Exams › SSC CGL (Prelims) › GK › Indian Culture
22 questions with worked solutions.
Q1. Papanasam Ramayya Sivan was an Indian composer of which music style?
Answer: Carnatic music
Papanasam Ramayya Sivan was a noted composer in Carnatic music. He is remembered for devotional and classical compositions in the South Indian tradition.
Q2. In which of the following states is the Chu-Faat dance performed?
Answer: Sikkim
Chu-Faat is a folk dance associated with Sikkim. Such questions test knowledge of Indian states and their cultural traditions.
Q3. The famous santoor player Pandit Shivkumar Sharma received the ________ in 1986.
Answer: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Pandit Shivkumar Sharma received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1986. This award recognizes excellence in music, dance, and drama.
Q4. Which of the following is a festival primarily celebrated in the state of Odisha?
Answer: Raja Parba
Raja Parba is a major festival celebrated primarily in Odisha. The other options are associated with different states or communities.
Q5. In which year was the National Institute of Kathak Dance established?
Answer: 1964
The National Institute of Kathak Dance was established in 1964. It is associated with the promotion and training of Kathak, a classical dance form of India.
Q6. Which of the following festivals is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev?
Answer: Gurpurab
Gurpurab is the festival celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev and other Sikh Gurus. It is one of the most important Sikh religious observances.
Q7. Which of the following places organizes the Tansen Music Festival?
Answer: Madhya Pradesh Government
The Tansen Music Festival is organized by the Madhya Pradesh Government. It is held in Gwalior to honor the legendary musician Tansen.
Q8. Which festival is known as the 'Festival of Lights' in India?
Answer: Diwali
Diwali is widely known as the Festival of Lights in India. It is celebrated by lighting diyas, decorating homes, and bursting fireworks.
Q9. Which Indian state is known for Kathakali dance?
Answer: Kerala
Kathakali is a classical dance-drama form that originated in Kerala. It is one of the most famous cultural art forms of the state.
Q10. Which Indian state is known for the dance form 'Bharatanatyam'?
Answer: Tamil Nadu
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most prominent and ancient dance traditions of India.
Q11. Which state is known for the folk dance ‘Ghoomar’?
Answer: Rajasthan
Ghoomar is a traditional folk dance of Rajasthan, performed especially by women on festive occasions. It is one of the best-known cultural dances of the state.
Q12. Which state is famous for the classical dance Mohiniyattam?
Answer: Kerala
Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form of India associated with Kerala. It is known for its graceful, feminine movements.
Q13. Which Indian classical dance form originates from Manipur?
Answer: Manipuri
Manipuri is the classical dance form that originates from the Indian state of Manipur. The other options belong to different regions or traditions.
Q14. Which Indian city hosts the famous Durga Puja festival grandly?
Answer: Kolkata
Kolkata is widely known for its grand Durga Puja celebrations, with elaborate pandals, idols, and cultural events. It is one of the most prominent festival hubs in India for this occasion.
Q15. Which Indian state is known for the dance form ‘Yakshagana’?
Answer: Karnataka
Yakshagana is a traditional dance-drama form that originated in Karnataka. It is one of the well-known folk theatre traditions of the state.
Q16. Which Indian state celebrates the Hornbill Festival?
Answer: Nagaland
The Hornbill Festival is a major cultural festival celebrated in Nagaland. It showcases the traditions, dances, music, and crafts of the Naga tribes.
Q17. Which Indian state is known for the ‘Chhau’ dance?
Answer: Jharkhand
Chhau is a traditional dance form associated with eastern India, especially Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. In SSC-style questions, Jharkhand is the expected answer.
Q18. Which Indian state is known for the Garba dance?
Answer: Gujarat
Garba is a famous folk dance of Gujarat, performed especially during Navratri. It is one of the most recognized cultural dances of the state.
Q19. Which Indian festival is also known as the "Festival of Lights"?
Answer: Diwali
Diwali is popularly called the Festival of Lights because people decorate homes with lamps and candles. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness.
Q20. Which Indian classical dance form is performed with masks and elaborate makeup?
Answer: Kathakali
Kathakali is a classical dance-drama from Kerala known for its elaborate makeup, costumes, and use of masks-like facial painting. The other options do not match this feature.
Q21. Which Indian state is known for the folk dance 'Lavani'?
Answer: Maharashtra
Lavani is a traditional folk dance form of Maharashtra. It is known for its powerful rhythm, music, and expressive performance.
Q22. Which Indian state celebrates the Hornbill Festival?
Answer: Nagaland
The Hornbill Festival is celebrated in Nagaland, especially to showcase the state's tribal culture, dance, music, and traditions. It is held annually in December at Kisama near Kohima.