Intangible Heritage — Set 4
Arts & Culture · अमूर्त विरासत · Questions 31–40 of 50
Which Indian city is famously known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World'?
Correct Answer: A. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is widely regarded as the Yoga Capital because of its numerous ashrams and international yoga centers. It is located at the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the holy Ganges. Every year, thousands of practitioners from around the globe visit the city for yoga and meditation.
Which Goddess is worshipped as the destroyer of Mahishasura during Durga Puja?
Correct Answer: C. Durga
Durga Puja celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga, who was created by the gods to defeat the powerful demon Mahishasura. She is depicted with ten arms, each holding a different weapon given by various deities. The festival signifies the power of feminine energy and the triumph of good over evil.
How many items are inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list from India as of 2024?
Correct Answer: A. 15
As of early 2024, India has 15 cultural expressions recognized on the UNESCO Representative List. This includes traditions like Garba, which was the most recent addition in late 2023. This number reflects India's vast and diverse living heritage across different states.
Which dance form from Gujarat was the 15th Indian entry to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage list?
Correct Answer: A. Garba
Garba is a traditional dance performed during the Hindu festival of Navratri in honor of the Goddess. It was officially inscribed by UNESCO in December 2023. The dance is performed in a circle around a lamp, symbolizing the cycle of life.
The ritual of 'Vedic Chanting' is performed primarily in which language?
Correct Answer: B. Sanskrit
Vedic Chanting uses Classical Sanskrit, specifically the archaic forms found in the ancient Vedas. The tradition preserves the precise phonetics and rhythms that have been maintained for millennia. It is considered the foundation of the linguistic and religious heritage of India.
Which type of 'Chhau' dance is performed without using any masks?
Correct Answer: C. Mayurbhanj Chhau
Mayurbhanj Chhau from Odisha is distinct because the performers use facial expressions instead of masks. This allows for greater freedom of movement and expressive versatility during the performance. The other two styles, Purulia and Seraikella, are strictly masked traditions.
What is the primary theme of the 'Kutiyattam' theatre performances?
Correct Answer: C. Sanskrit Classics
Kutiyattam is the oldest existing theatre form that performs the plays of Bhasa, Harsha, and other Sanskrit masters. The actors are traditionally from the Chakkyar community and the musicians from the Nambiar community. It is a highly sophisticated form of storytelling involving complex symbolic gestures.
The traditional art of 'Thatheras' is mainly focused on making utensils using which two metals?
Correct Answer: A. Brass and Copper
The Thatheras specialize in using brass and copper to create functional and decorative household utensils. These metals are believed to have health benefits according to traditional Indian medicine. The hammering process used by these craftsmen is both physically demanding and technically precise.
Which community is the custodian of the 'Buddhist Chanting' in the monasteries of Ladakh?
Correct Answer: B. Drupka Kagyu monks
In Ladakh, the Drupka Kagyu and other Buddhist sects maintain the tradition of chanting sacred texts. These monks spend years learning the correct intonation and meaning of the Buddhist scriptures. Chanting is a daily ritual performed to maintain harmony and ward off evil spirits.
The festival of 'Nowruz' is celebrated by approximately how many people worldwide?
Correct Answer: D. 300 million
Nowruz is a transnational heritage shared by over 300 million people across Central Asia, the Balkans, and the Middle East. In India, it is primarily celebrated by the Parsi Zoroastrian community. It promotes peace, solidarity, and good neighborliness among different ethnic groups.