Cultural Icons — Set 4
Famous People · सांस्कृतिक आइकन · Questions 31–40 of 80
Which legendary sitarist won three Grammy awards and was a mentor to The Beatles' George Harrison?
Correct Answer: A. Pandit Ravi Shankar
Pandit Ravi Shankar's association with Western pop culture triggered the 'sitar explosion' of the 1960s. He performed at iconic events like Woodstock and the Concert for Bangladesh. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in 1999.
Who is the renowned Odissi dancer credited with the revival and systematization of the dance form in the 20th century?
Correct Answer: C. Kelucharan Mohapatra
Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra was a legendary dancer and teacher who trained generations of Odissi exponents. He was the first person from Odisha to receive the Padma Vibhushan. He played a vital role in gaining classical status for Odissi dance.
Which iconic Indian painter is known for her self-portraits and depicting the lives of rural women?
Correct Answer: D. Amrita Sher-Gil
Amrita Sher-Gil was a pioneer of modern Indian art, merging Western oil painting techniques with Indian aesthetics. She died at a young age, leaving behind a legacy that deeply influenced the next generation of Indian artists. Her house in Shimla is now a protected national monument.
Who is the 'Metro Man of India', known for his leadership in building the Delhi Metro and Konkan Railway?
Correct Answer: A. E. Sreedharan
E. Sreedharan is a retired Indian Engineering Service officer celebrated for completing large-scale projects ahead of schedule. He received the Padma Vibhushan and the French Legion of Honor for his engineering marvels. He is respected as a cultural icon of integrity and efficiency.
Which famous Hindi writer is known as 'Upanyas Samrat' (Emperor of Novels)?
Correct Answer: C. Munshi Premchand
Munshi Premchand wrote realistic fiction about the social issues and rural life of North India. His famous works include 'Godaan', 'Gaban', and 'Nirmala'. His simple yet powerful style transformed modern Hindi and Urdu literature.
Which musician is a master of the sarod and belongs to the famous Senia Maihar Gharana?
Correct Answer: D. Ustad Ali Akbar Khan
Ustad Ali Akbar Khan was an instrumentalist of international repute who founded music colleges in India and the US. He was admired by Western musicians like Yehudi Menuhin for his virtuosity. He was a recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship, often called the 'Genius Grant'.
Who is the legendary Indian athlete known as the 'Flying Sikh'?
Correct Answer: A. Milkha Singh
Milkha Singh was a world-class sprinter who represented India in multiple Olympic Games. He famously finished fourth in the 400m final at the 1960 Rome Olympics. His life and struggles were portrayed in the popular biographical film 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'.
Which cultural legend is the first and only Indian musician to have a planet named after him?
Correct Answer: A. Pandit Jasraj
The International Astronomical Union named a minor planet 'Panditjasraj' to honor the Hindustani classical vocalist. Pandit Jasraj belonged to the Mewati Gharana and had a career spanning over eight decades. This honor put him in the company of legends like Beethoven and Mozart.
Who is the renowned flautist who won the Bharat Ratna and is a master of the bamboo flute?
Correct Answer: C. Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia
Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia is credited with expanding the tonal range and expressive capabilities of the Indian bamboo flute. He has composed music for several Bollywood films under the duo 'Shiv-Hari'. He has received the highest honors from both the Indian and French governments.
Which Indian author won the International Booker Prize in 2022 for the novel 'Tomb of Sand'?
Correct Answer: D. Geetanjali Shree
Geetanjali Shree's novel was the first book in any Indian language to win this prestigious international award. The book was translated into English from the original Hindi 'Ret Samadhi' by Daisy Rockwell. It deals with the themes of border, aging, and trauma.