1. Bhadrachalam

2. Chanderi

3. Kancheepuram

4. Karnal

The correct answer is (b) 2 and 3 only

Thus, only Chanderi (2) and Kancheepuram (3) are famous for traditional sarees/fabric, making option (b) the right answer.

The correct answer is (a) One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck

Tribhanga (meaning “three bends” in Sanskrit) is a classical pose in Indian dance and sculpture, characterized by the body being bent at three points: the knees, waist, and neck, with one leg bent and the body curved in opposite directions at the waist and neck. This creates an elegant, S-shaped posture, often seen in ancient Indian sculptures (e.g., in temples like Khajuraho or Konark) and classical dances like **Odissi*. It symbolizes grace and fluidity and has been a favorite of Indian artists from ancient times to the present. This description matches option (a).

Thus, (a) best describes the Tribhanga pose.

1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput Kingdom period.

2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music.

3. Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.

The correct answer is (b) 2 and 3 only

Statement 1: Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput Kingdom period.

Dhrupad, one of the oldest forms of Hindustani classical music, is believed to have originated in the medieval period, particularly during the 15th–16th centuries, under the patronage of rulers like Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior, not specifically during the Rajput Kingdom period (which is a broader and earlier historical context). It was formalized in the courts of Gwalior and later flourished under Mughal patronage. The statement is misleading and not entirely accurate, as Dhrupad’s development is more closely tied to the Bhakti movement and courtly traditions than the Rajput Kingdom period alone. This statement is incorrect.

Statement 2: Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music.

Dhrupad is deeply rooted in devotional and spiritual themes, often performed in praise of deities like Lord Krishna, Shiva, or other divine figures. Its compositions, known as dhrupads, frequently draw from Bhakti and spiritual traditions, and it was historically performed in temples and courts to evoke a meditative and divine experience. This statement is correct.

Statement 3: Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.

In Dhrupad, the Alap (the introductory, non-rhythmic portion of the performance) often uses syllables like “re, na, ta, ri” derived from Sanskrit mantras or Vedic chants. These syllables, known as nom-tom, are sung in a free-flowing, meditative style to explore the raga’s essence. This practice is a distinctive feature of Dhrupad, setting it apart from other classical music forms like Khayal. This statement is correct.

Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct, making option (b) the right answer.

1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.

2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.

The correct answer is (a) Only 1

Statement 1: Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam. Kuchipudi, a classical dance form from Andhra Pradesh, is known for its dance-drama tradition, where dancers may occasionally speak dialogues or sing as part of the performance, especially in narrative pieces derived from its historical roots in Natya (theatrical storytelling). Bharatanatyam, originating from Tamil Nadu, focuses on pure dance (nritta) and expressive gestures (nritya) without spoken dialogues, relying on facial expressions and mudras to convey the narrative. This distinction is accurate, making this statement correct.

Statement 2: Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements. Dancing on a brass plate (known as *Tarangam) is a unique feature of **Kuchipudi, not Bharatanatyam. In Kuchipudi, dancers demonstrate their skill by balancing on the edges of a brass plate while performing intricate footwork, often accompanied by rhythmic patterns. Bharatanatyam does not include this practice, focusing instead on precise footwork and postures on the floor. The statement incorrectly attributes this feature to Bharatanatyam, making it incorrect.

Thus, only Statement 1 is correct, making option (a) the right answer.

The correct answer is (a) Dhurpad vocalists

The Gundecha Brothers, Umakant and Ramakant Gundecha, are renowned Dhrupad vocalists from Madhya Pradesh, India. They are celebrated for their mastery of Dhrupad, one of the oldest forms of Hindustani classical music, characterized by its devotional and meditative style. They have significantly contributed to preserving and promoting this ancient tradition through performances and teaching at the Dhrupad Sansthan in Bhopal.

Thus, (a) correctly identifies the Gundecha Brothers as Dhrupad vocalists.

1. Amrita Sher-Gil

2. Bikash Bhattaeharjee

3. N. S. Bendre

4. Subodh Gupta

The correct answer is (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

All four individuals listed are well-known artists from India, each contributing significantly to the field of visual arts in different styles and periods.

1. Amrita Sher-Gil: A pioneering modernist painter of the early 20th century, often called India’s Frida Kahlo. She is renowned for her vibrant portraits and paintings blending Indian and Western styles, such as *Three Girls and Village Scene. She is widely recognized as one of India’s most celebrated artists. Correct.

2. Bikash Bhattacharjee: A prominent Indian painter known for his surrealist and realist works, particularly his evocative portraits and socio-political commentaries. His paintings, like Doll Series and Durga, reflect deep emotional and societal themes. He is a well-known artist. Correct.

3. N. S. Bendre: A distinguished modernist artist and a key figure in the Progressive Artists’ Group. His works, characterized by vibrant colors and abstract forms, include landscapes and figurative paintings. He played a significant role in shaping modern Indian art. Correct.

4. Subodh Gupta: A contemporary Indian artist famous for his large-scale installations and sculptures using everyday objects like stainless steel utensils, reflecting Indian culture and globalization. Works like Very Hungry God have earned him international acclaim. He is a well-known artist. Correct.

Thus, all four—Amrita Sher-Gil, Bikash Bhattacharjee, N. S. Bendre, and Subodh Gupta—are well-known as artists, making option (d) the correct answer.

1. The National School of Drama was set up by Sangeet Natak akademi in 1959.

2. The highest honour conferred by the Sahitya akademi on a writer is by electing him its Fellow.

The correct answer is (c) Both 1 and 2

Statement 1: The National School of Drama was set up by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1959. The National School of Drama (NSD) was established in 1959 under the aegis of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s national academy for music, dance, and drama. It was set up to promote and train professionals in theater and dramatic arts and became an autonomous institution in 1975. This statement is correct.

Statement 2: The highest honour conferred by the Sahitya Akademi on a writer is by electing him its Fellow.* The Sahitya Akademi, India’s national academy of letters, confers its highest honor, the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, on distinguished writers for their outstanding contributions to literature. This is considered more prestigious than the Sahitya Akademi Award, as it recognizes lifetime achievement and is limited to a small number of living fellows at any time. This statement is correct.

Thus, both statements 1 and 2 are correct, making option (c) the right answer.

The correct answer is (a) 2 1 4 3

A. Mandakini Amte – 2. Social Service and Community Leadership

Mandakini Amte, along with her husband Prakash Amte, is renowned for her social service and community leadership, particularly through their work at Lok Biradari Prakalp in Maharashtra. They have dedicated their lives to providing healthcare, education, and sustainable development to tribal communities in Gadchiroli, earning accolades like the Magsaysay Award. This matches Social Service and Community Leadership. (www.data.gov.in)

B. Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry – 1. Theatre Direction

Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry is a celebrated theatre director based in Chandigarh, known for directing plays like Nagamandala, Hayavadana, and Kitchen Katha. She is a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2003) and Padma Shri (2011) for her contributions to theatre. This matches Theatre Direction. (bharatpedia)

C. Romila Thapar – 4. History Writing

Romila Thapar is a distinguished Indian historian, acclaimed for her works on ancient Indian history, including books like A History of India and Asoka and the Decline of the Mauryas. Her scholarly contributions have made her a leading figure in history writing. This matches History Writing.

D. Vanashree Rao – 3. Dance

Vanashree Rao is a well-known exponent of Kuchipudi, a classical Indian dance form. She has performed extensively and is recognized for her artistry and choreography in this traditional dance style. This matches Dance.

Matching:

Thus, the correct code is A B C D: 2 1 4 3, corresponding to option (a).

The correct answer is (c) 2 and 3 only

Pair 1: Gatka, a traditional martial art – Kerala

Gatka is a traditional Sikh martial art originating from Punjab, not Kerala. It involves the use of weapons like sticks and swords and is performed during festivals and cultural events. Kerala is known for its own martial art, Kalaripayattu. This pair is incorrect.

Pair 2: Madhubani, a traditional painting – Bihar

Madhubani painting, also known as Mithila art, is a traditional folk art form from *Bihar, characterized by intricate geometric patterns and mythological themes, often painted with natural dyes. This pair is correct.

Pair 3: Singhey Khababs Sindhu Darshan Festival – Jammu and Kashmir

The Singhey Khababs Sindhu Darshan Festival is celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Leh, Ladakh. It is a cultural festival held along the banks of the Indus (Sindhu) River, promoting unity and celebrating the river’s significance. This pair is correct.

Thus, only Pairs 2 and 3 are correctly matched, making option (c) the right answer.

The correct answer is (b) 2 4 1 3

A. Amrita Sher-Gil – 2. Painter

Amrita Sher-Gil (1913–1941) was a pioneering Indian modernist painter, often referred to as India’s Frida Kahlo. Her works, such as Three Girls and Village Scene, blend Indian themes with Western techniques, making her one of India’s most celebrated artists. This matches Painter.

B. Bhimsen Joshi – 4. Singer

Pandit Bhimsen Joshi (1922–2011) was a legendary Hindustani classical singer, renowned for his mastery of the Kirana Gharana. His powerful renditions of ragas and bhajans earned him the Bharat Ratna (2008). This matches Singer.

C. Rukmini Devi Arundale – 1. Dancer

Rukmini Devi Arundale (1904–1986) was a pioneering dancer and choreographer, credited with reviving and popularizing Bharatanatyam. She founded the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai to promote classical dance and arts. This matches Dancer.

D. Suryakant Tripathi Nirala – 3. Poet

Suryakant Tripathi Nirala (1896–1961) was a prominent Hindi poet, writer, and essayist of the Chhayavaad movement. His works, like Saroj Smriti and Ram Ki Shakti Puja, are celebrated for their lyrical and philosophical depth. This matches Poet.

Matching:

Thus, the correct code is A B C D: 2 4 1 3, corresponding to option (b).

The correct answer is (a) Manipuri

Bimbavati Devi is a renowned dancer and choreographer known for her expertise in Manipuri dance, a classical dance form from Manipur, India. She is the daughter of Guru Bipin Singh and Guru Kalavati Devi, both legendary figures in Manipuri dance. Bimbavati has contributed significantly to preserving and promoting this graceful and devotional dance form, characterized by fluid movements and Vaishnavite themes.

Thus, (a) Manipuri is the correct answer.

The correct answer is (c) 2 4 1 3

A. Bhajan Sopori – 2. Exponent of Santoor

Bhajan Sopori was a renowned Indian musician and composer, celebrated for his mastery of the santoor, a stringed musical instrument. He belonged to the Sopori family, known for their contributions to Indian classical music, particularly in the Sufiana gharana. This matches Exponent of Santoor.

B. Birju Maharaj – 4. Kathak dancer

Pandit Birju Maharaj was a legendary Kathak dancer and choreographer from the Lucknow Gharana. Known for his emotive storytelling, intricate footwork, and global promotion of Kathak, he received accolades like the Padma Vibhushan. This matches Kathak dancer.

C. Priyadarsini Govind – 1. Bharatanatyam dancer

Priyadarsini Govind is a distinguished Bharatanatyam dancer, known for her expressive performances and adherence to traditional techniques. She has been honored with awards like the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her contributions to this classical dance form. This matches Bharatanatyam dancer.

D. T.V. Gopalakrishnan – 3. Mridangam maestro

T.V. Gopalakrishnan is a celebrated Carnatic musician, renowned as a mridangam maestro and vocalist. He is also proficient in other instruments like the violin and has significantly contributed to South Indian classical music, earning awards like the Padma Bhushan. This matches Mridangam maestro.

Matching:

Thus, the correct code is A B C D: 2 4 1 3, corresponding to option (c).