Q320. Raigarh is a recognised gharana of which Indian classical dance?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Odissi
(B) Kathakali
(C) Kathak
(D) Manipuri
Answer: (C) Kathak
Explanation: The Raigarh gharana of Kathak developed under the patronage of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh. It is celebrated for rhythmically elaborate compositions, technical experimentation and links with established Kathak lineages.
Q319. Pandit Jasraj, Bhimsen Joshi and Zakir Hussain are chiefly linked to which Indian music tradition?
[SSC CGL Tier I – 2023]
(A) Jazz
(B) Pop
(C) Hindustani classical
(D) Carnatic classical
Answer: (C) Hindustani classical
Explanation: Jasraj and Bhimsen Joshi were major Hindustani classical vocalists, while Zakir Hussain was an internationally renowned tabla artist within the North Indian classical sphere. Their distinct performance roles share a common musical tradition.
Q318. The Bahmani monuments at Gulbarga represent which architectural tradition?
[SSC MTS – 2023]
(A) Deccan
(B) Mameluke
(C) Sikh
(D) Nagara
Answer: (A) Deccan
Explanation: Gulbarga was a capital of the Bahmani Sultanate, whose mosques and tombs illustrate the regional Deccan style of Indo-Islamic architecture. Local building techniques combined with Persian and Central Asian influences in the medieval Deccan.
Q317. Tusu Parab, a harvest festival, is principally associated with which state?
[SSC CHSL – 2023]
(A) Gujarat
(B) Sikkim
(C) Karnataka
(D) Jharkhand
Answer: (D) Jharkhand
Explanation: Tusu Parab is celebrated around Makar Sankranti in Jharkhand and adjacent regions. Communities sing Tusu songs, prepare decorated structures and mark the conclusion of the agricultural season through collective fairs and processions.
Q316. Match the Champakkulam boat race, Somnath fair, Surajkund fair and Baneshwar fair to their states.
[SSC CHSL – 2023]
(A) Kerala, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana
(B) Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kerala, Haryana
(C) Kerala, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan
(D) Kerala, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan
Answer: (D) Kerala, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan
Explanation: Champakkulam boat races are held in Kerala; the Somnath fair is in Gujarat; Surajkund crafts fair takes place in Haryana; and the Baneshwar tribal fair belongs to Rajasthan. Together they demonstrate the regional variety of India’s fairs.
Q315. Which Kerala classical dance uses elaborate facial make-up and a vigorous dramatic style?
[SSC MTS – 2023]
(A) Mohiniyattam
(B) Kuchipudi
(C) Kathakali
(D) Odissi
Answer: (C) Kathakali
Explanation: Kathakali of Kerala uses layered facial make-up, stylised gestures, powerful training and percussion to portray epic characters. The intense expressive vocabulary distinguishes it from Mohiniyattam’s gentle lasya technique and from dance traditions belonging to other regions.
Q314. Where is the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies located?
[UPSC NDA II – 2023]
(A) Leh
(B) Kullu
(C) Almora
(D) Gangtok
Answer: (A) Leh
Explanation: The Central Institute of Buddhist Studies is based at Choglamsar near Leh, Ladakh. It supports Buddhist learning, philosophy and Himalayan cultural studies under the Ministry of Culture, making it an important institution for preservation of this intellectual heritage.
Q313. Which set contains all three UNESCO World Heritage monuments in Delhi?
[UPSC CDS I – 2023]
(A) Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid
(B) Red Fort, India Gate, Qutub Minar
(C) Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb
(D) Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate
Answer: (C) Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb
Explanation: Delhi’s World Heritage properties are the Red Fort Complex, the Qutb complex and Humayun’s Tomb. India Gate and Jama Masjid are important historic monuments but were not separately inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Q312. Regarding Sanchi, which statements are correct?
1. Three gateways stood in 1818 while a fourth lay fallen.
2. Sculptures there depict elephants, horses, monkeys and cattle.
[UPSC NDA II – 2023]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Early nineteenth-century descriptions of Sanchi record the preservation and damage of its gateways. Its relief sculpture depicts a rich variety of animals and Jataka scenes, offering insights into Buddhist religious art and everyday life.
Q311. Which animal is absent from the four animal images on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital?
[UPSC CAPF AC – 2023]
(A) Deer
(B) Lion
(C) Bull
(D) Horse
Answer: (A) Deer
Explanation: The abacus of Ashoka’s Sarnath Lion Capital depicts a lion, bull, horse and elephant, separated by wheels. A deer is not among the four. The capital later inspired India’s national emblem.
