Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs
41. Which state has announced a $1 million prize for deciphering the Indus Valley script?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Haryana
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Gujarat
[B] Haryana
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Gujarat
Correct Answer: C [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a $1 million prize for deciphering the ancient Indus Valley script. The announcement was made during the centenary celebration of the Indus Valley Civilization at an international conference in Chennai. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of decoding the script to understand ancient history. Tamil Nadu is supporting archaeological research through initiatives like a dedicated research chair named after Iravatham Mahadevan. This move reflects the state’s commitment to promoting historical and archaeological studies.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a $1 million prize for deciphering the ancient Indus Valley script. The announcement was made during the centenary celebration of the Indus Valley Civilization at an international conference in Chennai. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of decoding the script to understand ancient history. Tamil Nadu is supporting archaeological research through initiatives like a dedicated research chair named after Iravatham Mahadevan. This move reflects the state’s commitment to promoting historical and archaeological studies.
42. Kalamkari Painting is mainly practised in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Odisha
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: D [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
A bamboo weave box with Kalamkari paintings by Nimmalakunta artisans will be showcased at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Kalamkari is a popular hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile art form from Andhra Pradesh. The art originated during the reign of Qutb Shahis in the 16-17th century in the Tilang region, now part of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. “Kalam” means pen and “Kari” means craftsmanship, highlighting the skillful artistry involved.
A bamboo weave box with Kalamkari paintings by Nimmalakunta artisans will be showcased at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Kalamkari is a popular hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile art form from Andhra Pradesh. The art originated during the reign of Qutb Shahis in the 16-17th century in the Tilang region, now part of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. “Kalam” means pen and “Kari” means craftsmanship, highlighting the skillful artistry involved.
43. The Halda Festival is observed in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Assam
[C] Gujarat
[D] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Assam
[C] Gujarat
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: D [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The Halda Festival is celebrated in January in Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. It honors Shiskar Apa, the Goddess of Wealth, to seek blessings for prosperity and a good harvest. Celebrations are most prominent in the Pattan, Gahar, and Chandra valleys.
The Halda Festival is celebrated in January in Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. It honors Shiskar Apa, the Goddess of Wealth, to seek blessings for prosperity and a good harvest. Celebrations are most prominent in the Pattan, Gahar, and Chandra valleys.
44. Which two sites from India have been included in the 2025 World Monuments Watch list?
[A] Musi River Historic Buildings and Bhuj Historic Water Systems
[B] Gateway of India and Mysore Palace
[C] Red Fort and Jaipur City
[D] Lotus Temple and Gateway of India
[B] Gateway of India and Mysore Palace
[C] Red Fort and Jaipur City
[D] Lotus Temple and Gateway of India
Correct Answer: A [Musi River Historic Buildings and Bhuj Historic Water Systems]
Notes:
The Musi River Historic Buildings in Hyderabad and Bhuj Historic Water Systems in Gujarat are listed in the 2025 World Monuments Watch by the New York-based World Monuments Fund (WMF). These sites face risks from climate change and water crises, highlighting the need for advocacy and preservation. WMF emphasizes heritage as a pathway for rejuvenation, sustainability, and resilience amid Hyderabad’s environmental challenges and rapid change.
The Musi River Historic Buildings in Hyderabad and Bhuj Historic Water Systems in Gujarat are listed in the 2025 World Monuments Watch by the New York-based World Monuments Fund (WMF). These sites face risks from climate change and water crises, highlighting the need for advocacy and preservation. WMF emphasizes heritage as a pathway for rejuvenation, sustainability, and resilience amid Hyderabad’s environmental challenges and rapid change.
45. Kalaripayattu is the traditional martial art of which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Karnataka
[D] Maharashtra
[B] Kerala
[C] Karnataka
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
Kalaripayattu, a traditional martial art from Kerala, is included only as a demonstration event in the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand. According to mythology, the warrior sage Parasurama introduced Kalaripayattu. The term Kalaripayattu combines “kalari,” meaning a place of combat, and “payattu,” meaning fighting in Malayalam. Uttarakhand will host the National Games 2025 from January 28 to February 14, 2025.
Kalaripayattu, a traditional martial art from Kerala, is included only as a demonstration event in the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand. According to mythology, the warrior sage Parasurama introduced Kalaripayattu. The term Kalaripayattu combines “kalari,” meaning a place of combat, and “payattu,” meaning fighting in Malayalam. Uttarakhand will host the National Games 2025 from January 28 to February 14, 2025.
46. Lezim is traditional folk dance of which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Karnataka
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: B [Maharashtra]
Notes:
A scene featuring Lezim dance in the film, based on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has sparked controversy in Maharashtra. Lezim is a traditional folk dance of Maharashtra performed with a wooden stick fitted with jingling cymbals. It is both a dance and a rigorous physical drill, often performed in formations of twos, fours, or circles. The dance is accompanied by dhol or dholki, with no wind or string instruments. Lezim was traditionally used in all folk dances but is now mainly seen in Ganesha processions. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, took power in 1681 after a battle with his half-brother Rajaram.
A scene featuring Lezim dance in the film, based on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has sparked controversy in Maharashtra. Lezim is a traditional folk dance of Maharashtra performed with a wooden stick fitted with jingling cymbals. It is both a dance and a rigorous physical drill, often performed in formations of twos, fours, or circles. The dance is accompanied by dhol or dholki, with no wind or string instruments. Lezim was traditionally used in all folk dances but is now mainly seen in Ganesha processions. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, took power in 1681 after a battle with his half-brother Rajaram.
47. Sree Gowreeswara Temple, which was seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: A [Kerala]
Notes:
Sree Gowreeswara Temple, Cherai, has ended a century-old practice of requiring men to remove upper garments before worship. The tradition was a social construct linked to the caste system, not a scriptural rule. It originated to ensure the punool (Brahmin sacred thread) was visible. Cherai Gowreeswara Temple is located in Kerala. Built in 1912, the temple’s idol was installed by Sree Narayana Guru, a social reformer who fought against caste oppression. Some major Kerala temples still enforce this rule, like Sree Padmanabhaswamy, Guruvayur, and Ettumanoor temples.
Sree Gowreeswara Temple, Cherai, has ended a century-old practice of requiring men to remove upper garments before worship. The tradition was a social construct linked to the caste system, not a scriptural rule. It originated to ensure the punool (Brahmin sacred thread) was visible. Cherai Gowreeswara Temple is located in Kerala. Built in 1912, the temple’s idol was installed by Sree Narayana Guru, a social reformer who fought against caste oppression. Some major Kerala temples still enforce this rule, like Sree Padmanabhaswamy, Guruvayur, and Ettumanoor temples.
48. Dashavatar is a traditional folk theater form from which Indian states?
[A] Maharashtra and Karnataka
[B] Maharashtra and Goa
[C] Gujarat and Rajasthan
[D] Tamil Nadu and Kerala
[B] Maharashtra and Goa
[C] Gujarat and Rajasthan
[D] Tamil Nadu and Kerala
Correct Answer: B [Maharashtra and Goa]
Notes:
Dashavatar performances recently started in Maharashtra. Dashavatar is a traditional theatre form with an 800-year history. It represents the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu: Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vaman, Parashuram, Ram, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki. Performers use bright makeup and costumes, accompanied by a paddle harmonium, tabla, and zanj (cymbals). It is popular in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra’s South Konkan region and North Goa district of Goa.
Dashavatar performances recently started in Maharashtra. Dashavatar is a traditional theatre form with an 800-year history. It represents the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu: Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vaman, Parashuram, Ram, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki. Performers use bright makeup and costumes, accompanied by a paddle harmonium, tabla, and zanj (cymbals). It is popular in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra’s South Konkan region and North Goa district of Goa.
49. Baneshwar Fair is associated with which tribe?
[A] Santhal
[B] Bhil
[C] Khasi
[D] Gond
[B] Bhil
[C] Khasi
[D] Gond
Correct Answer: B [Bhil]
Notes:
Around 12 Bhil families have accused the Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI) of trying to demolish their homes and displace them from ancestral land. Bhils are one of the oldest and most widely distributed tribal groups in India. The name ‘Bhil’ comes from the Dravidian word villu or billu, meaning bow. They belong to the Australoid group and are considered a Dravidian racial tribe of Western India. Bhils are divided into two main groups: central and eastern (Rajput Bhils). Central Bhils mainly live in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The Baneshwar Fair is one of the most significant festivals for the Bhil community. It takes place during Shivratri.
Around 12 Bhil families have accused the Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI) of trying to demolish their homes and displace them from ancestral land. Bhils are one of the oldest and most widely distributed tribal groups in India. The name ‘Bhil’ comes from the Dravidian word villu or billu, meaning bow. They belong to the Australoid group and are considered a Dravidian racial tribe of Western India. Bhils are divided into two main groups: central and eastern (Rajput Bhils). Central Bhils mainly live in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The Baneshwar Fair is one of the most significant festivals for the Bhil community. It takes place during Shivratri.
50. Which state is the host of world’s largest Jhumur dance, also called Jhumoir?
[A] Tripura
[B] Sikkim
[C] Assam
[D] Nagaland
[B] Sikkim
[C] Assam
[D] Nagaland
Correct Answer: C [Assam]
Notes:
Assam will host the world’s largest Jhumur (Jhumoir) dance performance on February 24. The event aims to set a Guinness World Record with over 7,500 dancers. It is part of an investment summit in the state. The festival highlights Assam’s rich cultural heritage. It also serves as a global platform to attract investors.
Assam will host the world’s largest Jhumur (Jhumoir) dance performance on February 24. The event aims to set a Guinness World Record with over 7,500 dancers. It is part of an investment summit in the state. The festival highlights Assam’s rich cultural heritage. It also serves as a global platform to attract investors.