Q110. Mandari dance is associated with which tribal community?
[CGPSC Prelims – 2016]
(A) Muria
(B) Kamar
(C) Bhatra
(D) Oraon
(E) None of these
Answer: (A) Muria
Explanation: Mandari or Mandar dance is associated with Muria tribal cultural life in the Bastar region. Both men and women can participate, and the performance is accompanied by local percussion and ceremonial rhythms.
Q109. Among the Muria community, who traditionally performs Poos Kolang dance?
[CGPSC Prelims – 2016]
(A) Men
(B) Women
(C) Men and women together
(D) Children
(E) None of these
Answer: (A) Men
Explanation: Poos Kolang is a ceremonial dance associated with the Muria community of Bastar and traditionally performed by male dancers. Regional tribal dances frequently observe particular participation customs connected with festivals and rites.
Q108. Which of these is regarded as a Chhattisgarhi pranay geet, or love song?
[CGPSC Prelims – 2016]
(A) Sohar
(B) Dadaria
(C) Fag
(D) Bhojali
(E) None of these
Answer: (B) Dadaria
Explanation: Dadaria is a celebrated Chhattisgarhi folk-song genre expressing affection and romantic exchange. Songs often appear as dialogue between singers and use memorable lyrical phrases. Sohar is generally connected with birth celebrations, whereas Bhojali relates to agrarian rituals.
Q107. Which ruler’s patronage contributed to the development of Kathak in Chhattisgarh?
[CGPSC Prelims – 2016]
(A) Raja Kamsen
(B) Raja Ratnadeo
(C) Raja Chakradhar Singh
(D) Raja Kamal Narayan Singh
(E) None of these
Answer: (C) Raja Chakradhar Singh
Explanation: Raja Chakradhar Singh of Raigarh supported Kathak masters and developed a distinct repertory now associated with the Raigarh gharana. His court brought together artists from different schools and encouraged experimentation in rhythm and choreography.
Q106. Who established a major Kabir Panth tradition in Chhattisgarh?
[CGPSC Prelims – 2016]
(A) Charandas
(B) Kabirdas
(C) Chudamani Sahib
(D) Dharmdas
(E) None of these
Answer: (D) Dharmdas
Explanation: Dharmdas is remembered as a major disciple of Kabir and an important early organiser of the Kabir Panth tradition in Chhattisgarh. Later centres, including Damakheda, became associated with the sect’s devotional activities and institutions.
Q105. Which feature is common to both Ajanta and Mahabalipuram monuments?
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2016]
(A) They are both Buddhist monasteries
(B) They are both examples of rock-cut monuments
(C) They were built under one dynasty
(D) Both are dedicated exclusively to Jainism
Answer: (B) They are both examples of rock-cut monuments
Explanation: The Ajanta cave complex and monuments at Mahabalipuram both use rock-cut architectural techniques. However, their religious associations, geography, chronology and sponsoring dynasties differ substantially; Ajanta is chiefly Buddhist, while Mahabalipuram reflects Pallava Hindu patronage.
Q104. Which Sanskrit play presents the love story of the son of the founder of the Shunga dynasty?
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2016]
(A) Svapnavasavadattam
(B) Malavikagnimitram
(C) Meghadutam
(D) Ratnavali
Answer: (B) Malavikagnimitram
Explanation: Kalidasa’s Malavikagnimitram dramatises the romance of King Agnimitra, son of the Shunga founder Pushyamitra, and Malavika. It is a notable example of classical Sanskrit court drama drawing on a historical dynastic background.
Q103. What were Magadhas known for in the cultural history of ancient India?
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2016]
(A) Renunciation and ascetic wandering
(B) Managing temple land grants
(C) Manufacturing stone icons
(D) Memorising pedigrees, dynastic chronicles and epic traditions
Answer: (D) Memorising pedigrees, dynastic chronicles and epic traditions
Explanation: Magadhas were traditionally linked with genealogical recitation, praise and the preservation of dynastic narratives. Such bards and chroniclers helped transmit royal lineages and heroic accounts within the oral culture of ancient India.
Q102. Which of the following Indian personalities was a celebrated painter:
–Amrita Sher-Gil,
–V. Shantaram,
–Mallika Sarabhai or
–Uday Shankar?
[WBCS Mains GK – 2016]
(A) Amrita Sher-Gil
(B) V. Shantaram
(C) Mallika Sarabhai
(D) Uday Shankar
Answer: (A) Amrita Sher-Gil
Explanation: Amrita Sher-Gil was a pioneering twentieth-century Indian modernist painter. V. Shantaram was a filmmaker, while Mallika Sarabhai and Uday Shankar are principally celebrated for their contributions to dance and theatre.
Q101. Raja Ravi Varma is principally famous as which kind of artist?
[WBCS Mains GK – 2016]
(A) Athlete
(B) Painter
(C) Classical dancer
(D) Theatre personality
Answer: (B) Painter
Explanation: Raja Ravi Varma was a pioneering painter whose mythological imagery combined Indian subject matter with European-influenced realist techniques. Printed reproductions of his art helped popularise devotional iconography across the country.
