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Question 1:

How many classical dances are recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in India? Name them.

Answer: 8 Classical Dances

Key Fact: The 8 classical dances are: Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (Uttar Pradesh), Kathakali (Kerala), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Odisha), Manipuri (Manipur), Mohiniyattam (Kerala), and Sattriya (Assam).

Question 2:

Which classical dance originated in Tamil Nadu and who is one of its most famous exponents?

Answer: Bharatanatyam – Famous exponent: Rukmini Devi Arundale

Key Fact: Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dances of India, originating in Tamil Nadu. Rukmini Devi Arundale revived and popularized this dance form in the 20th century.

Question 3:

Which classical dance originated in Uttar Pradesh and is known for its spinning movements (chakkars)?

Answer: Kathak

Key Fact: Kathak originated in Uttar Pradesh and is known for its fast spinning movements. Birju Maharaj is one of the most famous Kathak exponents.

Question 4:

Which classical dance from Kerala is known for its elaborate makeup and costumes?

Answer: Kathakali

Key Fact: Kathakali is a classical dance from Kerala known for its elaborate makeup, colorful costumes, and expressive storytelling through mudras and facial expressions.

Question 5:

Which festival is known as the "Festival of Lights" and which as the "Festival of Colors"?

Answer: Festival of Lights: Diwali; Festival of Colors: Holi

Key Fact: Diwali is celebrated in October/November and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Holi is celebrated in March and marks the arrival of spring.

Question 6:

Name the harvest festivals celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Punjab.

Answer: Tamil Nadu: Pongal; Kerala: Onam; Punjab: Baisakhi/Lohri

Key Fact: Pongal is celebrated in Tamil Nadu in January. Onam is celebrated in Kerala in August/September. Baisakhi is celebrated in Punjab in April.

Question 7:

How many classical languages are recognized in India and which was the first?

Answer: 6 Classical Languages; First: Tamil (2004)

Key Fact: The six classical languages are Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Telugu (2008), Kannada (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014).

Question 8:

Which Indian monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture?

Answer: Taj Mahal – Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Key Fact: The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Question 9:

Which rock-cut caves in India are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known for their Buddhist murals?

Answer: Ajanta Caves – Maharashtra

Key Fact: The Ajanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Maharashtra. They are famous for their rock-cut Buddhist murals and sculptures dating back to the 2nd century BCE.

Question 10:

What are the two main traditions of Indian classical music and who are some famous exponents?

Answer: Hindustani (North) and Carnatic (South)

Key Fact: Hindustani music is from North India with exponents like Tansen and Ravi Shankar. Carnatic music is from South India with exponents like M.S. Subbulakshmi and Thyagaraja.

Question 11:

Which classical dance was added to the list of 8 classical dances recently and from which state?

Answer: Sattriya – From Assam

Key Fact: Sattriya was recognized as a classical dance by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000. It originated in the monasteries (Sattras) of Assam and has Vaishnava themes.

Everything You Need for Indian Culture Revision

Explore Classical Dances, Folk Dances, Indian Music, Art, Architecture, Festivals, Languages, UNESCO Heritage Sites, and Cuisine in one place for quick and effective revision.