Question Discussion & Solution

The correct answer is Neither I nor II.

Key Points

• Chhau dance is a traditional dance form performed by men from Eastern India that enacts episodes from epics including Ramayana and Mahabharata.
  • The main objective of this dance form is to celebrate martial arts.
  • Chhau dance can be classified into three divisions based on the place it is performed; Mayurbhanj Chau of Odisha, Seraikella Chau of Jharkhand, and Purulia Chau of Bengal.
• Kathak is a North Indian dance that originated in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
  • ​The name Kathak comes from the word "Katha" which means a story.
  • Shambhu Maharaj and Lacchu Maharaj are famous Kathak dancers.

Additional Information

• Eight dance forms have been acknowledged by Sangeet Natak Akademi as classical dance forms of India.
• The classical dance form originated from the Natya Shastra.
• Classical dance has a deep-rooted relationship with the Natya Shastra where the specific features of each of the Classical dance forms have been mentioned.
• There are 8 classical dance forms in India as per the source and scholar

Important Points

• The Cultural Ministry of India has included Chhau into the list of classical dances that make a total of 9 classical dance forms.

The Correct Answer is Vaigai River.

Key Points

• Meenakshi Amman Temple is located on the Southern Bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai., Tamil Nadu. 
• This temple dedicated to Thirukamakottam Udaya Aaludaiya Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwar, a form of Shiva.
• In this temple, both God and Goddess are worshipped together in separate chambers.
• The temple is at the centre of the ancient temple city Madurai.
• It was built by King Kulasekara Pandya.
• It is a complex made in accordance with the Shilpa Shastra and has 5 main entrances with 14  gateway towers or 'gopurams', golden 'Vimanas', holy sanctums and shrines dedicated to the revered Goddess Meenakshi and many others. 
• It is a major tourist attraction, with thousands of devotees visiting the shrines every day.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Humayun.

• Miniature painting in India was started by Humayun.

Key Points

• Miniature paintings were brought to India by the Mughals.
• Mughals were assisted by Persians.
• These paintings depicted the events and lifestyles of the Mughals.
• Humayun appointed Persian artist Mir sayid Ali and Khawaja Abdus Samad to his court.
• A typical miniature painting has a phrase or poetry written in the Urdu script on the upper or cover end.

Additional Information

• The earliest Miniature paintings in India can be traced back to the 7^th century AD when they flourished under the patronage of the Palas of Bengal.
• Buddhist texts and scriptures were illustrated on 3-inch-wide palm leaf manuscripts, with images of Buddhist deities. Pala art was defined by subdued colors and sinuous lines, evocative of the murals in Ajanta.
• It was Jainism that inspired the miniature artistic movement of the Western Indian style of miniature painting. This form prevailed in the regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Malwa, from the 12^th-16^th century AD.
• Jain manuscripts were illustrated using exaggerated physical traits, vigorous lines, and bold colors.
• Miniature Art in India truly thrived under the Mughals (16th-18th century AD), defining a rich period in the history of Indian art.
• The Mughal style of painting was an amalgamation of religion, culture, and tradition. Persian styles melded with local Indian art to create a highly detailed, rich art form.

The correct answer is Agra.

Key Points

• Salahakul Utsav of Uttar Pradesh
  • Sulh-i Kul was founded to define universal peace, especially for interfaith sensitivity and fair treatment for all, neglectful of religious tenets.
  • This term Sulh-i kul is an Arabic phrase meaning absolute peace.
  • Mughal emperor Akbar introduced this policy in his empire to unite the people of his empire.
  • In Uttar Pradesh, the festival sulahkul a symbol of Hindu Muslim unity is organized in Agra. Hence, Option 3 is correct.

Important Points

• ​Important Fairs & Festivals
  • Taj Mahotsav is organized in Agra.
  • In Uttar Pradesh, on the occasion of the Holi festival, Lattathmar Holi is organized in the barasana.
  • In Uttar Pradesh, the world's largest fair (Kumbh Mela) is organized in Allahabad.
  • Kumbh Mela is organized every 12 years and Ardha Kumbh Mela is organized in the intervals of every 6 years.
  • Dadri's Animal Fair is organized on Kartik Purnima, in Ballia.
  • Magh Mela is organized every year in Allahabad.
  • Haridas Jayanti Festival and Dhrupad Mela are held annually in Bhadrapad Shukla paksha in Mathura, in which the best musicians participate.

The correct answer is Dance.

Key Points

• Ottan Thullal is a Kerala dance-drama performance art form developed by Kunchan Nambiar as a substitute for Chakyar koothu.
• Kunchan Nambiar used it to express his dissatisfaction with society's socio-political framework and prejudices at the time.
• It went on to become the most widely displayed folk art in Kerala temples.
• Ottanthullal is distinguished by the performer himself singing and playing the narrative, which is a difficult undertaking.
• The accompanying instruments for Ottanthullal are Mridangam and Idakka.