1. Who was the first Gujarati woman to serve as the Governor of Karnataka?
[A] Kumudben Joshi
[B] Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit
[C] Sharadamma Ramanjaneya
[D] Vijaya Raje Scindia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kumudben Joshi]
Notes:
Kumudben Joshi was the first Gujarati woman Governor of Karnataka, serving from 1985 to 1990.
2. To which religious tradition did Basveswara (Basavanna), the 12th-century reformer from Karnataka, belong?
[A] Veerashaivism (Lingayatism)
[B] Jainism
[C] Vaishnavism
[D] Buddhism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Veerashaivism (Lingayatism)]
Notes:
Basveswara founded Veerashaivism (Lingayatism) in Karnataka, emphasizing Shiva devotion and social equality.
3. Which deity is primarily worshipped by the Kammara blacksmith community of Karnataka?
[A] Vishnu
[B] Shiva
[C] Vishwakarma
[D] Kali
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kali]
Notes:
The Kammara, ancient blacksmiths from Karnataka, are skilled metallurgists and craftsmen worshipping Kali and Vishwakarma. They made weapons, tools, and agricultural implements, historically esteemed by kings and farmers, with traditional iron smelting now largely replaced by imported materials.
4. Haveri, Karnataka is famously known as the birthplace of which renowned poet?
[A] Kanakadasa
[B] Kuvempu
[C] Bendre
[D] Gopalakrishna Adiga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kanakadasa]
Notes:
Kanakadasa, a prominent poet and philosopher, was born near Haveri in Karnataka.
5. Which dynasty patronized the Vijayanarayana Temple in Karnataka until the 15th century?
[A] Western Ganga Dynasty
[B] Hoysala Dynasty
[C] Chola Dynasty
[D] Vijayanagara Dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vijayanagara Dynasty]
Notes:
The temple was built by the Western Ganga Dynasty and consecrated by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana, but patronized until the 15th century by the Vijayanagara Dynasty.
6. Which Kannada-speaking mercantile community in Karnataka is known as Balijas in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana?
[A] Banajigas
[B] Komatis
[C] Chettiars
[D] Vishwakarmas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Banajigas]
Notes:
Banajigas are Kannada-speaking traders in Karnataka, called Balijas in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with diverse subgroups and mostly Vaishnava religious affiliation.
7. Which Kannada magazine published by Anandavana Agadi was honored with the Karnataka Rajyotsava Prashasti in 2005?
[A] Sudha
[B] Mayura
[C] Taranga
[D] Sadhbodha Chandrike
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sadhbodha Chandrike]
Notes:
Sadhbodha Chandrike, published by Anandavana Agadi, received the Karnataka Rajyotsava Prashasti in 2005.
8. Who is recognized as the Father of Karnataka Music for his contributions to Haridaasa tradition and Carnatic music?
[A] Kanakadasa
[B] Vyasatirtha
[C] Jayadeva
[D] Purandaradasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Purandaradasa]
Notes:
Purandaradasa systematized music education, introduced mayamalavagaula raga, and standardized talas, earning the title Father of Karnataka Music.
9. Who is the founder of the Karnataka College of Percussion (KCP) in Bangalore?
[A] T. A. S. Mani
[B] L. Subramaniam
[C] Zakir Hussain
[D] Ravi Shankar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [T. A. S. Mani]
Notes:
T. A. S. Mani, a mridangam player, founded KCP around 1964 in Bangalore.
10. Which OBC community, traditionally involved in toddy tapping, has significant political representation in Karnataka and is also found in Andhra Pradesh?
[A] Idigas
[B] Kurubas
[C] Lingayats
[D] Vokkaligas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Idigas]
Notes:
Idigas are a toddy tapping OBC community mainly in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, with notable political presence in Karnataka.
