Q340. The annual Sirpur National Dance and Music Festival takes place in which state?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Jharkhand
(B) Chhattisgarh
(C) Uttar Pradesh
(D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: (B) Chhattisgarh
Explanation: Sirpur in Chhattisgarh is famous for its archaeological remains, including the Lakshmana Temple. Its dance and music festival brings cultural performances to this historic setting and connects contemporary arts with the region’s heritage.
Q339. U Srinivas was an acclaimed performer on which musical instrument?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Mandolin
(B) Violin
(C) Sitar
(D) Guitar
Answer: (A) Mandolin
Explanation: U Srinivas popularised the electric mandolin as a concert instrument in Carnatic classical music. His technique adapted the instrument to complex gamakas and ragas, earning him exceptional recognition as a virtuoso.
Q338. Radhe Shyam Barle was recognised for promoting Panthi, a dance of which state?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Bihar
(B) Chhattisgarh
(C) Madhya Pradesh
(D) Odisha
Answer: (B) Chhattisgarh
Explanation: Panthi is associated with the Satnami community of Chhattisgarh and devotion to Guru Ghasidas. The dance incorporates energetic acrobatic formations and rhythmic songs. Radhe Shyam Barle is a noted exponent and advocate of this heritage.
Q337. What is the number of principal regional styles of Chhau dance?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Seven
(B) Three
(C) Nine
(D) Five
Answer: (B) Three
Explanation: Chhau comprises three major regional styles: Seraikella of Jharkhand, Mayurbhanj of Odisha and Purulia of West Bengal. The traditions differ in masks, movement vocabulary and presentation while sharing martial and dramatic elements.
Q336. Who was honoured for reviving eco-friendly Etikoppaka toy-making techniques?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Victor Banerjee
(B) Devendra Jhajharia
(C) Radheyshyam Khemka
(D) C V Raju
Answer: (D) C V Raju
Explanation: C V Raju helped revive Etikoppaka lacquered wooden toys of Andhra Pradesh through traditional craftsmanship and environmentally mindful techniques. The craft uses turned wood and coloured lacquer to create toys and decorative objects.
Q335. Dancer Aditi Mangaldas received the Mahari Award in connection with which dance?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Kathak
(B) Odissi
(C) Manipuri
(D) Bharatanatyam
Answer: (A) Kathak
Explanation: Aditi Mangaldas is an acclaimed Kathak artist known for classical as well as contemporary choreographic work. Her performances and teaching engage with Kathak movement, rhythm and expressive storytelling, making her an important modern exponent.
Q334. Shivaputra Siddharamayya Komkalimath is the birth name of which vocalist?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Omkarnath Thakur
(B) Kumar Gandharva
(C) Jasraj
(D) Dinkar Kaikini
Answer: (B) Kumar Gandharva
Explanation: Kumar Gandharva, born Shivaputra Siddharamayya Komkalimath, was a distinctive Hindustani classical vocalist. He became known for innovative interpretations of ragas and powerful presentations of nirgun bhajans, developing an individual style beyond rigid convention.
Q333. Yamini Krishnamurthy achieved distinction in Bharatanatyam and which other classical dance?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Kathak
(B) Manipuri
(C) Kuchipudi
(D) Kathakali
Answer: (C) Kuchipudi
Explanation: Yamini Krishnamurthy was celebrated as a leading exponent of both Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. Her career helped popularise Indian classical dance internationally, and she received major civilian honours for her artistic contributions.
Q332. Which artist among the following is a distinguished Bharatanatyam exponent?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Birju Maharaj
(B) Padma Subrahmanyam
(C) Naik Siddiqui
(D) Saswati Sen
Answer: (B) Padma Subrahmanyam
Explanation: Padma Subrahmanyam is a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and scholar known for research on karanas described in the Natyashastra. Birju Maharaj and Saswati Sen are associated with Kathak, making their traditional training distinct.
Q331. Which listed musician has a recognised association with sarod performance?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Vilayat Khan
(B) Hariprasad Chaurasia
(C) Annapurna Devi
(D) Allauddin Khan
Answer: (D) Allauddin Khan
Explanation: Allauddin Khan was a legendary sarod player and teacher linked to the Maihar gharana. Vilayat Khan was a sitarist and Hariprasad Chaurasia a flautist. Although Annapurna Devi was his daughter, she is especially associated with surbahar.
