Question Discussion & Solution

The correct answer is Karthik.

• Chandrabhaga Festival:
  • Organized in the Kartik month (October/November) according to the Hindu calendar, the Chandrabhaga Fair is a prominent fair of Rajasthan.
  • This fair is held in the heritage town of Jhalrapatan, situated 6 km away from Jhalawar, in Rajasthan.
  • The Chandrabhaga Fair adds to the spiritual charm of this 'City of Bells' and makes this place an ideal site for a heavenly experience.

Key Points

• The Chandrabhaga Fair is renowned for its huge cattle fair which is organized on the last day of the Kartik month.
• The cattle fair is similar to the world-famous Pushkar Mela and it allows traders from all over the country to sell their livestock.
• The fair also offers visitors the chance to interact with the locals and familiarize themselves with the rituals and customs of this region.
• The other major attractions of this fair are its mesmerizing folk music performances and colourful traditional Rajasthani arts and crafts. 

The correct answer is Nihalchand.

Key Points

• He was an Indian artist who produced some great Rajput paintings.
• Most of the Kishangarh paintings are believed to be done by him.
• He was the chief painter during the reign of Savant Singh.
• He is known for his idealized depiction of the female form called Bani Thani.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Amer Fort.

• Shila Devi is the famous idol of Durga.
• Her temple is located in Amer Fort in Jaipur.
• It was built in 1580 AD by Maharaja Sawai Mansingh I.

Additional Information

• Towards the end of the sixteenth century, Maharaja Mansingh brought the statue of the goddess Shila Mata from the eastern part of Bengal.
• In the kingdom of Pratapaditya, Maharaja Mansingh was defeated by king Kedar.
• Humiliated and depressed, the Maharaja worshipped goddess Kali to please her and receive her blessings so as to change his defeat into victory.
• Kali appeared in a dream to bless him.
• The goddess also obtained a promise from the Maharaja that he would establish her shrine in his capital.
• The idol of the goddess was recovered from the sea in the form of a Shila (Slab) and it was brought to Amer when cleaned and washed, the present idol appeared. This is why the goddess is named Shila Mata.
• In the bright half of the month of Ashwin and Chaitra, the first nine days are held sacred for religious practices and ritualistic performances.

The correct answer is 3 only.

• Kathak is the classical dance of Uttar Pradesh.
• Kathakali is the classical dance of Kerela.
• Sattariya is the classical dance of Assam.
• Hence the correct answer is 3 only.

Key Points

• Kuchipudi
  • ​Kuchipudi is a classical dance of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Origin from the group of dancers going in the villages to perform known as Kusselavas.
  • Kuchipudi derives its name from the village Kusselavapuri in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Vijayanagar and Golconda rulers patronized the dance form.
  • Famous dance Tarangam where the dancer performs with his feet on edge of brass plate and pot of water on the head.
  • Stories from Bhagvat Purana on secular themes.
  • Lasya(Soft element) and Tandava(Hard element) are important in Kuchipudi dance.
• Kathak
  • ​Kathak is a classical dance of Uttar Pradesh.
  • Origin from Ras Leela of Brajbhoomi.
  • Kathak's name comes from the word 'Kathika' which means storytellers from epics.
  • Mughal courts patronized Kathak and accepted it as court entertainment.
  • Famous Gharana is based on Hindustani Music-Lucknow, Jaipur, and Banaras Gharana.
• Kathakali
  • ​Kathakali is a classical dance of Kerela.
  • Origin from temples of Kerela two forms of dance and drama.
  • Kathakali's name comes from the word 'Katha' which means story and 'Kali' means drama.
  • Initially evolved under the patronage of feudal lords later revived by Kathakali artists.
  • Generally, male groups dance with heavy makeup and traditional costume.
  • Narrating episodes from Ramayana and Mahabharat with facial movement, eye expression, and hand movement.
• Sattriya
  • ​Sattariya is a classical dance of Assam.
  • Introduced by Vaishnava Saint Sankaradeva in 15th century AD in Assam.
  • Sattriya derives its name from Vaishnava monasteries known as 'Sattras'.
  • Dance form inspired by the Bhakti Movement reciting stories of Lord Vishnu.
  • Famous dance form 'Bhaona' is based on stories of Lord Krishna.

Additional Information

Presently Sangeet Natak Academy recognized 8 classical dances of India.

Important Points

• Note: There is no classical dance recognized for Rajasthan.

The correct answer is 4 only.

• Surani, Algoja, and Nagfani are the Aerophone instrument.
• Kamaycha comes under the string category.

Key Points

• Stringed
  • Kamaycha:
    • It is played by the Manganiyar caste.
    • The large circular belly of the Kamaycha is covered with parchment, a peg system, and a fingerboard.
    • The Kamaycha is also incorporated with 27 sympathetic strings that are made of steel and played with a curved bow made of horse tail hair.
• Aerophone
  • Nagfani:
    • It is used by monk, saints and in the temple.
    • This is a brass tube in a serpent-like shape with a hole in its end.
  • Algoja:
    • It is used by Meena and Alwar, Kota, Ajmer's Gurjar and Dhakad.
    • It has two flutes of with four holes in it.
    • It is played simultaneously in the mouth.
  • Surnai:
    • It is played by Dholi, Langa and Manganiyar caste on marriage and auspicious occasions.
    • It is made from Date trees’ wood.
    • It is the second form of Sahnai.
    • Pepe khan manganiyar is famous for it.