Q230. Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu was renowned as a player of which instrument?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Violin
(B) Veena
(C) Nadaswaram
(D) Mandolin
Answer: (A) Violin
Explanation: Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu was a celebrated violinist in the Carnatic classical tradition. He developed a refined technique and taught generations of students. The violin, though of European origin, became an important instrument in South Indian classical concerts.
Q229. Sunanda Nair is primarily associated with which classical dance?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Kathak
(B) Odissi
(C) Yakshagana
(D) Mohiniyattam
Answer: (D) Mohiniyattam
Explanation: Sunanda Nair is known for Mohiniyattam, Kerala’s graceful classical dance, as both performer and teacher. Her productions and instruction showcase the form’s delicate movement, expressive storytelling and distinctive regional musical and costume traditions.
Q228. The Wangala harvest festival is traditionally celebrated by which community?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Bhil
(B) Garo
(C) Tharu
(D) Bhutia
Answer: (B) Garo
Explanation: Wangala is a major post-harvest festival of the Garo community in Meghalaya. Often described as the Hundred Drums Festival, it honours the sun deity Saljong and features communal dancing and drumming in traditional clothing.
Q227. Jata-Jatin is a folk dance and song performance associated with which state?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Manipur
(B) Odisha
(C) Bihar
(D) West Bengal
Answer: (C) Bihar
Explanation: Jata-Jatin is a folk dance and dramatic song tradition of Bihar, especially the Mithila region. Performed predominantly by women, it tells stories of separation, family relationships and everyday social experiences through enactment and music.
Q226. Which folk form is NOT traditionally associated with Gujarat?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Garba
(B) Dandiya Raas
(C) Bidesiya
(D) Vinchhudo
Answer: (C) Bidesiya
Explanation: Bidesiya belongs to the folk theatre traditions of Bihar, notably associated with Bhikhari Thakur. Garba, Dandiya Raas and Vinchhudo are linked with Gujarati performance cultures, including celebrations during Navratri and community gatherings.
Q225. Bimbavati Devi is an accomplished performer of which classical dance?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Chhau
(B) Manipuri
(C) Kathakali
(D) Odissi
Answer: (B) Manipuri
Explanation: Bimbavati Devi is a respected Manipuri classical dancer connected with the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy tradition. Manipuri is known for its delicate flowing movement, devotional themes and distinctive raslila and pung cholom performance styles.
Q224. For how many days does the Nagaland Hornbill Festival traditionally run?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Five
(B) Ten
(C) Fifteen
(D) Twenty
Answer: (B) Ten
Explanation: Nagaland’s annual Hornbill Festival is commonly held from 1 to 10 December, a ten-day celebration at Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima. It brings together Naga community dances, songs, food, sporting demonstrations and craftsmanship.
Q223. Which Sikkim festival is also known as Bhoomi Puja or Chandi Puja?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Losar
(B) Barahimizong
(C) Sakewa
(D) Indra Jatra
Answer: (C) Sakewa
Explanation: Sakewa is a festival of the Kirat Rai community in Sikkim and neighbouring Himalayan areas. Its dances and rituals express respect for the earth and nature, explaining associations with Bhoomi Puja or Chandi Puja.
Q222. Which musician–instrument pairing is incorrect?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) K. Vaidyanathan—Sitar
(B) Ram Narayan—Sarangi
(C) Vilayat Khan—Sitar
(D) Bismillah Khan—Shehnai
Answer: (A) K. Vaidyanathan—Sitar
Explanation: Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan was primarily a celebrated Carnatic violinist, not a sitarist. Ram Narayan performed on sarangi, Vilayat Khan on sitar and Bismillah Khan on shehnai. These associations are frequently examined as instrumental-music facts.
Q221. Sundaram Balachander was particularly renowned for playing which instrument?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2022]
(A) Mridangam
(B) Bansuri
(C) Veena
(D) Santoor
Answer: (C) Veena
Explanation: S. Balachander was a highly influential Carnatic veena performer who developed innovative fingering and musical techniques. The Saraswati veena is a plucked string instrument with a large resonating gourd-like body and characteristic movable frets.
