Sangeet Natak Akademi — Set 5

Correct Answer: B. Dr. Rajendra Prasad

• **Dr. Rajendra Prasad** = Dr. Rajendra Prasad, as the first President of India, inaugurated the Sangeet Natak Akademi. • **1953** — He gave the Akademi its official start in this year, emphasizing that the state must support the arts to preserve the soul of the nation. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [S. Radhakrishnan]: He was a subsequent President but not the one who inaugurated the Akademi; [Zakir Husain]: He served as President later; [V.V. Giri]: He also served as President at a different time.

Correct Answer: C. Copper

• **Copper** = The 'Tamrapatra' given to Sangeet Natak Akademi awardees is made of copper. • **copper** — Tamrapatra literally means 'copper leaf' or copper plaque and has been a traditional way of recording honors and grants in India since ancient times. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Silver]: The plaque is not made of silver; [Gold]: Gold is not used for the Tamrapatra; [Bronze]: While bronze is an alloy, the specific term 'Tamrapatra' refers to copper.

Correct Answer: B. Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy

• **Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy** = The Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) in Imphal is a constituent unit of the Sangeet Natak Akademi. • **JNMDA** — It is the leading training center for Manipuri dance and music, founded to institutionalize the traditional teaching of Manipuri arts. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Kathak Kendra]: Kathak Kendra is also a constituent unit of SNA but focuses on Kathak dance specifically, not a 'region's dance' in its name like JNMDA; [National School of Drama]: This is an autonomous institution, not a constituent unit of SNA; [Sahitya Akademi]: This is a separate national academy dedicated to literature.

Correct Answer: C. Shehnai

• **Shehnai** = Ustad Bismillah Khan was a legendary Bharat Ratna awardee who made the Shehnai a world-famous classical instrument. • **Shehnai** — The Akademi named its youth award after him to inspire young musicians, recognizing his immense contribution to Indian classical music. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Sitar]: Sitar is famously associated with artists like Ravi Shankar; [Sarod]: Sarod is known through masters like Amjad Ali Khan; [Flute]: Flute is linked with artists such as Hariprasad Chaurasia.

Correct Answer: B. Rs 1,00,000

• **Rs 1,00,000** = The cash prize for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (Puraskar) is 1 lakh rupees. • **1 lakh rupees** — This is awarded along with a Tamrapatra and an Angavastram, with the prize money periodically reviewed and updated by the government. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: [Rs 50,000]: This is an incorrect amount for the Akademi Puraskar; [Rs 1,50,000]: This amount is incorrect; [Rs 2,00,000]: The current prize money for the Akademi Puraskar is not Rs 2,00,000.

Correct Answer: C. Odissi

• **Odissi** = It is one of the eight classical dances of India, traditionally performed in temples of Odisha. • **eight** — Refers to the total number of classical dances recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Kathakali: is from Kerala, known for its elaborate masks and makeup; Sattriya: is from Assam, rooted in Vaishnavite monasteries; Mohiniyattam: is a graceful solo dance form originating from Kerala.

Correct Answer: B. Elected by existing fellows and experts

• **Peer-elected** = It means the honor is bestowed upon an artist chosen by other established masters and fellows in the same artistic field. • **highest** — Such a process ensures the award carries the highest professional value and artistic integrity. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Elected by the public: would be a popular choice, not a peer-elected one; Elected by the Ministry: implies a government appointment, not selection by artistic peers; Elected by students: students are generally not considered peers in the context of established masters.

Correct Answer: B. Rabindranath Tagore

• **Rabindranath Tagore** = Rabindra Bhavan is named in his honor, commemorating his birth centenary. • **birth centenary** — The building was constructed to mark the 100th anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore's birth. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: C.V. Raman: was a physicist known for the Raman Effect; Amartya Sen: is an economist and philosopher; Mother Teresa: was a humanitarian known for her work with the poor, not associated with the arts Akademi building.

Correct Answer: B. It has the power to manage its internal affairs

• **Autonomous Body** = It signifies that the Akademi has the freedom to manage its internal affairs, activities, and select awardees independently. • **Government funding** — While autonomous, the Akademi typically receives funding from the government to support its operations. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: It is a private company: an autonomous body can be government-funded and non-profit, not necessarily private; It is part of the police: this is incorrect and entirely unrelated to a cultural academy; It only works for one state: implies a state-specific body, whereas the Sangeet Natak Akademi is a national body.

Correct Answer: A. Kathakali

• **Kathakali** = This classical dance form, originating from Kerala, is renowned for its elaborate masks or heavy makeup and vibrant costumes. • **Aharya** — This Sanskrit term refers specifically to the elaborate costume and makeup, which is a defining feature of Kathakali. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Bharatnatyam: is from Tamil Nadu and emphasizes intricate footwork and expressions; Kuchipudi: is from Andhra Pradesh and incorporates narrative elements and quick, rhythmic movements; Manipuri: originates from Manipur and is characterized by graceful, fluid movements and devotional themes.