Cultural Icons — Set 7
Famous People · सांस्कृतिक आइकन · Questions 61–70 of 80
Who is known as the 'Father of Indian Renaissance' for his efforts in modernizing Indian society and culture?
Correct Answer: B. Raja Ram Mohan Roy
• **Raja Ram Mohan Roy** = He was a key social reformer who advocated for the abolition of Sati and promoted modern education in India. • **Brahmo Samaj** — He founded this reformist movement in 1828 to combat social evils and promote monotheism. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Swami Vivekananda: Known for introducing Yoga and Vedanta to the Western world, and founding the Ramakrishna Mission; Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: A social reformer who worked extensively for widow remarriage and women's education; Dayanand Saraswati: Founder of the Arya Samaj, a Hindu reform movement emphasizing Vedic values.
Which cultural icon is world-famous for the song 'Vande Mataram', which became a rallying cry for the freedom struggle?
Correct Answer: B. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
• **Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay** = He was an Indian novelist, poet, and journalist, famous for composing 'Vande Mataram'. • **1882** — This is the year his novel 'Anandmath' was published, which included the song 'Vande Mataram'. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Rabindranath Tagore: Composed India's national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'; Subhas Chandra Bose: A prominent nationalist leader, known for forming the Azad Hind Fauj; Lala Lajpat Rai: A nationalist leader and part of the 'Lal Bal Pal' trio, known for his role in the Punjab freedom movement.
Who is the legendary tabla maestro who accompanied almost all the great musicians of the 20th century and was the father of Zakir Hussain?
Correct Answer: A. Ustad Alla Rakha
• **Ustad Alla Rakha** = He was a renowned tabla player and a significant figure in popularizing Indian classical music globally. • **Punjab Gharana** — He belonged to this specific school of tabla playing, known for its distinct style and repertoire. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Pandit Kishan Maharaj: Another famous tabla player from the Banaras Gharana; Pandit Samta Prasad: A distinguished tabla maestro also known as Godai Maharaj from the Banaras Gharana; Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa: An influential tabla exponent from the Farrukhabad Gharana, known for his masterful technique.
Which legendary Indian painter is known as the 'Raja' for his aristocratic lineage and for making lithographs of Indian deities?
Correct Answer: B. Raja Ravi Varma
• **Raja Ravi Varma** = He was a celebrated Indian painter, famous for his realistic depictions of Indian mythological figures and royal portraits. • **Western oil painting techniques** — He was among the first Indian artists to master and adapt these techniques to Indian subjects. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Nandlal Bose: A prominent artist of the Bengal School, known for his nationalist art; Jamini Roy: A modern Indian painter known for his folk art-inspired style; M.F. Husain: A prominent modern Indian painter, known for his bold and vibrant horses and other figures.
Who was the legendary Carnatic singer famously known for his mastery over '72 Melakarta' ragas?
Correct Answer: B. M. Balamuralikrishna
• **M. Balamuralikrishna** = He was a renowned Carnatic vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer, recognized for his versatility. • **400** — He composed over this many songs in various languages, showcasing his immense creative talent. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer: A doyen of Carnatic music, known for his traditional style; Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar: A pioneer who revolutionized the format of Carnatic music concerts; G.N. Balasubramaniam: A virtuoso Carnatic vocalist, known for his speedy and intricate renditions.
Which cultural icon wrote the immortal patriotic song 'Saare Jahan Se Achha'?
Correct Answer: B. Muhammad Iqbal
• **Muhammad Iqbal** = He was a prominent poet, philosopher, and politician, widely known for his Urdu poetry. • **1905** — He originally wrote 'Saare Jahan Se Achha' as a patriotic poem to praise Hindustan. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Faiz Ahmed Faiz: A renowned Urdu poet and revolutionary, known for his progressive writings; Josh Malihabadi: A celebrated Urdu poet, often called 'Shayar-e-Inquilab' (Poet of the Revolution); Sahir Ludhianvi: A famous Urdu poet and lyricist, known for his film songs and social commentary.
Who is the legendary Odissi guru who taught world-famous students like Sanjukta Panigrahi and Sonal Mansingh?
Correct Answer: A. Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra
• **Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra** = He was an iconic Indian classical dancer, choreographer, and guru, instrumental in the revival of Odissi dance. • **Padma Vibhushan** — He received this second-highest civilian award in India for his profound contributions to Odissi dance. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Guru Pankaj Charan Das: Considered one of the 'Four Founders' of Odissi dance, known for his research and choreographies; Guru Deba Prasad Das: Another significant guru in the revival of Odissi, known for his masculine and dynamic style; Guru Hare Krishna Behera: A notable Odissi dancer and guru, recognized for his contributions to the art form.
Which renowned Hindustani vocalist was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2019 posthumously?
Correct Answer: B. Bhupen Hazarika
• **Bhupen Hazarika** = He was a celebrated Indian playback singer, lyricist, musician, poet, and filmmaker from Assam. • **2019** — He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in this year. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Pandit Jasraj: A distinguished Hindustani classical vocalist of the Mewati Gharana; Pandit Bhimsen Joshi: A legendary Hindustani classical vocalist known for his Kirana Gharana style, awarded Bharat Ratna in 2008; Girija Devi: A renowned Hindustani classical singer of the Seniya and Banaras Gharanas, specializing in Thumri.
Who is the famous filmmaker known for the 'Apu Trilogy', often cited among the greatest films ever made?
Correct Answer: B. Satyajit Ray
• **Satyajit Ray** = He was an internationally acclaimed Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, author, lyricist, magazine editor, illustrator, calligrapher, and composer. • **Honorary Oscar** — He received this prestigious award in 1992 for his lifetime achievements in cinema. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Mrinal Sen: An acclaimed Indian filmmaker known for his parallel cinema and socially relevant films; Ritwik Ghatak: Another significant figure of parallel cinema, known for his powerful narratives on partition; Shyam Benegal: A leading director of parallel cinema, known for his realistic and socially conscious films.
Which cultural figure is known for developing the 'Gurukul' system of education in modern India through Visva-Bharati University?
Correct Answer: B. Rabindranath Tagore
• **Rabindranath Tagore** = He was a polymath who reshaped Bengali literature and music, and a strong advocate for holistic education. • **1921** — He founded Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan, based on his educational philosophy of open-air learning and cultural exchange. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Swami Dayanand: Founder of the Arya Samaj, focused on reforming Hindu society based on Vedic principles; Mahatma Gandhi: Promoted 'Nai Talim' or basic education focusing on vocational training and self-sufficiency; Madan Mohan Malaviya: Founder of Banaras Hindu University, focused on combining modern education with traditional Indian values.