Q380. Match the Rajasthan schools Kishangarh, Bikaner, Mewar and Marwar
with painters Nihalchand, Ali Raza, Sahibdin and Shivdas.
[RPSC RAS Prelims – 2025]
(A) Kishangarh–Nihalchand; Bikaner–Shivdas; Mewar–Sahibdin; Marwar–Ali Raza
(B) Kishangarh–Nihalchand; Bikaner–Ali Raza; Mewar–Sahibdin; Marwar–Shivdas
(C) Kishangarh–Nihalchand; Bikaner–Ali Raza; Mewar–Shivdas; Marwar–Sahibdin
(D) Kishangarh–Nihalchand; Bikaner–Sahibdin; Mewar–Ali Raza; Marwar–Shivdas
Answer: (B) Kishangarh–Nihalchand; Bikaner–Ali Raza; Mewar–Sahibdin; Marwar–Shivdas
Explanation: Nihalchand created the famous Bani Thani image in Kishangarh. Ali Raza worked at Bikaner, Sahibdin was prominent in Mewar, and Shivdas is linked with Marwar. These associations help distinguish the major schools of Rajasthani miniature painting.
Q379. Which Haryana folk dance is named after a forehead ornament worn by married women?
[HSSC CET Group C – 2025]
(A) Ghoomar
(B) Loor
(C) Jhumar
(D) Gugga dance
Answer: (C) Jhumar
Explanation: Jhumar takes its name from an ornament worn on the forehead and is an important women’s dance in Haryana. It is accompanied by local songs and rhythm, whereas Loor is associated with springtime and Gugga dance with Gugga Pir.
Q378. In which state’s Vaishnavite monasteries did the Sattriya dance evolve?
[SSC GD Constable – 2025]
(A) West Bengal
(B) Arunachal Pradesh
(C) Assam
(D) Sikkim
Answer: (C) Assam
Explanation: Sattriya developed in Assamese Vaishnavite monastic centres called sattras and is associated with Sankardeva. It integrates devotional drama, expressive dance and religious music, and received recognition as a classical dance tradition in 2000.
Q377. Which classical dance originated in the village historically called Kuchelapuram?
[SSC GD Constable – 2025]
(A) Kathakali
(B) Kuchipudi
(C) Kathak
(D) Mohiniyattam
Answer: (B) Kuchipudi
Explanation: Kuchipudi takes its name from a village in Andhra Pradesh, historically known as Kuchelapuram. It developed as a dance-drama tradition with links to Siddhendra Yogi and includes performances such as Tarangam on a brass plate.
Q376. During Pongal, which description of the cattle-related celebration is correct?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2025]
(A) Thai Pongal is primarily for decorating cattle
(B) Mattu Pongal involves adorning and honouring cattle
(C) Pongal Mela is famous solely for kite flying
(D) Bhogali Bihu features the Jallikattu event
Answer: (B) Mattu Pongal involves adorning and honouring cattle
Explanation: Mattu Pongal, observed during the Tamil harvest festival, honours cows and bulls for their role in agriculture. Cattle are washed, decorated and worshipped; the main Thai Pongal day focuses on thanksgiving to the Sun.
Q375. Harela, a festival linked with greenery and environmental well-being, belongs chiefly to which state?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2024]
(A) Madhya Pradesh
(B) Haryana
(C) Assam
(D) Uttarakhand
Answer: (D) Uttarakhand
Explanation: Harela is especially celebrated in Uttarakhand, notably the Kumaon region. Families sow grains and later cut their green shoots as auspicious symbols. It connects the monsoon agricultural season with prayers for prosperity and ecological harmony.
Q374. Which three deities are installed at the Jagannath Temple of Puri?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2024]
(A) Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh
(B) Radha, Krishna, Balram
(C) Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra
(D) Rama, Lakshmana, Janaki
Answer: (C) Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra
Explanation: The principal images worshipped at Puri are Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and their sister Subhadra. Their distinctive wooden forms are central to the annual Rath Yatra, a major ritual and cultural tradition of Odisha.
Q373. Which Rashtrakuta monarch is associated with constructing the Kailasa Temple at Ellora?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2024]
(A) Krishna I
(B) Indra III
(C) Govinda III
(D) Amoghavarsha
Answer: (A) Krishna I
Explanation: The monumental Kailasanatha temple of Ellora is attributed to Rashtrakuta king Krishna I in the eighth century. Carved downward from a single rock mass, it is a landmark of Indian monolithic architecture and reflects South Indian temple design.
Q372. Chittani Ramachandra Hegde was a renowned performer of which art form?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2024]
(A) Chhau
(B) Chappeli
(C) Yakshagana
(D) Hutari
Answer: (C) Yakshagana
Explanation: Chittani Ramachandra Hegde was a celebrated Yakshagana artist from Karnataka, particularly associated with its Badagutittu style. Yakshagana combines dance, acting, music and expressive costume to narrate episodes from epics and regional legends.
Q371. Bharatanatyam is traditionally linked with which Indian state?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2024]
(A) Karnataka
(B) Tamil Nadu
(C) Bihar
(D) Manipur
Answer: (B) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Bharatanatyam developed in Tamil Nadu from the earlier Sadir dance traditions. It is distinguished by geometric movements, rhythmic footwork and expressive abhinaya. Modern performers and institutions helped bring it from temple-associated settings to public stages.
