Q300. Ram Narayan and Sultan Khan, celebrated musicians from Rajasthan, both played which instrument?
[Rajasthan CET Graduate – 2023]
(A) Sarangi
(B) Kamaycha
(C) Tabla
(D) Sitar
Answer: (A) Sarangi
Explanation: Both Pandit Ram Narayan and Ustad Sultan Khan became internationally respected sarangi performers. The bowed string instrument uses sympathetic strings and a fingernail-based technique, allowing ornaments resembling the human voice. Rajasthan has contributed many renowned sarangi players.
Q299. The Agni or fire dance of Rajasthan is practised by men of which religious sect?
[RPSC RAS Prelims – 2023]
(A) Bishnoi
(B) Ramsnehi
(C) Jasnathi Siddha
(D) Dadupanth
Answer: (C) Jasnathi Siddha
Explanation: Members of the Jasnathi Siddha tradition are celebrated for performing the Agni Nritya on glowing embers. The community is associated particularly with Bikaner and neighbouring districts. Drum rhythms and devotional calls accompany the display of ritual endurance.
Q298. Match the cultural sites:
Besnagar—Shaivite cave;
Bhaja—Buddhist cave;
Sittanavasal—Jain cave.
How many are correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2023]
(A) One
(B) Two
(C) Three
(D) None
Answer: (B) Two
Explanation: Bhaja in Maharashtra contains Buddhist rock-cut caves; Sittanavasal in Tamil Nadu preserves Jain painting and cave heritage. Besnagar near Vidisha is known for the Heliodorus pillar rather than a Shaivite cave shrine. Therefore the second and third pairs agree.
Q297. Which Indian classical dance developed from the historical Sadir Attam tradition?
[SSC CPO – 2023]
(A) Bharatanatyam
(B) Kuchipudi
(C) Mohiniyattam
(D) Kathakali
Answer: (A) Bharatanatyam
Explanation: The temple-linked Sadir or Dasiattam tradition of Tamil Nadu evolved into modern Bharatanatyam. Nineteenth- and twentieth-century choreographers codified its repertoire, while performers adapted it for public stages, preserving angular technique, rhythmic precision and expressive storytelling.
Q296. The Odisha festival Raja Parba traditionally continues for how many days?
[SSC CHSL – 2023]
(A) Five
(B) Six
(C) Four
(D) Three
Answer: (D) Three
Explanation: Raja Parba, celebrated around Mithuna Sankranti, honours womanhood and the regenerative power of the earth. Three principal festival days feature swings, special foods and social gatherings. A subsequent ritual bathing of Mother Earth follows the main observances.
Q295. The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is situated in which city?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Panipat
(B) Lahore
(C) Ajmer
(D) Delhi
Answer: (D) Delhi
Explanation: Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is located within Delhi’s Qutb complex at Mehrauli, close to the Qutb Minar and Iron Pillar. Established under Qutb-ud-din Aibak, its early structures illustrate the beginnings of Delhi Sultanate architecture.
Q294. Asad Ali Khan was a renowned player of which string instrument?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Rudra Veena
(B) Ghatam
(C) Esraj
(D) Mohan Veena
Answer: (A) Rudra Veena
Explanation: Ustad Asad Ali Khan was among the outstanding performers of the rudra veena, a long plucked instrument strongly connected with dhrupad music. His playing helped preserve the instrument’s austere melodic style during a period when it became relatively uncommon on stage.
Q293. Which festival is widely regarded as the most prominent annual celebration of Kerala?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Diwali
(B) Onam
(C) Boat Festival
(D) Makaravilakku
Answer: (B) Onam
Explanation: Onam is Kerala’s renowned harvest-season festival, remembered through the legend of King Mahabali. The celebrations include pookalam floral decorations, onasadya meals, cultural performances and sporting events such as traditional boat races in some areas.
Q292. The dhaank is a principal instrument of which folk dance?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Rai
(B) Saira
(C) Matki
(D) Kaathi
Answer: (D) Kaathi
Explanation: Kaathi is listed in the examined folk-dance association with the dhaank percussion instrument. Folk performances frequently depend on region-specific drums for rhythm and movement, illustrating the close connection between local instruments and communal dances.
Q291. The traditional festival Shad Suk Mynsiem belongs to which state?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Meghalaya
(B) Assam
(C) Odisha
(D) Goa
Answer: (A) Meghalaya
Explanation: Shad Suk Mynsiem is an important spring thanksgiving dance festival of the Khasi community in Meghalaya. Men and women perform in traditional attire to celebrate peace, blessings and cultural continuity, with music supplied by indigenous instruments.
