Question Discussion & Solution

The festival of Uttarayan is celebrated in Gujarat.

• This festival is also known as Makar Sankranti.
• It is a festival day in the Hindu calendar, devoted to the God of Surya (Sun).
• It is celebrated every year in the lunar month of Magha, which corresponds to the month of January according to the Gregorian calendar, and is the day when the people of India celebrate their harvest.
• It is the first day of the transit of the sun to Makara (Capricorn), marking the end of the month with the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days.
• In other states this festival is also known as Magh Bihu in Assam, Maghi (preceded by Lohri) in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

In Madhya Pradesh, the world famous Khajuraho Dance Festival has begun. Eminent Indian classical dancers will perform during the 7 day event. This Dance Festival presents colourful and brilliant Indian dances in the backdrop of the famous Khajuraho temples. Live performances of classical dances like Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, and Mohniyattam were the major attraction this time.

The correct answer is Gwalior Gharana.

Key Points

• Gwalior Gharana is the oldest Khayal Gharana in Indian classical music.
• It originated with the beginning of the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar (1542–1605).
• Famous singers: Miyan Tansen, Anant Manohar Joshi, B. R. Deodhar, Narayanrao Vyas etc.
  • Except for Tansen, all the above are awardees of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards.
  • Hence, option 1 is correct.
• The simplicity i.e the selection of well-known ragas is its unique feature.

Additional Information

• Maihar Gharana is one of the oldest schools of Hindustani classical music.
  • It was established by Allaudin Khan in the princely state of Maihar. 
• Indore Gharana is one of the vocal gharanas of Indian classical music.
  • It was founded by Amir Khan. 

The correct answer is Surat.

Key Points

• Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat on 12 Dec 2021 inaugurated the 34th edition 'Hunar Haat'.
• Handmade products from over 30 states and Union Territories as well as traditional dishes are available in the 300 stalls in the 34th 'Hunar Haat', with more than 600 artisans and craftsmen participating.

• The next "Hunar Haat" will be organized at Jawahar Lal Nehru (JLN) Stadium in New Delhi.

Additional Information

• ​In November 2021, "Hunar Haat” received the prestigious India International Trade Fair, 2021 Silver Medal for strengthening commitment to “Vocal for Local”.
• 40th India International Trade Fair 2021 was held in November 2021 at Pragati Maidan.
• On the occasion of the 75th year of Indian Independence, the central government has decided to organise 75 such Hunar Haat across the country.

The correct answer is Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.

Key Points

• The Originator of the Chishti Order in South Asia was Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.
• Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti came to India with the army of Shihabuddin Ghori in 1192 AD.
• Muinuddin Chishti made his residence in Ajmer.
• He was born in 1141 in Iran.
• The Chishti Order is a Sufi order which arose from Chisht, a small town near Herat, in western Afghanistan.
• It was founded by Abu Ishaq Shami in about 930 CE (Christian Era).

Additional Information

• Sufism is one of the mystical orders that grew out of Islam.
• Classical Sufi scholars define it as a science whose objective is the reparation of the heart and turning it away from all else but god.
• Sufism became prominent during the period of early Umayyad Caliphate (661-750 CE).
• The Sufi movement has spread to several continents over a miillennium. 
• It has considerable following in India and Kashmir is a prominent base.