Q190. The monumental monolithic Gommateshwara statue is situated at which place?
[WBCS Mains GK – 2021]
(A) Rameswaram
(B) Madurai
(C) Kanchipuram
(D) Shravanabelagola
Answer: (D) Shravanabelagola
Explanation: The tall freestanding statue at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka depicts the Jain spiritual figure Bahubali. Carved from a single mass of stone, it is a celebrated work of medieval sculptural art.
Q189. Where are the famous Jain Dilwara Temples situated?
[WBCS Mains GK – 2021]
(A) Uttar Pradesh
(B) Rajasthan
(C) Maharashtra
(D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: (B) Rajasthan
Explanation: The Dilwara Jain temples stand at Mount Abu in Rajasthan and are famous for the remarkably intricate marble ceilings, pillars and doorways. They exemplify the rich craftsmanship of western Indian temple architecture.
Q188. Balchao and Sorpotel are traditional culinary specialities of which state?
[SSC MTS – 2021]
(A) Karnataka
(B) Uttarakhand
(C) Goa
(D) Punjab
Answer: (C) Goa
Explanation: Balchao is a tangy spiced Goan preparation often made with seafood, while sorpotel is a seasoned meat stew of Indo-Portuguese heritage. Both reflect culinary exchanges visible in Goa’s regional food traditions.
Q187. Mohiniyattam originated in which Indian state?
[SSC CHSL – 2020]
(A) Assam
(B) West Bengal
(C) Kerala
(D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: (C) Kerala
Explanation: Mohiniyattam developed in Kerala and is marked by graceful lasya movements, white-and-gold costume and expressive storytelling. Its revival received support from Kerala Kalamandalam. It is distinct from the more vigorous dance-drama tradition of Kathakali.
Q186. Birds, animals and luxuriant natural settings are particularly prominent in which Rajasthani painting school?
[Rajasthan State Exam – 2020]
(A) Bundi
(B) Nathdwara
(C) Kishangarh
(D) Bikaner
Answer: (A) Bundi
Explanation: Bundi miniature paintings often portray dense foliage, elephants, peacocks, dramatic monsoon skies and hunting or courtly scenes. The neighbouring Kota school shares a strong interest in landscape and animals, whereas Kishangarh is famed for stylised devotional portraits.
Q185. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Jain caves lie in which state?
[SSC CPO – 2020]
(A) Uttarakhand
(B) Chhattisgarh
(C) Tripura
(D) Odisha
Answer: (D) Odisha
Explanation: Udayagiri and Khandagiri near Bhubaneswar preserve Jain rock-cut cells and inscriptions of ancient Kalinga. The Hathigumpha inscription is associated with King Kharavela. These caves are separate from Gupta-period Udayagiri caves near Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh.
Q184. Bhavai and Kalbelia are traditional dance forms of which state?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2020]
(A) Assam
(B) Rajasthan
(C) Punjab
(D) Haryana
Answer: (B) Rajasthan
Explanation: Bhavai and Kalbelia both belong to Rajasthan’s diverse folk performance heritage. Bhavai performers often balance pots while dancing; Kalbelia’s fluid, serpentine movements are associated with the Kalbelia community and its music.
Q183. Jawara, a dance celebrating prosperity, originates in which state?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2020]
(A) Gujarat
(B) Kerala
(C) Madhya Pradesh
(D) Rajasthan
Answer: (C) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Jawara is a folk dance of Madhya Pradesh, traditionally performed during festivities connected with crops and communal well-being. The dance includes balanced or carried baskets of germinated grain, symbolising growth, fertility and agricultural prosperity.
Q182. Which festival name translates roughly to the merrymaking of the gods?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2020]
(A) Lai Haraoba
(B) Makar Sankranti
(C) Diwali
(D) Pongal
Answer: (A) Lai Haraoba
Explanation: Lai Haraoba is a traditional festival of Manipur celebrating local deities and the renewal of life. Maibi priestesses perform elaborate rituals and dances that symbolically narrate creation, making it a particularly significant Meitei cultural tradition.
Q181. Which of the listed dances is not traditionally from Jammu and Kashmir?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2020]
(A) Hafiza
(B) Dumhal
(C) Dangi
(D) Rouf
Answer: (C) Dangi
Explanation: Dangi is not typically grouped with Jammu and Kashmir’s folk dances. Rouf is a Kashmiri women’s dance, Dumhal is associated with ceremonial performance and Hafiza belongs to traditional Kashmiri musical culture. Regional associations distinguish these forms.
