Sangeet Natak Akademi — Set 5
Awards & Honors · संगीत नाटक अकादमी · Questions 41–50 of 50
Who was the legendary President of India who inaugurated the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1953?
Correct Answer: B. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Dr. Rajendra Prasad, as the first President, gave the Akademi its official start. He emphasized that the state must support the arts to preserve the soul of the nation. The inauguration was a landmark event for Indian cultural policy.
The 'Tamrapatra' given to Akademi awardees is made of which metal?
Correct Answer: C. Copper
Tamrapatra literally means 'copper leaf' or copper plaque. It has been a traditional way of recording honors and grants in India since ancient times. The Akademi continues this tradition by giving a copper plaque with a citation to the winners.
Which of these institutions is a constituent unit of the Sangeet Natak Akademi dedicated to a specific region's dance?
Correct Answer: B. Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy
The JNMDA in Imphal is a constituent unit of the Sangeet Natak Akademi. It is the leading training center for Manipuri dance and music. It was founded to institutionalize the traditional teaching of Manipuri arts.
Ustad Bismillah Khan, after whom the youth award is named, was a master of which instrument?
Correct Answer: C. Shehnai
Ustad Bismillah Khan was the legendary Bharat Ratna awardee who made the Shehnai a world-famous classical instrument. The Akademi named its youth award after him to inspire young musicians. He was also a Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellow (Ratna).
The Akademi Puraskar currently carries a cash prize of how much money?
Correct Answer: B. Rs 1,00,000
The cash prize for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (Puraskar) is 1 lakh rupees. This is along with a Tamrapatra and an Angavastram. The prize money is periodically reviewed and updated by the government.
Which of these classical dances is traditionally performed in the temples of Odisha and recognized by the Akademi?
Correct Answer: C. Odissi
Odissi is one of the eight classical dances of India recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. It has its roots in the Mahari and Gotipua traditions of Odisha. The Akademi has played a major role in its modern revival and research.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship is a 'peer-elected' honor. What does this mean?
Correct Answer: B. Elected by existing fellows and experts
A peer-elected honor means that the artist is chosen by other established masters and fellows in the same field. This ensures that the award carries high professional value and artistic integrity. It is considered the highest mark of respect from within the artistic community.
Rabindra Bhavan, the home of the Akademi, is named after which famous Nobel laureate?
Correct Answer: B. Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindra Bhavan was built to commemorate the birth centenary of Rabindranath Tagore. It is a major cultural landmark in New Delhi. Tagore's vision of integrating traditional arts with modern education influenced the founding of these academies.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi is an 'Autonomous Body'. What does this mean for its functioning?
Correct Answer: B. It has the power to manage its internal affairs
As an autonomous body, the Akademi has the freedom to manage its own activities and select awardees independently, though it receives government funding. This autonomy is crucial for maintaining artistic freedom and impartiality. It operates under its own Memorandum of Association.
Which of these classical dance forms involves an elaborate mask or heavy makeup and is from Kerala?
Correct Answer: A. Kathakali
Kathakali is one of the eight classical dances recognized by the Akademi and is famous for its 'Aharya' (costume and makeup). It originates from Kerala and is traditionally a male-dominated dance-drama. Its training is known for its extreme physical rigor and discipline.