Art & Culture — Set 3
Maharashtra GK · कला और संस्कृति · Questions 21–30 of 140
The Vijaydashami (Dussehra) festival in Maharashtra commemorates the victory of which famous ruler?
Correct Answer: B. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
While Vijaydashami is celebrated across India commemorating various victories, in Maharashtra it is particularly associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's victories. The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the courage of Marathi warriors. State governments provide financial support and institutional backing to preserve and promote these traditional cultural expressions.
What is the traditional dress worn during celebrations in Maharashtra?
Correct Answer: B. Nauvari saree (Nine-yard saree) and Cheridar for women
The traditional Maharashtrian dress for women is the Nauvari or Lugda saree (a nine-yard saree), often worn with a blouse called Choli. Men traditionally wear Dhoti and Kurta or Pheta (turban). These traditional garments are still worn during festivals and cultural celebrations.
The Marathi language is known for its rich literary traditions. Which saint-poet is credited with writing the 'Dnyaneshwari'?
Correct Answer: C. Dnyaneshwar
Sant Dnyaneshwar (1275-1296) authored the 'Dnyaneshwari,' a 9000-verse philosophical commentary on the Bhagavad Gita in Marathi. This seminal work marked the beginning of Marathi literature and profoundly influenced spiritual thought in Maharashtra. Maharashtra's and Gujarat's contributions to India's economy, culture, history, and politics continue to make them among the nation's most dynamic states.
Sant Tukaram was another important figure in Maharashtra's Bhakti tradition. What was his primary contribution?
Correct Answer: B. Promoting devotional poetry and songs
The correct answer is Promoting devotional poetry and songs. Sant Tukaram (1608-1649) was a renowned Bhakti saint and poet who composed devotional songs called Abhangs. His works emphasized direct devotion to God without the need for rituals, inspiring a mass spiritual movement in Maharashtra. Maharashtra's and Gujarat's contributions to India's economy, culture, history, and politics continue to make them among the nation's most dynamic states.
The art form of Natyashastra (codification of classical dance and drama) was significantly influenced by Maharashtra's cultural practices. Which ancient text on performing arts originated from this region?
Correct Answer: C. Natya Shastra
While Natya Shastra is attributed to Bharata, a sage from ancient India, Maharashtra's rich theatrical traditions have significantly contributed to the development and evolution of classical Indian performing arts. The state's various dance forms and theatrical traditions reflect the principles of Natya Shastra. State governments provide financial support and institutional backing to preserve and promote these traditional cultural expressions.
The Marathi film industry has made significant contributions to Indian cinema. Which Marathi film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film?
Correct Answer: A. Natrang
'Natrang' (2016), directed by Ravi Jadhav, is a Marathi film that won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. The film celebrates the Marathi theatrical tradition and the passion of theater actors, making it a cultural masterpiece. Maharashtra continues to be a destination of choice for investors, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Pune emerging as major global business centers.
Which traditional Maharashtrian martial art form showcases combat techniques and is still practiced today?
Correct Answer: C. Mardani Khel
Mardani Khel is a traditional Maharashtrian martial art form that showcases combat techniques using swords, sticks, and hand-to-hand combat. It is an important part of Maharashtra's cultural heritage and is still practiced and promoted by enthusiasts. State governments provide financial support and institutional backing to preserve and promote these traditional cultural expressions.
What is the significance of the term 'Abhangs' in Marathi literature and spirituality?
Correct Answer: B. Devotional songs of the Bhakti tradition
Abhangs are devotional songs that are central to the Bhakti tradition of Maharashtra. These songs are typically accompanied by rhythmic hand movements and are sung in temples and homes to express devotion to God. Saints like Tukaram and Namdev are famous for their Abhangs.
The Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Which deity is primarily worshipped here?
Correct Answer: B. Lord Vitthal (a form of Lord Krishna)
The Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur is dedicated to Lord Vitthal, believed to be a form of Lord Krishna. The temple attracts millions of pilgrims, especially during the Varkari tradition's annual pilgrimage. The deity is unique in its standing posture with hands on hips.
The Warkari movement is an important spiritual and cultural movement of Maharashtra. What is the central practice of this movement?
Correct Answer: B. Annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur
The Warkari movement is centered around annual pilgrimages to the Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur, typically undertaken on foot. 'Warkari' means those who walk, and the movement emphasizes devotion, equality, and democratic participation in religious activities. Maharashtra's and Gujarat's contributions to India's economy, culture, history, and politics continue to make them among the nation's most dynamic states.