Art, Culture & Festivals — Set 1
UP GK · कला, संस्कृति और त्यौहार · Questions 1–10 of 120
The Lucknow Gharana is famous for which classical dance form?
Correct Answer: D. Kathak
The Lucknow Gharana is one of the three major schools of Kathak dance. It emphasizes expressiveness (abhinaya) and graceful movements. Founded by Ishwari Prasad, it was patronized by the Nawabs of Awadh.
Pandit Birju Maharaj was the leading exponent of which Kathak Gharana?
Correct Answer: B. Lucknow Gharana
Pandit Birju Maharaj (1938–2022) was the most celebrated exponent of the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak. He was the son of Acchan Maharaj and nephew of Lacchu Maharaj. He received the Padma Vibhushan in 1986.
Lacchu Maharaj, the legendary Kathak dancer from Lucknow, was the uncle of which famous artist?
Correct Answer: D. Birju Maharaj
Lacchu Maharaj (1901–1978) was a renowned Kathak exponent of the Lucknow Gharana and uncle of Birju Maharaj. He choreographed dances for several Hindi films including Mughal-e-Azam. He was instrumental in bringing Kathak to mainstream audiences.
The Banaras Gharana of Kathak was founded by which artist?
Correct Answer: A. Janaki Prasad
The Banaras Gharana of Kathak was founded by Janaki Prasad. This gharana is known for its emphasis on rhythmic footwork (tatkar) and powerful dance compositions. It is considered the oldest of the three main Kathak gharanas.
Which characteristic primarily distinguishes the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak from the Banaras Gharana?
Correct Answer: B. Emphasis on abhinaya (expression)
The Lucknow Gharana is distinguished by its emphasis on abhinaya (expressiveness), grace, and nazakat (delicacy). The Banaras Gharana, in contrast, emphasizes vigorous footwork and rhythmic patterns. This difference arose from the courtly culture of Awadh.
Ustad Bismillah Khan, the legendary shehnai player, was associated with which city in Uttar Pradesh?
Correct Answer: A. Varanasi
Ustad Bismillah Khan (1916–2006) was closely associated with Varanasi (Banaras). He played shehnai at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and performed at India's first Independence Day celebrations. He received the Bharat Ratna in 2001.
Which folk dance of Uttar Pradesh is performed by women balancing a multi-tiered arrangement of oil lamps on their heads?
Correct Answer: C. Charkula
Charkula is a folk dance from the Braj region of UP where women balance a large wooden pyramid with 108 oil lamps on their heads while dancing. It is performed on the third day after Holi during the Dooj festival. It celebrates the birth of Radha.
The Raslila folk dance of Uttar Pradesh is primarily associated with which city?
Correct Answer: A. Mathura-Vrindavan
Raslila is a folk dance-drama from the Mathura-Vrindavan region depicting the divine love of Lord Krishna and Radha. It is performed especially during Janmashtami and Holi. The tradition dates back to the 16th century and was popularized by Swami Haridas.
Nautanki, the popular folk theatre of UP, originated in which region?
Correct Answer: D. Hathras-Kanpur region
Nautanki is a traditional folk theatre form that developed primarily in the Hathras and Kanpur regions of UP. Two major styles exist: the Hathras style and the Kanpur (Lucknow) style. It derives its name from Princess Nautanki of Multan, a popular folk tale.
Which folk dance of Uttar Pradesh is traditionally performed by tribal communities of the Mirzapur-Sonbhadra region?
Correct Answer: A. Karma
Karma dance is performed by tribal communities, especially the Kol and Gond tribes, in the Mirzapur-Sonbhadra-Bundelkhand region. It is performed during the Karma festival to worship the Karma tree. Both men and women participate in this rhythmic group dance.