1. The famous Sanchi Stupa is located in which state?
a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Madhya Pradesh
c) Bihar
d) Odisha
Answer: b) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: The Great Stupa at Sanchi (near Bhopal) was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. The Ashokan Pillar at Sarnath features which animal on its capital?
a) Bull
b) Elephant
c) Lion
d) Horse
Answer: c) Lion
Explanation: The Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath (4 lions) is India’s National Emblem.
3. The Ajanta Caves are famous for:
a) Rock-cut temples of Lord Shiva
b) Buddhist murals and paintings
c) Hindu sculptures
d) Jain carvings
Answer: b) Buddhist murals and paintings
Explanation: Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra) date back to the 2nd century BCE and depict the Jataka tales of Buddha.
4. The Ellora Caves are known for monuments related to:
a) Hinduism only
b) Buddhism only
c) Jainism only
d) Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism
Answer: d) Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism
Explanation: Ellora (Aurangabad, Maharashtra) represents religious harmony, with 34 rock-cut temples.
5. The Kailash Temple at Ellora was built by which ruler?
a) Harsha
b) Krishna I of Rashtrakuta
c) Chandragupta II
d) Rajaraja Chola
Answer: b) Krishna I of Rashtrakuta
Explanation: The Kailasa temple is carved from a single rock and dedicated to Lord Shiva.
6. The Sun Temple of Konark represents the chariot of which deity?
a) Surya (Sun God)
b) Vishnu
c) Indra
d) Shiva
Answer: a) Surya (Sun God)
Explanation: Built by King Narasimhadeva I (13th century, Odisha), it’s shaped like a gigantic stone chariot with 12 wheels.
7. The Khajuraho Temples were built by which dynasty?
a) Chola
b) Pallava
c) Chandela
d) Rashtrakuta
Answer: c) Chandela
Explanation: The Chandela rulers built these temples (950–1050 CE), known for their exquisite erotic sculptures.
8. The Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur was built by:
a) Rajaraja Chola I
b) Narasimhadeva
c) Krishnadevaraya
d) Pulakesin II
Answer: a) Rajaraja Chola I
Explanation: Built around 1010 CE, it’s a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. The Meenakshi Temple is located in:
a) Madurai
b) Kanchipuram
c) Thanjavur
d) Tiruchirappalli
Answer: a) Madurai
Explanation: Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva), it is famous for its Gopurams (tall towers).
10. The Hoysaleswara Temple is found in:
a) Halebidu
b) Belur
c) Badami
d) Pattadakal
Answer: a) Halebidu
Explanation: Built by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana, it’s known for intricate soapstone carvings.
11. Vittala Temple, famous for its stone chariot, is located at:
a) Hampi
b) Belur
c) Mysuru
d) Madurai
Answer: a) Hampi
Explanation: Built during Vijayanagara Empire, it’s known for musical pillars and a chariot-shaped shrine.
12. Qutub Minar was started by:
a) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
b) Iltutmish
c) Alauddin Khilji
d) Firoz Shah Tughlaq
Answer: a) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Explanation: Construction began in 1199 CE by Aibak and completed by Iltutmish.
13. The Red Fort of Delhi was built by:
a) Akbar
b) Shah Jahan
c) Aurangzeb
d) Jahangir
Answer: b) Shah Jahan
Explanation: Built in 1648 CE, it served as the main residence of Mughal emperors for 200 years.
14. The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in memory of:
a) Mumtaz Mahal
b) Noor Jahan
c) Jahanara Begum
d) Mariam-uz-Zamani
Answer: a) Mumtaz Mahal
Explanation: The Taj Mahal (Agra, 1653 CE) symbolizes eternal love and is one of the New 7 Wonders.
15. The Gateway of India was built to commemorate:
a) The arrival of King George V
b) The end of British rule
c) India’s independence
d) Coronation of Edward VII
Answer: a) The arrival of King George V
Explanation: Built in 1924 in Mumbai to commemorate King George V’s visit in 1911.
16. Charminar is located in:
a) Hyderabad
b) Delhi
c) Lucknow
d) Agra
Answer: a) Hyderabad
Explanation: Built in 1591 CE by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah to mark the end of a plague.
17. The India Gate in New Delhi was designed by:
a) Edwin Lutyens
b) Herbert Baker
c) Le Corbusier
d) Charles Correa
Answer: a) Edwin Lutyens
Explanation: India Gate is a war memorial dedicated to soldiers of World War I.
18. The Lotus Temple belongs to which faith?
a) Buddhism
b) Bahá’í
c) Jainism
d) Sikhism
Answer: b) Bahá’í
Explanation: Located in New Delhi, it is a Bahá’í House of Worship, shaped like a lotus flower.
19. The Dilwara Temples are located on which hill station?
a) Mount Abu
b) Udaipur
c) Kodaikanal
d) Shimla
Answer: a) Mount Abu
Explanation: Dilwara Jain Temples (Rajasthan) are famous for marble carvings and craftsmanship.
20. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located at:
a) Kanyakumari
b) Rameswaram
c) Puri
d) Kochi
Answer: a) Kanyakumari
Explanation: Built in 1970 in honour of Swami Vivekananda, marking the spot where he meditated.
21. Gol Gumbaz, famous for its whispering gallery, is in:
a) Bijapur
b) Hyderabad
c) Bidar
d) Aurangabad
Answer: a) Bijapur
Explanation: Mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah of Bijapur — the dome is one of the largest in the world.
22. The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) is located in:
a) Amritsar
b) Patiala
c) Ludhiana
d) Chandigarh
Answer: a) Amritsar
Explanation: Central place of worship of Sikhs, built by Guru Arjan Dev in the 16th century.
23. The Bibi ka Maqbara is located in:
a) Aurangabad
b) Agra
c) Delhi
d) Hyderabad
Answer: a) Aurangabad
Explanation: Built by Aurangzeb’s son Azam Shah in memory of his mother — known as the “Taj of the Deccan.”
24. Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is in:
a) Karnataka
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Andhra Pradesh
d) Kerala
Answer: a) Karnataka
Explanation: Pattadakal showcases early Chalukyan temple architecture (8th century CE).
25. The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka belong to which period?
a) Harappan Age
b) Stone Age
c) Iron Age
d) Gupta Age
Answer: b) Stone Age
Explanation: Located in Madhya Pradesh, Bhimbetka’s cave paintings date back to 30,000 years.
26. The earliest known Indian paintings are found in –
a) Ajanta Caves
b) Bhimbetka Caves
c) Bagh Caves
d) Ellora Caves
Answer: b) Bhimbetka Caves
Explanation: Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh) has prehistoric cave paintings from the Mesolithic (Stone Age) period, depicting hunting and daily life scenes.
27. The Ajanta Cave Paintings depict stories from –
a) Hindu Puranas
b) Ramayana
c) Jataka Tales
d) Mahabharata
Answer: c) Jataka Tales
Explanation: The Buddhist murals of Ajanta (2nd century BCE – 6th century CE) narrate stories of Buddha’s previous lives known as Jataka tales.
28. The Bagh Caves are located in –
a) Maharashtra
b) Madhya Pradesh
c) Odisha
d) Rajasthan
Answer: b) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: The Bagh Caves (near Dhar district) contain Buddhist paintings similar to Ajanta but executed in tempera technique.
29. The Mughal School of Painting originated during the reign of –
a) Akbar
b) Shah Jahan
c) Humayun
d) Jahangir
Answer: a) Akbar
Explanation: Akbar invited Persian painters like Abdus Samad and Mir Sayyid Ali, combining Persian and Indian art styles to create the Mughal school.
30. The Mughal painting that reached its zenith under Jahangir is known for –
a) Architectural details
b) Religious themes
c) Naturalism and portraits
d) Calligraphy
Answer: c) Naturalism and portraits
Explanation: Jahangir loved nature and realism — birds, animals, and detailed human portraits became hallmarks of his reign.
31. The Rajasthani School of Painting flourished mainly in –
a) 13th century
b) 15th century
c) 16th–19th century
d) 11th century
Answer: c) 16th–19th century
Explanation: Originating under Rajput rulers, Rajasthani paintings were inspired by epics, Krishna Leela, and royal life.
32. The Mewar style of painting belongs to which school?
a) Mughal
b) Pahari
c) Rajasthani
d) Deccan
Answer: c) Rajasthani
Explanation: Mewar (Udaipur region) paintings depict bright colors, devotion to Krishna, and bold lines.
33. Kangra paintings belong to which style?
a) Pahari School
b) Mughal School
c) Deccan School
d) Bengal School
Answer: a) Pahari School
Explanation: The Kangra style (Himachal Pradesh) reached its peak under Raja Sansar Chand — delicate colors and romantic themes (Radha-Krishna).
34. The Pattachitra paintings belong to which state?
a) West Bengal
b) Odisha
c) Rajasthan
d) Gujarat
Answer: b) Odisha
Explanation: Pattachitra (from Puri, Odisha) means “cloth painting,” depicting Jagannath and mythological scenes with bold lines and natural colors.
35. Madhubani or Mithila painting originated in –
a) Bihar
b) Uttar Pradesh
c) West Bengal
d) Jharkhand
Answer: a) Bihar
Explanation: Madhubani paintings, made using fingers and twigs, are traditional folk art of Mithila (Bihar), often done during festivals and marriages.
36. Warli paintings are a tribal art form of –
a) Odisha
b) Maharashtra
c) Rajasthan
d) Jharkhand
Answer: b) Maharashtra
Explanation: Warli tribal paintings use simple geometric shapes (circle, triangle, square) to depict daily life — traditionally in white on mud walls.
37. Phad paintings belong to which Indian state?
a) Rajasthan
b) Gujarat
c) Haryana
d) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: a) Rajasthan
Explanation: Phad paintings (on long cloth scrolls) narrate the heroic stories of folk deities like Pabuji and Devnarayan.
38. The Kalamkari art form is associated with which state?
a) Andhra Pradesh
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Karnataka
d) Kerala
Answer: a) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Kalamkari means “art done with a pen” (kalam = pen), depicting mythological themes on fabric using natural dyes.
39. Tanjore paintings originated in which state?
a) Kerala
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Karnataka
d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: b) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Tanjore paintings are known for gold foil work, vibrant colors, and themes of Hindu deities.
40. Miniature paintings were first developed during which dynasty?
a) Maurya
b) Gupta
c) Pala
d) Mughal
Answer: c) Pala
Explanation: Pala miniatures (8th–12th century CE, Bengal-Bihar) are the earliest examples of Indian miniature art with Buddhist themes.
41. Kalighat paintings originated in –
a) Kolkata
b) Varanasi
c) Madurai
d) Jaipur
Answer: a) Kolkata
Explanation: Kalighat paintings were created by local artists around Kalighat Temple in 19th-century Kolkata — bold outlines and satire on society.
42. Gond paintings belong to which region of India?
a) Northeast India
b) Central India
c) Western India
d) South India
Answer: b) Central India
Explanation: Gond art is tribal painting from Madhya Pradesh, depicting nature and animals using dots and lines.
43. Cheriyal scroll painting is a traditional art form of –
a) Telangana
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Kerala
d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: a) Telangana
Explanation: Cheriyal paintings are narrative scrolls illustrating epics and folklore in bold red backgrounds.
44. Rogan art (oil-based painting on cloth) is practiced in –
a) Rajasthan
b) Gujarat
c) Punjab
d) Odisha
Answer: b) Gujarat
Explanation: Rogan art (Kutch region) involves painting with thick natural pigments using a metal stylus on fabric.
45. Pithora paintings are a tribal art of –
a) Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh
b) Odisha and Chhattisgarh
c) Bihar and Jharkhand
d) Rajasthan and Haryana
Answer: a) Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Pithora art, made by Bhil and Rathwa tribes, depicts horses and gods, used in rituals for prosperity.
46. The famous Blue Pottery of India is associated with –
a) Jaipur
b) Agra
c) Khurja
d) Moradabad
Answer: a) Jaipur
Explanation: Jaipur Blue Pottery uses Persian glazing techniques with motifs of birds, flowers, and geometric patterns.
47. The Channapatna Toys are wooden handicrafts from –
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Karnataka
c) Kerala
d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: b) Karnataka
Explanation: These lacquered wooden toys from Channapatna (near Bengaluru) have GI tag recognition.
48. The Banarasi Saree is traditionally made of –
a) Cotton
b) Silk with gold zari work
c) Jute
d) Wool
Answer: b) Silk with gold zari work
Explanation: Banarasi silk sarees are famous for rich brocade (zari) and intricate Mughal-inspired motifs.
49. Kanchipuram Sarees belong to which state?
a) Kerala
b) Karnataka
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: c) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Kanchipuram sarees are woven from pure mulberry silk, known for durability and contrast borders.
50. The Bidriware metal craft involves inlay work of silver on black metal and originates from –
a) Jaipur
b) Hyderabad
c) Bidar
d) Moradabad
Answer: c) Bidar
Explanation: Bidriware from Bidar (Karnataka) uses zinc and copper alloy inlaid with silver — influenced by Persian art.
51. Indian Classical Music is broadly divided into how many major systems?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four
Answer: b) Two
Explanation: The two main systems of Indian Classical Music are Hindustani (North India) and Carnatic (South India).
52. The Hindustani Music system evolved mainly during which period?
a) Vedic Period
b) Mauryan Period
c) Medieval Period
d) Gupta Period
Answer: c) Medieval Period
Explanation: Hindustani music developed during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal period, blending Persian and Indian styles.
53. The Carnatic Music system developed in –
a) North India
b) South India
c) Central India
d) West India
Answer: b) South India
Explanation: Carnatic music developed in South India with roots in ancient temple traditions and Bhakti movement.
54. The basic foundation of Indian classical music is –
a) Notes
b) Raga and Tala
c) Instruments
d) Lyrics
Answer: b) Raga and Tala
Explanation: Raga gives melody (mood), while Tala gives rhythm — they form the base of all classical compositions.
55. The famous musician Tansen was in the court of –
a) Alauddin Khilji
b) Akbar
c) Shah Jahan
d) Bahadur Shah
Answer: b) Akbar
Explanation: Tansen, one of the Navaratnas, was a master of Dhrupad style and composed Ragas like Miyan ki Todi.
56. The Veena is the main instrument associated with which music system?
a) Hindustani
b) Carnatic
c) Both
d) Folk
Answer: b) Carnatic
Explanation: Veena is the principal string instrument of Carnatic music, often associated with Goddess Saraswati.
57. The famous Carnatic composer known as “Saint Thyagaraja” belonged to which state?
a) Kerala
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Andhra Pradesh
d) Karnataka
Answer: c) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Thyagaraja (1767–1847) was one of the Trinity of Carnatic Music, composing hundreds of devotional songs.
58. The other two members of the Carnatic Trinity are –
a) Purandara Dasa and Muthuswami Dikshitar
b) Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri
c) M.S. Subbulakshmi and Ilaiyaraaja
d) Tansen and Amir Khusrau
Answer: b) Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri
Explanation: Together with Thyagaraja, they form the Trinity of Carnatic Music.
59. Sitar and Tabla are major instruments used in –
a) Hindustani Music
b) Carnatic Music
c) Folk Music
d) Western Music
Answer: a) Hindustani Music
Explanation: Sitar (string) and Tabla (percussion) are essential instruments in North Indian classical music.
60. The Gharana system is associated with –
a) Classical Dance
b) Hindustani Music
c) Folk Songs
d) Theatre
Answer: b) Hindustani Music
Explanation: “Gharanas” are musical lineages/schools (e.g., Gwalior, Jaipur, Kirana) preserving unique vocal/instrumental styles.
61. How many classical dance forms are officially recognized in India by the Sangeet Natak Akademi?
a) 6
b) 7
c) 8
d) 9
Answer: c) 8
Explanation: The 8 classical dances: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Odissi, Mohiniyattam, Sattriya.
62. The dance form Bharatanatyam originated in –
a) Andhra Pradesh
b) Kerala
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Karnataka
Answer: c) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Bharatanatyam evolved in Tamil Nadu temples; known for its fixed upper torso, intricate footwork, and expressions (abhinaya).
63. The classical dance Kathak originated in –
a) Northern India
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Kerala
d) Manipur
Answer: a) Northern India
Explanation: Kathak evolved from temple storytellers (“Kathakars”) and later flourished in Mughal courts, blending Hindu and Persian styles.
64. Kathakali is a traditional dance form of –
a) Andhra Pradesh
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Kerala
d) Odisha
Answer: c) Kerala
Explanation: Kathakali combines dance, drama, and music — known for elaborate makeup, masks, and expressive hand gestures (mudras).
65. Odissi dance form originated in which state?
a) Odisha
b) West Bengal
c) Assam
d) Bihar
Answer: a) Odisha
Explanation: Odissi, one of the oldest dance forms, evolved in Jagannath temples of Puri with graceful body movements.
66. Kuchipudi is a classical dance from –
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Andhra Pradesh
c) Kerala
d) Karnataka
Answer: b) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Kuchipudi dance-drama originated in a village named Kuchipudi and features both storytelling and devotional expression.
67. Manipuri dance form is associated with which Indian state?
a) Meghalaya
b) Assam
c) Manipur
d) Tripura
Answer: c) Manipur
Explanation: Manipuri dance expresses themes of Vaishnavism, especially the Ras Leela of Krishna and Radha.
68. Mohiniyattam is the classical dance form of –
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Kerala
c) Karnataka
d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: b) Kerala
Explanation: Mohiniyattam (meaning “dance of the enchantress”) is graceful and feminine, performed solo by women.
69. Sattriya dance is native to –
a) Manipur
b) Assam
c) Tripura
d) Odisha
Answer: b) Assam
Explanation: Sattriya, introduced by Saint Srimanta Sankardeva, evolved in Vaishnava monasteries (Satras).
70. The Natya Shastra, an ancient text on dance and drama, was written by –
a) Panini
b) Bharata Muni
c) Kalidasa
d) Valmiki
Answer: b) Bharata Muni
Explanation: Natya Shastra (200 BCE–200 CE) is the foundational treatise on Indian performing arts — covering music, dance, and drama.
71. The oldest form of Indian theatre is –
a) Yakshagana
b) Kutiyattam
c) Nautanki
d) Tamasha
Answer: b) Kutiyattam
Explanation: Kutiyattam (Kerala) is Sanskrit theatre over 2000 years old — recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
72. Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form of –
a) Kerala
b) Karnataka
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Maharashtra
Answer: b) Karnataka
Explanation: Yakshagana combines dance, music, dialogue, and colorful costumes — narrating mythological stories.
73. Nautanki folk theatre is popular in –
a) Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh
b) Punjab and Haryana
c) West Bengal and Assam
d) Maharashtra and Goa
Answer: a) Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Nautanki is a North Indian folk theatre blending song, dance, and satire, performed during fairs and festivals.
74. Jatra is the traditional folk theatre of –
a) Odisha
b) West Bengal
c) Assam
d) Bihar
Answer: b) West Bengal
Explanation: Jatra is a popular Bengali folk drama, often featuring religious and social themes sung in open-air stages.
75. The famous Marathi folk theatre form known for humor and social message is –
a) Tamasha
b) Yakshagana
c) Bhavai
d) Bhand Pather
Answer: a) Tamasha
Explanation: Tamasha (Maharashtra) combines music, dance, and satire — traditionally performed by folk troupes.
76. The author of Ramcharitmanas is –
a) Valmiki
b) Kalidasa
c) Tulsidas
d) Kamban
Answer: c) Tulsidas
Explanation: Ramcharitmanas was written by Goswami Tulsidas in Awadhi language, retelling the story of Lord Rama from the Ramayana.
77. The Sanskrit poet Kalidasa was the court poet of –
a) Chandragupta Maurya
b) Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)
c) Ashoka
d) Harsha
Answer: b) Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)
Explanation: Kalidasa, the greatest classical Sanskrit poet and dramatist, lived during the Gupta era (4th–5th century CE).
78. Shakuntala was written by –
a) Bhasa
b) Kalidasa
c) Vishakhadatta
d) Banabhatta
Answer: b) Kalidasa
Explanation: Abhijnanasakuntalam (The Recognition of Shakuntala) is Kalidasa’s most celebrated Sanskrit play.
79. The famous Sanskrit book Arthashastra was written by –
a) Kalhana
b) Vishnu Sharma
c) Kautilya (Chanakya)
d) Bana
Answer: c) Kautilya (Chanakya)
Explanation: Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economics, and military strategy by Chanakya, adviser to Chandragupta Maurya.
80. Indica, an account of India during Mauryan rule, was written by –
a) Megasthenes
b) Fa-Hien
c) Hiuen Tsang
d) Ibn Battuta
Answer: a) Megasthenes
Explanation: Greek ambassador Megasthenes wrote Indica, describing Chandragupta Maurya’s court and society.
81. Rajatarangini, a history of Kashmir, was written by –
a) Kalhana
b) Bana
c) Somadeva
d) Vishakhadatta
Answer: a) Kalhana
Explanation: Rajatarangini (12th century CE) by Kalhana is considered the earliest historical chronicle in Sanskrit.
82. Gitanjali was written by –
a) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
b) Rabindranath Tagore
c) Sri Aurobindo
d) Sarojini Naidu
Answer: b) Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation: Gitanjali (Song Offerings) won Tagore the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, the first Asian to receive it.
83. The author of Anand Math is –
a) Premchand
b) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
c) Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
d) Rabindranath Tagore
Answer: b) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Explanation: Anand Math (1882) introduced the song “Vande Mataram”, later adopted as India’s National Song.
84. Godan, a classic Hindi novel about rural life, was written by –
a) Jaishankar Prasad
b) Premchand
c) Harivansh Rai Bachchan
d) Mahadevi Verma
Answer: b) Premchand
Explanation: Godan is one of Premchand’s most important novels, portraying the struggles of farmers in colonial India.
85. Discovery of India was written by –
a) B.R. Ambedkar
b) Jawaharlal Nehru
c) Mahatma Gandhi
d) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: b) Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: Written in 1944 in Ahmednagar Fort prison, The Discovery of India reflects Nehru’s vision of India’s cultural unity.
86. The Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years on the banks of –
a) Ganga and Yamuna
b) Ganga and Saraswati
c) Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati
d) Godavari and Krishna
Answer: c) Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati
Explanation: The Kumbh Mela is held at Allahabad (Prayagraj), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik in rotation.
87. The Pushkar Fair is famous for –
a) Tribal dances
b) Camel trading
c) Boat racing
d) Bull fighting
Answer: b) Camel trading
Explanation: The Pushkar Fair (Rajasthan) is one of the largest camel and livestock fairs in the world.
88. The Hornbill Festival is celebrated in –
a) Mizoram
b) Nagaland
c) Assam
d) Meghalaya
Answer: b) Nagaland
Explanation: Known as the Festival of Festivals, it showcases Naga tribal culture, music, and handicrafts.
89. Bihu is the main festival of –
a) Manipur
b) Assam
c) Meghalaya
d) Tripura
Answer: b) Assam
Explanation: Bihu celebrates the Assamese New Year and agricultural cycles — Rongali, Bhogali, and Kongali Bihu.
90. Onam is celebrated in which Indian state?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Kerala
c) Karnataka
d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: b) Kerala
Explanation: Onam is a harvest festival celebrating the mythical return of King Mahabali — known for boat races and floral decorations.
91. Lohri festival marks –
a) End of winter
b) Onset of monsoon
c) Beginning of harvest season
d) Start of summer
Answer: c) Beginning of harvest season
Explanation: Lohri (Punjab, Haryana) marks the end of winter and the harvest of sugarcane and wheat.
92. Hemis Festival is celebrated in –
a) Jammu & Kashmir (Ladakh)
b) Himachal Pradesh
c) Uttarakhand
d) Sikkim
Answer: a) Jammu & Kashmir (Ladakh)
Explanation: Hemis Festival honors Guru Padmasambhava with mask dances in monasteries of Ladakh.
93. Pongal is a festival celebrated in –
a) Kerala
b) Andhra Pradesh
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Karnataka
Answer: c) Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Pongal is a four-day harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God.
94. Desert Festival is celebrated in –
a) Barmer
b) Jaipur
c) Jaisalmer
d) Udaipur
Answer: c) Jaisalmer
Explanation: The Desert Festival showcases Rajasthan’s folk music, camel races, and cultural heritage in the golden dunes.
95. Durga Puja is a major festival of –
a) Bihar
b) West Bengal
c) Assam
d) Odisha
Answer: b) West Bengal
Explanation: Durga Puja celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura; it’s the most important festival of Bengal.
96. India has how many UNESCO World Heritage Sites (as of 2024)?
a) 38
b) 40
c) 42
d) 44
Answer: c) 42
Explanation: As of 2024, India has 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (34 cultural, 7 natural, 1 mixed).
97. The first sites to be inscribed on the UNESCO list from India were –
a) Ajanta, Ellora and Taj Mahal
b) Sanchi, Hampi, and Red Fort
c) Qutub Minar, Konark, and Ellora
d) Ajanta, Ellora, and Agra Fort
Answer: d) Ajanta, Ellora, and Agra Fort
Explanation: These were among the first Indian sites inscribed in 1983.
98. Hampi is located in which state?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Andhra Pradesh
c) Karnataka
d) Telangana
Answer: c) Karnataka
Explanation: Hampi, the capital of Vijayanagara Empire, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Dravidian temples and monuments.
99. The Nalanda Mahavihara (ancient university ruins) is located in –
a) Bihar
b) Uttar Pradesh
c) Madhya Pradesh
d) West Bengal
Answer: a) Bihar
Explanation: Nalanda was an ancient Buddhist university (5th–12th century CE), now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
100. Dholavira, a Harappan-era archaeological site, is located in –
a) Rajasthan
b) Gujarat
c) Haryana
d) Punjab
Answer: b) Gujarat
Explanation: Dholavira (Kutch District) became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021, showcasing the Indus Valley Civilization’s advanced urban planning.