Q360. The Great Stupa of Sanchi is a major monument of which religion?
[RRB JE CBT 1 – 2024]
(A) Buddhism
(B) Hinduism
(C) Jainism
(D) Islam
Answer: (A) Buddhism
Explanation: Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh contains Buddhist stupas developed from the Mauryan period onwards. Its toranas depict scenes and symbols associated with the Buddha and Jataka narratives. The archaeological site is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage property.
Q359. Which pair of a dance and its state is correctly matched?
[CTET Paper I – 2024]
(A) Bihu—Assam
(B) Lavani—Tamil Nadu
(C) Bharatanatyam—Odisha
(D) Kathak—Karnataka
Answer: (A) Bihu—Assam
Explanation: Bihu is a famous folk dance of Assam associated particularly with the Rongali New Year celebration. Lavani is linked with Maharashtra, Bharatanatyam with Tamil Nadu and Kathak primarily with northern India, especially Uttar Pradesh.
Q358. Pochampally is renowned for ikat saris and weaving in which state?
[CTET Paper I – 2024]
(A) Maharashtra
(B) Telangana
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) Karnataka
Answer: (B) Telangana
Explanation: Pochampally is a major centre of ikat weaving in Telangana. Threads are tied and dyed before they are woven to create geometric patterns. The textile tradition is recognised through a Geographical Indication associated with the region.
Q357. The Hemis monastery festival is observed in which Indian union territory?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2024]
(A) Punjab
(B) Sikkim
(C) Lakshadweep
(D) Ladakh
Answer: (D) Ladakh
Explanation: Hemis Festival is a Buddhist celebration at Hemis Monastery in Ladakh. Dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, it features ceremonial masked cham dances, monastic music and colourful ritual displays. It is especially important in the region’s Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
Q356. Which festival includes worship of the Sun and his consort Usha in thanksgiving for sustaining life?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2024]
(A) Madai Festival
(B) Chhath Puja
(C) Vishwakarma Puja
(D) Sorath Sabha
Answer: (B) Chhath Puja
Explanation: Chhath Puja is strongly associated with Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring communities. Devotees make offerings to the setting and rising Sun, often while standing in water. The observance combines fasting, traditional songs and reverence for natural elements.
Q355. Which state government organises the Tansen Music Festival?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2024]
(A) Maharashtra
(B) Madhya Pradesh
(C) Rajasthan
(D) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: (B) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: The Tansen Samaroh is held in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, to honour the celebrated Hindustani musician Tansen. It features performances by leading classical vocalists and instrumentalists and commemorates the city’s rich dhrupad and gharana traditions.
Q354. Which Indian percussionist and music director received the Padma Shri in 2019?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Sivamani
(B) Nucleya
(C) Bappi Lahiri
(D) Naushad
Answer: (A) Sivamani
Explanation: Anandan Sivamani is a percussionist renowned for blending Indian rhythms with contemporary musical genres. His Padma Shri recognition in 2019 acknowledged his contribution to the performing arts, particularly percussion performance across recordings and concerts.
Q353. Dhalo is a folk dance native to which Indian state?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) Uttar Pradesh
(C) Madhya Pradesh
(D) Goa
Answer: (D) Goa
Explanation: Dhalo is a women’s folk dance of Goa, frequently performed during winter nights. Participants form rows, sing traditional verses and move in synchrony. The dance is closely connected with Goan rural life and communal celebration.
Q352. Besides Bharatanatyam, which classical dance was Mrinalini Sarabhai known for?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Kathak
(B) Kathakali
(C) Kuchipudi
(D) Odissi
Answer: (B) Kathakali
Explanation: Mrinalini Sarabhai trained in Bharatanatyam and Kathakali and founded the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad. She was admired for integrating classical technique with contemporary themes and for mentoring generations of performers.
Q351. Arjun Singh Dhurve received a Padma Shri for promoting Baiga dance traditions of which state?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Odisha
(B) Rajasthan
(C) West Bengal
(D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: (D) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Arjun Singh Dhurve is an exponent of the folk traditions of the Baiga community in Madhya Pradesh. His recognition highlighted tribal dance and song heritage, which transmit local belief, forest-linked customs and collective identity.
