Q260. The first Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque at Delhi dates to the last decade of which century?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Eleventh
(B) Thirteenth
(C) Fourteenth
(D) Twelfth
Answer: (D) Twelfth
Explanation: Qutb-ud-din Aibak began the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in the 1190s, placing its earliest phase in the closing decade of the twelfth century. The complex illustrates the earliest monumental architecture of the Delhi Sultanate.
Q259. The roof of Hemkund Sahib gurdwara is shaped like an upturned what?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Rose
(B) Marigold
(C) Sunflower
(D) Lotus
Answer: (D) Lotus
Explanation: Gurdwara Sri Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand stands beside a high-altitude lake sacred to Sikhs. Its modern structure has a striking inverted-lotus roof adapted to the snowy Himalayan setting. The distinctive design makes the pilgrimage shrine instantly recognisable.
Q258. Which traditional wind instrument is described as a Mangal Vadya?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Shehnai
(B) Santoor
(C) Tabla
(D) Damaru
Answer: (A) Shehnai
Explanation: The shehnai is considered an auspicious, or mangal, musical instrument and is played at weddings, temples and ceremonial gatherings. Ustad Bismillah Khan popularised it as a classical solo concert instrument with a lyrical melodic range.
Q257. Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra was a leading exponent of which dance?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Kuchipudi
(B) Manipuri
(C) Bharatanatyam
(D) Odissi
Answer: (D) Odissi
Explanation: Kelucharan Mohapatra was among the principal gurus responsible for the twentieth-century revival and formalisation of Odissi. His choreography drew from Odisha’s temple sculpture, mahari and gotipua traditions, helping Odissi reach national and international audiences.
Q256. Rukmini Devi Arundale was a major exponent of which classical dance?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Bharatanatyam
(B) Manipuri
(C) Sattriya
(D) Odissi
Answer: (A) Bharatanatyam
Explanation: Rukmini Devi Arundale was a key figure in the twentieth-century revival of Bharatanatyam and founded Kalakshetra in Chennai in 1936. Her productions reshaped costume, presentation and arts education while drawing from the older Tamil dance tradition.
Q255. The performance of Kuchipudi uses which system of classical music?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Kajri
(B) Chaiti
(C) Carnatic
(D) Hindustani
Answer: (C) Carnatic
Explanation: Kuchipudi is a classical dance from Andhra Pradesh that traditionally accompanies Carnatic compositions. Dance-drama sequences combine rhythmic footwork, expressive acting and music built around South Indian ragas and talas.
Q254. The buffalo-racing festival Kambala is a traditional event of which state?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Karnataka
(B) Pattadakal
(C) Karaga
(D) Mahamastakabhisheka
Answer: (A) Karnataka
Explanation: Kambala is a traditional buffalo race associated with the coastal districts of Karnataka. Competitors drive buffalo pairs through muddy waterlogged tracks, accompanied by large local gatherings. The event reflects the agrarian culture and local heritage of the Tulu-speaking coastal region.
Q253. The Sikh and Punjabi harvest festival Baisakhi usually falls in which month?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) April
(B) February
(C) January
(D) March
Answer: (A) April
Explanation: Baisakhi is observed in mid-April and marks a new harvest season in Punjab. Sikhs also commemorate the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Processions, prayers and communal service are important observances.
Q252. Which of these performance traditions is characteristic of Bihar?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Ghoomar
(B) Kalbelia
(C) Bidesia
(D) Kummatti
Answer: (C) Bidesia
Explanation: Bidesia is a popular folk theatre and song tradition of Bihar associated with Bhikhari Thakur. Its stories often explore migration, family separation and social issues. Ghoomar and Kalbelia belong to Rajasthan, whereas Kummatti is linked with Kerala.
Q251. Tarangmel is a folk dance performed in which state?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Goa
(B) Madhya Pradesh
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) Kerala
Answer: (A) Goa
Explanation: Tarangmel is a traditional Goan folk dance associated with festive occasions. Participants carry decorated banners or tarangas and perform rhythmic movements in procession-like formations, reflecting Goa’s varied Hindu folk performance heritage.
