Martial Arts — Set 3
Arts & Culture · मार्शल आर्ट · Questions 21–30 of 50
In which state is the traditional staff-fighting art known as 'Banethi' common?
Correct Answer: A. Rajasthan
• **Banethi** = involves the spinning of a stick with lighted torches or blades at the ends. • **Rajput military traditions** — it originated in Rajasthan as a coordination exercise, requiring great skill. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Uttar Pradesh]: While UP has stick fighting, Banethi is specifically associated with Rajasthan; [Punjab]: Punjab has Gatka, a different weapon art; [Bihar]: Bihar has its own distinct martial traditions, not Banethi.
Which martial art is characterized by the use of a 'Valari' (returning boomerang)?
Correct Answer: B. Silambam
• **Silambam** = practitioners in ancient Tamil Nadu were known to use the Valari as a lethal hunting and combat weapon. • **Open-field battles** — the Valari, a specialized curved wooden instrument, was highly effective in such scenarios. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Adimurai]: This martial art focuses on vital points, not typically Valari use; [Angampora]: This is a Sri Lankan martial art, distinct from Indian traditions; [Kalaripayattu]: While diverse, Kalaripayattu is not primarily known for the Valari boomerang.
The term 'Kalari' in Kalaripayattu refers to which of the following?
Correct Answer: D. Training ground
• **Kalari** = is the traditional space where martial training and healing rituals take place. • **Guardian deity** — the training begins with a ritual salutation to the guardian deity of the Kalari. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Teacher]: The teacher is known as Gurukkal or Asan; [Strike]: Strikes are specific techniques, not the 'Kalari' itself; [Weapon]: Weapons are used 'in' the Kalari, but the term doesn't refer to a weapon.
Which South Indian martial art is specifically known for its focus on 'Varmam' (vital pressure points)?
Correct Answer: B. Adimurai
• **Adimurai** = is an ancient martial art from the Kanyakumari region of Tamil Nadu that specializes in pressure point strikes. • **Siddha medicine** — it is based on this knowledge, focusing on disabling opponents by attacking specific energy channels. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Kuttu Varisai]: This is an unarmed combat component, but Adimurai is the primary art focused on Varmam; [Kathi Samu]: This is a sword fighting art, not pressure points; [Silambam]: While it has some unarmed aspects, its primary focus is staff fighting.
'Mukna' is a traditional form of wrestling native to which ethnic group?
Correct Answer: D. Meiteis
• **Mukna** = is a popular traditional wrestling sport among the Meitei people of Manipur. • **Lai Haraoba festival** — it is usually played during the closing ceremony, aiming to make the opponent's body above the feet touch the ground. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Nagas]: Nagas have their own distinct wrestling style (Naga wrestling); [Khasis]: Khasis have unique cultural practices but not Mukna; [Mizos]: Mizos also have their own traditional sports, separate from Mukna.
Which weapon used in Kalaripayattu is a flexible whip-like sword?
Correct Answer: C. Urumi
• **Urumi** = is a dangerous flexible sword composed of multiple long, coiled blades. • **Self-injury risk** — it is considered one of the most difficult weapons to master in Kalaripayattu due to this, historically used for defense against multiple attackers. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Pata]: This is a gauntlet sword, not flexible; [Talwar]: This is a curved saber, rigid; [Khanda]: This is a straight, broad-bladed sword, not flexible.
The 'Gatta Khel' is a traditional form of martial practice common in which region?
Correct Answer: C. Bundelkhand
• **Gatta Khel** = is a traditional weapon-based art practiced in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. • **Folk celebrations** — it involves synchronized movements with sticks and shields during these events, reflecting local martial heritage. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Mithila]: This region has distinct cultural practices, but Gatta Khel is not primary there; [Konkan]: This coastal region has different martial traditions; [Malwa]: While nearby, Gatta Khel is most prominently associated with Bundelkhand.
Which martial art involves the use of a 'Pata' (gauntlet sword) and is often demonstrated in Shivaji Maharaj's history?
Correct Answer: A. Mardani Khel
• **Mardani Khel** = is a traditional martial art from Maharashtra known for using weapons like the Pata, a sword with an integrated gauntlet. • **17th century** — the Pata was a signature weapon in the Maratha infantry during this period, offering forearm protection. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Pari-khanda]: This is a sword and shield art from Bihar, not specifically associated with the Pata; [Musti Yuddha]: This refers to boxing or unarmed combat, not sword fighting; [Kathi Samu]: This is a sword fighting art from Andhra Pradesh, distinct from Mardani Khel.
The 'Cheibi Gad-ga' is a Manipuri martial art where 'Gad-ga' refers to which weapon?
Correct Answer: C. Stick
• **Gad-ga** = refers to a leather-covered stick used in the Manipuri martial art 'Cheibi Gad-ga'. • **Safer version** — this art is a modified, safer version of sword fighting used for training and competition in Manipur. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Sword]: While related to sword fighting, Gad-ga itself is a stick; [Shield]: 'Cheibi' refers to the shield, not Gad-ga; [Spear]: A spear is a distinct weapon, not the Gad-ga in this context.
'Aki Kiti' is a unique martial art where opponents only use their feet, native to which state?
Correct Answer: A. Nagaland
• **Aki Kiti** = is a traditional kick-fighting sport practiced by the Sumi Nagas of Nagaland. • **Dispute settlement** — it was historically used as a method to settle disputes between individuals, with hands strictly prohibited. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Sikkim]: Sikkim has different traditional sports and cultural practices; [Meghalaya]: Meghalaya has distinct indigenous games, but not Aki Kiti; [Arunachal Pradesh]: This state has its own tribal martial arts, but Aki Kiti is specific to Nagaland.