Q210. Ankiya Nat, a one-act devotional drama tradition, belongs to which region?
[SSC CHSL – 2021]
(A) Bihar
(B) Tamil Nadu
(C) Odisha
(D) Assam
Answer: (D) Assam
Explanation: Ankiya Nat was developed by Srimanta Sankardeva in Assam as a form of Vaishnavite religious theatre. Plays are performed as Bhaona, often involving musicians, narration, masks and spiritual messages in satras or namghars.
Q209. Which town was an important centre for Indian chintz cotton textiles?
[HSSC State Exam – 2021]
(A) Burhanpur
(B) Masulipatnam
(C) Calicut
(D) Dhaka
Answer: (B) Masulipatnam
Explanation: Masulipatnam on the Andhra coast became a major centre for painted and printed cotton chintz traded internationally. The region’s kalamkari traditions represent related techniques in which cloth is decorated with natural dyes and intricate patterns.
Q208. Which fort was initially built by the Kakatiya dynasty?
[SSC MTS – 2021]
(A) Panhala
(B) Raigad
(C) Neemrana
(D) Golconda
Answer: (D) Golconda
Explanation: Golconda was initially fortified by the Kakatiya rulers in the medieval Deccan, before being developed by later Bahmani and Qutb Shahi powers. The surviving fort near Hyderabad reflects this long sequence of political and architectural changes.
Q207. Where is Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple, situated?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2021]
(A) Manali
(B) Patna
(C) Amritsar
(D) Jalandhar
Answer: (C) Amritsar
Explanation: Sri Harmandir Sahib stands in Amritsar, Punjab, and is Sikhism’s most revered gurdwara. Built within the Amrit Sarovar, its shrine complex is known for devotional kirtan, the Guru Granth Sahib and the institution of langar.
Q206. Ali-Aye-Ligang, a springtime sowing festival, is observed in which state?
[SSC CHSL – 2021]
(A) Kerala
(B) Bihar
(C) Assam
(D) Chhattisgarh
Answer: (C) Assam
Explanation: Ali-Aye-Ligang is a traditional agricultural festival of the Mising community in Assam. It marks the beginning of the sowing season and features communal feasting, folk music and Gumrag dance.
Q205. Ranmale is a traditional folk theatre of which state?
[SSC MTS – 2021]
(A) West Bengal
(B) Goa
(C) Jharkhand
(D) Chhattisgarh
Answer: (B) Goa
Explanation: Ranmale is a Goan folk theatre tradition performed during festivals such as Shigmo. Dialogue, mythological stories and music are staged in village settings, preserving community drama distinct from Goa’s better-known Dhalo dance.
Q204. Tholu Bommalata is a traditional shadow-puppetry form of which state?
[SSC MTS – 2021]
(A) Andhra Pradesh
(B) Karnataka
(C) Kerala
(D) Maharashtra
Answer: (A) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Tholu Bommalata uses translucent leather puppets manipulated behind an illuminated screen in Andhra Pradesh. The dramas often tell Ramayana or Mahabharata stories. Related traditions include Karnataka’s Togalu Gombeyaata and Kerala’s Tholpavakoothu.
Q203. The Eco-Retreat festival is organised by which Indian state?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2021]
(A) Odisha
(B) Tamil Nadu
(C) Assam
(D) Bihar
Answer: (A) Odisha
Explanation: Odisha’s Eco Retreat initiative offers seasonal tourism and cultural experiences in locations including coastal and natural heritage settings. Its programmes combine local food, arts and recreational activities with temporary accommodation, linking tourism to regional culture.
Q202. The Sao Joao festival is traditionally celebrated in which state?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2021]
(A) Karnataka
(B) Kerala
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) Goa
Answer: (D) Goa
Explanation: Sao Joao is a Goan monsoon festival honouring Saint John the Baptist. Participants wear floral headgear and traditionally leap into wells or water bodies, celebrating with songs and community gatherings in Goa’s distinctive Christian folk culture.
Q201. Siddhendra Yogi is recognised as Adi Guru of which dance form?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2021]
(A) Kuchipudi
(B) Kathakali
(C) Bharatanatyam
(D) Kathak
Answer: (A) Kuchipudi
Explanation: Siddhendra Yogi is traditionally associated with the shaping of Kuchipudi dance-drama in Andhra Pradesh. The village repertoire combines expressive acting, brisk rhythmic dance and Carnatic music, and its historic productions include Bhama Kalapam.
