Indian Art and Culture GK Questions, Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) for all Competitive Examinations
1. UVA PRATIBHA’s event will be launched by MyGov in collaboration with which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of MSME
[B] Ministry of Culture
[C] Ministry of External Affairs
[D] Ministry of Tourism
Answer: B [Ministry of Culture]
Notes:
YUVA PRATIBHA– Singing Talent Hunt will be launched by MyGov in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Culture.
It is a unique opportunity for citizens across India to display their singing talent and skills and to gain national recognition.
2. Monpa Handmade Paper-making art originated from which state/UT?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Uttarakhand
Answer: B [Arunachal Pradesh]
Notes:
Monpa Handmade Paper-making art is a 1,000-year-old traditional art that originated from Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
For the last 100 years, this handmade paper industry had almost disappeared. Khadi and Village Industries Commission(KVIC) is playing a crucial role in reviving this art.
3. ‘Shavuot’, which was seen in the news, is a festival associated with which religion?
[A] Islam
[B] Judaism
[C] Christianity
[D] Buddhism
Answer: B [Judaism]
Notes:
Shavuot is a key Jewish festival with historical and theological significance. It is also known as Feast of Weeks.
It is one of the three pilgrimage festivals, that occurs on the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Sivan. As per the Bible, Shavuot marked the wheat harvest in the Land of Israel.
4. Which state is set to develop the Konark Sun Temple Complex?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Odisha
[C] Assam
[D] Chhattisgarh
Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
The Odisha government has recently decided to develop the Konark Sun Temple Complex with an outlay of Rs.209 crore.
It will be developed as part of the Konark Heritage Area Development Plan (KHADP), under the Integrated Development of Heritage & Monuments and Tourist Destination Scheme.
5. Lipizzans, which are seen in the news, belong to which species?
[A] Horse
[B] Dog
[C] Poultry
[D] Cat
Answer: A [Horse]
Notes:
The Lipizzans are horses that are descendants of long stallion lines crossing Spanish, Arabic and Berber horses.
Lipizzans are famous for their “airs above the ground” classical dressage jumps. The tradition of Lipizzan breeding was recently included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The name derives from Lipica where the horses are found in Slovenia.
6. Tutankhamun, who was seen in the news, was a king of which country?
[A] Egypt
[B] Greece
[C] Russia
[D] Australia
Answer: A [Egypt]
Notes:
Research teams from Australia, Italy and Brazil made use of a digital model of Egyptian King Tutankhamun’s mummified skull and managed to recreate the face.
A team of researchers including forensic experts and anthropologists have created a novel digital reconstruction of King Tutankhamun’s face using advanced techniques.
7. Which state hosted the Urs-e-Sharif event of Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz Gesudaraz?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] West Bengal
[D] Odisha
Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
The 619th Urs-e-Sharif of Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz Gesudaraz commenced with the traditional Sandal procession on the dargah premises in Kalaburagi, Karnataka.
This marked the beginning of the annual Urs-e-Sharif celebration. Banda Nawaz commonly known as Banda Nawaz Gaisu Daraz, was a Hanafi Maturidi scholar and Sufi saint from India of the Chishti Order.
8. Which state/UT celebrates ‘Raja’ festival to worship the Mother Earth?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Odisha
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Chhattisgarh
Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
The mother earth is worshipped during Odisha’s Raja festival. This festival is celebrated for three days. The first day of the festival is called ‘Pahili Raja’, the second day is called ‘Majhi Raja’ ‘Raja Sankranti’ or ‘Mithuna Sankranti’, the third day is ‘Bhudaha’ or ‘Basi Raja’ or ‘Sesha Raja’.
Notably, ‘Pahili Raja’ falls on the last day of month ‘Jyestha’ and ‘Raja Sankranti’ on the first day of month ‘Asadha’, celebrating the beginning of the rainy season.
9. ‘Wihu Kuh festival’ is celebrated by the Tangsa Tribe in which state?
[A] Assam
[B] West Bengal
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Madhya Pradesh
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.
10. Where is the ‘Largo di Torre Argentina’ square located?
[A] USA
[B] Argentina
[C] Italy
[D] Ukraine
Answer: C [Italy]
Notes:
The Largo Argentina square, situated in Rome, Italy, comprises four temples from the Roman Republican era and the remnants of Pompey’s Theatre.
This is the place where Caesar was believed to have lost his life. Recently, the city authorities opened the ancient site which date back as far as the 3rd century B.C.
Indian Art and Culture GK Questions
11. ‘Sabai Grass Mats’ are created by Tribal people of which state?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Odisha
[D] SIkkim
C [Odisha]
Answer: 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.
12. 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
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.
13. Which festival is also called ‘The festival of Sacrifice’ in Islam?
[A] Ramadan
[B] Muharram
[C] Bakrid
[D] Arafat
Answer: C [Bakrid]
Notes:
Eid al-Adha (Bakrid), also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the most important Islamic festivals. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. To honor this act, Muslims around the world sacrifice animals like goats, sheep, or cows and share the meat with family, friends, and those in need. This festival also signifies selflessness, devotion, and charity.
14. Gustav Klimt, who is renowned for ‘The Kiss’ painting is from which country?
[A] Austria
[B] France
[C] Greece
[D] Russia
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.
15. Which event has been commemorated as the Dharma Chakra Pravartana Divas by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)?
[A] Ashadha Purnima
[B] Buddha Purnima
[C] Holi
[D] Diwali
Answer: A [Ashadha Purnima]
Notes:
Recently, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) has commemorated Ashadha Purnima as the Dharma Chakra Pravartana Divas at the National Museum in Janpath, New Delhi. The Ashadha Purnima falls every year on the full moon day of the month of Ashadha as per the Indian lunar calendar.
This event holds great significance as it is the annual flagship celebration of the IBC and is considered the second most sacred day for Buddhists, following the Buddha Purnima.
16. ‘Ker Puja’ festival is celebrated in which state/UT?
[A] Tripura
[B] West Bengal
[C] Odisha
[D] Kerala
Answer: A [Tripura]
Notes:
Ker Puja, a Hindu festival, occurs a fortnight following Kharchi Puja and pays tribute to Ker, a protective deity. It is mainly observed in Tripura.
It is a century old traditional festival. The area around the royal palace has been notified for Ker Puja, where the rituals are held uninterrupted for more than 30 years.
17. “Namda”, a type of rug is associated with which state/UT?
[A] Puducherry
[B] Goa
[C] Andaman & Nicobar
[D] Jammu & Kashmir
Answer: D [Jammu & Kashmir]
Notes:
Namda is a type of rug exclusively made in Jammu and Kashmir, by enmeshing wool fibers with water, soap and pressure and then embroidering the resultant fabric.
Nearly 2200 individuals from six districts in Jammu and Kashmir are undergoing training in the endangered Namda craft, as a part of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) under Skill India’s Pilot Project.
18. Byculla railway station, India’s oldest railway station, is in which state/UT?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] New Delhi
[C] West Bengal
[D] Gujarat
Answer: A [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Byculla railway station is India’s oldest railway station. Following five years of extensive restoration efforts, India’s oldest railway station in central Mumbai, with a remarkable 169-year-old history, has been meticulously revived.
As a result of this remarkable achievement, the station has been honoured with the prestigious Asia Pacific cultural heritage award by UNESCO.
19. ‘Ashura processions’ is associated with which religion?
[A] Hinduism
[B] Jewism
[C] Islam
[D] Sikhism
Answer: C [Islam]
Notes:
Shia Muslims around the world take out Ashura processions to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, a grandson of the Prophet, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in present day Iraq
Thousands of Shia Muslims in Srinagar held a Muharram procession for the first time in over three decades, following the government’s permission.
20. Benisagar, which is in the news recently, is a place located in which state?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Gujarat
[D] Haryana
Answer: A [Jharkhand]
Notes:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have stated excavations in Benisagar – which is a village in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district. The excavation has yielded hundreds of artifacts indicating continuous human habitation from the fifth century A.D. until the 16-17 century A.D.
Benisagar has been recognized by the ASI and listed among the top 100 significant archaeological monuments in the country.
Indian Art and Culture GK Questions
21. Thiruvonam is a festival prevalently celebrated in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Karnataka
Answer: A [Kerala]
Notes:
Thiruvonam, the most auspicious day during the Onam festival, is celebrated throughout Kerala. Onam is a harvest festival that celebrates the return of King Mahabali/Maveli to his beloved state.
The festival is celebrated for ten days and each day holds a lot of significance. Onam also marks the beginning of the Malayalam year, called Kolla Varsham.
22. The ancient city of Kalhu is located in which present-day country?
[A] Greece
[B] China
[C] Iraq
[D] USA
Answer: C [Iraq]
Notes:
In a new study published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports, researchers have successfully extracted ancient DNA from a 2,900-year-old clay brick, uncovering a wealth of information about the plant life cultivated during that era.
The brick analyzed in this study was found in the palace of the Neo-Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II, located in the ancient city of Kalhu, in modern day Iraq.
23. 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
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.
The announcement was made during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Saudi Arabia. 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’.
24. Which state/UT organised India’s First Lighthouse Festival?
[A] Kerala
[B] Goa
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Gujarat
Answer: B [Goa]
Notes:
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the maiden edition of ‘Bharatiya Prakash Sthamb Utsav’ or Indian Lighthouse Festival at the historic Fort Aguada in Panjim, Goa.
This festival is part of a vision to transform 75 lighthouses across India into thriving tourist hubs.
25. Which entity is responsible for overseeing all Cultural Property Museums (CPMs) in India?
[A] Archaeological Survey of India
[B] National Statistical Office
[C] Indian Council For Cultural Relations
[D] Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
Answer: A [Archaeological Survey of India]
Notes:
The 359th Report on the Functioning of Archaeological Survey of India has recommended ‘rationalising’ protected monuments, and rules governing them.
It has also prompted inquiries into the operational aspects of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the entity responsible for overseeing all Cultural Property Museums (CPMs) in India, including its management, security measures, preservation efforts, and the overall maintenance of historical sites.
26. Toto, a Sino-Tibetan language spoken by tribal Toto people, is written in which script?
[A] Hindi
[B] Bengali
[C] Marathi
[D] Tamil
Answer: B [Bengali]
Notes:
‘Toto Shabda Sangraha’ Dictionary is set to be released to save Toto, a Sino-Tibetan language spoken by the tribal Toto people, from extinction.
A language spoken by barely 1,600 people living in parts of West Bengal bordering Bhutan, is written in the Bengali script. Though Dhaniram Toto developed a script as recently as in 2015, most people either write it in Bengali script or write in Bengali language.
27. ‘Valley Queen Heritage train’ is the first heritage train of which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] West Bengal
[C] Sikkim
[D] Rajasthan
Answer: D [Rajasthan]
Notes:
Rajasthan’s first heritage train named the ‘Valley Queen Heritage train’ was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This heritage train provides a nostalgic experience by replicating the design of a steam engine that’s been around for 150 years. The Valley Queen Heritage Train is the sixth of its kind in India.
28. KatiBihu is a festival celebrated in which state/UT?
[A] Arunachal Pradesh
[B] Assam
[C] Kerala
[D] Goa
Answer: B [Assam]
Notes:
KatiBihu is a festival celebrated in Assam. It marks the relocation of rice saplings and is known as Kongali Bihu.
There are another two Bihu festivals celebrated in Assam – Bhogali or Magh Bihu is observed in January and Rongali or Bohag Bihu is observed in the month of April.
29. ‘Arattu’ festival, which was seen in the news, is a famous festival of which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] Odisha
[D] Bihar
Answer: A [Kerala]
Notes:
The ‘Arattu’ festival has a rich tradition of being celebrated at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
The uniqueness of the ‘Arattu’ festival is that the head of the royal family of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom still escorts the idols of deities during the procession in traditional attire. The Aarattu Festival is celebrated twice each year.
30. Two ancient temple caves were recently discovered near Rajapur, Ratnagiri in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Kerala
Answer: B [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Two ancient temple caves were discovered near Rajapur, Ratnagiri, in the state of Maharashtra. The caves are believed to have been created in the 5th or 6th century CE.
They are older than the Elephanta caves. Ratnagiri is also home to the Ratnagiri Caves, a Buddhist center. The Buddhist monuments were constructed from the 5th century CE onwards, with the last work in the 13th century.
Indian Art and Culture GK Questions
31. Which country hosted the 3rd Edition of North East India Festival?
[A] Thailand
[B] Vietnam
[C] Cambodia
[D] Laos
Answer: B [Vietnam]
Notes:
The 3rd edition of the North East India Festival kicked off in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The festival aims to enhance and strengthen the ties between India and Vietnam, focusing on areas such as academics, trade, business, and culture.
32. Which city is the host of the 54th International Film Festival of India?
[A] Kochi
[B] Goa
[C] Chennai
[D] Guwahati
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.
33. ‘Sadar festival’ is celebrated in which state/UT?
[A] Goa
[B] Telangana
[C] Kerala
[D] Punjab
Answer: B [Telangana]
Notes:
Hyderabad is preparing for the Sadar festival, an annual event celebrated by the people every year on the second day following Diwali.
This festival, also known as Dunnapothula Panduga (Festival of the Buffalo Cattle), is a carnival dedicated to buffaloes.
34. Which state organises the ‘Unboxing BLR Habba (UBH)’ festival?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced the Unboxing BLR Habba (UBH) 2023. The festival is set to be hosted by Bengaluru from December 1.
The inaugural edition of the annual city-wide festival will include a diverse range of events, spanning arts, culture, literature, heritage, technology, environment, design, dance, music, theatre, exhibitions, and more.
35. Which Indian state is the host of Hornbill Music Festival in 2023?
[A] Manipur
[B] Assam
[C] Nagaland
[D] Sikkim
Answer: C [Nagaland]
Notes:
The United States of America, Germany, and Colombia are the partner countries for the 24th edition of the Hornbill Music Festival.
The festival will take place from December 1–10, 2023 at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Kohima. The festival represents all ethnic groups of Nagaland for which it is also called the Festival of Festivals. The first festival was held in December 2000.
36. ‘Mahima Cult’ is a religious movement, which originated in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Telangana
[C] Karnataka
[D] West Bengal
Answer: A [Odisha]
Notes:
The Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship officially commenced the two-day ‘International Seminar on Santha Kavi Bhima Bhoi and the enduring influence of the Mahima Cult.’
Originating in the spiritual and cultural milieu of Odisha, India, the Mahima Cult is a unique religious movement that emphasizes simplicity, equality, and unwavering devotion to the formless Divine.
37. Which city is the host of the 28th European Union Film Festival (EUFF) of India?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Panaji
[C] New Delhi
[D] Kolkata
Answer: C [New Delhi]
Notes:
The 28th European Union Film Festival (EUFF) of India is set to unfold in New Delhi from December 1 to 10. Celebrating cultural ties between India and the European Union, the festival will screen 28 films in 25 languages from 28 European countries.
18 of the films in this year’s selection are by women directors. The festival aims to highlight and celebrate women in cinema and ‘the art of storytelling from the woman’s perspective’. After its Delhi chapter, the festival will travel to Chennai.
38. ‘Parthenon Sculptures’ are ancient stone sculptures from which country?
[A] Japan
[B] Greece
[C] Turkey
[D] India
Answer: B [Greece]
Notes:
A diplomatic row sparked between Greece and the UK after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cancelled a meeting with his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis over the status of the Parthenon Sculptures housed at the British Museum.
Over the years, Greece has repeatedly asked for the sculptures’ permanent return to Athens, but Britain refused to do so. The Parthenon Sculptures are more than 30 ancient stone sculptures from Greece that are more than 2,000 years old. Most of them adorned the walls and grounds of the Parthenon temple on the rocky Acropolis hill in Athens. Completed in 432 BC, the temple is dedicated to the goddess Athena.
39. ‘Lokhimon faith’ is associated with which Indian state/UT?
[A] Assam
[B] Odisha
[C] Goa
[D] Kerala
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.
40. Meitei Mayek Script is associated with which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Manipur
[C] Nagaland
[D] Mizoram
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.
Indian Art and Culture GK Questions
41. Boita Bandana is celebrated in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Assam
[C] West Bengal
[D] Meghalaya
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.
42. ‘Raas Mahotsav or Raas Leela festival’ is celebrated in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Assam
[C] West Bengal
[D] Gujarat
Answer: B [Assam]
Notes:
The annual Raas Mahotsav or Raas Leela has started in Assam’s Majuli, the world’s largest inhabited river island.
Majuli is the core of Assamese Neo-Vaishnavism. The river island over the river Brahmaputra has dozens of Vaishnavite monasteries, locally called Satras. Locals perform Bhaona, a traditional form of drama where artists play various mythological characters. Bhaona was started in the fifteenth or sixteenth century by a social-religious reformer and a figure of importance in the cultural and religious history of Assam, Srimanta Sankardeva.
43. ‘Meidias hydria’, which was seen in the news, is an ancient vase from which country?
[A] Greece
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] Turkey
Answer: A [Greece]
Notes:
‘Meidias hydria’, an Ancient Greek vase from 420 BC, on loan from the British museum for the temporary exhibition titled Meanings’ at the Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece.
The ‘Meidias hydria’ leaves London for the first time in 250 years. The loan comes amid a dispute between Greece and Britain over the permanent return of the Parthenon Sculptures from the British Museum to Athens. The 2,500-year-old hydria, signed by Athenian potter Meidias, is decorated with red figures reflecting the mythical encounters of humans with ancient Greek gods, among them half-mortal Hercules, the goddess of love Aphrodite, and Zeus.
44. ‘Garba’, which was included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, is from which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Gujarat
[C] West Bengal
[D] Kerala
Answer: B [Gujarat]
Notes:
Gujarat’s traditional dance form ‘Garba’ was included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
The popular dance form is the 15th cultural item from India to make it to UNESCO list two years after Kolkata’s Durga Puja was last added to the prestigious list.
