryan language spoken predominantly by the Konkani people along the Konkan coast of India, with Goa being a major region.
76. Which Indian classical music instrument is a wind instrument, often made of bamboo, played by blowing across an open hole?
Bansuri (Flute): The bansuri is an ancient transverse flute of India, deeply rooted in Indian classical music.
77. The festival of Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival often celebrated by flying: Kites:
Makar Sankranti is a significant Hindu festival celebrated across India, often marked by kite-flying, especially in states like Gujarat (Uttarayan).
78. What is the traditional Indian art form of decorating floors or entrances with patterns made from colored powders or flowers?
Rangoli: Rangoli is an art form, originating in the Indian subcontinent, in which patterns are created on the floor or a tabletop using materials such as powdered limestone, red ochre, dry rice flour, colored sand, quartz powder, flower petals, or colored rocks.
79. The Gatka is a traditional martial art form originating from which Indian community?
Sikhs (Punjab): Gatka is an ancient martial art associated with the Sikhs of Punjab, focusing on the use of various weapons.
80. The famous Khajuraho Group of Monuments, known for their intricate sculptures, are located in which state?
Madhya Pradesh: The Khajuraho temples in Madhya Pradesh are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for their unique architecture and erotic sculptures.
81. Which traditional Indian attire for men consists of a long, loose shirt worn over pajamas or trousers?
Kurta-Pajama: A kurta is a loose tunic or shirt worn in South Asia, often paired with pajama bottoms.
82. The ancient Indian concept of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" means: "The world is one family":
This Sanskrit phrase from Hindu texts means that the whole world is one single family, emphasizing global harmony and interconnectedness.
83. Which Indian spice is often called 'black gold' due to its historical value and importance in trade?
Black Pepper: Black pepper was a highly prized commodity in ancient trade routes, earning it the moniker 'black gold'.
84. The festival of Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated primarily in which South Indian state? Tamil Nadu:
Pongal is a multi-day harvest festival of South India, particularly in the Tamil community.
85. The classical dance form Mohiniyattam originated in which state?
Kerala: Mohiniyattam is one of the eight classical dance forms of India that developed and remains popular in the state of Kerala.
86. What is the traditional name for the Hindu sacred thread ceremony, typically for boys?
Upanayana: Upanayana is a traditional Hindu samskara (rite of passage) marking a boy's initiation into studentship and the wearing of the sacred thread (Yajnopavitam).
87. Which Indian state is known for its vibrant folk music, particularly the Bihugeet associated with its harvest festival?
Assam: Bihu is the major harvest festival of Assam, and Bihugeet refers to the folk songs sung during this festival.
88. The famous Elephanta Caves, known for their rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, are located near which major Indian city?
Mumbai: The Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a network of sculptured caves located on Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour.
89. Which Indian city is known as the 'City of Lakes' and is famous for its historic palaces and artificial lakes?
Udaipur: Udaipur, in Rajasthan, is often called the 'City of Lakes' due to its elaborate lake system.
90. What is the traditional name for a collective meal or feast in a community kitchen, especially in Sikh gurdwara?
Langar: Langar is the community kitchen in a gurdwara where a free meal is served to all visitors, regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity.
91. The ancient Indian board game often considered the ancestor of chess is:
Chaturanga: Chaturanga is an ancient Indian strategy game that is believed to be the common ancestor of chess, shogi, and makruk.
92. The festival of Navratri literally means: "Nine nights":
Navratri is a Hindu festival spanning nine nights and is celebrated in various ways across India, particularly associated with the goddess Durga.
93. Which Indian classical dance form is a solo performance by a female dancer, traditionally performed in temples?
Bharatnatyam (originally 'Sadir'): Bharatnatyam, with its origins in Sadir (temple dances), is typically a solo female performance known for its precise movements and expressions.
94. The historical monument Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is located in which city?
Jaipur: Hawa Mahal is a palace in Jaipur, built from red and pink sandstone, and known for its unique façade with 953 small windows.
95. What is the significance of the Swastika symbol in Indian culture? It represents prosperity, good luck, and auspiciousness:
The Swastika is an ancient religious and cultural symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, denoting prosperity and well-being.
96. Which ancient Indian philosophical school is based on the teachings of Buddha? Buddhism (as a philosophy/religion):
Buddhism is a religion and dharma that originated in ancient India, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha).
97. The traditional South Indian breakfast dish made from fermented rice and lentil batter, often served with sambar and chutney, is:
Idli / Dosa: Both Idli and Dosa are popular South Indian breakfast items made from fermented rice and lentil batter.
98. The Sangeet Natak Akademi is India's national academy for:
Music, Dance, and Drama: It is the apex body for the performing arts in India, established by the Government of India
99. Which ancient Indian city was a major center for the Indus Valley Civilization?
Mohenjo-Daro / Harappa: Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa were two of the largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilization.
100. The concept of 'Atman' in Hindu philosophy refers to:
The individual soul or self: In Hindu philosophy, Atman refers to the spiritual essence of all individual beings, often equated with the universal Brahman
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