Art, Culture & Festivals — Set 5
Haryana GK · कला, संस्कृति और त्यौहार · Questions 41–50 of 120
Which Haryanvi folk musician and poet is known by the title 'Dhol Ke Baadshaah'?
Correct Answer: A. Kavi Lakhmi Chand
Kavi Lakhmi Chand is often referred to as the 'Dhol Ke Baadshaah' (King of the Drum/the Dholak) and 'Haryana Ke Shakespeare' (Shakespeare of Haryana). His folk compositions are legendary in Haryana's cultural history. He composed more than 30 Saang plays and hundreds of Ragini songs covering themes from the Mahabharata, Puranas, and everyday village life. His birth anniversary is celebrated as a cultural event in Jhajjar district.
Which Haryana city is known for the historical 'Ibrahim Lodi's Tomb' related to the First Battle of Panipat?
Correct Answer: C. Panipat
Ibrahim Lodi's Tomb is located in Panipat and marks the burial site of Sultan Ibrahim Lodi, the last Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate who was killed by Babur at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. The tomb is a simple structure without a dome, reflecting Lodi-era architectural style. It is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a protected monument. Panipat has several historical monuments related to its three famous battles.
Which traditional craft of Haryana involves making ornamental objects from wheat stalks?
Correct Answer: C. Wheat Straw craft (Turda)
Wheat Straw craft (locally known as Turda or Gendha) is a unique Haryanvi craft where artisans weave ornamental objects, baskets, and decorative items from dried wheat stalks. This eco-friendly craft utilizes agricultural by-products. The craft is practiced mainly in Hisar, Bhiwani, and Sirsa districts. Haryana government has promoted this craft under livelihood programs for women artisans. Similar straw crafts exist in Punjab and Rajasthan.
What is 'Haryana Kala Parishad' and its role?
Correct Answer: B. State body that promotes and preserves Haryana's art, literature, and culture
Haryana Kala Parishad (Haryana Arts Council) is a state government body that promotes and preserves Haryana's art, literature, folk traditions, and culture. It organizes cultural events, gives awards to artists, and runs programs to document and preserve traditional folk arts. The Haryana Sangeet Natak Akademi (HSNA) at Rohtak specifically focuses on performing arts. Together, these bodies work to ensure that Haryana's rich folk heritage is not lost in the face of urbanization and modernization.
Which folk tradition of Haryana involves communities narrating stories of heroic deeds through music?
Correct Answer: B. Dhadi (Dhadi Vaar)
Dhadi (Dhadi Vaar) is a folk music tradition where hereditary Dhadi musicians play the Dhadi (a small double-headed drum) and Sarangi while singing ballads of heroic deeds of warriors and kings. The Dhadi tradition is common to Haryana and Punjab and was patronized by Sikh Gurus. Dhadi musicians often performed at royal courts and battlefields to inspire warriors. Today, Dhadi Vaars are performed at festivals, marriages, and cultural events.
Which Haryana city is associated with the 'Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple' — one of the most sacred Shiva temples in northern India?
Correct Answer: C. Thanesar (Kurukshetra)
Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple is located at Thanesar in Kurukshetra district and is one of the most sacred Shiva temples in northern India. The Pandavas are said to have worshipped here before the Mahabharata War to seek Lord Shiva's blessings. The temple has a swayambhu (self-manifested) Shivalinga. King Harsha is also said to have worshipped at this temple before his military campaigns. The Sthaneshwar Sarovar (sacred tank) adjacent to the temple is an important pilgrimage site.
Which Haryana folk art form uses paper cutting to create elaborate lattice patterns?
Correct Answer: C. Paper cutting/Sanjhi pattern craft
Sanjhi, in its paper-cutting form, involves creating elaborate lattice and perforated paper designs that are used as templates for making Sanjhi patterns on walls and floors. The paper-cutting tradition is also practiced as a standalone decorative art. Vrindavan (UP) and Haryana both have distinct Sanjhi traditions. Haryana's Sanjhi is recognized as an important cultural heritage and efforts are being made to document and preserve it.
What is 'Ghoomar' in the context of Haryana's dance tradition?
Correct Answer: A. A folk dance performed by women with spinning/whirling movements
Ghoomar (or Ghoomra) is a graceful folk dance performed by women in which they whirl/spin with colorful, flowing skirts (ghagra) creating a swirling effect. While Ghoomar is most famous as a Rajasthani dance, it is also performed in Haryana particularly in the southern districts bordering Rajasthan (Mahendragarh, Rewari). The dance is performed at weddings and festivals. The name comes from 'ghoomna' (to spin/whirl).
Which Haryana town is associated with the Sufi tradition of 'Qawwali' music?
Correct Answer: B. Panipat
Panipat is deeply associated with the Sufi tradition and Qawwali music through the dargah of Bu Ali Shah Qalandar. The shrine hosts annual urs celebrations with Qawwali performances that draw thousands of devotees. Panipat has a strong Sufi heritage — Bu Ali Shah Qalandar's teachings influenced the syncretic folk religious tradition of Haryana. The Qawwali tradition in Panipat blends classical Sufi poetry with local folk music influences.
What is the state language of Haryana for official purposes?
Correct Answer: B. Hindi
Hindi is the official state language of Haryana for all official purposes (administration, courts, legislature). The demand for official status for Haryanvi language has been raised but not yet granted. Hindi was the primary demand when Haryana was carved out of Punjab in 1966 — the state was formed on a linguistic basis where Hindi-speaking areas became Haryana. Haryanvi is used colloquially and in folk arts but Hindi is the language of official communication and education.